9 Best Countries to Retire with $500,000

Have you always dreamed of retiring outside of the U.S. to experience a completely different culture? Perhaps you're starting to think about where your dollars can go further during your golden years.

According to a 2025 Harris Poll, 44% of Americans have seriously considered retiring abroad. There are plenty of locations that only require $500,000 in savings to make your retirement work.

Check out these enchanting countries where you can potentially retire early and enjoy the most of your post-work years.

Editor's Note: With each country, you should research the political and social climate when making your decision.

Australia may be half a world away, but that shouldn't stop you from enjoying life Down Under.

The country offers beaches and culture as well as affordable living, depending on where you choose to settle down. Though visa requirements are a bit complicated for foreigners looking to retire in Australia, it could be worth the trouble if you want to live in an English-speaking country with a culture all its own.

You can also use one of the top travel credit cards to book a vacation and see for yourself what this wonderful country has to offer.

Located on the west coast of Europe, Portugal offers a comfortable climate and an affordable cost of living. You also may want to check the country's tax laws, which may be favorable to retirees depending on your circumstances.

Be aware that the official language of Portugal is Portuguese, so you may have to learn another language in order to get around the country on a daily basis.

Nearby Spain is known for its good food, rich history, and unique art. Travel around to major cities like Madrid and Barcelona to see plenty of things that make Spain special for residents and retirees.

A residence visa allows non-European Union citizens to live in Spain, but you cannot work. Spain has a high-quality public health care system, but foreigners likely have to pay for private insurance.

Want an option that's close to the U.S.?

Try Belize. The country has affordable housing and a lower cost of living than other areas. Plus, its official language is English, which means you won't have to learn a new language to live in the country.

You may be required to get a retirement visa, which will take some time and a little money, but it could be worth it if you plan to live there for a while.

Peru has a lush landscape and affordable housing, which makes this South American country an ideal location for retirement. The capital of Lima may be a great stop with its beautiful architecture and culture for retirees who want to travel more.

Retiring in Peru may be easier than in other countries when it comes to visas and immigration, but check the details to become a citizen.

If you want something a little farther from the U.S., check out the Asian nation of Malaysia. The country is home to warm, sandy beaches and lush tropical rainforests, so you're bound to find something that interests you.

The country also has a low cost of living, and most residents speak English as an unofficial second language, making it easy to navigate the country.

Costa Rica offers incredibly varied settings, from mountains to rainforests and beach towns to bigger cities. Unsurprisingly, it boasts a thriving expat population.

Retirees in the Central American country have access to active communities, outdoor adventure, and a world-renowned public health care system (with the option to purchase private insurance).

Costa Rican retirement visas require renewal every two years, but a relatively low guaranteed income allows for a wide range of lifestyles.

Chile is a modern country with plenty of nature around for you to enjoy as well. It's a great destination if you like exploring the outdoors or enjoying hitting the slopes in the winter. The Andes Mountains also have plenty of ski resorts for you to indulge your skiing passion.

When it comes to getting a visa, Chile's rules may be easier compared with some other countries. You can apply for a retirement visa, which is good for one year, and even allows you to work.

The African nation of Morocco sits on the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, giving you plenty of access to warm water and a unique culture.

Enjoy different foods and a stable climate in an area with a low cost of living. Moroccan residency status requires frequent renewals, so you'll want to review the system and factor it into your decision.

There are plenty of ways seniors waste money, including retiring in a high-cost-of-living area.

But you can get the excitement of living outside the U.S. without a huge price tag, depending on where you want to spend your post-work life.

You may want to vacation in various countries to get a feel for the one where you'd be most at home. Be sure to visit the countries you are considering, then study the requirements for retiring there.