If you’re considering the best places to retire abroad for longevity, then one of these affordable Blue Zones may be just for you!  Are you tired of the high costs of healthcare, housing and overall cost of living in North America?   

So were we, before we headed out 7 years ago on our adventure to see every country in the world!  We were looking for a better quality of life focused on longevity, exploration and adventure.

After visiting 195 out of 197 countries, we discovered some interesting places that are called Blue Zones.  These regions are home to some of the longest-living people globally and are known for unique diets, tight-knit communities, and active, relaxed lifestyles. 

Retiring in a Blue Zone allows for a fulfilling lifestyle that’s both healthy and budget-friendly, thanks to the availability of low-cost housing, affordable healthcare, and modest overall living expenses in these fascinating areas.

Below are some of the best places to retire abroad for longevity.  They are affordable Blue Zones (and emerging ones) where retirees can enjoy a longer, more affordable, and healthier retirement.

What are Affordable Blue Zones?

What are affordable Blue Zones and how do they relate to affordable places to retire and live longer?

In 2004, explorer Dan Buettner and a team of researchers started studying places around the world where people lived much longer and healthier lives. They found five areas, now called “blue zones,” where people were reaching age 100 at a rate ten times higher than in the United States, and with fewer health problems.

One of these communities is actually Loma Linda California in the United States.  However, it is not an affordable Blue Zone.  Therefore we are covering 4 of the original blue zones and 3 new emerging ones.

Even though these communities are very different from each other, they all share some key habits. They are good at managing stress, staying active throughout the day, having a sense of purpose in life, and eating mostly plants.  

Lets learn a bit more about these affordable Blue Zones to see if any of these longevity hotspots for retirement overseas are right for you!

Longevity Hotspots for Retirement Overseas

For those looking for affordable places to retire and live longer, we are reviewing 7 places to retire abroad for longevity. Luckily, most of these affordable Blue Zones offer excellent healthcare, low housing costs, and modest living expenses, making them great places to retire on a budget.

1. Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica

Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica is a natural paradise famous for its longevity-boosting lifestyle. Its residents enjoy the stunning beaches, wild jungles, bonds made with the growing expat community, and a diet rich in legumes and tropical fruits.  

Known for its close-knit communities and access to nature, Nicoya provides a laid-back lifestyle where you can thrive.  In addition, it is definitely one of the affordable Blue Zones, making it possible for retirees to enjoy this area while living on a budget.

Outdoor activities include hiking through rainforests and waterfalls in various parks including the Barra Honda National Park and the Cabo Blanco Absolute Natural Reserve.  Watersports like kayaking, fishing, surfing, snorkeling and scuba diving abound around gorgeous mostly white sand beaches.

Housing and daily expenses here are low, and private healthcare options remain affordable compared to many Western countries, making it one of the 7 affordable places to retire and live longer.  It is definitely one of the top longevity hotspots for retirement overseas.

Expat Community and Language: While there’s a smaller expat community than in Costa Rica’s tourist hubs, Nicoya’s expat presence is still welcoming. Some English is spoken, but knowing basic Spanish can be helpful.

Healthcare: Costa Rica’s public healthcare system, known as “Caja,” provides quality care at affordable rates, accessible to legal residents (costs are approximately $100 USD per legal resident and their dependents). Many expats in Nicoya choose private healthcare for a more tailored experience, which remains far more affordable than in the U.S.

Cost of Housing: Housing costs are low, with rents for a one-bedroom apartment starting at $299 per month. Buying property is also popular among retirees due to Costa Rica’s stable real estate market.

Cost of Living: Monthly expenses are around $1,200–$1,600 USD per person, covering groceries, healthcare, utilities, and entertainment.

Weather: The Nicoya Peninsula has a tropical climate with sunny, dry weather from December to April. May to November brings more rain, especially in the afternoons, but it’s still warm. October is the wettest month.

2. Ikaria, Greece

Ikaria, an island off the coast of Turkey offers a Greek lifestyle with a focus on daily physical activity, social bonds and a Mediterranean diet high in olive oil, fresh vegetables, and other healthy fats with less meat and dairy.  It is one of the top places to retire abroad for longevity.

With over 300 km of footpaths, life here is focused on the outdoors. With hiking and walking in prehistoric forests, mountain biking and road cycling as some of the pastimes.  Water sports abound with kayaking, fishing, surfing, paddle boarding and the like. 

There are many gorgeous beaches to enjoy crystal clear water.  However, the beaches are the typical Mediterranean rocky types.

Housing on Ikaria is more affordable than on mainland Greece, and there is access to both public and private healthcare. For retirees looking to live in an affordable Blue Zone, for a lifestyle of simplicity, Ikaria is a solid choice.

• Healthcare: Ikaria’s public healthcare system is part of Greece’s network, but many expats opt for private services in nearby Athens for specialized care.
• Cost of Housing: Monthly rents for a one-bedroom apartment or home start at $325 USD per month, while affordable real estate makes buying appealing for retirees.
• Cost of Living: The cost of living is very manageable, with single-person expenses averaging $1,000–$1,500. Locally grown food options and lower dining costs keep prices down.
• Weather: Ikaria has a typical Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. From May to September, expect sunshine and high temperatures, perfect for swimming and enjoying the island’s beaches. Winters are cooler with some rain, but still pleasant for hiking and exploring the island’s rugged interior. Ikaria is known for its strong winds, especially in the summer months, which contribute to its popularity for windsurfing and sailing.
• Expat Community and Language: Ikaria’s expat community is small, but growing. English is spoken in tourist areas, though learning Greek enhances integration.

3. Sardinia, Italy

Sardinia’s beautiful scenery and strong social bonds create a healthy, active environment where many reach their 100th birthday and beyond. The island’s traditional Mediterranean diet and affordable housing in rural areas make it a solid choice for retirees.  This island is definitely one of the top longevity hotspots for retirement overseas.

This mountainous island is a hiker’s paradise. With everything from ancient trails, gentle hills and valleys to challenging mountain ranges and dramatic coastal cliffs – there’s a trail for everyone. 

Mountain biking and road cycling are also popular on the island.  In addition, the beaches and watersports in Sardinia are some of the best in the world from snorkeling, kayaking, kite surfing and scuba diving to paddle boarding and just relaxing on the white sand beaches.

Here, the cost of living can vary, but rural areas are more affordable, with low-cost rentals and a focus on farming and family. Sardinians benefit from Mediterranean dietary staples which are keys to longevity. While private healthcare is available, Italy’s public healthcare system is generally accessible and free for legal residents, adding value to a retirement here.

In addition, the island currently offers €15,000 (about $16,200 USD) to those foreigners who move to a rural area in Sardinia and commit to renovating a home here. Sardinia’s government has set aside a fund of 45 million euros for this initiative to combat depopulation and isolation. 

Applicants must move to a town with less than 3,000 residents, live there full-time, and make Sardinia their permanent residence within 18 months.

• Healthcare: Italy offers world class public healthcare to all residents, including expats. Sardinia’s healthcare facilities are generally of good quality.
• Cost of Housing: Rent in rural areas ranges from $300 to $500 for a one-bedroom apartment per month.  More touristic areas can be much more expensive though.
• Cost of Living: A single retiree can live comfortably on $1,000–$1,500 monthly, with fresh produce and local markets helping reduce grocery costs.
• Weather: Sardinia has a typical Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.  July and August are the hottest months, perfect for swimming and enjoying the beaches.  The shoulder seasons (spring and fall) offer pleasant temperatures ideal for hiking and exploring. December to February are cool and mild, with temperatures ranging from  6–15°C (42 – 60 F).  November is the rainiest month. Overall, the weather in Sardinia stays between 6 – 32°C (42 – 90 F)
• Expat Community and Language: Sardinia has a small, welcoming expat community, though English is not widely spoken outside tourist areas.

4. Okinawa, Japan

Okinawa, Japan is one of the first affordable Blue Zones. On this subtropical island, women live longer than anywhere else in the world! They eat a lot of healthy foods like sweet potatoes, soybeans, mugwort, turmeric, and a bitter melon called goya. This special diet helps them stay healthy and live long lives.

Much of Okinawa’s northern area is considered a Unesco World Heritage Site. You can relax on beautiful white-sand beaches, explore nearby islands with coral reefs and forests, go diving or snorkeling, hike to waterfalls, kayak through mangroves, and even spot whales in the winter. There are also ancient caves to explore and amazing stargazing opportunities. 

Japanese culture here emphasizes community, mindfulness, and outdoor activities.  Okinawa continues to be one of the top places to retire abroad for longevity.

• Healthcare: Japan’s healthcare system is high-quality and affordable, with a mix of public and private options.
• Cost of Housing: Monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment start at $340–$470 USD, making housing affordable for retirees.  However, it is difficult for foreigners to rent housing in Japan.  
• Cost of Living: Monthly living costs are between $680–$1,000 USD per person.  This is lower than major cities in Japan.
• Weather: Okinawa has warm weather year-round. Summers are hot and humid, with temperatures reaching a high of 30s C (86 F) from June to September. Winters are mild, with temperatures rarely dipping below 10°C (50 F). Okinawa also experiences a rainy season from May to June, and typhoons are possible from July to September. The best weather in Okinawa is during the shoulder seasons, spring (April-May) and fall (October-November), when temperatures are comfortable and rainfall is minimal.
• Expat Community and Language: Okinawa has a modest expat community, with English spoken in areas near U.S. military bases.

5. Vilcabamba, Ecuador

Known as the “Valley of Longevity,” Vilcabamba is emerging as one of the new affordable Blue Zones.  It is known for its pristine environment, inexpensive organic food, and relaxed lifestyle.  Ecuador’s low cost of living and good healthcare options add to its appeal and make it one of the best places to retire abroad for longevity.

Folks in Vilcabamba are known to live well into their 100’s.  Experts believe that the people in this region live long and healthy lives because of a few key things: they eat healthy food, get regular exercise, drink clean local mineral water, and live in a place with fresh air and unpolluted surroundings.

At 4,952 ft (1,500 meters) above sea level, hiking is a popular pastime in Vilcabamba.  Trails here wind through lush valleys, cloud forests, and up to stunning viewpoints like Mandango Mountain.  The Vilcabamba River offers opportunities for swimming, fishing, kayaking, and tubing.  

Horseback riding is another great way to explore the countryside, and you can even visit a nearby national park, Podocarpus, for a chance to spot unique bird species and other wildlife.

• Healthcare: Ecuador offers both public and private healthcare, which are highly affordable.
• Cost of Housing: Rent for a one-bedroom apartment starts around $300 USD, with affordable real estate making it an attractive place to settle.
• Cost of Living: Monthly expenses are around $800–$1,200 USD per person, covering fresh produce, healthcare and utilities.
• Weather: Vilcabamba has a pleasant, spring-like climate year-round thanks to its location in the Andes Mountains. Temperatures typically hover in the comfortable low 20s Celsius (70s F) during the day, with cooler evenings.  The area experiences a dry season from June to December and a wetter season from January to May, but even during the rainy season, showers are usually short-lived and often occur in the afternoons. This consistent, temperate climate contributes to Vilcabamba’s reputation as a healthy and enjoyable place to live and visit.
• Expat Community and Language: Vilcabamba has a large, English-speaking expat community, but Spanish is helpful for local interactions.

6. Ourense, Spain

Ourense, in Galicia, Spain, is gaining recognition as one of the newest affordable Blue Zones. Its mild climate, low-cost lifestyle, and high-quality healthcare make it one of the top places to retire abroad for longevity.

In Ourense there are so many outdoor opportunities to enjoy!  Hiking and mountain biking trails wind through the surrounding hills and valleys, leading to scenic viewpoints and natural hot springs. The Miño River, flowing through the city, provides opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and riverside walks.  

Another highlight is exploring the Ribeira Sacra, a nearby region known for its dramatic canyons and vineyards, with hiking trails and boat tours along the Sil River.  For a unique experience, visit the Pena Trevinca Natural Park, home to Galicia’s highest peak and diverse flora and fauna.

• Healthcare: Spain’s healthcare is accessible and high-quality, with regional hospitals providing good care.
• Cost of Housing: Monthly rents for a one-bedroom apartment start from $475 USD per month. 
• Cost of Living: Basic expenses are low, with single-person costs around $1,000 monthly.
• Weather: Ourense, experiences a mild climate with distinct seasons. Summers are warm and sunny, with average highs in the low 20s Celsius (70s F). Winters are cool and damp, with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and occasional rainfall. The city is known for its hot springs, which can be enjoyed year-round.
• Expat Community and Language: Although small, Ourense’s expat community is growing. English is less widely spoken.

7. Singapore

Singapore is a great place to grow old! People in this emerging Blue Zone have the longest healthy lifespans in the world, with very few heart problems. This is due to its high standards of healthcare and public wellness initiatives.  

However, this is one of the least affordable Blue Zones due to Singapore’s much higher cost of living than some of the other longevity hotspots for retirement overseas mentioned above.

Despite its urban landscape, Singapore offers a surprising number of outdoor activities. Nature lovers can explore the lush Botanic Gardens, hike through the rainforest trails of MacRitchie Reservoir Park, or stroll along the scenic Southern Ridges. 

For water activities, there is kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding at Kallang Basin, or relaxing on the beaches of Sentosa Island.  The Gardens by the Bay have the Supertree Grove and Cloud Forest. And for a unique perspective, one can take a nighttime walk or cycle along the East Coast Park, enjoying the cool sea breeze and city skyline views.

• Healthcare: Singapore’s healthcare is advanced, with affordable public options with high standards that draw global attention.
• Cost of Housing: Rent varies significantly, with a one-bedroom apartment in a suburban area starting at $ 2,000 USD monthly and in central Singapore starting at $2,800 USD monthly.
• Cost of Living: Monthly expenses start at $1200 USD per person including healthcare, food, entertainment, public transportation and utility bills (excluding housing).  
• Weather: Singapore has a tropical rainforest climate, which means it’s hot and humid all year round. Temperatures typically range from the high 70s to the low 90s Fahrenheit (mid-20s to low 30s Celsius). There’s no distinct wet or dry season, so you can expect rain showers throughout the year, often in short, heavy bursts. The monsoon season, from November to January, brings the most rainfall. Humidity levels are consistently high, making it feel even warmer.
• Expat Community and Language: Singapore has a large English-speaking expat population, and English is one of the main languages.

Wrap Up – Best Places to Retire Abroad for Longevity

We hope that these 7 best places to retire abroad for longevity have given you some tangible specifics about these affordable Blue Zones.  If you’re looking for a healthier, longer life and a budget-friendly lifestyle, then one of these longevity hotspots for retirement overseas will hopefully be an interesting destination for you to consider.

At this point, we have visited 195 out of the 197 countries in the world and plan on continuing to travel around this beautiful globe of ours for as long as we can. However, when we are finally ready to retire, we will be choosing one of these affordable Blue Zones as a place to spend a considerable amount of time in.

Until then, we will be trying to be as mindful as possible, eat a plant based diet, hang out with animals as much as possible and annually visit our favorite Executive Health Screen program in Kuala Lumpur to check up on our health to make sure that we are as healthy as possible for as long as possible.

We hope that this post about affordable cities for retirement and long life has given you some ideas about places to retire abroad for longevity without breaking the bank. Do you have any other ideas about affordable places to retire and live longer? We would love to hear from you in the comments below!