Let’s face it: living in the United States is expensive. If you feel like your retirement budget is being stretched thin in suburbia, considering a more exotic locale might be a welcome change of scenery and a financially conscious decision.
South America boasts cosmopolitan cities, warm weather, and stunning sights, making it wonderful for retirement.
These are the cities in South America where you can retire for under $2,000 a month:
Mendoza, Argentina
Estimated monthly costs: $788
Nestled at the foothills of the Andes, Mendoza is at the heart of Argentina’s wine country, best known for its award-winning Malbec wines. Countless wineries offer tours and tastings to fully experience the region’s wine culture.
Explore the bustling Plaza Independencia, the city’s main square, which often hosts free events, concerts, and artisan markets. The climate is another perk, with over 300 days of sunshine a year, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and golfing. The city is full of well-priced dining options, such as 1884 Restaurante where Francis Mallmann’s dishes take Argentinian cuisine to new heights.
Florianopolis, Brazil
Estimated monthly costs: $1,281
Known as “Floripa” to locals, this island city is quickly becoming one of Brazil’s hottest destinations. Floripa boasts over 40 pristine beaches for relaxing, surfing, and enjoying a strong caipirinha. The island’s natural beauty extends beyond the beaches, with lush hills, lagoons, and sand dunes waiting to be explored—fair more exhilarating than cities in Florida.
Visit the historic center, stroll through the colonial-style Mercado Público, and explore the vibrant nightlife in Lagoa da Conceição. Floripa also hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, including Carnaval, where you can dance the night away and experience Brazilian culture firsthand. Enjoy fresh seafood at Ostradamus or a traditional Brazilian barbecue at Churrasco Ao Vivo, all without breaking the bank.
Arequipa, Peru
Estimated monthly costs: $731
Known as the “White City” for its stunning white volcanic stone buildings, budget-friendly Arequipa is surrounded by the Andes mountains and the majestic Colca Canyon, which offer endless opportunities for hiking, bird-watching, and soaking in thermal baths.
The historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site, home to the magnificent Santa Catalina Monastery and the beautiful Plaza de Armas. The city also hosts numerous festivals and events, like the colorful Virgen de la Candelaria and the lively Arequipa International Film Festival. Get out of the city easily to explore more of Peru—Arequipa is a Peru Hop stop.
Medellín, Colombia
Estimated monthly costs: $1,292
Medellín has been nicknamed the “City of Eternal Spring” for its perfect climate that sticks around 72°F (22°C) year-round, making it a top pick for retirees in South America.
Explore the works of Fernando Botero at Plaza Botero, visit the innovative Parque Explora, or immerse yourself in the vibrant nightlife at Parque Lleras. The annual Flower Festival, Feria de las Flores, is a must-see, showcasing the city’s rich cultural heritage and love for flowers.
Dine at innovative Carmen or El Cielo for a fraction of the price that you’d pay for Michelin-starred meals in the United States. When you’re ready to escape the city life, experience some of the best things to do in Guatapé nearby for breathtaking views.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Estimated monthly costs: $1,254
This cosmopolitan city, often dubbed the “Paris of South America,” blends European and Latin American spirit from the trendy Palermo district to quaint homes in quieter barrios.
Buenos Aires is a city that never sleeps, offering stunning architecture like that of the grand Teatro Colón to the colorful streets of La Boca. Dive into the local culture with tango lessons or attend one of the many live music performances that fill the city’s squares and cafes.
The city’s extensive public transportation system makes getting around a breeze, whether you’re heading to a museum, a park, or a weekend getaway to the nearby countryside. Plus, the warm and welcoming locals add a sense of community that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Santa Marta, Colombia
Estimated monthly costs: $1,117
The cost of living in Santa Marta is impressively low. You can enjoy fresh seafood at local beachfront restaurants and shop at bustling markets for a fraction of what you’d spend back home. Housing and healthcare are similarly affordable, making the coastal city a wise choice for retirees looking to stretch their retirement savings.
Spend your days lounging on pristine beaches like Playa Blanca or exploring the lush trails of Tayrona National Park. History buffs will love wandering through the historic center, with its colonial architecture and the iconic Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, where Simón Bolívar spent his final days.
Montevideo, Uruguay
Estimated monthly costs: $1,757
Montevideo feels pricey compared to other cities in South America, but by American standards, is still relatively affordable. It’s enjoyable year-round, with warm summers and cool winters. Montevideo’s beachfront promenade, La Rambla, stretches for miles along the coast, perfect for morning jogs, leisurely walks, or sunset views.
The city is renowned for its vibrant arts scene, with numerous theaters, galleries, and music venues. Visit the iconic Teatro Solís, explore the rich history of the Ciudad Vieja (Old Town), or enjoy live music and tango shows at various venues throughout the city. The annual Carnival is a highlight featuring parades, music, and dance that showcase Uruguay’s lively spirit. Dining out in the city is a treat, best experienced at acclaimed restaurants such as Tandory or La Pulpería, or savor traditional Uruguayan cuisine at local gems like El Palenque.
Cuenca, Ecuador
Estimated monthly costs: $1,003
Tucked away in the Andes Mountains, Cuenca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has everything a retiree could dream of—affordable living, beautiful scenery, and a welcoming community.
The city boasts a mild, spring-like climate year-round, with temperatures hovering between 50-70°F (10-21°C). It’s ideal for wandering through the cobblestone streets lined with colonial architecture and visiting the stunning New Cathedral, with its iconic blue domes. Spend an afternoon at Parque Calderón, the city’s central park, where you can relax and people-watch, or head to the Pumapungo Museum and Archaeological Park, which showcases Incan ruins and cultural artifacts.
Lima, Peru
Estimated monthly costs: $1,222
Lima is one of Latin America’s most exciting cities at the moment. With a growing gastronomy scene increasing in praise, dining out has become just as important in the city as exploring its historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the Larco Museum to learn about Peru’s ancient civilizations, or explore the bustling neighborhoods of Miraflores and Barranco, known for their vibrant arts scenes and lively street markets.
In addition to its affordability, culture, and cuisine, Lima also boasts a high-quality healthcare system, ensuring that retirees have access to excellent medical care when they need it most. With modern hospitals and clinics staffed by skilled professionals, you can retire with peace of mind, knowing that your health needs will be taken care of.
Cordoba, Argentina
Estimated monthly costs: $756
Situated in the heart of Argentina’s picturesque interior, Cordoba is a coming together of old and new. Take a walk through the city’s dreamy colonial-era streets, visit the iconic Jesuit Block and Estancias of Cordoba, a UNESCO World Heritage site, or immerse yourself in Cordoba’s many theaters and cultural centers. You’ll never go hungry in Cordoba, feasting on everything from traditional Argentine asado (barbecue) to mouthwatering empanadas and decadent desserts.
Outside of the city proper, the nearby Sierras offer adventurous retirees ample options for making the most of their newfound leisure time. Go hiking, rock climbing, scrambling, or biking, amongst other outdoor activities. Head to a vineyard to sample some of Argentina’s lauded wine to keep things more leisurely.
Quito, Ecuador
Estimated monthly costs: $1,143
At an elevation of over 9,000 feet, Quito is one of the highest capital cities in the world but offers a low cost of living.
Take in the iconic Plaza de la Independencia or go church-hopping to see some of the country’s most intricate examples of architecture, like at Basílica del Voto Nacional, San Francisco Catholic Church, and Church of the Society of Jesus. Outdoor enthusiasts will love hiking up the slopes of the Pichincha Volcano for amazing views of the city and surrounding mountains or heading to Cotopaxi National Park for gorgeous landscapes and diverse wildlife.
The estimated monthly costs in this article are based on data from Expatisan and have been converted to USD from local currency.
If Europe is more your style
…You might enjoy one of these cities on the continent for retirees. Ranging from adventurous and energetic to relaxed and romantic, these cities are just as diverse as they are desirable.
16 Unexpected Retirement Cities in Europe for a Lifelong Vacation
Stay close to home in your golden years
If international retirement feels daunting, you’ll be relieved to know that there are several amazing cities in the United States that fit the bill instead.
17 US Retirement Places to Make Your Golden Years the Best Yet
Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab, a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.
