15 Affordable (And Safe) South American Cities Retirees Love

Have you considered retiring outside of the U.S.? If so, you have plenty of options, including South America.

Many South American cities are welcoming to retirees. They allow you to enjoy beaches, rainforests, mountains, and the everyday culture of unique cities.

If you are ready to plan for a stress-free retirement , check out these cities in South America and find out if they are right for you.

1. La Barra, Uruguay

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La Barra is located along the Atlantic Ocean in Uruguay.

The town is considered walkable, with plenty of little streets and beautiful beaches to explore. You can also take in attractions like the city’s Museo del Mar. Or, enjoy some of the local golf courses.

2. Montevideo, Uruguay

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Montevideo is a coastal city with beautiful beaches. You will also find attractions such as museums and theaters.

The country allows expatriates easy access to temporary residency visas if you buy a home there. Uruguay has a cost of living that is considerably lower than in the U.S.

3. Sucre, Bolivia

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Sucre has special architecture that combines local traditions with European styles. Explore the city’s many churches in particular.

Sucre also is an affordable city. Rent, dining options, and other expenses are on the low end of costs.

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4. Fortaleza, Brazil

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Located along the northern coast of Brazil, Fortaleza offers excellent beachfront living.

The town is also known for fishing, so enjoy spending time on the water or head to one of the city’s restaurants for fresh catches each day.

5. Mendoza, Argentina

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The Argentinian city of Mendoza is another affordable place to retire in South America. Your dollars can last longer in this place.

Foodies will find delicious wines and foods with beautiful views. You can spend your days taking tours of local wineries or exploring the country’s olive oil industry.

6. Asuncion, Paraguay

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Asuncion is considered a safe city for retirees. It has a growing community of expatriates.

Enjoy beautiful landmarks such as the Palacio de López, or enjoy strolling through some of the city’s modern shopping centers.

7. Cuenca, Ecuador

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Cuenca is known for its beautiful architecture, much of which dates to the 18th century.

The country also has a visa for retirees, giving you the option to stay in the country and enjoy all that Cuenca has to offer.

8. Medellin, Colombia

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Medellin is called the City of Eternal Spring, and for good reason. You’ll find the city to be pleasant and warm all year and will find yourself surrounded by lush green plants and trees.

Check out the city’s bars and restaurants or visit nearby coffee farms. And if you live in the area, make sure you seek out the Flower Festival every summer.

9. Santiago, Chile

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The Chilean capital of Santiago is a bustling metropolis filled with things to see.

The area offers a variety of climates and is well-known for its wineries. So, take some time to explore nature there.

10. Barranquilla, Colombia

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Barranquilla offers plenty to do: You can see historical sites or walk the Gran Malecon, a large park that runs along the Magdalena River.

Barranquilla is generally considered safe for visitors or expatriates.

11. Brasilia, Brazil

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The capital city of Brazil — located along the shores of Paranoá Lake — is known for its unique architecture that is sure to delight.

You can also explore Congresso Nacional or Catedral Metropolitana to see examples of Brasilia’s beautiful buildings.

12. Huanchaco, Peru

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Huanchaco is a beach town, giving you plenty of options to enjoy the outdoors if you like water and sand.

The town also has affordable restaurants and bars. Seek out the city’s famed ceviche dishes.

13. Cordoba, Argentina

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The city of Cordoba is one of the oldest cities in Argentina. It offers a rich heritage to explore.

Check out the city’s regal colonial buildings and explore the art and music scene. Cordoba is also a relatively safe town, with colleges and other institutions.

14. Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia

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The city of Santa Cruz de la Sierra is well-known for its nightlife, which many retirees find attractive.

Enjoy the low cost of living while you check out affordable restaurants at night and the lush nature surrounding the city during the day.

15. Salinas, Ecuador

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Salinas sits next to the Pacific Ocean. The peninsula is a beachfront oasis for retirees who want to enjoy warm weather and sunny days.

Aside from petty crime, the town is considered safe for visitors and residents. Real estate taxes are low.

If Salinas or another city on this list intrigues you, grab one of the best travel credit cards and book a trip so you can discover if the city is a good fit for you.

Bottom line

Retiring outside the U.S. is often cheaper, offering the sense of adventure that comes with living in another country.

If you are planning for retirement , consider checking out the South American cities on this list. One of them might be an excellent place to spend your golden years.

Money tips that can work for everyone

No matter what your bank account balance is, there's always an opportunity to optimize and improve your finances. Here's a quick checklist of things you can look at today.

Focus on paying off your debt . Debt can hold you back from making progress with your overall financial well-being. Aside from cutting expenses, there are tools that can help you pay off debt faster like balance transfer credit cards and debt counseling.

Earning extra income can give you breathing room. If finances are tight, earning some extra money to supplement your income can make a huge difference. A new job is one option to consider, but if you're not ready to make a big change or already retired, a part-time side job could be a better choice.

Cut your expenses. It sounds painful and so not fun, but it doesn't have to be. Take a look at your biggest expenses because that's where you'll probably find the biggest savings. For example, auto insurance rates have been soaring so shopping around for a new insurance company can be the fastest way to cut your bill. Also, look for ways to cut your grocery bill (despite rising inflation).