Costa Rica

Costa Rica's Pensionado visa demands only $1,000/month pension income for permanent residency, a 60% lower threshold than Panama's $1,000 minimum. Access to the CAJA public healthcare system costs retirees under $100/month per person, while private clinics offer 50% savings versus U.S. prices. A couple averages $2,000–$3,500/month in beach or mountain towns, making it 30% cheaper than #1 Portugal's typical cost. Political stability and 50,000+ U.S. expats provide a safety net unmatched in Central America.