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Best Countries Ranking

The Best Cities in Eastern Europe to Visit in…

Great Experiences for Low Prices: The Best Eastern European Cities to Visit

Today you will discover the best cities to visit in Eastern Europe, which is probably my favorite part of Europe. Eastern Europe offers the most for each Euro (or Lev, or Lei, or Dinar, or whatever currency each country uses). It has wonderful historical towns, nice ski resorts, and, surprise surprise, some really good beaches.

But… Do you know what Eastern Europe does not have? Smiling people… just kidding, although indeed most Eastern Europeans are not fond of showing their teeth unless they have a good reason.

Eastern Europe does not have hype, the same tourism over-exploration we see in places like the French Riviera or Barcelona.

And because it does not have hype, there is much to discover there for affordable prices.

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Recommended book: Budget Travelers, Digital Nomads & Expats: The Ultimate Guide: 50 Tips, Tricks, Hacks, and Ways to Free Stuff & Cheaper Flights

But first I must make an important disclaimer since I don’t want Poles, Czechs, and Slovaks nervous: I know your countries are technically not part of Eastern Europe… But I included them anyway, so understand this as the best cities in Eastern and CENTRAL Europe, ok? Don’t be angry, guys, I love Pierogi and Pilsen.

So with no further ado, time to jump to…

The 10 Best Cities In Eastern Europe and Central Europe to Visit

Ps: Check also our article on the most beautiful and aesthetic capitals in Europe.

10th – Prague, Czech Republic

The Vrtba Gardens in Prague

I bet most of you thought the Czech capital would have a much higher place in this ranking, due to its fairy-tale old town, the well-conserved Prague Castle, and the spectacularly beautiful Charles Bridge, right?

While it is unnecessary to explain why Prague is in this top 10, I think I must explain why it is not in a higher position.

And the thing is: for me, Prague was a disappointment for many reasons, from the scammers and excessive number of tourist traps to some “attractions” trying to rip you off all the time.

We even wrote an article about scams in Europe, and obviously, Prague was mentioned. Tip: avoid money exchange houses anywhere close to the old town and the astronomical clock.

9th – Ljubljana, Slovenia

Ljubljana, Slovenia, one of the best cities in Eastern Europe to visit

The Slovenian capital is a lovely city, sorrounded by mountains, and a hill where you can find a cool medieval military fortress at the top.

The main attraction of Ljubljana however is the city itself. There are some waterways cutting the place that give some Venice feelings but without the crowds of tourists. The Baroque architecture adds to this Italian feeling, which is curious considering that Slovenia is actually a Slavic nation.

They also have nice food and surprisingly nice people.

Honestly, the worst part of Ljubljana is the name of the city itself, hard to pronounce and even harder to write.

8th – Warsaw, Poland

Photo I took during a sunny day in Warsaw, Poland

The Polish capital was almost completely destroyed during II World-War, so one could ask why I still put it here in this ranking.

The reason is that I am a history buff, and Warsaw has more history than you can imagine. 

One of the best museums I visited in my entire life is the Warsaw Uprising Museum. It is an emotional experience that everyone should have at least one time during their lives. 

Their historical town, despite being a reconstruction of the once completely destroyed old district, is lovely, and differently than Prague, there are not many street sellers bothering you everywhere.

Museums like the previously mentioned Warsaw Uprising Museum, the Muzeum Narodowe, the Royal Castle, the Katyn Museum, the Wilanow Palace, and many others would easily be enough to put Warsaw on this list. They even have a vodka Museum!

If you will spend just a short time in the Polish capital, read our article about what to do in 24 hours in Warsaw.

7th – Yerevan, Armenia

Yerevan, Armenia, one of the best Eastern European cities to visit

If we talk about inexpensive places to visit, then Yerevan is a champion. It was one of my most economical holidays ever, and I could enjoy nice restaurants and the typical Armenian brandies spending almost nothing!

One of the highest points of my visit was the tour of the brandy distilleries. Their most famous brandy, Ararat, was a favorite of Churchill, who (legend says) requested from Stalin a considerable amount of bottles as a gift.

They also have some interesting museums and very old churches. Armenia was one of the 2 first countries to adopt Christianity (the other was Ethiopia), so for those who enjoy historical temples, like me, the regions surrounding Yerevan have plenty of nice places to visit.

6th – Split, Croatia

Split, Croatia

Split is the more laid-back, less crowded version of Dubrovnik, both at the Adriatic Sea coastline. They are very similar in many aspects, but Split is way less expensive (that explains why so many foreigners choose to live there after retirement).

There are many buildings from the time of the Roman empire and the most impressive one is the palace built by the emperor Diocletian.

Split is also larger than Dubrovnik, so they have more options for restaurants, historical monuments, and attractions. I have never been to Zagreb, the Croatian capital, but I heard that it is also one of the best places to visit in the Balkans.

5th – Bansko, Bulgaria

Bansko, Bulgaria, one of the best cities in Eastern Europe to visit

I love skiing, so I scheduled a trip to Bankso some time ago, where we can find some of the best slopes in the entire Eastern Europe. They even host international snowboarding and skiing competitions.

However, I am not very lucky with the climate, and at that time, in the middle of December, there was no snow at all. 

What happened later was a shock: I discovered that Bansko has so much more to offer other than skiing! They have some cool thermal pools in villages around the city, and these thermal pools are quite sophisticated, more like spas. 

They also have a very interesting cuisine, and, if during your trip there is no snow like during mine, you can always hike around the region. There are even places where you can see bears! (But they sleep during the entire winter.)

4th – Belgrade, Serbia

Night picture of Belgrade, capital of Serbia.
Night picture of Belgrade, capital of Serbia.

In Belgrade, I did one of the coolest walking tours of my life. We crossed parts of the city that were destroyed by the Ottomans, then parts that were destroyed by Nazis, then parts destroyed by Civil Wars and we ended in parts destroyed by the bombings of 1999. For whoever loves history, it is interesting to see.

Today, the city mixes historical and modern sections, all that is sorrounded by the splendid Danube river, which is by itself one of the attractions of Belgrade. During the summer and spring months, the river is full of boats that serve as restaurants, bars, and clubs. It is quite unique.

We also wrote a curious piece on the incredible story of how Belgrade defeated organized crime.

3rd – Budapest, Hungary

Hungary Parliament, Budapest

Budapest has one of the most alluring Christmas markets that I ever saw. That is why in our article about the best countries to visit each month of the year, we put Hungary in December.

The city decoration, the Christmas lights, the street shops, the Kürtőskalács (a Hungarian sweet bread rolled in cinnamon with a sweet taste I cannot express in words), everything contributes to a memorable experience. I also need to mention the extraordinary thing that is a public bath, almost a cultural institution in Hungary.

They also have this most amazing Parliament building where I spent more than 2 hours just walking across its corridors and admiring all that grandiose.

Budapest is among the best destinations for whoever wants a beach-free holiday (it is the capital of a landlocked country after all).

2nd – Krakow, Poland

Krakow, Poland

Formerly the capital of the enormous Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth — one of the largest states in European history — Kraków will amaze you with a myriad of attractions. From the historical Wawel Royal Castle to romantic gardens, it is one of the most beautiful cities in the central European region.

Most of Krakow’s attractions are within walking distance from the town square and the central market. You will find the former city walls, gothic churches, and multiple Unesco World Heritage sites. There are also organized tours to visit the nearby Wieliczka Salt Mine, and other historical spots.

If we talk about Poland, Kraków is preferred over Warsaw both by tourists and locals. since Krakow was less destroyed during World War II. From Krakow, make a day trip to the Podhale region, with multiple budget ski resorts, the Tatra Mountains National Park, and the utterly delicious Goralski cuisine.

1st – Brasov, Romenia

Brasov, one of the best cities in Eastern Europe to visit.

Brasov tops my list for a few reasons.

If you are a history lover, go for a free pedestrian walking tour. They start at the main square almost every day. Local experts will guide you across the rich history of this city built by 3 different cultures — Saxons, Hungarians, and Romanians.

Brasov’s picturesque old town is very well-preserved and it is a pleasure to just stroll over its cobblestone streets or sit in a cafe.

If you are looking for nightlife, there are options around but don’t believe that the ads for free drinks are always true. While Bucharest, the Romanian capital, may be one of the least beautiful European capitals (check our ranking about the most Aesthetic cities in Europe), Brasov is one of the most enchanting old towns that I have seen.

Another attraction of this city is reserved for nature and trekking fans. If you enjoy walking around forests, this is one of the finest cities in Romania.

Transylvanian woodlands surround Brasov and you can spend entire days on the trails departing from the city. I recommend the one to the Tampa mountain top. From there, it is possible to see the whole old town in its full splendor. If you are fit, another good idea is to hike to the nearby resort town of Poiana. There are marked trails all the way, but be aware that during winter, there is plenty of snowfall and trails may be risky.

So I truly recommend you to reserve some time to visit Brasov or Krakow (both cities are among the best places to visit in Europe during winter), it will not make a hole in your budget and you will have a great time.

Enjoyed reading about the best Eastern European cities to visit? Check these:

The Mind-Blowing Tourist Scams You Can Find in Europe in 2023

3 Cheap Cities in Europe to Visit This Winter (And 1 to Avoid)

Moving Out, Working Abroad and Keeping Your Sanity Cover
Recommended book: Moving Out, Working Abroad, and Keeping Your Sanity

Levi Borba is the founder of The Expatriate Consultancy, creator of the channel The Expat, and best-selling author. Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, meaning that the author will have a commission for any transactions.

Illustration for article about the cheapest places to live in south america Best Countries Ranking

Cheapest Places to Live in South America – Cost…

The Cheapest Cities in South America To Live in 2023

South America is increasingly becoming a sought-after destination for digital nomads and those remote workers looking to live abroad and make the most from their income in US dollars, Euros, etc…

Because if you earn a US or European standard income, you are good in most South American cities, at least from the cost of living point of view, and South America has a lot to offer.

The continent has a blend of big cities with modern amenities and smaller, often overlooked cities that offer a slower pace of life. Among these, some stand out as the cheapest countries to live in, offering a relatively high quality of life at a fraction of the cost of cities in North America.

Remember: This is About Cities With Low Cost of Living in South America

So you will not find here Chilean cities, for example, despite Chile being the best country to live in South America, since it is not cheap (at least not compared to the neighbors). You will also not find Uruguay, one of the best places to retire in the region but also relatively pricey.

One of the cheapest places to live in South America is Colombia, with several cities on this list. Known for its violent past, stunning cityscapes, and colonial architecture, Colombia is a perfect place for those seeking a balance between affordability and lifestyle.

Colombia also improved a lot during the last 2 decades, especially in terms of safety, although there is still a long road ahead.

Ecuador and Bolivia, too, offer extremely cheap living options by South American standards. Quito, one of the oldest cities in South America, and Santa Cruz, a city often overlooked thanks to its copious natural beauty, are among the best places for affordable living. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center of these cities can cost as little as a third of what it would in major cities in Brazil.

Argentina and Paraguay are also among the cheapest countries to live in South America. Buenos Aires, despite being one of the more expensive cities in Argentina, is still quite cheap compared to cities in North America thanks to the huge devaluation of the Argentinian Peso.

Asuncion, Paraguay’s capital, is another city where a single person who works remotely for a US or European company can live comfortably without breaking the bank.

Moving Out, Working Abroad and Keeping Your Sanity Cover
Recommended book: Moving Out, Working Abroad, and Keeping Your Sanity

The Criteria to Define the Cheapest Places to Live in South America

Size

Size matters in this case.

Smaller cities are cool, but to analyze thousands of little municipalities would take an enormous amount of time, so we considered only cities with more than 500,000 residents.

The Living Cost Index by Numbeo

Numbeo, the world’s largest cost repository, compiles it. It’s a crowd-sourced database with data on housing, healthcare, and other costs of living around the world.

Lower costs are important for expatriates for the very reason we stated at the beginning of this article: we want to get the maximum benefit from the same amount of money.

The Living Cost Index is a measure of how expensive it is to live in a particular place compared to New York City (which has a standard value of 100 on the Index).

For example, if a city has a Living Cost Index of 50, it means that on average, living costs there are 50% lower than in New York City.

This index is very useful for people considering relocating or traveling. It gives a quick understanding of how much money you might need to maintain your current standard of living in a different city or country.

What Are the Countries in South America?

Another important criterion is to define what is South America and which countries are part of it. 

One important thing to have in mind is that we define South America purely on geographical terms. That means we don’t consider linguist aspects, like we do when we talk about Latin America (a definition that includes only countries that speak languages from the romance (Latin) family, like Spanish, French, and Portuguese, and for this reason excludes Belize, for example, where the official language is English.

Suriname, for example, is not a Latin American country (its official language is Dutch) but is considered one of the of South American countries.

Here is the complete list:

  • Argentina
  • Bolivia
  • Brazil
  • Chile (We wrote a full article about the pros and cons of living in Chile here)
  • Colombia
  • Ecuador
  • Guyana
  • Paraguay
  • Peru
  • Suriname
  • Uruguay
  • Venezuela

Now that is clear what we are talking about, let’s dive into our list of the most inexpensive places in South America.

The Best Cities to Live in South America For a Cheap Lifestyle in 2023!

10 – Quito, Ecuador

Average Cost of Living Index: 34.6

65.4% cheaper than New York. 

Population: Approximately 2 million

Average Square Meter Price in an Upper-Middle-Class Residential Zone (USD): $1,494.44 on average.

Curious low-living cost fact: Quito has the 2nd Cheapest Monthly Public Transportation Pass among major cities in all of the Americas.

Quito, Ecuador, one of the cheapest places to live in South America in terms of capital cities

Opening our top 10 of the cheapest places to live in South America, this city has a wide-ranging economy, with many areas like building and construction, trade, and personal services playing a big part in its wealth. Big companies in Quito include the Corporacion Favorita C.A. and the Central Bank of Ecuador.

Quito has a kind of climate called subtropical highland. This means it has mild temperatures all through the year. Even though it’s near the Equator, the city is high up, so the weather is cool. The average daily temperatures are usually between 10°C (50°F) and 20°C (68°F).

9 – Medellin (Colombia)

Average Cost of Living Index: 31.9

68.1% cheaper than New York.

Population: Approximately 2.508 million

Average Square Meter Price in an Upper-Middle-Class Residential Zone (USD): $1,355.95 on average, with most offers ranging between $1,004.772 and $2,009.54.

Curious low-living cost fact: Medellin has the 3rd cheapest domestic beer prices among major cities in all of the Americas

Medellin, Colombia, one of the cheapest places to live in South America considering only large cities

Located in the Aburrá Valley, a central region of the Andes Mountains in South America, Medellín is served by José María Córdova International Airport, located about 35 km northeast of the city. The airport offers flights to several destinations in the Americas and Europe, including Miami, Madrid, and New York.

The economy of Medellín is diverse and robust, with key industries including textiles, fashion, construction, infrastructure, and energy. The city is home to many Colombian and international companies, making it a significant economic center in the country.

Medellín’s climate is a tropical rainforest climate, bordering on a tropical monsoon climate.

8 – Santa Cruz, Bolivia

Average Cost of Living Index: 31.3

68.7% cheaper than New York.

Population: Approximately 1.453 million

Average Square Meter Price in an Upper-Middle-Class Residential Zone (USD): $1,159.46 on average, with most offers ranging between $1,013.63 and $1,501.64.

Curious low-living cost fact: Santa Cruz has the Least Expensive Chicken Fillets (1kg) prices among major cities in all of the Americas

Santa Cruz de La Sierra, Bolivia

Santa Cruz is located in the eastern part of the country, and it’s served by Viru Viru International Airport, the largest and most important airport in Bolivia. The airport offers flights to several destinations in the Americas and Europe, including Miami, Madrid, and São Paulo.

The city’s economy is primarily based on agriculture, with Santa Cruz being the most important agricultural department in the country. Other significant industries include oil, natural gas, and manufacturing. 

7 – Cartagena, Colombia

Average Cost of Living Index: 31.0

69.0% cheaper than New York.

Population: Approximately 914,552 residents.

Average Square Meter Price in an Upper-Middle-Class Residential Zone (USD): $2,594.32 on average, with most offers ranging between $1,758.35 and $4,013.73.

Curious low-living cost fact: Cartagena has the Least Expensive Domestic Beer prices among major cities in all of the Americas

Cartagena, Colombia

Cartagena, also known as Cartagena de Indias, is a port city on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. Despite its popularity as a tourist destination, the cost of living in Cartagena remains relatively low. The city is famous for its preserved old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with cobbled streets, colonial buildings, and iconic fortress walls.

The city’s economy is primarily based on maritime and petrochemicals industry, tourism, and services. Cartagena is home to the country’s main maritime port.

The city is known for its warm and humid weather, with temperatures often reaching the mid-30s Celsius (90s Fahrenheit). It is served by Rafael Núñez International Airport, located within the city. The airport offers flights to several destinations in the Americas and Europe, including Miami, Panama City, and Amsterdam.

6 – Cali, Colombia

Average Cost of Living Index: 31.0

69.0% cheaper than New York.

Population: Approximately 2,227,642 people.

Average Square Meter Price in an Upper-Middle-Class Residential Zone (USD): $939.46 on average, with most offers ranging between $753.58 and $1,507.16.

Curious low-living cost fact: Cali has the 2nd cheapest fitness club prices among major cities in all of the Americas

Cali, Colombia

Cali’s economy is primarily based on industry and commerce. The city is home to the Pacific Stock Exchange and several multinational companies. It is also the center of an important agricultural region, known for its sugar and coffee production (Colombia is one of the best countries in the world for the hot, bitter liquid).

The city is served by Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport, located in the nearby city of Palmira. The airport offers flights to several destinations in the Americas and Europe, including Miami, Madrid, and Panama City.

Cali has a tropical savanna climate, with a short dry season and a long wet season. The city is known for its warm and humid weather, with temperatures often reaching the mid-30s Celsius (90s Fahrenheit).

5 – Asuncion, Paraguay

Average Cost of Living Index: 30.5

69.5% cheaper than New York.

Population: Approximately 525,252

Average Square Meter Price in an Upper-Middle-Class Residential Zone (USD): $ 1,232.91 on average, with most offers ranging between $825.25 and $2,696.90.

Curious low-living cost fact: Asuncion has the Least Expensive McMeal prices among major cities in all of the Americas

Asuncion, Paraguay

Asuncion, the capital and largest city of Paraguay, is located in the southwestern part of the country, near the Paraguay River.

Surprisingly, Paraguay is one of the countries with the largest community of foreigners in entire South America (mostly Brazilians).

The closest international airport is Silvio Pettirossi International Airport, which is the busiest airport in Paraguay. It offers flights to several cities in the Americas, including Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo, and Miami.

Asuncion is the main economic, cultural, and industrial hub of Paraguay. The city’s economy is based on commerce and services, including banking, telecommunications, and insurance. The city is also home to the National University of Asuncion and several other educational institutions.

The city experiences heavy rainfall throughout the year, especially during the summer months.

Read also: The Best Non-Beach Vacation Getaways (Paraguay is one of them)

4 – Bogota, Colombia

Average Cost of Living Index: 30.4

69.6% cheaper than New York.

Population: Approximately 7.4 million

Average Square Meter Price in an Upper-Middle-Class Residential Zone (USD): $ 1,756.15 on average, with most offers ranging between $1,255.97 and $2,260.74.

A curious fact about living costs: Bogota has the 3rd cheapest Uber rate among 17 national capitals.

Bogota, Colombia

Despite being one of the largest cities in South America, Bogota remains relatively inexpensive. The city is located in the center of Colombia, on a high plateau.

The climate is subtropical highland, with average temperatures remaining constant throughout the year. However, due to its altitude, it has significant temperature variation between day and night.

Bogota is the main economic and industrial center of Colombia. The Colombian government and various international entities have their headquarters in the city. It is a major center for the import and export of goods for Colombia and the Andean Community in South America.

It also has one of the most efficient bus transportation systems on the continent.

The closest international airport is El Dorado International Airport, which is among the busiest in Latin America in terms of passenger traffic. It offers flights to cities in the Americas, Europe, and Asia.

3 – Buenos Aires, Argentina

Average Cost of Living Index: 30.0

Buenos Aires is 70.0% cheaper than New York.

Population: Approximately 13.1 million (Metropolitan Area)

Average Square Meter Price in an Upper-Middle-Class Residential Zone (USD): $ 2,497.58 on average, with most offers ranging between $2000 and $3125.

Curious low-living cost fact: Buenos Aires has the cheapest bottles of mid-range red wine among major cities in all of the Americas

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires is known for its European-style architecture and rich cultural life.

Thanks to the massive devaluation of the Argentinian Peso, it is one of the most inexpensive capital cities in South America, offering a high quality of life (when compared to cities like Rio de Janeiro or Caracas) at a relatively low cost. No surprise that lately retirees are more and more attracted to the idea of retirement in Argentina.

It is the capital of Argentina, a country that tops the list of the best Spanish-Speaking countries to visit.

Buenos Aires is the financial, industrial, and commercial hub of Argentina. Many multinational businesses have their regional headquarters in the city. The Port of Buenos Aires is one of the busiest in South America; navigation is mainly oriented to direct traffic with the ports of the Paraná and Uruguay rivers.

Despite the economic crisis, Buenos Aires is still one of the safest cities on the continent.

There is a large airport called Ministro Pistarini International Airport, commonly known as Ezeiza Airport. It offers flights to many destinations worldwide, including cities in Europe, North America, and other parts of South America.

2 – Barranquilla, Colombia

Average Cost of Living Index: 27.4

It is 72.6% cheaper than New York.

Population: 1.2 million

Average Square Meter Price in an Upper-Middle-Class Residential Zone (USD): $1,188.98 on average, with most offers ranging between $1,004.77 and $1,306.20.

Curious low-living cost fact: Barranquilla has the cheapest Pepsi prices among major cities in all of the Americas

Barranquilla, the 2nd cheapest city to live in South America

Barranquilla is famous for its annual Carnival, which is one of the biggest in the world.

The city’s economy is diverse, with key industries including port activities, manufacturing, and services. Major employers in the city include the port of Barranquilla, Ecopetrol, and several multinational corporations. The climate in Barranquilla is tropical, with high temperatures and humidity throughout the year.

It is also located near the Caribbean Sea, making it a significant port in Colombia.

The closest international airport is the Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport, which offers flights to several destinations in the Americas and Europe.

Read also: The Easiest Countries to Adopt a Baby From (Colombia is one of them).

1 – Bucaramanga, Colombia

Average Cost of Living Index: 23.7

Bucaramanga is 76.3% cheaper than New York.

Population: 528,575 residents.

Average Square Meter Price in an Upper-Middle-Class Residential Zone (USD):  $870.80 on average, with most offers ranging between $552.62 and $1,004.77.

Curious low-living cost fact: Bucaramanga has the cheapest white bread prices among major cities in all of the Americas.

Bucaramanga, the cheapest city to live in South America

Closing our list of the cheapest places to live in South America, Bucaramanga is located in the northeastern part of the country, in the eastern branch of the Colombian Andes. The city is known for its parks and for its nickname “La Ciudad de Los Parques” (“The City of Parks”) and “La Ciudad Bonita de Colombia” (“Colombia’s Beautiful City”).

Sounds enticing, right?

The city has plenty of affordable housing even in upper-scale districts,  making it an attractive destination for both locals and expats. The city is also famous for its vibrant culture and friendly locals, which add to its charm and appeal.

For foreigners that want to retire there, Colombia is one of the 25 countries with special visa schemes for retirees.

Bucaramanga’s economy is diverse, with main industries including footwear and clothing, food processing, and metalworking. The city is also a regional center for the oil and mining industries. One of the major employers in the city is Ecopetrol (the Colombian state oil company), but there are also several multinational corporations.

The city is served by the Palonegro International Airport, which is located about 30 minutes away from the city center. The airport offers flights to several destinations, including Bogotá, Medellín, Panama City, and Miami.

Book: Budget Travelers, Digital Nomads & Expats: The Ultimate Guide: 50 Tips, Tricks, Hacks, and Ways to Free Stuff & Cheaper Flights
Recommended book: Budget Travelers, Digital Nomads & Expats: The Ultimate Guide: 50 Tips, Tricks, Hacks, and Ways to Free Stuff & Cheaper Flights

Enjoyed reading about the best South American cities to live in in terms of cost of living? Check these:

The Mind-Blowing Tourist Scams You Can Find in Europe in 2023

3 Cheap Cities in Europe to Visit This Winter (And 1 to Avoid)

Levi Borba is the founder of The Expatriate Consultancy, creator of the channel The Expat, and best-selling author. Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, meaning that the author will have a commission for any transactions.

Illustration for article about Living in Chile, the best option to move to another country with no money in South America Best Countries Ranking

Living in Chile: The Best Place to Live in…

The Best Places, Cost of Living, and Everything Else You Need to Know About Living in Chile

Our team writes from experience. Yes, we also use reliable and updated data, but always together with personal experiences from our team and audience. With all that we mind, we affirm with no doubt that in 2023, if you are living in Chile, you are in the best place to live in South America…. yet.

Yes, yet. One of our team members lived in Chile 12 years ago, and many of our readers live in Chile today, and comparing their opinions is clear that while countries like Paraguay improved drastically in the last decade (this article lists the best Latin American countries to live in 2023), Chile didn’t show many improvements and even worsened in some aspects.

But here is the catch:

The country had such a significant lead over the other South American countries that even by 2023, despite other South-American countries closing the gap somewhat, Chile is still the best country to live in South America.

Moving Out, Working Abroad and Keeping Your Sanity Cover
Recommended book: Moving Out, Working Abroad, and Keeping Your Sanity

Why is Chile considered THE best country to live in South America for Expatriates?

Illustration for article about Living in Chile, the best country to live in South America

Let’s first use some data, before jumping into the personal experiences and stories of our team members and readers about life in Chile (and there is a ton of helpful insights from them in the next few paragraphs).

The table below shows the human development index (the most used indicator worldwide about the standard of living), the living cost index (more about the cost of living in a few paragraphs) and the homicide rate (an important indicator of violence), and then ranks each country in Latin America according to these 3 factors.

PositionCountryHuman Development Index (HDI)Living Cost IndexHomicide RateHDI RankLCI RankSafety RankFinal Score
1Chile0.85137.794.4115110
2Argentina0.84532.955.32212210
3Ecuador0.75930.545.8108317
4Bolivia0.71827.226.22133419
5Paraguay0.72829.257.14125520
6Panama0.81544.569.39516922
7Peru0.77735.147.91714822
8Costa Rica0.8244.5811.263171123
9Colombia0.76726.0825.34811423
10Uruguay0.81744.6212.064181225
11El Salvador0.67330.117.8157726
12Brazil0.76528.8527.38941526
13Nicaragua0.6629.587.19176626
14Mexico0.77930.9629.076101627
15Dominican Republic0.75633.5810.0511131028
16Venezuela0.71127.1736.691421732
17Guatemala0.66332.1722.516111335
18Honduras0.63430.6838.931891841
The rank of The Best Latin American Countries to Live in 2023

As you can see, Chile has the highest Human Development Index (0.851) and the lowest homicide rate (4.4) among all 18 countries. 

These are not the only indicators where Chile is a Latin American outlier.

  • Chile ranks 33rd (among 141 countries) in the Global Competitiveness Index, making it one of the most competitive economies in South America. 
  • Chile is one of the best countries to start a life abroad with no money (but a good business plan).
  • According to GoAbrod, Chile is one best countries to study medicine on the planet.
  • Chile is the 4th best Spanish-speaking country to visit in 2023 and receives 7.2 million international tourists per year.
  • Together with Florianopolis and Buenos Aires, Santiago de Chile is often considered one of the best cities in South America for expats and digital nomads.

Ok, ok, so all this data shows that, at least from a purely objective point of view, Chile is way ahead of the other South American countries in multiple aspects.

But let’s make it more personal and see what real people think.

Chile’s appeal: What makes it the best place to live in South America?

Me in Chile (Farellones)

Now time for some real stories of people that really lived in Chile, including me who wrote this article.

I lived in Chile a few years ago, more specifically in Santiago in a district called Las Condes.

Since I moved out from Brazil, a quite dangerous country, Chile felt very safe to me. It was also impressive the quality of the public transport. To put it into perspective, Santiago (population: 5.6 million residents) has almost 140km of subway lines.

Meanwhile, São Paulo, one of the most developed large cities in Brazil, has only 79km of subway lines despite being almost 3 times larger than Santiago!

The city also has plenty of parks and green areas, including the magnificent Cerro San Cristobal.  I loved hiking there.

Quality of life (including food) was superb. After leaving Santiago in 2013, I lived in one of the richest countries in the world (Qatar) and in Europe, and I believe that the standard of living I experienced in the Chilean capital was similar to European standards.

However, a lot changed since I moved out from Chile.

This is especially true in terms of violence and economic dynamics. Yes, Chile is still the safest country in South America and has the highest GDP per capita, but in the last 10 years went a bit sour.

As Andres Pilquil Varas stated here, the best advice for someone living and working in Chile nowadays is:

  • Respect the 3 W’s: “No andar a horas weonas, con gente weona en lugares weones”. Roughly translated to “Don’t be at stupid hours with stupid people at stupid places”.
  • We have low corruption compared to our neighbors. Don’t even try to bribe law enforcement; you will make it to the news and have a really bad time.
  • Don’t go around the main tourist places with your expensive cameras hanging from your neck and all your money and documents in a very visible fanny pack; that’s like having a huge ass neon sign on your head saying “Rob me.”

Preliminary data shows that the homicide rate in Chile increased to 4.7 in 2022. While still lower than any other Latin American country, it worsened considerably from only 10 years ago, when it was 2.8, a 67.8% increase in only 10% years.

The expat community in Chile: How well-established is it?

The neighborhood I used to live in Santiago, Chile.
The neighborhood I used to live in the eastern part of Santiago.

The expat community in Chile is quite diverse and well-established, with people from all over the world choosing to call this South American country their home.

According to data from Meetup, there are over 22,000 members in various expat groups in Chile. These groups are often organized around language exchange and social activities, with the largest ones being in Santiago and Valparaíso.

For instance, the Santiago Spanish and English Language Exchange Meetup has 8,871 members, while the group Spanglish Party in Santiago has 6,854 members.

In terms of nationalities, the expat community in Chile is quite varied. According to InterNations, a global expat community, the top nationalities in their Chilean communities are Americans, Venezuelans, Argentinians, and Colombians.

As for where expats live, the majority seem to be concentrated in major cities like Santiago and Valparaíso.

Living in Chile: Pros and Cons

Most of the items below refer to life specifically in Santiago. For the pros and cons of living in the smaller cities and rural parts of Chile, we make a separate section after this one.

The Pros of Living in Chile

The leisure life in Chile: From ski slopes to beach fronts.

Me in the mountains in Chile

Chile’s diverse landscape offers a wide range of leisure options. From the beaches of Viña del Mar to the snowy peaks of the Andes (and cool ski resorts not far from Santiago), you will have all seasons of possible activities.

Moreover, the country’s commitment to environmental conservation has led to the establishment of numerous national parks and reserves.

There are also multiple historical sites, museums, and vibrant local festivals that offer a glimpse into the country’s past and present.

Entrepreneur-Friendly Environment

Chile has a reputation for being one of the most entrepreneur-friendly countries in Latin America. The government has implemented simple entrepreneurial laws to encourage business startups.

The country’s “Start-Up Chile” program, for instance, offers equity-free funding to qualified startups, making it an attractive destination for entrepreneurs.

Furthermore, the country has a robust infrastructure, including reliable internet and transportation networks. This infrastructure supports business operations and makes it easier for entrepreneurs to establish and grow their businesses.

The country’s strategic location also provides easy access to other markets in Latin America.

Low Cost of Living

More about it in a few paragraphs. Check also our article about the cheapest cities to live in South America.

But also it isn’t for everyone: The cons of living in Chile.

Centralization of Opportunities

Chile is highly centralized, with most opportunities concentrated in the Santiago-Valparaiso axis.

This means that outside of these areas, job opportunities, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities may be limited. This centralization can lead to a lack of development in rural areas and can make life challenging for those living outside the main cities.

Furthermore, this centralization can lead to overcrowding in the main cities, resulting in high housing costs and traffic congestion.

Political Instabilities

News about Riots in Chile

The recent political instabilities during the last few years have created a sense of uncertainty in Chile.

Protests and civil unrest have become more common, leading to disruptions in daily life and business operations. This instability can deter potential investors and expats, who may be concerned about the country’s future direction and the potential impact on their investments or lifestyle.

Uncertainty also leads to fluctuations in the currency and stock market, making it more challenging for businesses to plan for the future.

Moreover, these political instabilities can lead to social tensions. Protests and civil unrest can disrupt daily life and create a sense of insecurity. There are even cases of terrorism in the southern regions that shocked the country.

Language Barrier

While English is taught in schools and is spoken in the business sector, Spanish is the dominant language in Chile.

Expats who do not speak Spanish may face communication challenges in their daily life. This can make it difficult to integrate into the local culture, access services, and form connections with locals.

While many services are available in English in the capital, in rural areas, services may only be available in Spanish.

The type of Spanish spoken in Chile is also different from other Latin American countries and Spain, and I personally found it quite challenging, but more about it in a few paragraphs.

How does the cost of living in Chile compare to the US?

In our quest to understand the cost of living differences between Chile and the United States, we turned to Numbeo, a large crowdsourced database of prices. Numbeo provides current and timely information about world living conditions including cost of living, housing indicators, health care, traffic, crime, and pollution.

For our comparison, we chose Santiago, the largest city in Chile, and Chicago, a major city in the United States. Here’s what we found:

  1. A meal in an Inexpensive Restaurant: A meal in Santiago costs around $10.00, while in Chicago it’s about $20.00. This means that dining out in Santiago is approximately 50% cheaper than in Chicago.
  2. Monthly Pass (Regular Price) for Public Transportation: In Santiago, it’s around $45.00, while in Chicago it’s $105.00. Public transportation in Santiago is thus about 57% cheaper.
  3. Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for an 85m2 Apartment: The cost in Santiago is about $83.00, while in Chicago it’s $139.00. Basic utilities are approximately 40% cheaper in Santiago.
  4. 1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans): In Santiago, it’s $0.14, while in Chicago it’s $0.15. The cost is nearly the same, with Santiago being just about 7% cheaper.
  5. 1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar): The cost in Santiago is about $61.00, while in Chicago it’s $50.00. Interestingly, jeans are about 22% more expensive in Santiago.
  6. 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, …): In Santiago, it’s around $34.00, while in Chicago it’s $40.00. This means that clothing in Santiago is approximately 15% cheaper.
  7. 1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range): The cost in Santiago is about $76.00, while in Chicago it’s $80.00. Athletic shoes are roughly 5% cheaper in Santiago.

Chile’s hidden costs: What to expect.

One of the most remarkable hidden costs I saw there is healthcare.

While Chile has a public healthcare system, many residents opt for private healthcare due to the better quality of service.  I don’t recommend you rely on public health care for most situations, and private health insurance can avoid headaches.

However, private healthcare can be expensive, and insurance premiums can vary widely. It’s important to factor in these costs when budgeting for life in Chile. Additionally, prescription medications can be costly, and certain treatments may not be covered by insurance.

Lastly, medical care in Chile is of good quality, which is crucial for families with kids.

As travel insurance for visiting Chile, we recommend Ekta.

Money-saving tips for expats living in Chile.

Here are some other things to know before moving to Chile as an expat:

  1. Research Areas You Should Avoid: Just like any other country, Chile has areas that are more expensive than others. Research and choose a location that fits your budget. Santiago, while being a great place to live, can be more expensive than other cities like La Serena or Valparaiso.
  2. Learn Spanish: While you can speak English in Chile, it isn’t widely spoken outside of business and tourist areas. Learning Spanish can help you negotiate better prices and avoid the “gringo” price inflation that can occur.
  3. Use Public Transportation: Chile has one of the best public transportation systems in Latin America. Using public transportation instead of owning a car can save you a significant amount of money.
  4. Buy Local Produce: Chile is a great place for fresh fruits and vegetables, especially in southern Chile. Buying local produce at markets can be cheaper and healthier than buying imported goods at supermarkets.
  5. Contact Real Estate Agencies: When searching for housing in Chile, it’s beneficial to contact real estate agencies. They can help you find affordable options that may not be listed online.
  6. Visit the country before deciding to move there! In these cases, Chile might demand that you apply for a tourist visa and valid international travel and health insurance. As travel insurance for visiting Chile (and any country in South America), Ekta is a good choice.
  7. Network with Other Expats: Making expat friends can provide valuable insights into living cost-effectively in Chile. They can share their experiences, tips, and tricks to help you navigate your new life and avoid common financial pitfalls.
Book: Budget Travelers, Digital Nomads & Expats: The Ultimate Guide: 50 Tips, Tricks, Hacks, and Ways to Free Stuff & Cheaper Flights
Recommended book: Budget Travelers, Digital Nomads & Expats: The Ultimate Guide: 50 Tips, Tricks, Hacks, and Ways to Free Stuff & Cheaper Flights

Best places to live in Chile: City life vs the tranquility of rural areas.

Santiago de Chile is the country’s hearth and a Latin American hub, offering everything you need to know about city life. As an expat in Santiago, you’ll likely need to adapt to the fast pace of life. The city offers primary and secondary job markets, making it one of the best places to find a job in Chile.

Valparaiso, named the best destination in terms of its vibrant arts scene, offers a unique blend of city life and coastal charm. As an expat guide would tell you, it’s a place where you can enjoy a good quality of life, with a slower pace and plenty of cultural activities.

Viña del Mar, often compared to coastal cities in developed countries for its modern infrastructure, is a popular choice for North Americans and Europeans. It’s a great place to retire to Chile, offering high-quality medical care, beautiful beaches, and a relaxed lifestyle.

La Serena, known for its tranquility, is ideal for those thinking about moving to Chile for a quieter life. It’s often chosen by expatriates who prefer a slower pace, yet still want access to amenities. The city offers a balance between city conveniences and the charm of rural areas.

Below you will discover a bit more about expat life in each of these cities.

Why Santiago is a top choice for Expats in Chile

Picture I took of downton Santiago

Jose Cox, when writing about life in Santiago, said something that I also found very valid after living there: Chile’s high centralization is a pro and a con at the same time, and that depends on which side you are looking at:

When compared to other cities in the country, the best thing about living in Santiago is that you WILL find everything you need. Period. One of Chile’s biggest problems is that it is too centralized. Almost everything happens in Santiago, and you can get everything you need here. You can probably find whatever you are looking for. That’s not true of the other cities in Chile, and as you might expect, it gets harder to find things that might be considered too specific the farther you get from Santiago.

Santiago’s digital infrastructure, cost-effectiveness, and business-friendly environment make it a top choice for expats and particularly attractive for young professionals.

The capital is also the economic and cultural hub of Chile, offering a wealth of job opportunities, particularly in sectors such as finance, technology, and education. The city has a robust economy and status as a regional business hub in the Andean region.

Santiago also offers a high standard of living, especially on the eastern side of the city. Eastern Santiago boasts a well-developed infrastructure, including an efficient public transportation system, high-quality healthcare facilities

Living costs are higher than in the rest of the country (more about it in previous paragraphs), but are still lower than in most large cities in Europe and North America.

Valparaíso and Viña del Mar

Valparaiso Chile

Valparaiso-Viña del Mar, often referred to as “Valpo” and “Viña,” is an area known for its vibrant scene, historic architecture, and stunning seaside views, making it an attractive destination for expats seeking a dynamic and visually inspiring environment.

The region also boasts a high quality of life, with excellent dining options, thriving nightlife, and numerous outdoor activities. The presence of several universities contributes to a lively and youthful atmosphere, and the area’s vineyards offer a taste of Chile’s renowned wine industry.

Finally, the Valparaiso-Viña del Mar urban area is well-connected to Santiago, Chile’s capital, via one of the main highways of the country. This provides easy access to the amenities and opportunities of a major city while maintaining the charm of coastal life.

La Serena

La Serena, the second oldest city in Chile, offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern amenities. The city’s colonial architecture, beautiful beaches, and warm climate make it an attractive destination for expats seeking a relaxed lifestyle in a picturesque setting.

The cost of living in La Serena is another significant advantage. It is more affordable than Viña del Mar, making it an excellent choice for expats seeking a coastal lifestyle on a budget. Housing, dining, and entertainment options in La Serena tend to be more cost-effective.

It is, however, more distant from the capital than Viña del Mar or Valparaíso.

What Is the Percentage of Chilean Living in Rural Areas and Smaller Cities

Outside of small islands and city-states, Chile is one of the most concentrated countries in the world. 

The Chilean capital is the most populous city in the country. With a population of approximately 7,112,808 people, it alone has 37.4% of the total population of Chile, which is estimated to be around 19 million.

The other 4 largest cities in the country are Valparaíso, Concepción, La Serena, and Antofagasta. Here are their populations:

  • Valparaíso: 967,000
  • Concepción: 930,000
  • Antofagasta: 425,000
  • La Serena: 400,000

The combined population of these cities and Santiago is approximately 9,834,808, which represents about 51.8% of the total population.

So only 48.2% of all Chileans live in cities with less than 400 thousand residents, and only 12.09% live in rural areas.

Picture I took in Vina del Mar

How to strategically plan your move to Chile?

Here are the basic steps.

  1. Check Visa Requirements: The first step is to understand the visa requirements for living in Chile. Determine which type of visa you’re eligible for and understand the application process. Check the next section for more information on this.
  2. Research: Conduct thorough research about Chile’s culture, cost of living, job opportunities, and lifestyle to get a clear picture of what to expect.
  3. Plan Your Finances: Develop a comprehensive budget that includes costs like travel, housing, living expenses, and unexpected costs.
  4. Secure a Job or Income Source: If you’re not retiring, ensure you have a job or steady income source lined up.
  5. Find a Place to Live: Contact real estate agencies or search online to find suitable housing within your budget.

Overall, expat living in Chile can be a rewarding experience, especially with the right preparation and expectations.

Visa options for expats: What you need to know.

Chile offers a variety of visa options to accommodate different expat profiles, each with its own set of requirements and benefits.

For those married to a native Chilean, the most suitable option is typically the Temporary Residence Visa for Spouses. This visa allows the holder to live and work in Chile and is valid for one year, after which it can be converted into permanent residency. The main requirement is to provide proof of marriage to a Chilean citizen.

Retired American or European citizens looking to live in Chile can apply for the Retirement and Periodical Income Visa. This visa is designed for individuals who have a regular income from a pension or other source that allows them to support themselves without working in Chile. Applicants must provide proof of their income and show that it will continue to be received while they are in Chile.

Entrepreneurs, on the other hand, may be interested in the Start-Up Visa, also known as the Visa Tech. This visa is part of a government initiative to attract foreign entrepreneurs to start their businesses in Chile. The program provides a one-year visa, which can be extended, and offers a range of services to help entrepreneurs. We wrote more about it in this article.

Decoding Chilean Spanish: A quick linguistics guide for expats.

Chilean Spanish is known for its distinct pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar, making it unique among Spanish dialects.

Pronunciation in Chilean Spanish often involves dropping the final ‘s’ and ‘d’ sounds, a feature known as “aspiration” or “elision”. This can make spoken Chilean Spanish sound fast and weird to the untrained ear.

Chilean Spanish also has a rich array of local slang, known as “Chilenismos“. These words and phrases are unique to Chile and can be confusing for those accustomed to other Spanish dialects.

Finally, here are some common Chilean expressions: “cachai” (do you understand?), “pololo/polola” (boyfriend/girlfriend), “pucha” (darn), “fome” (boring), and “bacán” (cool). Familiarizing yourself with these can help you navigate daily conversations more smoothly.

Education in Chile: What to consider for your expat kids?

Education in Chile for expat kids is a topic of interest for many. Chile, a Latin American country, is often chosen by expats for its stable economy and quality education. However, it’s important to know about living in Chile before moving, especially regarding education.

Chile isn’t like, for example, Europe when it comes to public education. Private and international schools still offer much higher standards than public schools. 

When you search in Chile for schools, you’ll find many bilingual private schools. Famous ones include the Schweizer Schule Santiago, The Southland School, Chartwell International School, The International Preparatory School, and The International School Nido de Aguilas. These schools offer a mix of Chilean, British, Swiss, and American curricula.

However, there might be a disadvantage. The school year in Chile starts in March and ends in November, unlike the US. Therefore, your kids might have to adjust to this schedule.


If you enjoyed this article about living in Chile (the best country to live in south America), here are a few other reading suggestions for you:

The 7 Countries With The Worst Work-Life Balance in The OECD

The Best Cities for Remote Workers in 2023

Levi Borba is the founder of The Expatriate Consultancy, creator of the channel The Expat, and best-selling author. Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, meaning that the author will have a commission for any transactions.

Bariloche, one of the best places to retire in Argentina Best Countries Ranking

The Best Latin American Countries to Live in –…

Discover The Best and Safest Countries to Live in Latin America in 2023

Cost of living arbitrage – Mark this expression because this is an increasing trend since 2021 and it will gain force in the next few years. It is also the reason why we wrote this article about the best Latin American countries to live in 2023.

Because people are becoming more likely to want to live somewhere else, and their choice isn’t just based on their own preferences but also on the level of well-being and leisure the host country provides for the same amount of money.

One of our most-read articles ever was about the best cities to retire in Europe. After that, we had a large demand from other public: young professionals like digital nomads and remote workers that are not looking for retirement, but rather for a place to live and perform their jobs online.

And one of their favorite spots is Latin America… why?

Because it is inexpensive.

That is an easy way to end up with more disposable income if they live outside the U.S.

That is why some of our most visited articles are about living in warm, low-cost countries like:

  • How to retire in Bali (Indonesia)
  • The Best Place to Retire in this Atlantic Jewel for 4 Different Types of Expats
  • 24 Countries Enticing Pensioners By Offering Retirement Visas

If instead of remote work, you are looking for a place to start a business, check our list of 10 business-friendly countries in 2023. 

With no further ado, let’s jump into the criteria we used for this article.

The Criteria for The Rank of the Best Latin American Countries to Live in 2023

We used 3 factors to rank from the worst to the best countries in Latin America for an expatriate.

The Human Development Index

The Human Development Index (HDI) is calculated by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

It was first introduced in 1990 as part of the UNDP’s annual Human Development Report. The index was developed by Pakistani economist Mahbub ul Haq and Indian economist Amartya Sen. They wanted to create a measure that would capture the social and economic progress of countries beyond traditional economic metrics like Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Since its introduction, the HDI has been published annually

The HDI is a measure that assesses the overall well-being of a country’s people. It considers factors like education, health, and income. When you’re looking for a place to live, especially if you’re a young professional, digital nomad, or retiree expat, HDI is crucial as it reflects the quality of life you can expect.

Moving Out, Working Abroad and Keeping Your Sanity Cover
Recommended book: Moving Out, Working Abroad, and Keeping Your Sanity

The Living Cost Index by Numbeo

Numbeo, the world’s largest cost repository, compiles it. It’s a crowd-sourced database with data on housing, healthcare, and other costs of living around the world.

Lower costs are important for expatriates for the very reason we stated in the beginning of this article: we want to get the maximum benefit from the same amount of money.

The Living Cost Index is a measure of how expensive it is to live in a particular place compared to New York City (which has the standard value of 100 on the Index).

For example, if a city has a Living Cost Index of 50, it means that on average, living costs there are 50% lower than in New York City.

This index is very useful for people considering relocating or traveling. It gives a quick understanding of how much money you might need to maintain your current standard of living in a different city or country.

Safety (Using the Homicide Rate as Proxy)

In our ranking, the safety element will be considered based on the homicide rate as defined by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

That means the number of murders per 100 thousand inhabitants. Of course, there are other types of crimes like robbery or kidnappings, but often they fluctuate in line with homicides.

We also considered homicides because, contrary to the safest big cities in the US, or even to the most dangerous cities in Europe, homicides are quite common in many Latin American countries and there is a significant risk of becoming a victim – but that, fortunately, is not true for the top spots on this list.

In fact, countries that are tremendously inexpensive like Colombia or Nicaragua are not present in the top 8 due to their horrible homicide rates.

Honduras: The Absolutely Worst Country to  Live in Latin America

This small country in Central America managed to have a worse performance in our indicators than Venezuela, a nation with a collapsed economy.

Honduras is a country with a troubled justice system and rampant corruption, has been a challenging place for expatriates in recent years. The country is also grappling with high levels of gang violence, leading to internal displacement and migration.

These conditions have led to a significant number of Hondurans fleeing the country. This has resulted in a high number of asylum requests, particularly in Mexico.

Human Development Index: 0.634

Living Cost Index: 30.68

Homicide Rate: 38.93

The Surprise: El Salvador Became One of the Safest Countries in the Region

Illustration for article about retirement in El Salvador, with the map and flag and the cartoon of a local

Until not long ago, El Salvador was the most dangerous country on earth, with more than 100 murders per 100,000 people per year (2015). This was 4 times higher than Brazil or Colombia.

At that time, the magazine The Economist made an entire article called “Rivers of Blood: Hell Salvador“.

But then things changed, drastically. Today, El Salvador has a homicide rate comparable to some European countries.

It is likely the largest drop in violence in recorded history.

Homicide rate in El Salvador 2022 | Statista. Source: https://www.statista.com/statistics/696152/homicide-rate-in-el-salvador/

El Salvador didn’t make it to our top 8, since the HDI is still very low when compared to the other Latin American countries. However, we wrote an entire article about El Salvador and how it becoming a hotspot for expatriate retirees. since the mind-blowing speed that the country is improving is attracting waves of interested foreigners.

Human Development Index: 0.673

Living Cost Index: 30.11

Homicide Rate: 7.8

The 8 Best Countries to Live in Latin America as an Expat

8th – Costa Rica

Costa Rica offers a variety of landscapes, from beautiful beaches to mountains, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities.  It is considered one of the best Spanish speaking countries to visit, and also one of the best countries to retire. The temperatures range between 12-27°C (70-81°F) year-round, making it an ideal escape from harsh winters in American cities.

In recent years, Costa Rica has seen an increase in tourism, which has led to a rise in living costs (it is the 2nd most expensive country in Latin America, just behind Uruguay).

However, the high quality of life in the country compensates for these higher costs. Costa Rica’s commitment to environmental care, its robust private healthcare system, and its stable internal politics are all factors that contribute to its appeal to expats.

Human Development Index: 0.82

Living Cost Index: 44.58

Homicide Rate: 11.26

7th – Peru

Beach in Mancora, Peru, one of the best countries in Latin America to live in.

This South American country known for its rich history and diverse landscapes, has become an increasingly attractive destination for expats and we covered it in a special article essential for anyone thinking about moving to Peru. It is also one of the 5 best Spanish speaking countries to visit in the world.

The low cost of living is one of the main draws, with a couple able to live comfortably, covering expenses like rent, food, and medical care, for $1,500 a month or less. 

Cities like Arequipa and Cusco have become popular with expats.

Arequipa, one of the safest cities in the country, boasts a pleasant climate with 300 days of sunshine a year and a walkable colonial center. Cusco, the capital of the old Inca Empire, is rich in history and offers a mix of modern conveniences and historic charm. The nightlife in these cities is vibrant, offering something for everyone.

Despite its relatively low HDI, Peru’s affordable living and relatively low crime rate make it an appealing choice for expats. However, it’s worth noting that while the cost of living is low compared to other Latin American countries, imported goods can be expensive.

Human Development Index: 0.777

Living Cost Index: 35.14

Homicide Rate: 7.91

6th – Panama

Panama, a tiny dazzling country in Central America, has been attracting some attention for quite a time already (it is considered one of the best for expatriate retirees) and is very well known among the expat community – we covered Panama in this article. Despite not being a country in South America, it shares many similarities with its Colombian neighbors in terms of climate, but it is much safer and more stable.

Over the past four years, Panama has made significant strides in improving its infrastructure. The country’s capital, Panama City, is known to be one of the transport hubs in Latin America and has flight connections to the whole continent and Europe, making it an ideal place for expatriates who also enjoy visiting home once in a while.

Just like Costa Rica, Panama has higher living costs compared to many Latin American nations. However, the relatively high quality of life compensates for the higher costs.

The country has a thriving economy, and the government has implemented policies that have attracted foreign investment and business, creating job opportunities for both locals and expatriates.

Human Development Index: 0.815

Living Cost Index: 44.56

Homicide Rate: 9.39

5th – Paraguay

Paraguay, one of the 5 best countries in Latin America to live in.

Paraguay, one of South America’s hidden gems for expats, offers a unique blend of affordability and opportunities for foreigners (that is why there are so many Brazilians living there already).

Its low cost of living, coupled with a relatively low crime rate, makes it an attractive destination for those looking to retire in Latin America.

However, it’s important to note that while Paraguay has many advantages, it also has its challenges. The healthcare system, for instance, is not up to the standard of many European and North American countries. Many expats prefer to take out private health insurance abroad and travel to nearby countries like Brazil for more serious treatments.

Corruption and money laundering are also concerns, with organized crime being a major issue in the border with Brazil.

Human Development Index: 0.728

Living Cost Index: 29.25

Homicide Rate: 7.14

4th – Bolivia

Bolivia offers an affordable cost of living and a relatively low crime rate, although its Human Development Index (HDI) is comparatively low. This means that while it may be a financially viable option, it is better to opt for the country’s large cities, such as La Paz, Santa Cruz, and Cochabamba. They have much better infrastructure and are home to a significant portion of the expatriate population.

In recent years, Bolivia has seen a surge in its population, which has tripled in the last 50 years. This rapid growth, while indicative of the country’s potential, has also led to increased pressure on resources and infrastructure. Expatriates should be aware of this when considering Bolivia as a potential home.

The costs, however, are very, very low, so to afford a high standard of living is perfectly possible for American expats.

Human Development Index: 0.718

Living Cost Index: 27.22

Homicide Rate: 6.22

3rd – Ecuador – One of the Safest Countries in South America

While the 1st and 2nd positions on this ranking are no surprises at all, Ecuador in the 3rd place can be considered a shock for many readers.

But it is enough to say that this country is the 3rd safest in Latin America and their homicide rate is lower than the United States (and also lower than some European countries like Russia). 

They have also low living costs. Rent, utilities, healthcare, and food are all significantly cheaper compared to North America. In fact, many expats living in Ecuador report feeling healthier and more vibrant due to the fresh fruits and vegetables available year-round.

The country, despite its small size, has regions with tropical and temperate climates. and allows a variety of lifestyles, from the balmy Pacific beaches to the dense tropical rainforests and the majestic Andes Mountains.

Human Development Index: 0.759

Living Cost Index: 30.54

Homicide Rate: 5.8

2nd – Argentina: Virtually Tied With the 1st Place

Bariloche, in Argentina, one of the 2 best countries in Latin America to live in.

Argentina topped a few of our lists already (despite the fact that I am Brazilian, I must recognize their qualities). They are the best Spanish-speaking country to visit for holidays (outside Spain) and also a very attractive destination for foreign retirees to live in South America.

This time, they had a virtual tie in the 1st spot of the best Latin American countries to live in.

Their economy is in a bad state? Yes, that is true, and their devaluated currency caused a major brain drain, but this same devaluation also made their costs ridiculously low for a country with an HDI of 0.845.

Argentina is a country with the development levels of Slovakia or Hungary, but the costs of Guatemala. Sounds like a good deal (only if your income is in foreign currency).

Human Development Index: 0.845

Living Cost Index: 32.95

Homicide Rate: 5.32

Book: Budget Travelers, Digital Nomads & Expats: The Ultimate Guide: 50 Tips, Tricks, Hacks, and Ways to Free Stuff & Cheaper Flights
Recommended book: Budget Travelers, Digital Nomads & Expats: The Ultimate Guide: 50 Tips, Tricks, Hacks, and Ways to Free Stuff & Cheaper Flights

1st – Chile: The Best Latin American Country to Live In

Me in Chile, the best country in Latin America to live in.

Almost everyone expected Chile to top this list of the best latin american countries to live in.

The surprising part, however, is that this time they had the company of Argentina, while until a few years ago they would be the unquestionable 1st place (some readers may also argue about Uruguay, but only if you don’t consider costs, since nowadays Uruguay is the most expensive country in entire Latin America).

Yes, the last 5 years were not kind to Chile, and their advantage over the rest of the continent reduced drastically. When I lived there (10 years ago), it was a splendid and very safe country.

Santiago had an excellent public transportation system and an infrastructure that also offers every kind of amenity you could expect from developed countries.

Today things are a bit worse than a few years ago,

but…

It is still the safest and most developed country in Latin America.

Human Development Index: 0.851

Living Cost Index: 37.79

Homicide Rate: 4.4

Check here our special coverage about life in Chile, one of the most expected articles on our website!

The Final Rank of the Best Latin American Countries to Live in 2023

PositionCountryHuman Development Index (HDI)Living Cost IndexHomicide RateHDI RankLCI RankSafety RankFinal Score
1Chile0.85137.794.4115110
2Argentina0.84532.955.32212210
3Ecuador0.75930.545.8108317
4Bolivia0.71827.226.22133419
5Paraguay0.72829.257.14125520
6Panama0.81544.569.39516922
7Peru0.77735.147.91714822
8Costa Rica0.8244.5811.263171123
9Colombia0.76726.0825.34811423
10Uruguay0.81744.6212.064181225
11El Salvador0.67330.117.8157726
12Brazil0.76528.8527.38941526
13Nicaragua0.6629.587.19176626
14Mexico0.77930.9629.076101627
15Dominican Republic0.75633.5810.0511131028
16Venezuela0.71127.1736.691421732
17Guatemala0.66332.1722.516111335
18Honduras0.63430.6838.931891841
The rank of the Best Latin American Countries to Live in 2023

If you enjoyed this article about the best Latin American countries to live in, here are a few other reading suggestions for you:

The 7 Countries With The Worst Work-Life Balance in The OECD

The Best Cities for Remote Workers in 2023

Levi Borba is the founder of The Expatriate Consultancy, creator of the channel The Expat, and best-selling author. Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, meaning that the author will have a commission for any transactions.

Ilustration of the Mexican map and a beach for article about The Best Places to Retire in Mexico for Expats in 2023 Best Countries Ranking

The Best Places to Retire in Mexico for Expats…

For Americans or Europeans, These Are The Best Places in Mexico to Retire

Table of Contents
  • The 4 Expatriate Archetypes That Would Enjoy Retiring in Mexico (You might be one of them)
  • The Best Places to Retire in Mexico, from Lake Chapala to Playa del Carmen
    • Ensenada, Baja California: Good for both The Peace Seekers and the Sun Lovers
    • San Miguel de Allende: The Pleasant Spot for The Active Woman and the Pub Fellow
    • Playa del Carmen: The Favorite of The Sun Lovers
    • Puerto Vallarta: Another Great Spot for Linda
    • Lake Chapala: Peace Seekers like Mary and Robert Will Find Their Place Here
    • San Pedro Garza Garcia: An Upscale Destination for the Urban Couple
  • Is it Cheap to Retire in Mexico?
  • Where Do Most Americans Retire in Mexico (and Why Mexico City is so Popular?)
  • What are the Most Dangerous Cities in Mexico?
  • Conclusion: Retire to Mexico on a Budget (But With Class) And How To Find the Best Places for Expats

According to data from the Immigration Policy Unit of the Secretariat for Home Affairs (SEGOB), the number of Americans residing in Mexico increased by 69.9% in 2022 compared to 2019, the year before the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

If we consider the total US citizen entrances to Mexico, the number is even more significant: 215.9% according to the Mexican government.

These skyrocketing numbers contrast with the constant bad news we receive about violence and social  turmoil in Mexico.

So, how is that possible?

The answer is simple: Mexico is not Venezuela, a completely collapsed country. There are violent and problematic areas in Mexico (see more below), but there are also cities and entire regions with safety levels superior to the US and comparable to Europe (we also disclose them below).

Moving Out, Working Abroad and Keeping Your Sanity Cover
Recommended book: Moving Out, Working Abroad, and Keeping Your Sanity

The fact that the country is listed in the seven premier Spanish-speaking countries to visit to is not surprising. You can have an idyllic life in a sierra or beach town for a low cost of living and healthcare prices that are a tiny fraction of what they are in the US (and yes, Mexicans have decent private healthcare institutions in every big city). 

So this raises the question: while thousands of Americans, Western Europeans and even Russians  chose this that is one of the most beautiful and visited countries in the world (and also one of the best places for family holidays), which cities are the best for expat retirees?

To answer that, as in our previous article about the best places to retire in Portugal, we will resort to our archetypes: Mary, Robert, Linda, Thomas, Patricia, Susan, and John.

Ilustration of the Mexican map and a beach for article about The Best Places to Retire in Mexico for Expats in 2023

Ps: Before deciding to move to any country, visit it first, at least a couple of times in different seasons. As travel insurance for visiting Mexico (and any country in Latin America), we recommend Ekta.

The 4 Expatriate Archetypes That Would Enjoy Retiring in Mexico (You might be one of them)

  1. The Peace Seekers
    • Persona: Mary and Robert, both 70, retired teachers
    • Mary and Robert are a retired couple who have spent their lives teaching in busy, urban schools. Now they’re looking for a peaceful and quiet place to relax and enjoy their retirement.
    • They’re attracted to the calm and serene less-known coastal cities of Mexico, or even consider living in the countryside, where they can enjoy nature, read books, and take long walks. They’re particularly interested in small towns or villages, where they can become part of a close-knit community.
  2. The Sun Lovers
    • Persona: Linda, 68, retired nurse
    • Linda is a widowed retired nurse who loves the sun and the beach.
    • She’s looking to move to a coastal town where she can enjoy the warm weather and beautiful beaches. She’s interested in outdoor activities like swimming, hiking, and sailing. She’s also looking forward to enjoying fresh seafood, local cuisine, and socializing.
  3. The Urban Couple
    • Persona: Thomas and Patricia, 69 and 67, retired engineers
    • Thomas and Patricia are a couple who have spent their careers as engineers in a bustling metropolis. They’re looking for a retirement destination that offers the same level of connectivity and infrastructure they’re used to.
    • They’re attracted to larger cities, which offer excellent transport links, including international airports, ports (so they can visit the rest of their family in the country where they are from), and well-maintained highways.
    • Being health-conscious, they also want to be near top-notch healthcare facilities. Despite their love for city life, they also enjoy the occasional quiet retreat, so proximity to parks or natural reserves is a plus.
  4. The Active Woman and the Pub Fellow
    • Persona: Susan, 67, a former businesswoman, and John, 65, retired from a successful career in marketing. 
    • Susan is looking for an active retirement but also wants a place close to an airport so she can frequently travel to her home country to visit the rest of her family. She’s interested in moving to a city where she can engage in various activities like yoga classes, cycling, and golf. She’s also looking forward to exploring local markets, trying new foods, and attending local festivals and events.
    • John is looking to move to a vibrant city where he can immerse himself in the local culture, enjoy the nightlife, and make new friends. He’s particularly interested in learning Spanish and joining local clubs or societies where he can meet like-minded individuals.

The Best Places to Retire in Mexico, from Lake Chapala to Playa del Carmen

Ensenada, Baja California: Good for both The Peace Seekers and the Sun Lovers

Living costs in Ensenada are 72.9% lower than in New York, NY and housing prices in Ensenada are 88.3% lower than in New York, according to Numbeo.

Opening our list of the best places to retire in Mexico is Ensenada, located in Baja California. It is a coastal city that offers a peaceful and serene environment, perfect for retirees like Mary and Robert. Known for its warm climate, beautiful beaches, and excellent seafood, Ensenada offers a variety of outdoor activities, including surfing, fishing, and whale watching.

The city is also home to the Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico’s premier wine region, where they can enjoy peaceful vineyard tours and wine tastings. The cost of living in Ensenada is relatively low, making it an affordable option for retirees. The city has a small but growing expat community, providing a sense of community for those living far from home.

Playas de Baja California, Ensenada.

Closest International Airport to Ensenada

The closest international airport to Ensenada is the Tijuana International Airport, which is approximately 108 kilometers away. This airport offers flights to several major cities in the United States, such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Chicago. It also offers flights to Shanghai in China, making it a convenient option for international travel.

San Miguel de Allende: The Pleasant Spot for The Active Woman and the Pub Fellow

Prices in San Miguel de Allende are 64.4% lower than in New York (sourced from Numbeo).

San Miguel de Allende is a charming colonial city located in the central highlands of Mexico. It’s known for its well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture, vibrant arts scene, and pleasant climate. The city’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is filled with cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and beautiful churches.

For Susan, the city offers a variety of activities, from yoga classes to cycling, and for John, the city’s vibrant nightlife and cultural events provide ample opportunities for socializing and immersing himself in the local culture. San Miguel de Allende also offers a high quality of life at a reasonable cost. The city has a large and welcoming expat community, making it easy for newcomers to make friends and integrate into the local culture.

San Miguel de Allende, one of the best places to retire in Mexico

Closest International Airport to San Miguel de Allende

The nearest international airport to San Miguel de Allende is the Guanajuato International Airport, located about 77 kilometers away. This airport provides flights to several major cities in the United States, including Dallas, Houston, and Los Angeles. It also has flights to Cancun, Mexico, and Madrid, Spain, providing retirees with a variety of travel options.

Playa del Carmen: The Favorite of The Sun Lovers

Living costs including rent in Playa del Carmen are 65.3% lower than in New York, NY, according to the Numbeo comparison.

Playa del Carmen, located in the Riviera Maya, is a popular retirement destination for sun lovers like Linda. The city is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant nightlife. Linda can enjoy a range of outdoor activities from diving and snorkeling to exploring ancient Mayan ruins.

Playa del Carmen also has a thriving expat community and a cost of living that is lower than many U.S. cities. The city’s Fifth Avenue, or “La Quinta,” is a pedestrian walkway lined with shops, restaurants, and bars, providing endless entertainment options.

Playa Del Carmen Tourist District, Mayan Riviera, Mexico Shops, Restaurants

Closest International Airport to Playa del Carmen

The Cancun International Airport, located about 55 kilometers from Playa del Carmen, is the second busiest airport in Mexico. It offers flights to numerous major cities in the United States, including Miami, New York, and Los Angeles. Additionally, it provides flights to London, England, making it a convenient option for international travel.

Puerto Vallarta: Another Great Spot for Linda

Living costs including rent in Puerto Vallarta are 65.4% lower than in New York, NY

Puerto Vallarta is another great option for sun lovers like Linda. This resort town on Mexico’s Pacific coast is known for its beautiful beaches, water sports, and nightlife scene. The city’s Malecón, a beachside promenade, is home to contemporary sculptures, boutique shops, bustling nightclubs, and restaurants serving up local and international cuisine.

Puerto Vallarta also offers a range of affordable housing options, from luxury villas to more modest apartments. The city has a large and active expat community, and English is widely spoken, making it an easy transition for American retirees.

Puerto Vallarta, one of the best places to retire in Mexico

Closest International Airport to Puerto Vallarta

The Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport is conveniently located just 7.5 kilometers from the center of Puerto Vallarta. It offers flights to several major cities in the United States, such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Chicago. Additionally, it provides flights to Guadalajara, Mexico, and Calgary, Canada.

Lake Chapala: Peace Seekers like Mary and Robert Will Find Their Place Here

Living costs including rent in Guadalajara (the big large city to Lake Chapala) are 68.9% lower than in New York, NY

Lake Chapala, located in the state of Jalisco, is Mexico’s largest freshwater lake and a popular retirement destination for peace seekers like Mary and Robert. The area is known for its mild climate, beautiful scenery, and vibrant expat community.

The towns around the lake, such as Chapala and Ajijic, offer a relaxed lifestyle with plenty of amenities, including restaurants, shops, and healthcare facilities. The cost of living is also relatively low, making it an affordable option for retirees.

Not far from Lake Chapala is Guadalajara, one of the safest large cities in Mexico and with excellent private healthcare infrastructure.

Picture of a park in Guadalajara for an article about how safe is the city.

Closest International Airport to Lake Chapala

The closest international airport to Lake Chapala is the Guadalajara International Airport, which is approximately 31 kilometers away. This airport offers flights to several major cities in the United States, including Los Angeles, Dallas, and Houston. It also offers flights to Panama City, Panama, providing retirees with a variety of travel options.

San Pedro Garza Garcia: An Upscale Destination for the Urban Couple

Living costs including rent in San Pedro Garza Garcia are 56.4% lower than in New York, NY.

Closing our list of the best places to retire in Mexico is San Pedro Garza Garcia, located in the state of Nuevo Leon. It is one of the wealthiest municipalities in Mexico. The city is known for its high quality of life, modern infrastructure, and excellent services, making it an ideal location for urban couples like Thomas and Patricia. San Pedro Garza Garcia offers a range of amenities, including upscale restaurants, shopping centers, and cultural venues.

The city also has a number of parks and green spaces, providing plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. While the cost of living is higher compared to other Mexican cities, many retirees find it worth the additional expense for the lifestyle it offers. The city’s proximity to Monterrey, the state capital, also ensures easy access to top-notch healthcare facilities and an international airport.

Closest International Airport to San Pedro Garza Garcia

The General Mariano Escobedo International Airport, located about 35 kilometers from San Pedro Garza Garcia, offers flights to several major cities in the United States, including Houston, Dallas, and Atlanta. It also provides flights to Madrid, Spain, making it a convenient option for international travel.

Book: Budget Travelers, Digital Nomads & Expats: The Ultimate Guide: 50 Tips, Tricks, Hacks, and Ways to Free Stuff & Cheaper Flights
Recommended book: Budget Travelers, Digital Nomads & Expats: The Ultimate Guide: 50 Tips, Tricks, Hacks, and Ways to Free Stuff & Cheaper Flights

Is it Cheap to Retire in Mexico?

Yes, it is generally cheaper to retire in Mexico than in the United States or Canada. The cost of living is significantly lower, including housing, healthcare, and everyday expenses. However, it’s important to note that costs can vary depending on the region and lifestyle choices.

Check the price comparisons we made above of each one of the places to live in Mexico we listed vs New York. Even expensive cities like San Pedro Garza Garcia are more than 50% cheaper than cities like New York. It is a bargain.

Where Do Most Americans Retire in Mexico (and Why Mexico City is so Popular?)

Most US citizens who obtained a new residence card chose to live in three territories: Mexico City (3,518 people), Jalisco (3,427 people), and Quintana Roo (2,411 people). These three areas represent 48.92% of the total.

In the numbers above are included not only retirees, but also young professionals (what explains Mexico City’s large numbers).

If we talk only about american retirees, often they choose to settle in calmer places like Lake Chapala and San Miguel de Allende. These areas have significant communities of American, Canadian and European expats, making it easier for newcomers to integrate.

What are the Most Dangerous Cities in Mexico?

First of all, don’t worry: none of the cities mentioned here are among the most violent in Mexico. As a matter of fact, many of them are among the best cities for anyone looking for tranquility. 

Cities like Tijuana or Ciudad Juarez, marked by gang violence, are far away, and they are the ones placing Mexico as one of the most dangerous countries in Latin America and the world.

San Miguel de Allende and Lake Chapala are considered some of the safest places in the country. As always, it’s important to stay informed about local safety conditions and take necessary precautions.

We wrote an entire article explaining the most violent cities in Mexico, which I am sure you will find very interesting.

Conclusion: Retire to Mexico on a Budget (But With Class) And How To Find the Best Places for Expats

Retiring in Mexico offers a wealth of opportunities for those seeking a change of pace, a lower cost of living, and a chance to immerse themselves in a rich and diverse culture. From the Sierra Madre Mountains to the small beach towns of Baja California, Mexico is a country of contrasts, offering something for everyone.

The historic cities of San Miguel de Allende and San Pedro Garza Garcia, both listed among the 10 best places to retire, offer a blend of old-world charm and modern amenities. These cities, surrounded by mountains and steeped in history, offer a unique retirement experience that combines the best of both worlds.

The country’s best retirement communities are found in regions such as Lake Chapala, known as the largest freshwater lake in Mexico, and the state of Baja California, home to some of the cheapest places to retire. These communities offer a relaxed lifestyle, a warm climate, and a welcoming atmosphere for American and Canadian retirees.

No matter if you’re looking to retire abroad in Mexico or planning to relocate, the country offers a range of affordable places to live. From the cosmopolitan city of San Pedro Garza Garcia to the small beach town of Ensenada, Mexico is a popular retirement destination that caters to a variety of lifestyles and preferences.

Mexico is not only a country of beautiful cities and stunning landscapes, but it’s also a place that welcomes retirees with open arms. With its affordable cost of living, high quality of life, and friendly communities, it’s no wonder that Mexico is considered one of the best places to retire in the world. Whether you’re a peace seeker, a sun lover, an urban couple, or an active retiree, Mexico has a lot to offer.

So, if you’re planning to retire abroad, why not consider Mexico as your new home?


If you enjoyed this article about the best places to retire in Mexico, here are a few other reading suggestions for you:

  • The Favorite Country for Americans to Retire (By Far) and Why So Many Do So
  • The Dreamy Destination That’s 50% Cheaper to Live In than Spain
  • Why Did Over 29,000 Americans Choose Italy to Retire To?
  • Pros & Cons of Retiring in a Place Where Days Can Last for 19 Hours
  • Retirees Choose This Country Due to Low Costs and Simple Pleasures… But Is It Safe?
  • Why Did 7539 American Pensioners (And Lewis Hamilton) Move to This Tiny Country?

Subscribe (for free) to receive my articles directly in your inbox and receive a special gift. If you enjoy this article, please consider becoming a Medium member by using this link and have access to premium, unbiased content from authors not tied to big media.

Levi Borba is the founder of The Expatriate Consultancy, creator of the channel The Expat, and best-selling author. Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, meaning that the author will have a commission for any transactions.

Bariloche, one of the best places to retire in Argentina Best Countries Ranking

The 7 Best Spanish Speaking Countries To Visit (and…

We ranked the worst and the best Spanish speaking countries to visit (other than Spain). Here is it.

PS: After reading this interesting article about Spanish speaking countries to visit, check also our Youtube channel.

Table of Contents
  • The 4 Expatriate Archetypes That Would Enjoy Retiring in Mexico (You might be one of them)
  • The Best Places to Retire in Mexico, from Lake Chapala to Playa del Carmen
  • Is it Cheap to Retire in Mexico?
  • Where Do Most Americans Retire in Mexico (and Why Mexico City is so Popular?)
  • What are the Most Dangerous Cities in Mexico?
  • Conclusion: Retire to Mexico on a Budget (But With Class) And How To Find the Best Places for Expats

During my career in the transportation and tourism industry (a career that now spans over more than a decade), I was lucky to travel to over 50 countries.

Many of those were Spanish speaking – something convenient for me since it is one of the languages that I am fluent in.

And maybe it is exactly the language one of the reasons why so many people look specifically for countries that speak Spanish when planning holidays.

But the familiar official language and familiar language is not the only attraction that the former colonies of the Spanish empire have to offer. From Machu Picchu to Chichen Itza and Mayan ruins, from the Andes mountains to the Caribbean sea and some of the most beautiful beaches on the planet, traveling to a Spanish-speaking country means natural beauty at the touch of your hands.

All that while you can put your language skills to work and improve your Spanish.

In this rank we didn’t include Spain since it is already covered by many other pieces we published, and Puerto Rico, which is not really a country. 

But before we jump to the list, it is important to revise the criteria that we used to rank the top Spanish-speaking travel destinations.

Book: Budget Travelers, Digital Nomads & Expats: The Ultimate Guide: 50 Tips, Tricks, Hacks, and Ways to Free Stuff & Cheaper Flights
Recommended book: Budget Travelers, Digital Nomads & Expats: The Ultimate Guide: 50 Tips, Tricks, Hacks, and Ways to Free Stuff & Cheaper Flights

The Criteria to Rank the Best Spanish-Speaking Countries to Visit

We used 4 factors to rank the best Spanish-speaking countries for your next vacation.

1st – The number of international tourists each country receives per year.

The number of international tourist arrivals per year is a good proxy statistic to measure the touristic infrastructure and attractiveness of a country because it is a measure of how many people are interested in visiting a country.

  • It is a measure of demand: The number of tourist arrivals is a measure of how many people want to visit a country. If a country receives millions of visitors every month, it is likely a nice place to visit (unless it is really overcrowded).
  • It is a measure of supply: This is a good indicator of the availability of tourism attractions and services (like hotels and transportation) in a country.
  • It is a measure of satisfaction: The number of tourist arrivals is also a measure of the satisfaction of tourists with their experience, especially when we consider recurring travelers (those that come back after their first visit).

While there are exceptions to this rule, a higher number of international tourist arrivals indicates that a country has a more developed tourist infrastructure and is more attractive to tourists.

2nd – The Numbeo Cost Index

The Numbeo cost index is a tool that helps travelers compare the cost of living in different cities around the world. The index is based on a survey of prices for goods and services in different cities, and it is updated regularly.

The Numbeo cost of living index is useful for travelers because it can help them to budget for their trip. By knowing how much things cost in their destination city, travelers can avoid overspending. The index can also help travelers choose a city that is within their budget.

The index uses as a basis the costs of New York City in the US, which has a baseline number of 100. So if a given nation or city has an index of 50, it means its prices are in average 50% of the price you would expect in New York. 

Talking about costs, we have 2 very good articles for anyone interested in saving money while traveling: one is about the cheapest cities to fly into Europe and the other is about 3 inexpensive (but wonderful) cities to visit in Europe during winter.

3rd – The Homicide Rate

The homicide rate (sourced from Statista) is a good proxy statistic to measure violence because it is a relatively easy statistic to collect and it is a good indicator of the overall level of violence in a country. It is represented by the number of homicides per 100,000 people in a country. 

While there are exceptions (eg: countries that have a very high number of assaults or burglaries but almost no homicides), in general, a higher homicide rate indicates that a country is more violent.

And let’s admit: nobody wants to spend holidays worrying about safety.

If you want to know some really dangerous cities, check our articles about the most dangerous cities in Europe and about the most violent city in each of these 18 European countries.

Table with all the data collected

CountryInternational Tourists (2022) – in millionsNumbeo Cost IndexHomicide Rate (2022)
Mexico39.652.7829
Argentina7.659.435.3
Dominican Republic7.449.5912.2
Chile7.257.343.5
Colombia4.554.2524.9
Peru4.551.3120
Cuba4.250.165.2
Costa Rica3.152.5510.7
Uruguay2.952.837.5
Venezuela2.969.8556.3
Panama2.854.5519
Ecuador2.751.935.5
El Salvador2.550.0616.3
Guatemala2.551.0327.4
Honduras2.350.7342.8
Nicaragua1.750.4411.5
Bolivia1.351.576.6
Paraguay1.148.4811.5
Equatorial Guinea0.164.4110.2
Spanish-Speaking countries and their numbers.

4th – The Personal Opinion of the Author After Travelling to These Countries

I had been to the majority of the countries ranked below. While numbers, statistics, and other factual data are often useful to paint a general scenario of a certain holiday, human reviews are still important.

That is why we often check the opinions of other guests and customers when selecting a hotel, for example.

Of course, my opinion is not the most important factor here, but only one of the 4 that compose this entire analysis, and I am open to any criticism or disagreement (feel free to write it in the comment section).

And talking about personal opinions, check later this article about the most (and the LEAST) beautiful European capitals.

The Worst Spanish-Speaking Country to Visit in 2023: Venezuela

Caracas, Venezuela. It is for obvious reasons outside the top 7 of the best Spanish speaking countries to visit.

Check the third column in the table a few paragraphs above. A generally acceptable number there is below 20. A desirable number would be in the single-digit.

But pay attention to the whooping value for Venezuela.

This once rich and prosperous South American country is now one of the most violent in the entire world.

Venezuela is violent. It became so dangerous that the number of murders and kidnaps in this country would make war zones look peaceful.

Still, even violent countries like Mexico manage to keep relatively peaceful zones that are attractive for international travelers (the touristic hotspots of Mexico are way safer than the rest of the country, except for Acapulco).

But this is not the case in Venezuela. If the enormous violence was not enough, the country went downhill in many other aspects. 

The infrastructure in Venezuela is also in a state of decay. The country’s roads, bridges, and airports are in poor condition. There are also frequent power outages and water shortages. The decaying infrastructure makes it difficult to get around Venezuela and to access basic necessities.

In addition to the high homicide rate and decaying infrastructure, there are other reasons why Venezuela is a bad place to visit. Currency controls, for example, make it difficult to change back to US dollar any Bolivar that you didn’t use during your trip.

The 7 Best Spanish-Speaking Countries to Visit

7th – The Dominican Republic

Number of international tourists per year: 7.4 million

Reasons why the Dominican Republic deserves a place in this ranking:

  • Beautiful beaches: The Dominican Republic has some of the most beautiful beaches on the continent. I had been to the white-sand beaches of Punta Cana, and it is really world-class (that explains why so many wealthy pensioners often chose this place).
  • Friendly people: Dominicans are known for their warm hospitality and friendly smiles. You will be welcomed with open arms wherever you go.
  • Affordable prices if you are traveling with a family: The Dominican Republic is a very affordable travel destination for families. Local resorts have special packages for couples with kids, and the little ones will have plenty of entertainment. It is also a great honeymoon destination. 

In addition to all of these reasons, the Dominican Republic also has a unique Spanish dialect that is worth experiencing. Dominican Spanish is known for its fast pace and its use of slang. If you are a Spanish speaker, you will have a lot of fun trying to understand the locals.

If you are looking for a beautiful, friendly, and well-connected by-air destination, the Dominican Republic is a great option.

6th – El Salvador

Number of international tourists per year: 2.5 million

Despite its turbulent history and decades of civil war (something already on the past), El Salvador has made significant strides in recent years to enhance its tourism sector and attract visitors from around the world.

Notably, El Salvador has experienced a significant decrease in violence over the past two years. This positive trend has contributed to creating a safer environment for both residents and visitors, allowing tourists to explore the country’s attractions with a greater sense of security.  We wrote an entire article about the fantastic decrease in criminality in El Salvador.

One of the primary reasons to visit El Salvador is its stunning natural landscapes. The country is blessed with picturesque beaches along its Pacific coastline, which is renowned among surfers for their consistent waves.

Inland, the country offers lush national parks like El Imposible, providing opportunities for wildlife encounters and nature enthusiasts.

El Salvador’s rich cultural heritage is another compelling reason to explore the country. Its charming colonial towns, such as Suchitoto and Concepcion de Ataco, offer visitors a glimpse into the nation’s history, with well-preserved architecture, cobblestone streets, and colorful houses.

El Salvador has its own distinct Spanish dialect, known as Salvadoran Spanish. Compared to some other Spanish-speaking countries, Salvadoran Spanish is considered relatively straightforward and easy to understand for learners, making it an ideal place for language enthusiasts to practice their Spanish skills.

5th – Peru

Number of international tourists per year: 4.5 million

One of the main draws of Peru is its archaeological treasures, notably the legendary Machu Picchu. This ancient Inca citadel nestled in the Andes Mountains is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the World’s New Seven Wonders.

Despite having a gorgeous coastline, the amount of cultural attractions in Peru makes it one of the great destinations for people that hate beaches.

Peru’s cities also offer a unique charm.

  • Lima, the capital, showcases a fusion of colonial architecture, modern skyscrapers, and a vibrant culinary scene. The Peruvian capital has Michelin-star restaurants enough to rival any European capital.
  • Cusco, the gateway to Machu Picchu, boasts cobblestone streets, Inca ruins, and a lively atmosphere.
  • Other cities like Arequipa and Trujillo feature stunning colonial architecture and historical sites that highlight Peru’s rich past.
  • If you are a surfer, a must-see is the wavy, sandy beaches situated just south of Máncora.

The Peruvian accent is generally considered clear and easy to understand, making it favorable for language learners. Peruvians are also known for their friendly and warm approach, making interactions with locals a delightful experience.

4th – Chile

Number of international tourists per year: 7.2 million

Photo of Santiago by the author.
Photo of Santiago by the author.

One of the main reasons to visit Chile is its breathtaking natural landscapes, from Patagonia in the south to the Atacama Desert in the north. It is also tops the list of the best countries to live in Latin America, and that says something.

Additionally, Chile boasts the awe-inspiring Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia, with its majestic mountains, glaciers, and turquoise lakes. The country also offers a diverse range of outdoor activities, including hiking and skiing (I learned to ski there, in the resort of El Colorado, very close to the capital Santiago).

Since many of our readers wanted to know more about this country, we wrote an entire article about living in Chile. But now, let’s open space for some polemics: if you are still in the first stages of learning Spanish, maybe Chile is not the best place for you. Not at least to practice your Spanish.

Chilean Spanish is characterized by its rapid speech, unique pronunciation, and a variety of local slang words and expressions. Chileans often use distinctive vocabulary and pronunciation, making their Spanish dialect, not the easiest to understand. For example, they tend to drop the final “s” in words and use specific idiomatic phrases.

3rd – Costa Rica

Number of international tourists per year: 3.1 million

Probably there is no country in the world that mastered the art of harnessing tourism for beneficial purposes while conserving its natural landscape like them. Yes, in this matter, Costa Rica is really an example to be followed.

In addition to its natural beauty and language, Costa Rica is committed to sustainable tourism and conservation. The country has dedicated a significant portion of its land to protected areas, ensuring the preservation of its unique ecosystems. Visitors have the opportunity to engage in eco-friendly activities, such as rainforest hikes, wildlife tours, and educational experiences that promote environmental awareness.

Costa Rica also became a place to go for digital nomads due to the low costs.

Costa Ricans, commonly referred to as “Ticos,” have a friendly and welcoming nature, and their Spanish dialect reflects that. Tico Spanish is characterized by a gentle and melodic rhythm, with a tendency to use diminutives and colloquial expressions. Compared to other Spanish-speaking countries it is generally considered clear and easy to understand for learners.

2nd – Mexico

Number of international tourists per year: 39.6 million.

Hotel view in Cancun. Photo by the author. Mexico is the 2nd among the best spanish speaking countries to visit not considering Spain.
Hotel view in Cancun. Photo by the author.

Mexico is one of the most visited countries in the world. That statement is self-explanatory when we debate how attractive is this country for your next holidays.

Since in this ranking we are not considering Spain, likely many readers would expect Mexico to top the list, so instead of writing about all the obvious strong points of Mexico as a popular travel destination, we will explain why it took the 2nd, and not the first place.

In the most touristy zones of Mexico, likely will not hear much of the Spanish language. You can have a great time visiting Cancun, Tulum, or the ancient Mayan ruins in the middle of the jungle but it is not the best place to practice your language skills. Mexico also attracts expatriates willing to retire abroad, especially from the US.

That was my experience at least. Since every service in the hotel zone of Cancun is targeted at American and other foreign tourists, nearly everyone speaks English and most things are written in English.

Additionally, due to its proximity to the US, Mexico is not really a cheap place to visit during the high season – especially if we compare Mexico versus the first place in this ranking, which is incredibly inexpensive.

Concerning safety, Mexico has had its share of security challenges in certain areas (we wrote about the Mexican murder capitals here), particularly near the border. However, popular tourist destinations and cities that heavily rely on tourism, such as Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Los Cabos, have well-established security measures in place, making them relatively safe for travelers. These areas often have a significant police presence and prioritize the safety of visitors.

The Best Spanish-Speaking Country to Visit in 2023: Argentina

Number of international tourists per year: 7.6 million per year.

A photo that I took from a note of 100 Argentinian pesos. It is the equivalent of 0.42 US dollar.
A photo that I took from a note of 100 Argentinian pesos. It is the equivalent of 0.42 US dollar.

Stunning landscapes, epic architecture in the capital Buenos Aires, and some seriously delicious food. From the mind-blowing glaciers in Patagonia to the insane Iguazu Falls (I spent part of my honeymoon there!), this country (once an escape for war criminals) will leave you speechless.

And I say that as a Brazilian (we were supposed to have some rivalry with our Argentinian neighbors, but I will not deny that their country is gorgeous).

The food, the landscape, the culture… all that would be enough to put Argentina in this top 7.

But here is what really raised them to the 1st place: it is ridiculously cheap to visit Argentina right now.  Their currency is very devaluated against the dollar or euro.

An infinite pool in a picturesque resort for the price of a hostel room in Europe. That is what you can experience in the 1st place in this ranking—photo by the author.
An infinite pool in a picturesque resort for the price of a hostel room in Europe. That is what you can experience in the 1st place of our ranking of the best Spanish speaking countries to visit—photo by the author.

Due to the devaluation of the Argentine peso, the country and its capital Buenos Aires have become incredibly affordable destinations for international travelers. With the exchange rate favoring foreign currencies, visitors can enjoy excellent value for their money.

This means that accommodation, dining, transportation, and entertainment can be more budget-friendly compared to other destinations. It is your chance to stay in a 4* star hotel for the price of a hostel bed in Europe.

Argentina is a huge country and therefore has multiple dialects. In the capital Buenos Aires, it is characterized by its unique pronunciation and vocabulary, influenced by Italian and European immigrants who settled there. Meanwhile, in areas like Misiones, it carries indigenous influences.

Moving Out, Working Abroad and Keeping Your Sanity Cover
Recommended book: Moving Out, Working Abroad, and Keeping Your Sanity

If you enjoyed this article about travel spots where Spanish is the official language, here are a few other reading suggestions for you:

The 7 Countries With The Worst Work-Life Balance in The OECD

The Best Cities for Remote Workers in 2023

Levi Borba is the founder of The Expatriate Consultancy, creator of the channel The Expat, and best-selling author. Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, meaning that the author will have a commission for any transactions.

Illustration for article about the population collapse and Countries With Declining Populations Best Countries Ranking

Population Collapse: Top 10 Countries With Declining Populations

The Countdown to Collapse and the Demographic Doomsday: 10 Countries With Declining Populations

The global population curve inversion (when it stops growing and starts to decrease) is a moment that is apparently coming faster than experts expected decades ago, and there are multiple countries with declining populations already. In some of them, problems are getting serious.

Recent reports predict the global population will peak at 9.7 billion in 2064 before declining.

But way before that, multiple countries will see their populations decrease to the point of collapsing structures like workforce and (most of all), social security.

See also: Your Retirement is an Illusion: Why Most of Us Will Work to Death

It is a ticking time bomb for numerous nations across the globe (while it will also benefit immensely some people).

Some nations may face such drastic drops in the numbers of their young, tax-paying citizens that the funding of their government structures may be wiped out due to lacking budgets.

There are many reasons to blame (or thank for, if you are one of those that benefit from shrinking populations) for the demographic collapse in these countries. This is a phenomenon that has been attributed to things like increased birth control, family planning, urbanization, increasing costs, and changing cultural norms.

The problems caused by population decline are not very visible when we talk about marginal percentages, like a 2 or 3% decline in a time span of decades.

But in the next few paragraphs, we will show you countries that may lose up to one-quarter of their total population in a matter of decades.

This doesn’t happen without some nasty consequences.

That means ghost cities, economic downfall, collapsed social security, and obliteration of tax revenues in many countries.

Recommended book: Moving Out, Working Abroad, and Keeping Your Sanity
Recommended book: Moving Out, Working Abroad, and Keeping Your Sanity

The Criteria Used to Determine the Worst Ten Countries With Declining Populations

First of all, the 10 countries below are not the absolute worst regarding forecasted population decline. There are nations like Latvia or some islands in the Pacific Ocean that have even worse demographic decreases but didn’t make it to the list because they are too small.

That is because we only considered countries with more than 5 million residents.

Another filter applied was to take out countries that are currently experiencing a considerable inflow or outflow of refugees. For example, both Poland and Ukraine experienced enormous population changes last year due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

While Poland gained millions of new residents, Ukraine lost a considerable share. But this is likely not a permanent demographic change and often refugees return to their countries after armed conflicts. That is the reason we didn’t consider demographic challenges in both countries (although they do exist).

The Data Source

All the information about past populations and the forecasted number of residents in the countries mentioned below is from the 2022 data release from the UN Population Division.

Some additional information is from OurWorldInData. Data about fertility rates are from UNFPA or from the World Bank.

All the population pyramids are from populationpyramid.net.

Other sources (like the provided demographic pyramids) are linked after their respective mentions.

What a “healthy” demographic pyramid looks like

One of the few countries in Europe that are close to the population replacement fertility rate (2.1 children per woman) is Azerbaijan (although one could argue that they are actually located in Asia).

Their population pyramid looks like this:

Population of Azerbaijan 2020 - PopulationPyramid.net

A country with a stable population usually has a population pyramid with roughly the same number of people in each age and gender group.

The pyramid has a somewhat rectangular shape with relatively equal numbers of people in each age range, with a slightly wider base representing the younger age groups and a slightly narrower top representing the older age groups. The number of men and women is about the same.

What the demographic pyramid of a fast-growing country looks like

The fastest-growing country in the world (in terms of population) is Niger. Their birth rate is a whopping 6.6 children per woman. Below is their population pyramid.

Population of Niger 2019 - PopulationPyramid.net

The pyramid of a country like Niger, with a rapidly growing population, has a wide base and a narrow top, indicating a high proportion of young people.

Now that you know what the population pyramids of stable and growing countries look like, time to jump into the countries with declining populations.

Low Fertility Rates – What It Means

The fertility rate is a measure of the average number of children born to a woman over her lifetime, in a specific population or region.

It is calculated by dividing the total number of live births in a given year by the number of women of reproductive age (usually defined as ages 15-49) in that same year and then multiplying the result by a factor that adjusts for the age distribution of women in the population.

The replacement fertility rate is the number of children that each woman needs to have on average in order to replace herself and her partner in the population over the long term.

In other words, it is the fertility rate at which the population size remains constant, neither increasing nor decreasing.

The replacement fertility rate is typically estimated to be around 2.1 children per woman.

Any country with a fertility rate lower than that tends to have a population decline unless it increases life expectancy or experiences an inflow of immigrants.

Read also: The 5 Fastest Growing Cities in Europe Have Some Curious Things in Common

Recommended book: Budget Travelers, Digital Nomads & Expats: The Ultimate Guide: 50 Tips, Tricks, Hacks, and Ways to Free Stuff & Cheaper Flights
Recommended book: Budget Travelers, Digital Nomads & Expats: The Ultimate Guide: 50 Tips, Tricks, Hacks, and Ways to Free Stuff & Cheaper Flights

The Fastest-Shrinking Countries in the World: Declining Populations

10th – China

Fertility rate: 1.45 births per woman

Population in 1990: 1,153,704,200 people

Population in 2022: 1,425,887,400 people

Projected Population for 2050: 1,312,636,300 people

Forecasted population decline of China: -7.9%

One of the main reasons for the Chinese decline is the country’s one-child policy, which was in place from 1979 to 2015.

The policy was meant to control the population growth rate, but it had unintended consequences, such as a disproportionately high number of male children being born due to a cultural preference for sons. China is the worldwide leader in the number of abortions already for decades, and abortive procedures often are executed after parents discovering they will have a girl.

The policy has also led to an aging population and a shrinking workforce, which could have a negative impact on China’s economic and growth rate. Additionally, the high cost of living in urban areas has discouraged people from having children, and many couples are choosing to delay or forgo having children altogether.

Another contributing factor is China’s rapidly aging population, which puts pressure on the country’s healthcare and pension systems.

The country’s birth rate has been consistently declining since the 1980s, and as a result, the proportion of elderly people is increasing. By 2050, it is estimated that almost 30% of the Chinese population will be over 60 years old. This aging population puts pressure on the government to provide adequate healthcare and pension benefits, while also raising concerns about the future of the country’s workforce and economic growth.

Population of China 2021 - PopulationPyramid.net. The 10th worst among the countries with declining populations

9th – Russia

Fertility rate: 1.5 births per woman

Population in 1990: 148,005,700

Population in 2022: 144,713,310

Projected Population for 2050: 133,133,030

Forecasted population decline of Russia: -8%

Russia’s population decline is due to a combination of low fertility rates, high mortality rates, and emigration.

Emigration is a major problem both in the poorest areas since Russia is one of the most unequal countries in the world, but also in large urban and richer areas, where educated Russians leave the country in a massive brain drain, since they prefer to work abroad for bigger salaries.

According to the United Nations, Russia’s population is expected to decline by 10 million people by 2050. Factors contributing to this decline include high levels of alcohol and tobacco consumption, a lack of access to quality healthcare, and a high incidence of infectious diseases.

Emigration is also a significant factor, with many young and educated Russians leaving the country in search of better opportunities, something that increased after the sanctions imposed due to the invasion of Ukraine. Western countries and even places in the middle east like Dubai received considerable number of Russians escaping sanctions.

One curious phenomenon in Russia is that male life expectancy is way lower than female due to high suicide rates, violence, and alcoholism.

Population of Russian Federation 2020 - PopulationPyramid.net. The 9th worst among the countries with declining populations

8th – Portugal

Fertility rate: 1.44 births per woman

Population in 1990: 10,007,347

Population in 2022: 10,270,857

Projected Population for 2050: 9,261,306

Forecasted population decline of Portugal: -9.8%

Portugal’s population decline is due to low fertility rates and emigration (despite it being very attractive to foreign pensioners and figuring among the best retirement destinations in the world). It managed to keep it population somehow stable during the last decades due to an influx of immigrants from Brazil and other portuguese speaking nations, as well as expatriates looking to retire with high standards of life while spending little.

According to a report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Portugal has the highest rate of emigration among OECD countries, with an estimated 2.5 million Portuguese citizens living abroad.

Population of Portugal 2020 - PopulationPyramid.net. The 8th worst among the countries with declining populations

7th – Cuba

Fertility rate: 1.6 births per woman

Population in 1990: 10,626,679

Population in 2022: 11,212,198

Projected Population for 2050: 10,028,082

Forecasted population decline of Cuba: -10.6%

In Cuba, the demographic decline is due to low birth rates and emigration. Cuba’s birth rate has been declining since the 1970s, due in part to family planning policies, economic pressure and changing cultural norms.

Emigration, especially from the Island to the USA, has also been a factor.

Population of Cuba 2020 - PopulationPyramid.net. The 7th worst among the countries with declining populations

6th – Romania

Fertility rate: 1.58 births per woman

Population in 1990: 22,836,234

Population in 2022: 19,659,270

Projected Population for 2050: 17,457,214

Forecasted population decline of Romania: -11.2%

Romania’s declining population is due to low fertility rates and emigration in recent years. Many young and educated Romanians left the country in search of better opportunities.

This is a common situation in Eastern Europe, and that is why there is one of the neighboring countries of Romania at the top of this list.

According to a report from Bloomberg, during the past decade, millions of Romanians have left the country and headed toward more developed countries since their admission into the European Union

Population of Romania 2022 - PopulationPyramid.net. The 6th worst among the countries with declining populations

5th – Italy

Fertility rate: 1.3 births per woman

Population in 1990: 56,756,560

Population in 2022: 59,037,470

Projected Population for 2050: 52,250,484

Forecasted population decline of Italy: -11.5%

Italy’s population decline is due to low fertility rates and aging. The country has one of the lowest birth rates outside eastern Asia, with an average of 1.3 children per woman.

Italy also has one of the oldest populations in the world, with a median age of 47.3 years. This demographic shift is putting a strain on the country’s economy and social welfare systems, as there are fewer young people to support the growing number of elderly citizens.

Population of Italy 2020 - PopulationPyramid.net. The 5th worst among the countries with declining populations

4th – South Korea

Fertility rate: 1.39 births per woman

Population in 1990: 44,120,040

Population in 2022: 51,815,810

Projected Population for 2050: 45,770,870

Forecasted population decline of South Korea: -11.7%

In South Korea, the demographic decline is driven by low birth rates and an aging population. South Korea has one of the lowest birth rates in the world, due in part to changing cultural norms and economic pressures.

One of the main reasons for such low numbers is the fact that the country has one of the worst work-life balances in the world according to the OECD.

The country also has a rapidly aging and declining population now, with a growing number of elderly people who require care and support.

Population of Republic of Korea 2020 - PopulationPyramid.net. The 4th worst among the countries with declining populations

3th – Greece

Fertility rate: 1.31 births per woman

Population in 1990: 10,302,255

Population in 2022: 10,384,972

Projected Population for 2050: 9,144,953

Forecasted population decline of Greece: -11.9%

Greece’s population is expected to drop almost 12% during the next decades, and the demographic decline is due to a combination of lower birth rates (an issue common in many european countries), high emigration, and an aging population.

Greece’s birth rate has been declining since the 1980s, and emigration has been a factor as young people leave in search of better economic opportunities and to escape the negative impacts of the serious economic downfall that started in 2009.

The country’s population also has a high proportion of elderly people, with a low ratio of working-age people to support them.

Population of Greece 2020 - PopulationPyramid.net. The 3rd worst among the countries with declining populations

2th – Japan

Fertility rate: 1.34

Population in 1990: 123,686,320

Population in 2022: 123,951,700

Projected Population for 2050: 103,784,360

Forecasted population decline of Japan: -16.3%

In Japan, the demographic decline is largely due to a low birth rate and an aging population. Japan has one of the lowest birth rates in the world, due in part to changing cultural norms and economic pressures.

The country also has a rapidly aging population, with a growing number of elderly people who require care and support. Japan’s government has been implementing policies to encourage people to have more children, such as increasing childcare support and offering financial incentives.

However, these policies have had limited success so far in reversing the country’s demographic decline.

Population of Japan 2020 - PopulationPyramid.net. The 2nd worst among the countries with declining populations

1st – Bulgaria

Fertility rate: 1.56

Population in 1990: 8,767,778

Population in 2022: 6,781,955

Projected Population for 2050: 5,187,394

Forecasted population decline of Bulgaria: -23.5%

Bulgaria tops our list of countries with declining populations, but as we can see, their fertility rateis not that bad when compared to other countries in this list (although still alarmingly below replacement levels). That gives a hint that the reason for Bulgaria occupying the top place among the fastest declining populations is another.

It is an issue that also affected a few other Eastern European countries: the exodus of young professionals after the entrance into the European Union. The population decline may be well one of the reasons the local government instituted programs to bring remote workers and pensioners to Bulgaria.

After Bulgaria’s entrance into the European Union in 2007, many Bulgarians emigrated to other EU countries in search of better economic opportunities and higher standards of living. This resulted in a brain drain of skilled workers, leaving behind an aging population with fewer young people to support them.

So, Tl;DR: Bulgaria’s demographic decline is due to a combination of factors, including low birth rates, high death rates, and, most of all, emigration. Curiously, despite the low fertility rates, Bulgaria is also one of the easiest countries in the world to adopt a baby from.

Population of Bulgaria 2019 - PopulationPyramid.net. The worst among the countries with declining populations

What More We Should Know About The Current Population Decline?

What is the main reason behind the current population decline in many countries?

The main reasons behind the declining population in many countries, particularly in European countries, are a combination of low fertility rates, aging population, and high emigration rates. The fertility rate in these countries has significantly dropped below the replacement level of 2.1 births per woman, leading to fewer births and an overall population decline. Furthermore, the aging population results in a higher death rate, and high emigration rates cause a loss of young working-age individuals, further contributing to the problem.

What is the global impact of an expected population decline?

The global population is expected to reach its peak around 2100 and then start to decline slowly. This could have several implications such as economic challenges due to a shrinking workforce and the increasing costs of providing healthcare and social services to an aging population. Furthermore, a declining population can lead to reduced demand for goods and services, lower economic growth, and potential political instability in affected countries.


If you enjoyed this article about countries with declining populations, here are a few other reading suggestions for you:

The Best Cities for Remote Workers in 2023

The Mind-Blowing Tourist Scams You Can Find in Europe

Subscribe (for free) to receive my articles directly in your inbox and receive a special gift. If you enjoy this article, please consider becoming a Medium member by using this link and have access to premium, unbiased content from authors not tied to big media.

Levi Borba is the founder of The Expatriate Consultancy, creator of the channel The Expat, and best-selling author. Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, meaning that the author will have a commission for any transactions.

Illustration with map of Spain for article about The Best Places to Retire in Spain Best Countries Ranking

The Best Places to Retire in Spain

Discover The Best Places to Retire in Spain (and Why Madrid is Not in The Top 10)

Table of Contents
  • The 4 Expatriate Archetypes That Would Enjoy Retiring in Mexico (You might be one of them)
  • The Best Places to Retire in Mexico, from Lake Chapala to Playa del Carmen
  • Is it Cheap to Retire in Mexico?
  • Where Do Most Americans Retire in Mexico (and Why Mexico City is so Popular?)
  • What are the Most Dangerous Cities in Mexico?
  • Conclusion: Retire to Mexico on a Budget (But With Class) And How To Find the Best Places for Expats

If you have already read any of my other articles about retirement abroad, you can jump straight to the first subtitle (Why are we writing about retiring in Spain?). If not, keep reading from the beginning to get some context about the best places to retire in Spain.

My company helps expats. Many of these people know what they want and just need help. What about retiring in X? What’s your opinion? they ask me.

Often I don’t know what to say. I tell my team to research the destination and write a detailed report so I can give our customers the information they need.

Not surprisingly, most of the destinations are warm places with idyllic beaches. Below is the resumed version of some reports we did, available for free for you:

  • The Favorite Country for Americans to Retire (By Far) and Why So Many Do So
  • The Insane Economics Behind the Idea of Retirement in Jamaica
  • The Dreamy Destination That’s 50% Cheaper to Live In than Spain
  • Why Did Over 29,000 Americans Choose Italy to Retire To?
  • Pros & Cons of Retiring in a Place Where Days Can Last for 19 Hours
  • How a Central-American Country Safer Than Delaware Became Popular Among Pensioners
  • Retirees Choose This Country Due to Low Costs and Simple Pleasures… But Is It Safe?
  • The Fascination of Retirees and Digital Nomads With This Caribbean Destination
  • Why Did 7539 American Pensioners (And Lewis Hamilton) Move to This Tiny Country?

Ps: Check also our Youtube Channel.

Why are we writing about retiring in Spain?

As we said, our team wrote about a myriad of countries that are among the favorite places for pensioners, remote workers, and digital nomads.

There is a certain country that we wrote a few times about on our website: Spain.

It figured in multiple articles and ranks we made (more about these ranks below) because the demand for people interested in moving to Spain is massive.

But we never wrote about where to live in Spain, especially if you are a pensioner.

Until now…

Before jumping on the best places to retire in Spain, let’s understand the criteria used.

The Criteria to Define the 10 Best Places to Retire in Spain

While some aspects of the decision to move somewhere are indeed subjective, we specified a set of objective indicators and data to select the best places to retire in Spain.

Some other aspects, like the bureaucracy of moving to some places, we decided to leave out. The reason is that they would differ drastically from reader to reader. For example, if you are an American, moving to Valencia demands a few more bureaucratic steps (but it is still doable) than if you are German.

Hospital beds per 1000 inhabitants.

This may not be that important if you are part of the FIRE movement, but if we are talking about the traditional idea of retirement (when we are already at a certain age), good healthcare is necessary because people get sicker as they get older.

While this is not always the case, a city with few hospital beds per 1000 people may have an overburdened healthcare system. This can delay medical procedures and make specialized care harder to get. However, a city with many hospital beds per 1000 people often will have a decent healthcare system.

The source for this data is the Ministerio de Sanidad(Health Ministry of Spain).

The income per capita.

A higher income per capita means that the city or region has a higher average income, which typically leads to a higher standard of living, better infrastructure, and access to quality healthcare facilities (since these areas attract better doctors, clinics, and other infrastructure investments).

The data used is from the INE (Instituto Nacional de Estadística).

The Human Development Index (HDI)

The “human development index” (HDI) is a composite indicator that goes from 0 to 1. It takes into account factors such as life expectancy, education, and income to provide an overall measure of human development in a certain place.

The HDI is an important indicator when deciding a place for retirement because it provides insight into the overall quality of life in the area.

To put it into perspective, Norway has an HDI of 0.861, while Pakistan has an HDI of 0.544.

The Regional HDI of Spain is calculated by the Instituto Nacional de Estadística or compiled by the GlobalDataLab.

Cost of living per couple and to rent/purchase an apartment in the city center.

This is self-explanatory. If someone is retiring abroad, he/she wants to make the best of her buck.

When we are living on a stable pension from abroad, we look for a place where we can have a good quality of life for the lowest prices.

For these indicators, we used data from Numbeo and Expatistan.

Disclaimer: This indicator uses 2021 data. Since 2022 and 2023 had high inflation, values may be higher now, but the difference between cities (what matters for a comparison) remains.

The average temperature in January

January is the coldest month of the year in the northern hemisphere, and this is also valid for Spain.

Older people are especially affected by cold, so living in a place where negative temperatures are rare can boost immensely their quality of life. Some of the health conditions that are triggered or worsened by colder temperatures are:

  • Arthritis: Cold weather can cause joint pain, stiffness, and swelling in people with arthritis. This is because cold temperatures can cause the tissues around the joints to contract, leading to increased pressure on the joints.
  • Influenza and other respiratory infections: Cold weather can weaken the immune system, making older adults more susceptible to respiratory infections like the flu, pneumonia, and bronchitis.
  • Heart attacks and strokes: Cold temperatures can cause blood vessels to constrict, leading to an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes in older adults.
  • Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): SAD is a type of depression that occurs during the winter months, and it can affect older adults as well.

The 11 cities we selected as the best places to retire in Spain are ranked below based on their average temperatures in January, from warmest to coldest.

To put into perspective, the average temperature where I live (Poland) is 1.5 negative in January.

  1. Tenerife – 20°C
  2. Malaga – 14°C
  3. Costa del Sol – 14°C
  4. Alicante – 13°C
  5. Valencia – 12°C
  6. Costa de Azahar – 11°C
  7. Mallorca – 10°C
  8. Bilbao – 8°C
  9. Madrid – 7°C
  10. San Sebastian – 7°C

The average maximum temperature in July

While warm weather help with health conditions like Arthritis, excessively high temperatures can also present a risk for older people.

This is especially true when we get close to or above 40 degrees Celsius. I lived for some years in Qatar and high temperatures were one of the major risks for construction workers–mostly young and healthy. For seniors, it is even more dangerous.

That is why we filtered out any city that has an average maximum temperature in July (summer peak) above 32 degrees celsius. This resulted in the removal of cities like Seville (35.5°C of average max. temperature in July) and Córdoba, which has an incredible 36.5°C of average max. temperature in July and many days going above 40°C.

Below is the July average maximum temperature of our selected cities, from highest to lowest.

  1. Costa del Sol – 31°C
  2. Malaga – 30°C
  3. Alicante – 30°C
  4. Mallorca – 30°C
  5. Valencia – 29°C
  6. Costa de Azahar – 29°C
  7. Tenerife – 28°C
  8. Madrid – 28°C
  9. San Sebastian – 23°C
  10. Bilbao – 23°C

Now that all the criteria used are clear, time to go for our list.

Recommended book: Moving Out, Working Abroad, and Keeping Your Sanity
Recommended book: Moving Out, Working Abroad, and Keeping Your Sanity

The Best Places to Retire in Spain (and Why Madrid Has No Spot in the Top10)

Madrid: good quality of life for pensioners…. but for a high cost.

  • Population: 3,334,730
  • Hospital beds per 1000 inhabitants: 1.8 per 1,000 inhabitants
  • Income per capita: €34,821
  • HDI: 0.940 (2021)
  • Cost of living for a couple: €2,506.94 per month
  • Average maximum temperature in July: 28°C
  • Average temperature in January: 7°C
  • Cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center: €971.43 per month.
Center of Madrid, Spain
Center of Madrid, Spain. Image edited by ExpatriateConsultancy.com team using resources from Canva.

We were not supposed to put Madrid, the largest Spanish city, on this list of the best places to retire.

However, we inserted it for a few reasons.

The first of them is that there are indeed some pros to retire in the spanish capital.

Pros like the ample offer of high-quality major hospitals, entertainment and cultural options like science and art museums, an international airport that connects you to the entire world, excellent transport links by rail, and all the modern conveniences that a 3-million-people city can offer.

Madrid also has plenty of green spaces (they represent almost 16% of the city) and fresh food is available in the daily central market. In terms of violence, Madrid is a very safe city too.

The second reason we put Madrid in this ranking is that indeed a lot of people (including over 6 thousand other British citizens and expats) choose this city to live in.

But what are the cons of living in one of the largest European cities?

First and foremost, Madrid is expensive (the same is valid for another city we didn’t put in this list, Barcelona). Both the capital and surroundings are ery expensive when compared to many of the cities mentioned here.

If you are retiring abroad, you want to be cost-effective, and compared to other Spanish cities, Madrid is not. Another reason we didn’t put Madrid in the Top 10 is that it can get cold in the winter since the city is located at 657 meters of altitude. The third reason is that it is a 3-million-people metropolis, and therefore, it can get noisy, polluted, and complicated.

But, as we said, it has an excellent healthcare system and great infrastructure.

Read also: Find out where to travel in Europe each month of the year.

Mallorca

  • Population: 896,038
  • Hospital beds per 1,000 inhabitants: 1.9 (Balearic Islands region)
  • Income per capita: €24,866(Balearic Islands region)
  • HDI: 0.876 (Balearic Islands region)
  • Average cost of living for a couple: €2,238.15
  • Average max. temperature in July: 26°C
  • Average temperature in January: 10°C
  • Cost of renting a 1-bedroom apartment in city center: €825
Palma de Mallorca, Spain
Palma de Mallorca, Spain. Image edited by ExpatriateConsultancy.com team using resources from Canva.

Pros of retiring in Mallorca

  • Warm and sunny climate all year round.
  • The Balearic Islands have a good healthcare infrastructure, with 1.9 hospital beds per 1000 inhabitants
  • Many opportunities for outdoor activities and an invitation to live the beach life.
  • Due to the touristy nature of the place, it has good airline connectivity.

Cons of retiring in Mallorca

Nearly all the cons of Mallorca are related to the fact that it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Spain.

  • High cost of living, especially in peak season.
  • During the summer months, the place can get really crowded.
  • It can be noisy close to the most touristic spots and where there is a large concentration of hotels.
  • Overcrowding and traffic congestion in certain areas due to tourism.

Bilbao: One of the best large cities to retire in Spain

  • Population: 345,141
  • Hospital beds per 1,000 inhabitants: 2.8 (Basque Country region)
  • Income per capita: €32,925 (Basque Country region)
  • HDI: 0.932 (Basque Country region)
  • Average cost of living for a couple: €2,289.22
  • Average max. temperature in July: 23°C
  • Average temperature in January: 8°C
  • Cost of renting a 1-bedroom apartment in city center: €750
Bilbao, in the Basque Country. Image edited by ExpatriateConsultancy.com team using resources from Canva.

Pros of retiring in Bilbao

  • High HDI (Human Development Index) of 0.932, which is one of the highest in Spain
  • Well-developed economically, with plenty of job opportunities for those who want to work in retirement
  • Good public transportation system, making it easy to get around the city and beyond.

Cons of retiring in Bilbao

  • The language barrier, as Basque is the lingua franca in the region and many locals prefer it instead Spanish.
  • Relatively Cold weather, as temperatures can drop lower than in other parts of Spain, especially in the winter
  • High cost of living, as Bilbao is one of the most expensive cities in Spain
  • Air pollution can be an issue in some areas of the city
  • The city may feel crowded and busy, especially during peak tourist season.

If someone prefers a smaller, and fancier alternative for retirement in the Basque region, there is also a city that is worldwide famous for its high cuisine and scenic views: San Sebastián.

Recommended book: Budget Travelers, Digital Nomads & Expats: The Ultimate Guide: 50 Tips, Tricks, Hacks, and Ways to Free Stuff & Cheaper Flights
Recommended book: Budget Travelers, Digital Nomads & Expats: The Ultimate Guide: 50 Tips, Tricks, Hacks, and Ways to Free Stuff & Cheaper Flights

San Sebastián: The Fancier, Smaller Alternative in the Basque Country

San Sebastian is situated on the coast of the Golfo de Vizcaya (Bay of Biscay), making it a great location for retirees who enjoy the beach and water activities (although Spain’s north Atlantic coast is much colder than the Mediterranean side). Bilbao, on the other hand, is not directly on the coast, although it is relatively close to some beaches.

San Sebastian also enjoys a milder climate than Bilbao, with average temperatures being a bit warmer and more comfortable throughout the year.

Finally, San Sebastian is a smaller city than Bilbao, with a more laid-back pace of city life. This can be appealing to retirees who prefer a more relaxed lifestyle, away from the hustle and bustle of a larger city.

  • Population: 186,000
  • Average cost of living for a couple: €2,400-€2,700/month
  • Average max. temperature in July: 23°C
  • Average temperature in January: 7°C
  • Cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center: €1,000-€1,400/month

Tenerife & Canary Islands: the best place to live in Spain if you are suffering from arthritis

  • Population: 917,841
  • Number of hospital beds per 1000 inhabitants: 2 beds per 1,000 inhabitants (Canary Islands region)
  • The income per capita: €18,990 (Canary Islands region)
  • HDI: 0.902 (Canary Islands region)
  • Average cost of living for a couple: €1,200 – €1,800 per month
  • Average max. temperature in July: 28°C
  • Average temperature in January: 20°C
  • Cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center: €500 – €800 per month
Towns in the Canary Islands
Towns in the Canary Islands. Image edited by ExpatriateConsultancy.com team using resources from Canva.

Living in Tenerife and the Canary Islands as an expatriate retiree can be a mixed experience. While the islands offer a pleasant climate, stunning landscapes, and a relaxed way of life, they also have their challenges.

Expats should be prepared for a slower pace of life, and some areas can feel quite touristy. Additionally, the islands’ remote location can make it difficult to access some goods and services, and the cost of living can be high in certain areas during the high season.

Pros of Retiring in Tenerife and the Canary Islands

  • Mild winter weather (one could even argue if winter exists there at all) – Tenerife has one of the warmest winters among European cities, making it the best place to retire if you suffer from arthritis.
  • Decent infrastructure – The islands have a modern infrastructure befitting of a place with almost 1 million residents.
  • Relatively affordable cost of living – Compared to the Islands in the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands (which are located in the Atlantic Ocean) offer a more affordable cost of living.

Cons of retiring in The Canary Islands

  • Things run slower there – The islands’ relaxed way of life can be frustrating for those used to a faster pace.
  • It can get touristy – Some parts of the islands can feel overrun by tourists, especially during peak season.
  • Limited access to goods and services – The islands’ remote location can make it difficult to access certain goods and services.
  • High cost of living in some areas – While the cost of living can be relatively affordable, certain areas can be quite expensive (general rule of thumb: the closer to popular beaches, the more expensive it gets).

Málaga – Low Living Costs and Good Connectivity

  • Population: 578,460
  • Hospital beds per 1000 inhabitants: 1.8 (Andalusian region)
  • Income per capita: €20,321
  • HDI: 0.860
  • Average cost of living for a couple: €1,800-€2,200/month
  • Average max. temperature in July: 28°C
  • Average temperature in January: 12°C
  • Cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center: €700-€1,100/month
Malaga, in Spain
Malaga, in Spain. Image edited by ExpatriateConsultancy.com team using resources from Canva.

Málaga, located in the autonomous community of Andalusia, is home to a large and welcoming expat community. Multiple retirees from all over Europe chose to make their home in this part of Spain.

The city also boasts excellent airline connectivity to other countries and parts of Europe, making it easy for retirees to travel and stay connected with loved ones. However, as with any location, there are also potential downsides to consider.

Pros of living in Málaga

  • Low cost of living
  • Good healthcare infrastructure with 1.8 hospital beds per 1000 inhabitants
  • Considerable expat community
  • Excellent airline connectivity to other European countries.

Cons of retirement in Malaga City

  • Andalusia is one of the least developed regions in Spain. The unemployment rate is relatively high, which creates some other problems that can affect retirees.
  • Hot summers can be uncomfortable for some
  • High levels of tourism during the summer months can make the city feel crowded
  • Andalusian bureaucracy can be frustrating and time-consuming

Only 81 kilometers from Málaga, in southern Spain, is a little region that is extremely attractive to pensioners that are beach lovers: Costal del Sol.

Costa del Sol: One of the best places to retire in Spain by the sea

  • Average cost of living for a couple: €1,700-€2,000/month
  • Average max temperature in July: 31°C
  • Average temperature in January: 14°C
  • Cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center: €650-€1,100/month

Living in the Costa del Sol as an expatriate pensioner can have its ups and downs. While the climate and relaxed lifestyle can be appealing, the region can also be quite crowded and expensive in certain areas.

Three of the favorite places for expatriates in the region are Marbella, Benalmadena, and Fuengirola.

Marbella is known for its upscale amenities and is a popular destination for wealthy retirees. The city offers high-end shopping, fine dining, and world-class golf courses. The cost of living can be quite high there.

Benalmadena is located between Malaga and Marbella and offers a more affordable option for expatriate pensioners, and Fuengirola is just 25 minutes from Malaga airport. The town has a long promenade, and beautiful beaches, and the cost of living in Fuengirola can be quite reasonable, making it an attractive option.

The Costa del Azahar: A Forbes-selected Spot 100km Far from Valencia

  • Population: 406,703
  • Hospital beds per 1000 inhabitants: 2.1 (Regional data)
  • Income per capita: €22,289 (Regional data)
  • Average cost of living for a couple: €1,300-€1,600/month
  • Average max. temperature in July: 29°C
  • Average temperature in January: 11°C

The region is known as Costa del Azahar is located on the eastern coast of Spain, and has a relaxed lifestyle with a warm Mediterranean climate.

While not as well-known as the Costa del Sol or the Costa Blanca, it is becoming an increasingly popular destination for retirees seeking a quieter pace of life. A few years ago, the fame of the place was boosted when the magazine Forbes mentioned it among the best places to retire.

Popular areas for expats include Peñiscola, Benicassim, and Castellón, de la Plana.

Peñiscola is a beach town known for its golden sand beaches and medieval castle, Benicassim is a popular resort town, and Castellón de la Plana is a larger city (not in the seaside, but not far either) with a historic center and wide variety of amenities.

Alicante – One of the lowest costs of living.

Due to its low cost of living and a good offer of services, Alicante is also popular among Spanish retirees.

  • Population: 334,329
  • Hospital beds per 1000 inhabitants: 2.1 per 1,000 inhabitants (regional data)
  • Income per capita: €22,289 (regional data)
  • HDI: 0.889
  • Cost of living for a couple: €1,791.57 per month.
  • Average max temperature in July: 30°C
  • Average temperature in January: 13°C
  • Cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center: €564.29 per month.
Benidorm, 45 kilometers from Alicante, the second best place to retire  in Spain
Benidorm, 45 kilometers from Alicante, the second-best place to retire in Spain. Image edited by ExpatriateConsultancy.com team using resources from Canva.

Pros of Retiring in Alicante

  1. Low cost of living, making it an affordable option.
  2. Mild winters, making it an ideal location for those who want to retire overseas but have a low tolerance to cold weather.
  3. Gorgeous beaches and outdoor activities such as hiking and golfing, make it easy to enjoy an active lifestyle.

Cons of Retirement in Alicante

  1. During the summer months sometimes temperatures go over 38°C, which can be uncomfortable for some retirees.
  2. Alicante is near some very popular vacation spots like Benidorm. So during the summer, there is a high population density and a large number of tourists, which can lead to crowded streets and difficulty finding peaceful places to relax.
  3. For services not related to tourism, there is limited availability of English-speaking options, which can make it challenging for retirees who do not speak Spanish (that is why you should learn Spanish if you are considering a move).
  4. Occasional water shortages due to the region’s dry climate, which can affect the availability of water for household use.

Talking about Alicante, very close to there is one of the popular places for English-speaking expats that choose Spain to live: Costa Blanca.

Costa Blanca: One of the trendiest retirement spots in Spain

Costa Blanca, on Spain’s southeast coast, has beautiful white sandy beaches, charming coastal towns, and plenty of sunshine. Many British, German, Dutch, and Scandinavian retirees live in this part of Spain, and often locals speak English as a second language.

The cost of living in the Costa Blanca can vary depending on the specific location within the region. For example, one of the most expensive places is Benidorm, which is also very touristy. In general, the larger coastal cities and tourist areas may have a higher cost of living compared to smaller towns and inland areas.

Cons of retiring in the Costa Blanca

Two drawbacks of living in Costa Blanca are that crowded beaches and tourist spots, especially in summer, make it hard to relax, and some areas have limited public transportation, making it difficult for retirees without cars.

Valencia – Likely the Best Place to Retire not only in Spain but Entire of Europe

  • Population: 794,288
  • Number of hospital beds per 1000 inhabitants: 2.1 (Comunidad Valenciana)
  • Income per capita: €22,289 (Comunidad Valenciana)
  • HDI: 0.944 (Comunidad Valenciana)
  • Average cost of living for a couple: €1,500 – €2,000 per month
  • Average max. temperature in July: 29°C
  • Average temperature in January: 12°C
  • Cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center: €650 – €900 per month
Valencia, the Best Place to Retire in Spain
Valencia, the best place to retire in Spain. Image edited by ExpatriateConsultancy.com team using resources from Canva.

If you already saw our ranking of the best cities to retire in Europe, you know that Valencia has far more pros than cons.

Spain’s third largest city is extremely safe (it has a homicide rate of 0.6 murders per 100K residents and lower criminality than the more hyped Barcelona for example).

The living costs in the city are remarkably low when compared to other trendy places in Europe. According to Vivre Valencia, anyone can easily find a house with a swimming pool close to the coast for less than a third of the price of the French Riviera.

But the attractiveness of a city that is considered by many the ideal retirement destination also raised some issues. Expats should be prepared when trying to find a place to live since competition for housing can be intense, and in some areas, prices increased considerably.

Pros of Retirement in Valencia

  • Valencia is one of the most popular destinations for expatriates in Spain. Foreigners represent almost 13% of the city population, and there are many events for this public.
  • There is a large English speaking community in the city.
  • High HDI – The city has a high Human Development Index (0.944), reflecting a high quality of life.
  • High-quality healthcare infrastructure
  • Airline and rail connections to other parts of Europe.
  • With close to 800k residents, Valencia is neither too large nor too small for most people.

Cons of Retirement in Valencia

  • Competition for housing can be fierce, particularly in popular areas.
  • Increasingly crowded – As Valencia became more popular, the city can feel crowded, particularly during peak tourist season.

Conclusion: The Best Places to Retire in Spain

Taking into consideration factors like the Human Development Index (HDI), the number of hospital beds per 1000 inhabitants, the average cost of living for a couple, the average cost of housing, and temperatures in July and January, we ranked the best places to retire in Spain:

11 – Madrid

10 – Mallorca

8 – Bilbao and San Sebastián

7 – The Canary Islands

4 – Málaga, Costa del Sol and Costa de Azahar

2 – Alicante and Costa Blanca

1 – Valencia – The Best Place to Retire in Spain


If you enjoyed this article about the best places to retire in Spain, here are a few other reading suggestions for you:

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Levi Borba is the founder of The Expatriate Consultancy, creator of the channel The Expat, and best-selling author. Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, meaning that the author will have a commission for any transactions.

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The Costs of Gastric Sleeve Surgery Abroad in 2023

We compared the costs of Gastric Sleeve surgery abroad in 15 different countries vs the US

Table of Contents
  • The 4 Expatriate Archetypes That Would Enjoy Retiring in Mexico (You might be one of them)
  • The Best Places to Retire in Mexico, from Lake Chapala to Playa del Carmen
  • Is it Cheap to Retire in Mexico?
  • Where Do Most Americans Retire in Mexico (and Why Mexico City is so Popular?)
  • What are the Most Dangerous Cities in Mexico?
  • Conclusion: Retire to Mexico on a Budget (But With Class) And How To Find the Best Places for Expats

Ps: Check also the Youtube channel The Expat

Some years ago, I was spending holidays with my wife in Brazil (which is also the place where I was born and lived for a good part of my life).

One thing that she noticed is that the prices of dentists in Brazil (at that time) were much smaller than here in Europe. This happened for a few factors:

1st — Devaluated currency,

2nd — Taxes,

and, most important:

3rd — A much higher ratio of dentists per capita. In fact, Brazil has the largest number of dentists per 10.000 people in the world.

Since we realized that, often when I travel to Brazil to visit my family there, I schedule a visit to the dentist and do whatever needs to be done.

This helps me to save some money.

But this article is about something more complicated than going to the dentist.

Traveling somewhere for medical treatment while looking for affordable prices is an increasing practice, called medical tourism. Patients (or medical tourists) can find in other countries private clinics that use modern techniques, and often doctors abroad speak English.

The example of the dentist prices I gave abroad is just to illustrate the reasons why a certain surgery that is gaining extreme popularity may be so much cheaper broader than in the USA.

I am talking about an aesthetical surgery that is often difficult to convince health insurance providers to refund.

Recommended book: Budget Travelers, Digital Nomads & Expats: The Ultimate Guide: 50 Tips, Tricks, Hacks, and Ways to Free Stuff & Cheaper Flights
Recommended book: Budget Travelers, Digital Nomads & Expats: The Ultimate Guide: 50 Tips, Tricks, Hacks, and Ways to Free Stuff & Cheaper Flights

What is gastric sleeve surgery, also known as bariatric surgery?

Gastric sleeve surgery, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, is a weight loss surgery that involves removing a large portion of the stomach and turning it smaller, into the shape of a banana.

It is a major surgical procedure and should only be considered after other weight loss methods, such as diet and exercise, have been unsuccessful. Gastric sleeve surgeons use general anesthesia and advanced equipment to perform small incisions in the patient.

This surgery is typically recommended for people who are severely overweight or have obesity-related health problems. One of the considered thresholds is that only patients with a body mass index above 35 should consider a gastric surgery.

When the surgery reduces the size of the stomach, it limits the amount of food that can be eaten at one time, which can help individuals feel full faster and eat fewer calories and less food. Frequently, obese people after the surgery quickly lose extra pounds and recover their self esteem.

It is important to make clear that gastric sleeve surgery is one type of bariatric surgery (a term that encompasses other procedures intended to reduce body weight). But not the only one.

It is also important to remember that this surgery is not efficient in all cases of obesity problems. Sometimes it also doesn’t work.

Would I submit myself to bariatric surgery? No, because right now I don’t need it.

Would I recommend it to someone? Also not, but just because I am not a doctor but just a random guy on the internet that loves statistics about different countries (proof of that is the time I spent comparing Uber prices in different capitals).

And this is what brought me to the idea of researching the price of this surgery in different countries.

Bariatric Surgeries are among the most popular procedures nowadays, but they are expensive

Differently from the example of the dental treatments I gave at the beginning of this article, plastic surgery like a gastric sleeve operation is a much more complicated procedure and way more expensive. Often health insurance companies in Western countries do not cover such treatment in a private clinic.

The price differences across multiple countries are big enough to define if someone can afford weight loss surgery or not.

Our Sources for Costs of Gastric Sleeve Surgery Abroad

To research the prices of gastric sleeve surgeries across the globe I used two websites: NewChoiceHealth and WhatClinic.com. Both are updated with recent information.

If we are going to compare costs, it is also important to define what is included in this price. In this article, the cost includes:

The average cost of gastric sleeve surgery is $9,350.1 This cost generally includes the following associated fees:

  1. Anesthesia
  2. Hospital fee
  3. Doctor and Surgeon’s fees
  4. Exams before the procedure (lab and X-ray).
  5. Follow-up care

The Cost of Gastric Sleeve Surgery Inside the US

In the US, according to NewChoiceHealth, the average cost of gastric sleeve surgery is US$16,750.

Since the US is a huge country with big differences in terms of salaries, taxes, and other expenses, naturally there is a large deviation from the data when we analyze individual states.

Some examples of local prices for these types of weight loss surgeries inside the US:

  • Tampa, FL: price ranges from $9,420 to $15,840.
  • Baltimore, MD: price ranges from $9,560 to $16,390.
  • St. Louis, MO: price ranges from $10,260 to $17,710.
  • San Diego, CA: price ranges from $10,500 to $22,550.
  • Boston, MA: price ranges from $12,320 to $26,510.

So inside the US, the same procedure may cost for the pockets of bariatric surgery patients three times more depending on the city.

The Cost of Gastric Sleeve Surgery Abroad

The prices are from WhatClinic.com and are shown together with the name of the clinic that offers the procedure. If the hospital or clinic provided a price range, we consider the higher end.

The author of this article has no relationship with any of these clinics, was given no incentive to mention them, and cannot personally recommend them, as he has never had bariatric surgery. All data is public.

For the list below, we selected only clinics that were listed in a recognized directory of clinics (WhatClinic.com) for treatment abroad and most of them have positive reviews from international patients.

You will notice that many of these places are also among the best countries to study medicine abroad. This is not a coincidence: when you have good medical schools, you form plenty of bariatric surgeons so the prices for treatments and procedures like laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy decrease.

With no further ado, below are the prices of bariatric surgery abroad, considering 14 different countries.

U.A.E — Dubai

Hospital or Clinic: Tonic Surgery Dubai

Price: From US$12111 to US$14802

Comparison to the US average price for a gastric sleeve surgery: 11.6% cheaper.

Dubai is quickly gaining ground in the medical tourism market.
Dubai is quickly gaining ground in the medical tourism market. Image edited by the team of The Expat using Canva

Portugal — Porto

Hospital or Clinic: Instituto Medico Privado

Price: From US$8615

Comparison to the US average price for a gastric sleeve surgery: 48.6% cheaper.

Thailand — Bangkok

Hospital or Clinic: Thailand Gastric Sleeve Center

Price: Up to US$8113

Comparison to the US average price for a gastric sleeve surgery: 51.6% cheaper.

Malaysia — Petaling Jaya

Hospital or Clinic: Andrea Bariatric Surgery

Price: From US$7805

Comparison to the US average price for a gastric sleeve surgery: 53.4% cheaper.

Brazil — Belo Horizonte

Hospital or Clinic: Hospital São Lucas

Price: Up to US$7568

Comparison to the US average price for a gastric sleeve surgery: 54.8% cheaper.

Belo Horizonte is a large city in the middle of Brazil, with numerous private hospitals and clinics, including for gastric sleeve surgery.
Belo Horizonte is a large city in the middle of Brazil, with numerous private hospitals and clinics.

Ireland — Dublin

Hospital or Clinic: Belgium Surgery Services

Price: From US$6569 to US$7108

Comparison to the US average price for a gastric sleeve surgery: 57.6% cheaper. Dublin is also one of the cheapest cities to fly into Europe from America.

Czech Republic — Prague

Hospital or Clinic: Prague Medical Institute

Price: From US$5923 to US$7000

Comparison to the US average price for a gastric sleeve surgery: 58.2% cheaper.

Belgium — Ypres

Hospital or Clinic: ECFS Obesity Solutions

Price: From US$6246

Comparison to the US average price for a gastric sleeve surgery: 62.7% cheaper.

Mexico — Monterrey

Hospital or Clinic: Monterrey Gastro & Bariatric Group

Price: From US$5800 to US$6100

Comparison to the US average price for a gastric sleeve surgery: 63.6% cheaper.

The low private healthcare costs are one of the reasons that made Mexico an interesting destination for retirement abroad.

The small distance to the US and famous medical schools made Monterrey in Mexico a top destination for medical tourism.
The small distance to the US and famous medical schools made Monterrey in Mexico a top destination for medical tourism.

Lithuania — Kaunas

Hospital or Clinic: B&W Medica

Price: From US$5920

Comparison to the US average price for a gastric sleeve procedure: 64.7% cheaper.

Poland — Nowy Targ

Hospital or Clinic: Allmedica

Price: From US$4826 — $5056

Comparison to the US average price for a gastric sleeve procedure: 69.8% cheaper.

A curious non-related fact: Poland also has one of the cheapest Uber rates in Europe.

Cyprus — Nicosia

Hospital or Clinic: Cosmetic Surgery Cyprus

Price: From US$4686

Comparison to the US average price: 72% cheaper.

Cyprus is one of the most inexpensive countries for medical tourism inside the Eurozone, including gastric sleeve surgery.
Cyprus is one of the most inexpensive countries for medical tourism inside the Eurozone

Egypt — Alexandria

Hospital or Clinic: Dr. Islam Abdelkhalek Clinic

Price: From US$3043 to US$3164

Comparison to the US average price: 81.1% cheaper.

Turkey — Istambul

Hospital or Clinic: APERA Clinic

Price: From US$2434 to US$3104.

Comparison to the US average price: 81.5% cheaper.

Table with the Costs of Gastric Sleeve Surgery Abroad

CountryCityClinic NamePrice (From)Price (To)Price Difference to the US
The United StatesNational Average–16,75016,7500.00%
U.A.EDubaiTonic Surgery Dubai1211114802-11.60%
PortugalPortoInstituto Medico Privado8615-48.60%
ThailandBangkokThailand Gastric Sleeve Center8113-51.60%
MalaysiaPetaling JayaAndrea Bariatric Surgery7805-53.40%
BrazilBelo HorizonteHospital São Lucas7568-54.80%
IrelandDublinBelgium Surgery Services65697108-57.60%
Czech RepublicPraguePrague Medical Institute59237000-58.20%
BelgiumYpresECFS Obesity Solutions6246-62.70%
MexicoMonterreyMonterrey Gastro & Bariatric Group58006100-63.60%
LithuaniaKaunasB&W Medica5920-64.70%
PolandNowy TargAllmedica48265056-69.80%
CyprusNicosiaCosmetic Surgery Cyprus4686-72.00%
EgyptAlexandriaDr. Islam Abdelkhalek Clinic30433164-81.10%
TurkeyIstambulAPERA Clinic24343104-81.50%
Table with the costs of Gastric Sleeve Surgery Abroad (Different Countries).
Recommended book: Moving Out, Working Abroad, and Keeping Your Sanity
Recommended book: Moving Out, Working Abroad, and Keeping Your Sanity

If you enjoyed this article about the costs of gastric sleeve surgery abroad, here are a few other travel tips and reading suggestions for you:

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Levi Borba is the founder of The Expatriate Consultancy, creator of the channel The Expat, and best-selling author. Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, meaning that the author will have a commission for any transactions.

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Ps2: Visit also our channel, The Expat

Table of Contents
  • The 4 Expatriate Archetypes That Would Enjoy Retiring in Mexico (You might be one of them)
  • The Best Places to Retire in Mexico, from Lake Chapala to Playa del Carmen
  • Is it Cheap to Retire in Mexico?
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During the last few years, both as part of my job as a hospitality entrepreneur and writer and also as an avid traveler, I visited 22 capital cities in Europe, not counting microstates like the Vatican city (since they don’t have capital cities).

What is Europe’s most beautiful city? is one of the most common questions we get.

Some people say that beauty is difficult to define. I disagree. Beauty is a combination of qualities that please the aesthetic senses.

What is subjective is what each person finds pleasing to their sense of beauty. I once met a guy who considered that black fabric for furniture was better than gobelins or jacquard. He said he was a minimalist, and that is why he preferred plain, dull black. Later on, he revealed that it was not the black that was more beautiful for him, but he preferred it since it was more difficult to spot stains when it got dirty.

So, in this list, you can expect cities that please the senses. At least they pleased mine and all my companies when we visited them.

I am also not evaluating anything else other than the aesthetic criteria. Some of the cities with low scores fare remarkably well in other things, like history-filled Bucharest. All these cities, however, are relatively safe, and none of them figure among the most dangerous cities in Europe.

Each city is rated from 0 to 10. It may be cruel, and if anyone has any point to make, feel free to do so in the comment section.

However, once more: this is not supposed to be an insult, and while some cities may not be the most aesthetic, they have their own qualities.

With no further ado, it’s time to start. Since the article is about the most beautiful cities in Europe from worse to best, we start with the ugliest.

Read also: The Fastest Growing Cities in Europe Have Some Odd Similarities

The LEAST Beautiful Capital City In Europe*: Berlin, Germany

*The least among the visited ones.

Rating (from 0 to 10): 3

Berlin is ugly. Yes, it has an interesting past; every district is full of history, it has an iconic landmark like the wall, and it is a great place to party if you like electronic music (like I do).

But it is ridiculously ugly. Let’s start with the bizarre TV tower that just looks like a giant toothpick (to not say worse).

Then we see dozens of construction sites and graffiti-covered walls with unexplained characters that try to be edgy but are just an eyesore.

The former communist part still looks like a desolate concrete jungle, and there is a complete lack of harmony with the (still-existent) historical buildings… argh.

Yes, Berlin is not among the prettiest cities in Europe or Germany (Munich is a much more charming city).

I dare to say that Berlin is not even the most beautiful city in Berlin.

Read also: Is Berlin safe in 2023?

20 — Tirana, Albania

Rating: 4.5

While Berlin is ugly despite being the capital of a wealthy country, the same cannot be said about Tirana.

Albania is one of the poorest countries in Europe, and Tirana reflects that. Still, this nation has some lovely cities, like Shkoder, and the people I met there are remarkably friendly.

Recommended book: Budget Travelers, Digital Nomads & Expats: The Ultimate Guide: 50 Tips, Tricks, Hacks, and Ways to Free Stuff & Cheaper Flights
Recommended book: Budget Travelers, Digital Nomads & Expats: The Ultimate Guide: 50 Tips, Tricks, Hacks, and Ways to Free Stuff & Cheaper Flights

19 — Bucharest, Romania

Rating: 5

When I visited Bucharest, the tour guide started with this short explanation:

This city used to be beautiful. However, in the 70s there was an earthquake; large parts of the city were destroyed, and the communist dictator who ruled the country decided to rebuild it according to his own taste.

The dictator (Ceaușescu) apparently had a particular taste for urban landscaping. The city has large avenues and is relatively well-planned, but sadly, concretism and brutalism are everywhere.

But Romania does have many gorgeous cities, and I’ve already suggested Brasov for a winter trip in Europe.

18 — Podgorica (Montenegro) and Sofia (Bulgaria)

Rating: 5.5

Both cities have a similar past: communism.

As someone who also lives in a former communist capital, I do recognize that there are some positive points, like the abundance of services always available at a close distance (making cars something completely dispensable).

But the buildings are ugly. As in almost all former communist countries (and for some reason, in Brazil), public buildings and urban planning followed a school of architecture called brutalism.

Brutalism emphasizes the functionality of a building over its aesthetics. This indicates that the function of the building takes precedence over its aesthetics. Practical factors like the building’s function or the materials available frequently are preferred over beauty.

Podgorica however, is a surprisingly interesting destination for the month of January.

16 — Moscow (Russia) and Bratislava (Slovakia)

Rating: 6

Moscow and Bratislava also share a common point: both are aesthetically outclassed by their former sister cities.

Saint Peterburg (the Russian capital until the Bolshevik revolution) and Prague (the capital of Czechoslovakia, the country where Bratislava belonged until 1992) are way more attractive.

It is not that both don’t have their beautiful parts. Moscow has some really beautiful squares, parks, and historical buildings, and the same can be said for Bratislava. But they are just small parts drowning in a much larger brutalist setting that reminds the clichés about eastern Europe (although Bratislava is technically in central Europe).

14 — Warsaw (Poland) and Belgrade (Serbia)

Rating: 6.5

Warsaw has a lovely old town, except that it is not really old but a reconstruction of the former old town that was completely destroyed during World War II. It is still beautiful, and if you are somewhere around, visit it.

Belgrade is the same. Stari Grad is pretty charming (and the street sellers of Rakia during the evenings made it even better). The city was dangerous in the past but the criminal clans are virtually gone. Today, it is one of the most vibrant cities in the Balkans.

The farther you go from the old town square, they are ordinary cities with traffic jams and some cringy post-modernist buildings, like the recently built (and pathetic-looking) Warsaw museum of modern art.

However, for history lovers like me, both cities are remarkable and have really good museums. In 24 hours in Warsaw, you can be shaken by the place’s history.

Nowy Świat, one of the most iconic streets of Warsaw
Nowy Świat, one of the most iconic streets of Warsaw, with its XIX-century architecture. It is a modern reconstruction since nearly everything was destroyed during World War II. Picture by the author (Levi Borba)

12 — London (England)

Rating: 6.75

This was likely the most difficult rating for me to give.

From one side, London has splendid historic buildings with beautiful architecture like the Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, and Big Ben. Even the hostel where I stayed there (the Palmers Lodge at the Swiss Cottage) was located in a charming house.

But at the same time, London is a noisy modern city, quite crowded, and has monstrosities like:

  • The Shard. It is like a giant glass pencil that got stuck in the ground and forgot to sharpen its point. Tall and shiny, like a beacon for birds looking to crash into something.
  • The Minster Building Some people call it neo-gothic, but I call it silly. It looks too cartoonish, almost as if an architect tried to design an office tower based on the castle of Gargamel from the Smurfs.
  • The Trellick Tower Despite the fact that England was never under communist rule, somehow they managed to build a brutalist monster that could come from the darkest corners of the USSR.

Somehow, and that is a very subjective impression, I feel that London is the most Americanized of all European capitals, and this is slowly destroying its English atmosphere.

11 — Dublin (Ireland) and Athens (Greece)

Rating: 7

Dublin (which is also one of the cheapest destinations to fly into Europe if you are in America) has numerous examples of Georgian architecture that are very well preserved, as well cobblestone streets that transport you back in time. If it were not for some random post-modern buildings creeping into this scenario, I would give them even more than a 7.

Athens could be much higher. This ancient city has iconic landmarks enough to be one of the most visited tourist destinations in the entire world. The not-so-ancient is also worth a visit, like the many orthodox churches.

But… apparently, years of economic turmoil have taken a heavy toll on the city. Outside of the most famous districts, like Plaka (and the pretty colorful houses), many places look rundown. Athens also got more dangerous, unfortunately.

Check also: the most dangerous city in Europe by country.

9— Budapest (Hungary) and Vilnius (Lithuania)

Rating: 7.5

Budapest has some splendid districts that mix Neoclassical, Gothic, and Baroque architecture, bringing from one side a Habsburg flair influenced by oriental scents — check the thermal baths. The Danube River in the background makes it even more charming.

The Hungarian capital. has one of the most amazing Christmas markets in Europe, in a scenario that fits perfectly the seasonal feeling (and where you can find delicious food).

Vilnius is a hidden gem in the Baltics, a city that I visited almost by accident and loved.

It is an underdog on almost any tourist route and one of the most underrated cities among the capitals of European countries. For this reason, it is also one of the most surprising little capitals you can visit. This lovely city is also very walkable.

7 — Prague (Czech Republic) and Lisbon (Portugal)

Rating: 8

Prague was a disappointment for many reasons for me, from the scammers and excessive number of tourist traps to some “attractions” trying to rip you off all the time (apparently the only things that are really cheap there nowadays are beer and bariatric surgery).

But one cannot deny that this former capital of the Holy Roman Empire is charming with its cobbled streets and medieval architecture. Here are some travel tips for when you visit Europe, including the most visited city in the Czech Republic.

The Prague castle and the St. Vitus cathedral are two must-visit, even if you just see the external parts. The Charles Bridge is another very aesthetic landmark that you can see for free. Finally, Prague is a relatively compact city, with a well preserved old town.

Lisbon didn’t disappoint me, but the opposite.

I didn’t have high expectations, and it surprised me positively with its colorful buildings, well-preserved monuments, the feeling of safety, and harmonic urban arrangement. It was easy to understand why Lisbon is so attractive to expatriate pensioners, remote workers and digital nomads.

I just wish I could spend more time there since I couldn’t yet visit some of the not-so-popular attractions like the Telecabine Lisboa, a cable car with panoramic views over the Tagus river.

As strange as it may sound, if I had to describe one city as tasty, it would be Lisbon.

5 — Paris (France) and Copenhagen (Denmark)

Rating: 8.5

Some context is needed to explain this particular pair in the top 5 of the most beautiful capital cities in Europe. Once on a social media network, someone asked what city was better in Europe: Paris or (secret: this city actually tops our list).

I said that Paris, a city for which we addressed safety issues here, couldn’t compare to this city, even though the French capital does have a lot of lovely buildings, streets, and parks (but the Eiffel tower is overrated). Boulevards like the Champs-Élysées make strolling around one of the most exquisite experiences.

Unfortunately, the city is slowly creeping into certain hypes of questionable taste.

One of these hypes was the so-called high-tech architecture, and the ugly fruit of this in Paris was the Centre Georges Pompidou. It was supposed to look modern, and maybe it looked like that when it was built in the 70s. Nowadays, it is kitsch and completely out of place.

Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris.
Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris. Image edited by ExpatriateConsultancy.com team using resources from Canva.

Copenhagen, on the other hand, may not have the same heritage or architectural richness as larger European cities, and neither boulevards like Paris. But it is a capital city with the feeling of a smaller, regional town, where you can go by bicycle everywhere.

It is a very balanced city, where life looks simpler (not sure if this is just an impression or reality, since I spent just a short time there).

Recommended book: Moving Out, Working Abroad, and Keeping Your Sanity
Recommended book: Moving Out, Working Abroad, and Keeping Your Sanity

The 3rd Most Beautiful Capital City in Europe: Valletta (Malta)

Rating: 9

Valletta brought me back in time, and I fell in love with this city as a shipwrecked sailor would in the XVI century.

There is a bit of bias here. Because I love Baroque.

And there is only one other capital in the world (which is next in this ranking) where you can see such an intensity of Baroque masterpieces translated into buildings, winding streets, roofs, quaint cafes, etc. as in the picturesque city of Valletta.

The Maltese capital is quite recent, developed by crusaders during the XVI century (that explains why Baroque is everywhere there) in substitution to Mdina, a medieval old town located in the center of the island.

It is not a surprise that such a beautiful city is a popular retirement destination in Europe. Almost the entire city is a UNESCO world heritage site.

The palaces, alleys, piers, and all other man-made wonders are in a perfect fusion between rich history, the privileged natural landscape, the Mediterranean Sea (not far from Valletta is Mellieha, one of my favorite beach towns in Europe), and the carved coast.

It is a feast for the eyes.

Valletta (Malta),the third place in our list of the most beautiful capital cities in Europe.
Valletta (Malta). Picture by the author (Levi Borba)

The 2 Most Beautiful Capitals in Europe (Surprise?)

More than once, I have been asked what the most beautiful city I have ever visited is.

My answer is always the same: Rome and Vienna.

And as a father, when asked which kid is his favorite, I refuse to say which one is better, for the same reason the father would:

They are thoroughly different cities, and both are majestic in their own way.

Rome, the eternal city, is the triumph of the human will and of the aspirations that nourish and move our spirit.

Many of Rome’s details, from a distance, look just like marble and stone, but the grandeur of the whole is breathtaking. Rome gets crowded, however, and that is why I recommend visiting it in November.

And this grandeur crosses millennia, from the Castel Sant’Angelo, built over the foundations of the Mausoleum of Hadrian, a construction of almost two thousand years…

Castel Sant’Angelo (former Mausoleum of Hadrian), and the river Tiber in Rome. Picture by the author (Levi Borba). 

Or modern buildings, like the Altare della Patria, a monument finished at the beginning of the XX century.

Altare della Patria, also known as Victor Emmanuel II Monument, in Rome, one of the two most beautiful capital cities in Europe
Altare della Patria, also known as Victor Emmanuel II Monument, in Rome. Picture by the author (Levi Borba).

On the other side, Vienna is a hymn to man’s ability to create beauty in every inch, word, brushstroke, and musical note.

Vienna is the beauty of details and of good taste. A refined beauty, baroque-rococo, that brings a bit of the divine even in the most trivial constructions

The Habsburgs and their architects, who projected the city, didn’t create buildings only for their functionality.

It needed to be breathtaking in every detail of its Renaissance architecture, almost as if whoever projected these structures, parks, and streets wanted to play a game of “how many jaws can we drop in a day?” at every single building, no matter their purpose.

I could write about well-known top attractions like the Schönbrunn Palace, but Vienna is so much more than that.

This, for example, is their national library.

Austrian National Library. Picture by the author (Levi Borba)
Austrian National Library. Picture by the author (Levi Borba)

Someone could still say, “So what? It is just some nice wooden shelves and a statue. Not very impressive.”

Then I would tell him to look up, at the ceiling.

Ceiling of Austrian National Library in Vienna
The ceiling of the Austrian National Library. Picture by the author (Levi Borba)

Not far from the library, we passed in front of a cinema. It looked better than the presidential palace of my home country.

Cinema building in Vienna. Picture by the author (Levi Borba)
Cinema building in Vienna. Picture by the author (Levi Borba)

In the evening, my wife and I decided to have a coffee. A typical Viennese coffee, so we choose a nearby cafe.

I chose a random place that does not even figure in any ranking I saw about the best cafés in Vienna.

Then we entered it, and…

It was simply the most spectacular coffeehouse I have ever been to. The picture doesn’t do justice to how sumptuous the interiors looked. And contrary to general belief, the waiter was friendly and polite.

The name of the cafe is Gerstner K. U. K. Hofzuckerbäcker.

Cafe Gerstner K. U. K. Hofzuckerbäcker. in Vienna
Cafe Gerstner K. U. K. Hofzuckerbäcker. in Vienna. Picture by the author (Levi Borba)

Seeing how the Austrians of the 18th and 19th centuries managed to create beauty in even the most ordinary places, I can understand the effusiveness of one of my favorite composers, the Viennese Johann Strauss II.

Every step I walked felt like a note from the Blue Danube, every corner I turned, it was like a section from the Frühlingsstimmen. Perfection.

Statue of Strauss in Vienna, one of the two most beautiful capital cities in Europe
Monument of Johann Strauss II in Vienna’s Stadtpark. Picture by the author (Levi Borba)

If you enjoyed this article about the most beautiful capital cities in Europe, here are a few other travel tips and reading suggestions for you:

The 7 Countries With The Worst Work-Life Balance in The OECD

The Best Cities for Remote Workers in 2023

The Mind-Blowing Tourist Scams You Can Find in Europe

Levi Borba is the founder of The Expatriate Consultancy, creator of the channel The Expat, and best-selling author. Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, meaning that the author will have a commission for any transactions.

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About me

Expatriate Consultancy Levi Borba

I'm Levi Borba, and after living on multiple continents during my career as an airline specialist, I started a company to help expatriates, producing 3 books about moving abroad. Check out Expat Life: What They Don't Tell You, our YouTube channel The Expat, my LinkedIn profile, or my Twitter. Also, you can find my writings on Medium (where I am one of the top-writers on my field of expertise).

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