Madrid, Spain – In their golden years, many Americans are choosing not just to retire — but to reinvent their lives. Facing a rising cost of living and concerns over healthcare access in the U.S., retirees are increasingly setting their sights on Spain, a country now ranked as the No. 1 destination for American retirees in 2025, according to Global Citizen Solutions.
Warm coastal cities, world-class cuisine, a slower pace of life, and deeply rooted culture are drawing in a generation of older Americans looking for more than just sunshine. Spain offers what many see as a rare mix: affordability, accessibility, and purpose.
Among them is Marsha Scarbrough, a U.S. retiree who shared her journey to Spain with Travel + Leisure. Navigating immigration documents, FBI reports, apostilles, and health clearance, she pursued a life driven not by necessity, but by intention. “I printed bank statements, took passport photos, filled out forms and paid fees online. Finally, I had everything translated into Spanish by a certified interpreter,” she recalled.
Spain’s non-lucrative visa allows retirees to live in the country without engaging in local employment. With a monthly cost of living estimated at $2,000–$2,500, including rent, it’s a lifestyle many find surprisingly attainable — especially compared to high-cost U.S. cities.
Beyond cost, Spain also ranks among the top 10 countries globally for healthcare, offering retirees access to affordable, high-quality medical services — a stark contrast to the U.S., which currently ranks 39th. Despite slightly higher taxes under Spain’s worldwide taxation system, the benefits — including generous allowances and healthcare access — often outweigh the costs.
According to InterNations, Spain also leads in leisure, travel access, and ease of integration, helping expats build a new sense of community and meaning. In a time when many Americans are bracing for cuts to social security, this shift abroad isn’t just financial — it’s philosophical.
Retirement, once defined by retreat, is now being reimagined as a second act full of vitality. For many, Spain isn’t just a destination — it’s a declaration that life, adventure, and contribution don’t have to end with age.
