12 Best Countries to Retire to if You Love the Ocean

You love the ocean. With the sound of the waves lulling you to sleep each night and days spent lounging in the sun, you can’t imagine a better place to spend the next chapter of your life (and hopefully doing so after retiring early).

The good news is there are some excellent locations around the world that could offer everything you need.

Belize, an English-speaking Central American country, is the perfect place for active retirement. 

If you want to live in a country where you can spend your days trekking in a rainforest and snorkeling in crystal blue waters, this is a great country to choose.

The cost of living in Belize is about 31% lower than that of the U.S. A one-bedroom apartment will cost around $300 a month, though it will cost a bit more to be right on the waterfront. It’s also not hard to get permanent residency status here or use the Qualified Retirement Persons Program to get a visa.

It’s estimated that about 1.6 million Americans are living in Mexico, and many have retired there. With good weather, especially during the winter months, and a still close-to-home location, Mexico offers plenty of reasons to make the move.

There are numerous waterfront areas to consider along the coastlines, or you can even choose to retire by the freshwater lake called Lake Chapala. Americans can generally easily get a visa in Mexico as long as they have the financial resources to live there and plan to live there permanently. 

It’s also one of the most affordable places to retire, with a cost of living that, in some areas, is as much as 64% lower than that of the U.S.

Portugal is a beautiful country noted for its Serra da Estrela mountains and its beaches. The country has a unique balance of modern charm and amenities with old-world castles, architecture, and a slower pace of life. The country also is welcoming to those who retire here.

The cost of living is about 44% lower than in the U.S., including much lower housing costs. Though English is not spoken in many areas, it’s easy enough to get around in the larger cities. The country requires Americans to apply for a retirement visa and approves them for those who have a steady pension or income.

Spain is a cultural hotspot, noted for its passion, food, and higher quality of life. It is an excellent place for health care and has a strong economy, especially in larger cities like Barcelona. You can spend your days on the beach or even hiking through the mountains.

Spain’s cost of living is about 40% lower than the U.S., making it an excellent place to retire. Getting a visa to live in Spain isn’t necessarily difficult as long as you show proof of income that meets the government’s threshold.

You may not think of Ireland as the perfect waterfront destination, but this always-green country has an incredible lifestyle to enjoy. 

The winters are chilly, but summer days when the rolling hills offer the fresh scent of dew in the morning make up for that. It’s full of fun pubs, lots of parks, and some great hiking and biking trails. It’s also an English-speaking country with modern amenities.

The cost of living in Ireland is about 12% less than it is in the U.S. overall, though this is dependent on where you choose to live. Most people receive free health care in the country, but to get a visa, you’ll need to prove you are financially sound.

Malta is a simple, beautiful country located just off the southern tip of Sicily in the Mediterranean Sea. Most people here speak English, and it is noted for having one of the best health care systems in the world.

Another of the nice benefits is that they have a very high standard of living, including taking big steps to protect the environment. There’s a growing American expat community here. When it comes to how seniors waste money, the cost of living is a big factor. Malta’s cost of living, though, is 36% less expensive than the U.S.

For those who want to retire in a beautiful area that’s far quieter and remote, consider Ecuador. 

Noted for its Pacific Coast fishing villages and good weather, the country is also one of the best when it comes to affordability. The cost of living is as much as 67% lower than in the U.S., especially for housing costs. Health care is affordable, too.

Enjoy the beaches, fishing, hiking opportunities, and some modern amenities. Those retiring here must have a pension that meets the country’s threshold.

On the Pacific Ocean in South America, Colombia boasts beautiful beaches, mountains, and excellent year-round weather, though it can get hot here. There are expat communities throughout the country, too.

As for the cost of living, it’s about 70% more affordable here than in the U.S. The monthly income for maintaining a visa here is under $3,000 a month.

There are numerous reasons to retire on the ocean in Panama, including beaches in cities like Isla Grande and Playa Venao. Also, the country uses the U.S. dollar as a currency option. Most people speak English, or there’s nearly always someone around to help.

It’s easy to obtain a visa to live here, too, as long as you have an income that is at least $1,000 a month (in U.S. dollars). As for affordability, the cost of living is 49% more affordable.

Retiring in Vietnam is an exciting opportunity to enjoy clean waters and a fast-growing economy. 

The city of Hoi An is a popular choice because of its previous French occupancy, which has made an architectural impression on the area. It also has some of the most beautiful beaches and resorts in the country.

The cost of living in Vietnam is incredibly low, as the cost of living in the U.S. is 273% more expensive than Vietnam. It is a bit more difficult to get a visa to retire here, but many people just continue to get extensions on their short-term visa.

Those after a Mediterranean lifestyle could call the beautiful beaches of Greece their home. 

It is a modern and sometimes elegant country to live in, noted for its natural beauty and food. The beaches and surrounding cliffside communities are some of the most recognizable in the region.

The cost of living is surprisingly affordable at about 52% lower than the U.S. Americans will need a visa and a budget to pay for their needs.

Nicaragua is a Central American country with much to offer, including incredible beaches along both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. It’s an excellent place for those looking for a way to retire with some tax benefits (income from outside of the country isn’t even taxed.)

It’s also affordable, with a cost of living that’s about 72% lower than in the U.S. As for visas, you can get one and retire there if you’re at least 45 years old and can show that you can support yourself financially.

As you look for ways to make living in the U.S. more affordable, consider ways to get ahead financially. 

You may be able to retire early by moving out of the U.S. for most of the year, and you’ll get to benefit from the fantastic quality of life in many of these oceanfront communities.

For those looking to make retirement a bit more enjoyable and relaxing, any of these countries should be on your must-consider list.