Best Places To Retire Easily On Social Security In 2025
Hey friends, if you’re on social security and dreaming about living somewhere calmer, safer, and cheaper than home, this video is for you. This is Advent Traveler, and I am finally back again with another new video. A lot of retirees are surprised to learn that with careful planning, their social security checks can stretch a long way, especially in safe countries with affordable health care and low living costs. I picked seven places that rank high for safety and where retirees commonly live comfortably on typical social security incomes. I’ll say how each one stacks up for safety, cost, health care, and residency, so you can get a real picture. Let’s go. Portugal consistently ranks near the top for safety and peacefulness, making it a favorite for retirees seeking a calm, secure environment. The country’s crime rates are among the lowest in Europe, and locals are known for their friendliness and hospitality. Many retirees love Portugal’s mild climate with over 300 days of sunshine a year and its excellent health care system. The Algarve region is famous for its beautiful beaches and vibrant expat community, though it can be pricier. However, smaller coastal towns like Nazire or Tivera and interior towns such as Evora or Castello Branco offer a much lower cost of living. Residency paths for retirees are straightforward with options like the D7 visa for those with passive income and the Golden Visa for property investors. The process is well documented and many expats report a smooth transition. Portugal’s public health care is strong and accessible, and private insurance is affordable, giving retirees peace of mind. Many retirees find that a typical US social security check goes much further here than back home, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle, whether you prefer city living in Lisbon or Porto, or the tranquility of a small village. Plus, Portugal offers a rich culture, delicious cuisine, and plenty of opportunities to connect with both locals and fellow expats, making it an ideal destination for a fulfilling retirement. Spain consistently ranks high on retirement lists, and it’s easy to see why. The country boasts low violent crime rates in most regions, a world-class public health care system that’s both accessible and affordable, and a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle that appeals to many retirees. Spain is home to thriving expat communities, especially in cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and along the Costa del Sol, where retirees can easily make friends and find support. For those seeking affordability, smaller towns, Andalucia and parts of Valencia offer lower rents and living costs, making it possible to live comfortably on social security. Groceries, dining out, and public transportation are all budget friendly, and fresh produce is abundant at local markets. Retirees often use the Spanish non-lucrative visa or residence by investment options to settle here. With a bit of paperwork and planning, Spain’s welcoming atmosphere and vibrant culture make it a top choice for retirees seeking both adventure and comfort. Panama’s pension program is one of the world’s best retiree benefits, offering generous discounts on everything from medical care and prescriptions to travel, restaurants, and entertainment. Retirees can save 20% or more on airfare, 25% off utility bills, and even get discounts at movie theaters and hotels. These savings make daily life much more affordable, especially when combined with Panama’s already reasonable cost of living. Many retirees find they can comfortably rent a modern apartment, dine out regularly, and enjoy a vibrant social life on just their social security income. Health care is highquality and affordable with many doctors trained in the US and modern hospitals in Panama City and other major towns. Many services and goods are priced with foreigners in mind, but bargains can still be found at local markets and with a little research. Panama uses the US dollar, so you won’t have to worry about currency exchange rates or hidden fees. The country is also considered relatively safe with friendly locals and established expat communities in places like Phuket, Coronado, and Panama City, making it easy to settle in and feel at home. Malaysia is regularly recommended for retirees and for good reason. The cost of living is impressively low. Yet, you get access to highquality private health care, often at a fraction of what you’d pay in Western countries. Cities like Paneang and Koala Lumpur offer a comfortable lifestyle with modern amenities, reliable infrastructure, and a wide range of housing options from affordable apartments to luxury condos. Everyday life is easygoing and peaceful, especially in the suburbs or smaller towns. You’ll find plenty of green spaces, vibrant markets, and a laid-back pace that’s perfect for retirement. Paneang, in particular, is famous for its food scene and cultural diversity. While Koala Lumpur offers all the conveniences of a big city, there’s also a strong and welcoming expat community, making it easy to build new friendships. Programs like Malaysia My Second Home or MM2 have made long-term stays possible, though requirements do change, so always check the latest rules. But overall, Malaysia remains one of the most affordable and comfortable places for retirees with daily expenses like groceries, dining out, and transportation still attractively low. It’s a place where your social security check can really stretch, letting you enjoy a high quality of life. Costa Rica is a classic retiree favorite. Stable politics, friendly communities, good health care options, and lots of nature. Safety is generally good, and many expat hubs. And while Costa Rica’s official retirey visa expects some minimum income, many social security recipients qualify. Though total monthly budgets tend to be higher than in parts of Asia or Latin America. The natural beauty is a major draw with stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and diverse wildlife. Many retirees find it easy to integrate into the local culture with numerous activities and community events. Healthcare is both affordable and highquality with many doctors speaking English. The cost of living can be quite reasonable, especially outside the major tourist areas. Uruguay is one of South America’s safest and most stable countries, making it a top choice for retirees seeking peace of mind. The country boasts excellent public services, reliable infrastructure, and a strong sense of community. Healthcare is high quality and accessible with both public and private options available to residents. Uruguay is often recommended for retirees who value safety, a straightforward residency process, and a welcoming atmosphere. The residency process is clear and attainable with no minimum age requirement and reasonable income thresholds. While Uruguay can be pricier than some of its neighbors, especially in Monte Vido, many retirees find daily expenses manageable, especially outside the capital. The cost of living is still lower than in the US in many ways, from health care to groceries and transportation. Many retirees enjoy Uruguay’s relaxed pace of life, beautiful beaches, and vibrant culture. Whether you prefer city living in Monte Vido or a quieter lifestyle in coastal towns like Puntaad Estee or Colonia, Uruguay is very livable on a modest pension. Slovenia consistently ranks high on global safety lists, making it one of the most peaceful countries in Europe. Its low crime rates and friendly communities create a welcoming environment for retirees seeking a calm, secure lifestyle. The country boasts excellent health care with modern hospitals and attentive staff as well as a strong sense of public order. Cities and towns are clean, well-maintained, and easy to navigate, which is especially important for seniors. While Ljubljana, the vibrant capital, offers a lively cultural scene and top-notch amenities, it can be pricier than other parts of the country. However, many smaller towns and rural regions are very affordable with lower housing costs and a slower pace of life. Towns like Maribore and Kelj offer charming atmospheres, beautiful scenery, and excellent value for money. Once you meet residency or citizenship requirements, you gain access to the entire European Union, making travel and healthcare even easier. Slovenia is perfect for retirees who want the safety and beauty of Europe, but without the highest European prices. Enjoy fresh local produce at markets, scenic mountain views, and a relaxed, fulfilling retirement lifestyle. Okay, that’s a wrap. These eight countries give you the best mix of safety, good health care, and lower living costs, making them some of the most realistic places to stretch your social security into a calm, enjoyable retirement in 2025. Tell me in the comments which country you want me to dig into next. I can do deep dives on cost breakdowns, visa steps, and where the best towns are. If this helped, hit like and subscribe. I’ll keep finding real practical ways to make retirement feel possible and peaceful. Safe travels, friends.
Thinking about retiring abroad on Social Security in 2025? In this video, we reveal eight of the safest, most affordable countries where retirees can stretch their monthly checks without sacrificing comfort. These destinations offer low crime rates, reliable healthcare, stable economies, and a much lower cost of living than the U.S.
We break down why Portugal, Spain, Panama, Malaysia, Costa Rica, Uruguay, and Slovenia are leading retirement hotspots — including safety scores, average living costs, residency pathways, and access to healthcare for Americans living overseas.
Whether you’re dreaming of peaceful European streets, warm tropical escapes, or budget-friendly Southeast Asia, this guide will help you choose the best country for a safe, stress-free retirement abroad. Watch until the end for practical tips on visas, Social Security payments, and making the move smoothly.
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Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:41 Portugal
2:13 Spain
3:16 Panama
4:30 Malaysia
5:55 Costa Rica
6:43 Uruguay
7:55 Slovenia
9:12 Outro