The following paragraphs present the complete 2025 guide to the best places to live and retire in South America.
(Compiled by a South American, which is me, and a team of collaborators from South America too).
To open more details about each country and city, just click on the articles and videos linked in each section.
We’ve taken over four years of research and packed it into one easy-to-follow article (or video, if you prefer – it is below).
You’ll discover 34 cities across 6 countries, offering:
- A high quality of life,
- Long life expectancy,
- Friendly communities,
- and a cost of living less than half of what you’d pay in the US or England.
Let’s get started with…
Retiring in Argentina
Imagine living comfortably for less than a third of the average American’s expenses. Argentina is re-emerging as a top destination for retirees, offering a high quality of life that rivals many Western countries for under $950 a month.
Cordoba
Cordoba, located 700 kilometers northwest of Buenos Aires, is known for its beautiful colonial architecture and proud local traditions.
The climate features hot, wet summers and mild, dry winters, ideal for outdoor activities. While the public healthcare system is free, wait times can be long. The private sector offers quicker access, with insurance starting at $100 per month.
Living in Cordoba is economical. You can live on just $548 a month before rent. For expats, locals often recommend the quieter surrounding villages, where homes can be found for under $100,000.
Necochea
Necochea is a medium-sized coastal community on the Atlantic coast, about 530 kilometers south of Buenos Aires. It offers a relaxed lifestyle with splendid beaches.
The cost of living is very low; a person can live on less than $500 a month without rent. Including rent, the total cost remains below $1,000.
A significant downside is healthcare; for specialized treatments, travel to larger cities is necessary. Also, learning some Spanish is essential as English is not widely spoken.
Mendoza
Mendoza is the capital of its province, located near the Andes mountains, about 1,000 kilometers from Buenos Aires. The city is very green and serves as a gateway to spectacular scenery.
The climate is similar to Mediterranean regions, with hot, dry summers and cool, dry winters. Healthcare is robust, with private insurance plans available from $50 to $100 per month.
Mendoza is 63% cheaper than San Francisco. The average monthly cost for one person, excluding rent, is under $300. You can rent an apartment in a prime neighborhood for just $480.
Retiring in Uruguay
Uruguay is one of Latin America’s most developed and stable countries, offering world-class beaches and significant tax advantages for foreigners. It’s 56% cheaper to live here than in a similar place in the US.
Salto
Salto, Uruguay’s second-largest city, is famous for its therapeutic thermal hot springs.
The city recently received major infrastructure upgrades, including a new airport terminal and 5G internet. However, it is an inland city with no ocean beaches.
Housing costs are the lowest of the Uruguayan cities listed, with one-bedroom apartments renting for $237 to $447 per month. This makes it appealing for budget-focused retirees.
Colonia del Sacramento
This historic town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, features centuries-old cobblestone streets and colonial architecture.
A massive new development, the +Colonia project, is transforming the city into a smart eco-city and a hub for the knowledge-based economy.
Connectivity is excellent; a 75-minute ferry ride takes you to Buenos Aires, and Montevideo is about 2.5 hours away by car. Housing costs are mid-range, with one-bedroom apartments renting from $290 to $842 per month.
Piriápolis
Piriápolis offers a high-quality coastal lifestyle at an affordable price, blending Belle Époque architecture with modern living.
It is located between Montevideo and Maldonado, with hourly buses to the capital. The city’s protected bay has calm waters and soft sands, making it one of Uruguay’s top beach experiences.
Housing is more expensive than inland but cheaper than other coastal hubs, with one-bedroom apartments ranging from $374 to $776 per month.
Atlantida
Located on the Canelones coast, Atlantida is the closest city on this list to the capital, Montevideo, with buses running every 10 minutes.
This proximity provides the perfect blend of peaceful beach living with easy access to metropolitan conveniences.
Housing is surprisingly affordable. A three-bedroom house can be rented for the equivalent of $864 per month. While local clinics offer basic care, top hospitals are just an hour away in Montevideo.
Maldonado
Anchored by the world-class beaches of Punta del Este, Maldonado is a premier retirement destination in South America.
The infrastructure is top-notch, and frequent buses connect to Montevideo in just over two hours. Healthcare coverage is broad, with both public and private options available locally.
This is Uruguay’s most expensive area after Montevideo, but it’s still cheaper than any beachfront city in Florida. A one-bedroom apartment with a sea view can be found for $550 per month.
Retiring in Brazil
Brazil offers cities that are safer than many American suburbs, with healthcare rivaling European standards, all on a monthly budget under $1,000.
São Sebastião
Located on São Paulo’s north coast, this city of 90,000 residents features splendid beaches and mountains covered in Atlantic rainforest.
A monthly budget of $1,000 goes far here. A rental with an ocean view costs around $450 to $600 per month.
It’s considered safe by Brazilian standards, though caution is advised in tourist areas during peak months. A downside is that the nearest international airport is 180 kilometers away.
Joinville
As Santa Catarina’s largest city, Joinville blends German efficiency with Brazilian friendliness. The state is the second safest in Brazil.
The city has excellent infrastructure due to the presence of multinational corporations, including its own airport with daily flights to São Paulo.
A one-bedroom apartment costs between $300 to $500 per month. The main drawback is the weather, which locals describe as having two climates: “infernal heat and unstoppable rain”.
São José dos Campos
This city is Brazil’s aerospace and technology hub, home to companies like Embraer. This high-tech environment has led to significant investments in infrastructure and safety.
It is the second safest city in Brazil for its population size. Its location in a valley provides a milder climate than expected.
A one-bedroom apartment costs $350 to $550 per month. Exceptional highway connectivity makes both São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro accessible for day trips.
Atibaia
This cozy mountain town is just 67 kilometers from São Paulo’s main international airport, offering tranquility with proximity to a metropolis.
Atibaia is among the third safest cities in Brazil, with a homicide rate lower than many US states like Pennsylvania or Illinois.
The climate is pleasant year-round. A studio apartment costs from $250 to $400 per month. Its main weakness is a small expat community, making some Portuguese knowledge important.
Florianópolis
Known as the “Magic Island,” Florianópolis is the capital of Santa Catarina and boasts Brazil’s highest Human Development Index among all capitals.
The city offers a lifestyle comparable to European cities at a fraction of the cost, with 42 beaches and modern amenities.
A one-bedroom apartment starts as low as $400 per month. Its private healthcare system is on par with European standards, and it has the lowest homicide rate among Brazilian capitals.
Retiring in Chile
Chile offers remarkably stable, safe, and prosperous places to live, where expats can live comfortably for under $1,500 a month.
Puerto Varas
This lakeside town of 37,000 residents is known as the “city of roses” for its European charm and alpine views.
It’s surprisingly affordable, with a one-bedroom apartment costing just $531 a month. Total monthly expenses for a single retiree are around $791, excluding rent.
The town is connected via an airport just 20 kilometers away. Downsides include significant rainfall and the need to speak Spanish, as few locals speak English.
Concepción
As a key industrial and university center, this city of 220,000 people offers a vibrant urban experience.
A one-bedroom apartment rents for less than $450 a month, with total monthly expenses for a single retiree around $1,100.
The city has solid healthcare options and robust infrastructure, including an international airport. Petty crime can be a concern in crowded areas, so staying alert is advisable.
Pucón
Often called the “adventure capital” of Chile, Pucón is nestled by Lake Villarrica with a volcano as its backdrop.
Despite its appeal, it’s quite affordable. A three-room apartment can rent for as little as $69 a month outside the center, with total monthly expenses around $1,290 for a single retiree.
Healthcare is reliable for general needs. The main catch is the climate, which brings heavy rain, especially in the winter months.
Valdivia
This southern city of 150,000 is known for its waterways and strong German heritage, giving it a unique cultural mix.
It’s possible to rent a three-room cozy wooden house for the equivalent of $429. Total monthly costs for a single retiree are around $1,390.
The climate is temperate but rainy, especially between May and August. Connectivity is good, with an airport providing 90-minute flights to Santiago.
Villarrica
A quiet lakeside town with about 20,000 residents, Villarrica offers a calm escape in Chile’s scenic Lake District, close to Pucón.
A three-room house rents for around $449 a month. The total monthly bill for a single retiree is approximately $1,590.
The weather is temperate with cool winters and mild summers, but expect significant rain from June to August. Healthcare options are available for general needs.
Viña del Mar
Known as the “garden city,” this coastal spot of 330,000 people combines urban living with the calm of the sea.
Rent for a one-bedroom apartment averages $588 a month, with total monthly costs around $1,359 for a retiree.
It boasts a pleasant Mediterranean climate, considered one of the best for human life. It is also well-connected to Santiago, just a 1.5 to 2-hour bus ride away. Crime levels are reportedly increasing, so awareness is important.
La Serena
This northern coastal city of 200,000 is one of the oldest in Chile, known for its colonial architecture and laid-back lifestyle.
A two-room apartment rents for just $428 per month, with total monthly costs for a single retiree coming to about $1,700.
La Serena boasts over 300 clear, sunny days a year, making it a top spot for stargazing. A new hospital is under construction, and travel to Santiago is easy via a 90-minute flight.
Retiring in Peru
In Peru, it’s possible for American retirees to save enough in seven years to buy a second home in cash, with monthly living costs as low as $515.
Cusco
The ancient Inca capital offers an incomparable cultural experience for $779 per month, including rent.
The biggest challenge is the altitude at 11,152 feet, which can cause health issues for newcomers.
Connectivity is decent via air to Lima, but car travel to the capital takes about 20 hours. It is landlocked, with no coastal access.
Máncora
This beach town offers the classic retirement dream with temperatures rarely below 24°C and over 300 sunny days per year. The monthly cost is just $629, including rent.
However, the healthcare infrastructure is very limited, scoring just 3 out of 10. For serious issues, travel to larger cities is required.
Security is also a concern, with residents reporting that the town is no longer considered safe due to gang activity in the region.
Arequipa
Known as the “white city,” Arequipa offers city amenities without the high price, at $732 per month including rent.
Healthcare is a major strength, scoring an impressive 8 out of 10 with multiple well-rated private hospitals. The city is inland, about two hours from the nearest beaches.
Connectivity is solid, with an international airport just 8 kilometers from the city center offering daily flights to Lima.
Lima
Peru’s capital offers all the amenities of a major metropolis, but at a higher cost of $1,216 per month. Still, this is a 50-65% saving compared to similar US coastal cities.
Lima earns a perfect 10 out of 10 for both healthcare infrastructure and connectivity, with numerous high-quality private hospitals and a major international airport.
A surprising limitation is the weather; a persistent marine layer creates overcast, humid conditions for months at a time.
Chiclayo
Known as the “capital of friendship” for its welcoming locals, Chiclayo offers a great balance of affordability and amenities for just $745 per month.
The weather is a major selling point, with average temperatures between 20-29°C and remarkably low rainfall. It’s also just 13 kilometers from the Pacific Ocean.
Healthcare is strong, with one hospital ranking among the 15 best in the country. The main drawback is safety concerns in some outlying areas.
Tacna
Located 35 kilometers from the Chilean border, Tacna offers the lowest cost of living in the rankings at just $515 per month.
A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $274 to $311 per month. The border location provides easy access to Chile’s healthcare system, offsetting limited local options.
The weather is impressive, with a mild desert climate and almost no rainfall. Its status as a special economic zone means reduced taxes on imported goods.
Trujillo
Taking the top spot, Trujillo combines colonial appeal with modern comforts for $889 per month.
Healthcare infrastructure is excellent, scoring 8 out of 10, with highly-rated private hospitals and advanced technology.
Locals call it the “city of eternal spring” for its nearly perfect weather and extremely low rainfall. It also scores a perfect 10 for coastal access, with beautiful beaches just a 15-minute drive away.
Retiring in Colombia
In Colombia, you can live 72% cheaper than the average US cost of living while accessing healthcare that outranks most American cities.
Santa Marta
This Caribbean gem costs almost $300 less per month than Cartagena, with a single person living well on about $826.
It sits between the Caribbean Sea and the Sierra Nevada mountains, offering access to both beaches and mountain villages.
While violent crime has dropped, petty theft remains common, especially in tourist areas. The climate is hot and humid year-round.
Cartagena
Known for its romantic old walls and colorful colonial streets, Cartagena has a well-established expat network with English-speaking services and international amenities.
A single person spends about $900 to $1,200 per month. The international airport offers direct flights to the US, Canada, and Amsterdam.
The focus on tourism can be a drawback, with crowds and price spikes during peak season.
Armenia
This city in the famous coffee triangle offers small-town peace with modern services, including the fastest average internet speed in the country.
A single person can live here for around $747 monthly. The region is considered one of Colombia’s safest areas.
The small size means fewer international amenities and a smaller expat community, so learning Spanish is highly recommended.
Manizales
Locals describe this university city as very safe, with a strong police presence. The student population creates opportunities for English conversation partners.
A single person can live on $700 to $1,000 monthly. The city features pleasant “eternal spring” weather and a unique public cable car system for navigating its steep terrain.
The main drawback is its airport, which suffers from frequent weather-related closures.
Pereira
Pereira balances small-town affordability with big-city convenience, and its airport offers direct international flights to New York and Panama City.
A single person can live comfortably on around $841 monthly. Rent in a good neighborhood starts at about $256.
The city has a modern rapid transit system, high-speed internet, and a highly-ranked public hospital.
Bucaramanga
Known as “La Ciudad Bonita” (The Beautiful City), Bucaramanga offers a high quality of life on a budget of $600 to $700 monthly.
It is widely regarded as one of Colombia’s safest cities, with clean streets and low crime rates. It is home to some of the best medical facilities in the country.
The international airport offers direct flights to the US and Panama. Its only tradeoff is a smaller expat community, which allows for a more authentic cultural experience.
Medellín
Medellín has transformed from a place of violence into a lively, innovative, world-class city that attracts expats and digital nomads.
It is the only city in Colombia with a modern metro system, integrated with buses and cable cars. It features “eternal spring” weather year-round.
Living here is more expensive, with a comfortable budget between $1,200 and $1,800 per month. However, it offers world-class healthcare and a large, supportive expat community.
Of course when we talk about South and Latin America, the first major concern is safety, but not everywhere is violent. Take a look at the article where we ranked the 7 safest big cities in Latin America, and be ready for some surprises.
Levi Borba is the founder of expatriateconsultancy.com, creator of the channel The Expat, and best-selling author. You can find him on X here. Some of the links above might be affiliated links, meaning the author earns a small commission if you make a purchase.
