Tired of guessing what retirement might feel like? Why not take it for a spin first? Swapping the daily grind for sunlit mornings, friendly cafés, and markets brimming with color doesn’t have to be a dream on hold — you can try it now, without a long-term leap.
There are places around the world where the cost of living is low, the lifestyle is rich, and it’s easy to blend in, even for a few months. This isn’t about planning from a distance. It’s about living it — fully, affordably, and like you belong. Let’s explore the best spots to do just that.
1. Portugal – Algarve
If there’s one place that consistently wows retirees doing a “test run,” it’s the Algarve region in southern Portugal. With its stunning coastal cliffs, charming whitewashed villages, and affordable cost of living, the Algarve delivers more than just a pretty postcard. English is widely spoken, public transportation is easy to navigate, and healthcare is both high-quality and budget-friendly — a huge plus for anyone looking to stay longer.
Life here unfolds slowly. Whether you’re sipping a glass of vinho verde at a beachside café in Lagos or strolling through a local farmers’ market in Tavira, it’s easy to fall into the rhythm. And because the Algarve is so popular with expats, you’ll find communities where you can dip your toes into local life while still having a support network of fellow internationals nearby.
Most people who test the Algarve don’t want to leave. It’s that mix of warm weather, safe streets, and a lifestyle that celebrates simplicity — without sacrificing modern comforts — that seals the deal.
Quick Facts & Tips:
- Best Months to Visit: March–June and September–November (fewer crowds, perfect weather)
- Average Rent for a 1BR Apartment: $600–$850/month
- Healthcare: Excellent, both public and private options
- Language: Portuguese (but English is widely spoken)
- Ideal Base Towns: Lagos, Tavira, Albufeira
2. Mexico – San Miguel de Allende
San Miguel de Allende is more than a pretty colonial town — it’s a place that often turns trial retirements into permanent moves. Nestled in Mexico’s highlands, this UNESCO World Heritage city offers spring-like weather year-round, cobblestone streets filled with color, and a thriving arts and food scene. You’ll hear Spanish on the streets, but English is also common, especially in expat circles.
Living like a local here is surprisingly easy. Morning coffee in the plaza, afternoons browsing handcrafted goods, evenings at rooftop cafés watching the sun melt over the domes and steeples — it’s a lifestyle that invites you to slow down and savor. Plus, healthcare in nearby cities like Querétaro is modern and affordable, and you’ll find local markets brimming with fresh produce for a fraction of what you’d pay back home.
What makes San Miguel truly special is its strong sense of community. If you’re testing out retirement and want to feel like you’re part of something — art workshops, volunteer projects, or neighborhood potlucks — you’ll have plenty of doors to walk through.
Quick Facts & Tips:
- Best Months to Visit: October–April (dry season, mild temps)
- Average Rent for a 1BR Apartment: $500–$900/month
- Healthcare: Excellent private options nearby
- Language: Spanish (English is common among locals and expats)
- Ideal For: Culture lovers, artists, social butterflies
3. Thailand – Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is where affordability meets vibrancy. Located in northern Thailand, this city blends centuries-old temples with bustling night markets, quiet mountain retreats, and some of the lowest living costs in Southeast Asia. For many retirees, this is the first stop on a longer trial, and it often becomes a favorite.
Even on a modest budget, you can live well in Chiang Mai. Think: fresh fruit smoothies for a dollar, weekly massages for under $10, and rent that lets you live in modern condos with pools and gyms. Healthcare here is another standout — Thailand has a reputation for world-class care, and Chiang Mai’s hospitals often cater to foreign patients.
But it’s not just about affordability. There’s a spiritual calm in Chiang Mai’s air — maybe it’s the monks walking to morning alms or the sound of bells echoing from a nearby wat. You can take a Thai cooking class one day, then head to the countryside for a weekend of waterfalls and elephant sanctuaries the next.
Quick Facts & Tips:
- Best Months to Visit: November–February (cooler, dry season)
- Average Rent for a 1BR Apartment: $350–$600/month
- Healthcare: Excellent and affordable private hospitals
- Language: Thai (but English is widely spoken in expat areas)
- Don’t Miss: Sunday Walking Street Market, Nimmanhaemin café scene
4. Spain – Valencia
Valencia doesn’t just offer paella and beaches — it offers a fully walkable, vibrant Mediterranean lifestyle without the crowds (and prices) of Barcelona or Madrid. This city is a smart choice for retirees seeking a mix of city energy, seaside calm, and deep cultural roots — all without blowing through savings.
What makes Valencia particularly retiree-friendly is its blend of the old and the new. The city center has Roman foundations, yet the City of Arts and Sciences looks like it’s from the future. You can go from browsing medieval towers to biking through the Turia Gardens, and then end your day with a glass of tinto de verano on the beach.
The lifestyle is hard to beat: excellent public healthcare, relaxed daily rhythms, delicious food, and a focus on enjoying life over working nonstop. For those testing retirement, it’s a city that feels rich — not in expense, but in experience.
Quick Facts & Tips:
- Best Months to Visit: April–June and September–October
- Average Rent for a 1BR Apartment: $700–$1,000/month
- Healthcare: Top-tier public system + private options
- Language: Spanish & Valencian (English in tourist zones)
- Local Perks: Huge bike lanes, markets like Mercado Central, and miles of beaches
5. Ecuador – Cuenca
Tucked in the Andes at 8,000 feet, Cuenca offers a refreshingly unique kind of test-retirement: a blend of colonial charm, mountain air, and a real sense of local authenticity. It’s small enough to feel cozy but big enough to have modern hospitals, cultural events, and an ever-growing community of expats who’ve done the same trial run.
Walking through Cuenca feels like a step back in time — cobbled streets, ornate churches, and locals greeting each other in the park. But it’s also full of surprises: jazz cafés, yoga studios, and open-air markets where you can stock up on organic veggies for pennies. Most retirees here find it easy to make friends, take Spanish classes, and plug into daily life.
And the price tag? Incredibly budget-friendly. Rent is low, utilities are modest, and eating out can cost less than cooking at home. Healthcare is solid, and many doctors are trained in the U.S. or Europe.
Quick Facts & Tips:
- Best Months to Visit: May–October (drier season)
- Average Rent for a 1BR Apartment: $400–$600/month
- Healthcare: Very affordable, good quality
- Language: Spanish (English is not as common, but improving)
- Bonus: Pensioners can qualify for resident visas and discounts on utilities & Transit
6. Malaysia – Penang
For anyone curious about life in Asia without the culture shock or high prices, Penang is a sweet spot. This vibrant island off Malaysia’s northwest coast is famous for its blend of cultures, incredible food scene, and relaxed pace. You’ll hear Malay, Tamil, Mandarin, and English all in a single afternoon — and somehow, it all feels seamless.
Penang is perfect for a trial retirement with a tropical twist. You’ve got beaches, modern hospitals, high-speed internet, and street food so good it should be illegal. And did we mention the prices? A couple can live well on under $1,500 a month, which includes dining out often and even hiring some part-time help.
Life here isn’t about luxury — it’s about comfort and curiosity. You’ll find expat groups for social support, but it’s easy to slide into daily life, too. Browse spice markets in George Town one day and hike Penang Hill the next — your trial retirement doesn’t have to feel like a step back from adventure.
Quick Facts & Tips:
- Best Months to Visit: December–February (cooler, less rain)
- Average Rent for a 1BR Apartment: $300–$500/month
- Healthcare: Excellent, with top private hospitals
- Language: English is widely spoken
- Local Perks: UNESCO heritage zone, world-class hawker food, low taxes for retirees
7. Colombia – Medellín
Yes, Medellín — the city that once made headlines for all the wrong reasons — is now one of Latin America’s most livable cities for retirees. Known as the “City of Eternal Spring,” Medellín boasts perfect year-round temperatures, green hills all around, and a cost of living that makes retiring here incredibly doable.
Medellín doesn’t just look good on paper. Its metro system is efficient, healthcare is top-notch, and you’ll find art, music, and energy in nearly every neighborhood. Want to live like a local? Grab an arepa and fresh juice from a corner vendor, hop on a cable car up to the hillside neighborhoods, or join a free salsa class downtown.
This city thrives on reinvention, and for many retirees testing the waters, it’s exactly the kind of place that feels both fresh and full of opportunity. You won’t be bored, and you won’t be broke either.
Quick Facts & Tips:
- Best Months to Visit: December–March and July–August
- Average Rent for a 1BR Apartment: $400–$700/month
- Healthcare: Excellent, low-cost private clinics and hospitals
- Language: Spanish (but English is growing, especially in El Poblado)
- Neighborhoods to Explore: Laureles for a local feel, El Poblado for convenience
8. Vietnam – Da Nang
If you’re the kind of retiree who prefers a beach view with your morning coffee and a scooter ride to fresh seafood markets, Da Nang might just be your dream trial run. Sitting midway up Vietnam’s coast, Da Nang is one of those places that feels underrated — until you get there.
Unlike its more chaotic cousins, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang strikes a balance. The beach is pristine, the traffic manageable, and the lifestyle refreshingly laid-back. What’s more, the cost of living is astoundingly low. A couple can comfortably live on less than $1,200 a month here — and still have room in the budget for travel and the occasional splurge.
You’ll be steps from ancient towns like Hoi An and a short train ride from stunning mountains and caves. It’s not a typical retirement hub, which might be exactly why it’s perfect for a real “test” — authentic, vibrant, and still off most people’s radar.
Quick Facts & Tips:
- Best Months to Visit: February–May (dry and warm)
- Average Rent for a 1BR Apartment: $300–$500/month
- Healthcare: Decent local options; major procedures in nearby cities
- Language: Vietnamese (basic English in tourist/expat zones)
- Best For: Beach lovers, budget adventurers, slow-paced urban life
9. Costa Rica – Atenas
Athens often claims the title of having “the best climate in the world,” and that’s just the beginning. Located in Costa Rica’s central valley, it’s a small town with big retiree appeal — think lush scenery, birdsong mornings, and friendly locals who make settling in easy.
Atenas is perfect if you want to test the pura vida lifestyle without going full remote jungle. You’re only 40 minutes from San José (and its international airport), but the town itself feels a world away — peaceful, welcoming, and walkable. And while Costa Rica isn’t as cheap as it once was, Atenas remains one of its most affordable sweet spots.
This is where hammocks and hiking trails go hand-in-hand. Many retirees try Atenas for a few months and realize they’re not just “testing” anymore. There’s a natural rhythm here that’s hard to replicate — one that feels good in your bones.
Quick Facts & Tips:
- Best Months to Visit: December–April (dry season)
- Average Rent for a 1BR Apartment: $600–$900/month
- Healthcare: High-quality and affordable (public and private)
- Language: Spanish (but many locals speak some English)
- Great For: Nature lovers, peace seekers, small-town charm with access to city services
10. Panama – Boquete
Rounding out the list, Boquete is where mountain breezes meet coffee farms and retirement dreams find a little altitude. This highland town in western Panama has long been on the radar of North American retirees, and it’s easy to see why. The weather is mild year-round, the scenery is lush, and there are benefits galore for pensioners, including big discounts on flights, medical care, and even movie tickets.
Boquete has a well-established expat community, but it hasn’t lost its small-town charm. Markets are friendly, the café culture is real, and whether you’re into hiking, birdwatching, or just sitting on the porch with world-class coffee, there’s plenty of life to live slowly.
Retirees often say Boquete feels like a gentle landing — safe, scenic, and socially rich, without feeling like a resort. It’s a solid spot for a retirement test drive with perks that are hard to match elsewhere in Latin America.
Quick Facts & Tips:
- Best Months to Visit: December–April (dry season)
- Average Rent for a 1BR Apartment: $500–$800/month
- Healthcare: Very good private clinics; hospitals in nearby David
- Language: Spanish (English spoken in many expat circles)
- Extra Bonus: Pensionado Visa available with benefits for retirees
