🇲🇽Mexico
Close to home, warm, and budget-friendly
Mexico is the #1 destination for American retirees abroad — proximity to family, a low cost of living, great weather, and large, established expat communities make the transition easy.
Residency & visas
Temporary and Permanent Resident visas are available based on proven income or savings — straightforward for retirees with Social Security/pension income.
Healthcare
High-quality, affordable private hospitals in cities like Mérida, Guadalajara, and Mexico City; many doctors trained in the U.S. Private insurance is inexpensive.
Your U.S. benefits & taxes
Social Security is easily paid in Mexico (direct deposit). Medicare doesn't cover care here. U.S.–Mexico tax treaty helps avoid double taxation.
Climate
Varies widely — tropical coasts (Riviera Maya), eternal spring in the highlands (San Miguel, Lake Chapala), and desert north.
Safety & stability
Highly regional — many expat hubs (Mérida is among the safest cities in the Americas) are very safe; research the specific area carefully.
Welcome, community & culture
Large, welcoming expat networks; growing Black American retiree presence in Mérida, Puerto Vallarta, and Lake Chapala, plus Afro-Mexican heritage along the Costa Chica.
Getting back to family
Dozens of direct flights daily to virtually every major U.S. city — the easiest country on this list for frequent family visits.
Run your numbers first
See exactly how much income you'll need, and how to protect your Social Security before you go.
Open the calculators →