1. Costa Rica: The Eco-Friendly Expat Haven

Costa Rica has drawn American retirees for decades, and its enduring popularity comes down to a concept locals call “Pura Vida”—the pure life. This Central American nation abolished its army in 1948, channeling those funds into education and healthcare. The resulting society is stable, welcoming, and deeply respectful of the natural environment.

Your $150,000 nest egg provides immense peace of mind here. A couple can rent a comfortable two-bedroom home in the Central Valley, buy fresh produce at local farmers’ markets, and maintain private health insurance for about $2,000 a month. The Costa Rican Pensionado visa is notoriously straightforward, requiring proof of just $1,000 a month in lifetime pension income—a threshold easily met by Social Security. You also gain access to the Caja, the national public health system, for a small monthly fee based on your income.