Ecuador

Retirement travelers from the United States and other nations go to Ecuador, the entryway to the Galápagos, because of its miles of Pacific coastline, an active volcano, natural beauty, and various ex-pat settlements. The official currency of Ecuador is the U.S. dollar, and English is widely spoken in the larger cities.

Ecuador has a 49% lower overall cost of living than the United States. The cost of living is 62% lower at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cuenca than it is in New York, while rents there are around 88% less expensive. Cuenca, which is in Ecuador's highlands, has a temperate climate, which lowers the cost of heating and cooling.

All residents and visitors are guaranteed access to high-quality healthcare at a lesser cost than in the United States. Foreign retirees have two options: they can show confirmation of private insurance, or they can join the government system for about $100 per month for full coverage. Once a person has resided in Ecuador for at least 21 months on a temporary visa, they are eligible to apply for permanent residence visas. The application for a temporary visa must include proof of a minimum income, real estate investments, or bank deposits.