{"id":350550,"date":"2025-11-02T15:10:15","date_gmt":"2025-11-02T15:10:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/350550\/"},"modified":"2025-11-02T15:10:15","modified_gmt":"2025-11-02T15:10:15","slug":"7-retiree-friendly-destinations-cheaper-than-florida","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/350550\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Retiree-Friendly Destinations Cheaper Than Florida"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>                    <img src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/21-Prague-Czech-Republic-shutterstock_536911540.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-post-image main-post-image\" alt=\"PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC - DECEMBER 19,2015: Atmosphere of beautiful Christmas market at Old Town Square (Staromestske namesti).\" decoding=\"async\" fetchpriority=\"high\" \/>                <\/p>\n<p>\n                    Suratwadee Karkkainen \/ Shutterstock.com                <\/p>\n<p>Commitment to Our Readers<\/p>\n<p class=\"Font--Poppins Font--Body-l\">GOBankingRates&#8217; editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services &#8211; our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gobankingrates.com\/about\/editorial-guidelines\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">editorial guidelines<\/a> and our products and services <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gobankingrates.com\/about\/review-methodology\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">review methodology<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.gobankingrates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/icon-20.svg?webp=1&amp;quality=75\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1994546\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"Font--Poppins Font--Body-l\"><strong>20 Years<\/strong><br \/>Helping You Live Richer<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.gobankingrates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/icon-experts-review.svg?webp=1&amp;quality=75\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1989830\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.gobankingrates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/icon__trusted.svg?webp=1&amp;quality=75\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1994547\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"Font--Poppins Font--Body-l\"><strong>Trusted by<\/strong> <br \/>Millions of Readers<\/p>\n<p>Florida may be known as \u201cGod\u2019s waiting room,\u201d but retirees don\u2019t have to settle for crowded beaches and steep prices.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Around the world, there are destinations where once-in-a-lifetime experiences, from walking medieval city walls to releasing lanterns into the night sky, cost less than a week in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gobankingrates.com\/investing\/real-estate\/cities-in-florida-cheaper-to-rent-than-to-own-home\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-is-dynamic-hyperlink=\"false\" data-link-type=\"first-link\" data-link-position=\"1\" target=\"_blank\">Sunshine State<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>These seven international getaways are true bucket-list adventures that are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gobankingrates.com\/retirement\/planning\/places-to-retire-better-and-cheaper-than-florida\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-is-dynamic-hyperlink=\"false\" data-link-type=\"money-link\" data-link-position=\"2\" target=\"_blank\">cheaper than Florida<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Cartagena, Colombia: Walk the Walls at Sunset<\/p>\n<p>Few experiences rival strolling along Cartagena\u2019s 16th-century stone walls as the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gobankingrates.com\/saving-money\/travel\/affordable-caribbean-places-to-visit-after-holiday-season\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-is-dynamic-hyperlink=\"false\" data-link-position=\"3\" data-link-type=\"incontent_link\" target=\"_blank\">Caribbean sunsets<\/a>. This UNESCO-listed Old Town is compact and flat, making it easy for retirees to explore at their own pace.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<p>Hotels here average about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.budgetyourtrip.com\/hotels\/colombia\/cartagena-3687238\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">$81 a night<\/a> compared with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.budgetyourtrip.com\/hotels\/united-states-of-america\/miami-beach-4164143\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">average about $159 in Miami<\/a>, and flights from Miami often cost <a href=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/lp\/flights\/mia\/ctg\/miami-to-cartagena\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">under $400 round-trip<\/a>. A three-course dinner for two <a href=\"https:\/\/www.numbeo.com\/cost-of-living\/in\/Cartagena?displayCurrency=USD\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">averages $50<\/a>, less than half of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.numbeo.com\/cost-of-living\/in\/Miami\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Florida\u2019s $120<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Lisbon, Portugal: Ride the Iconic Tram 28<\/p>\n<p>Climbing aboard Lisbon\u2019s yellow Tram 28 through the historic Alfama district is a bucket-list ride every retiree should experience. The city is safe, welcoming and easy to navigate thanks to its network of trams and funiculars.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Guesthouses average around <a href=\"https:\/\/www.budgetyourtrip.com\/hotels\/portugal\/lisbon-2267057\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">$110 per night<\/a> compared with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.budgetyourtrip.com\/hotels\/united-states-of-america\/orlando-4167147\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">$174 in Orlando<\/a>, and East Coast flights often dip below <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kayak.com\/flight-routes\/United-States-US0\/Lisbon-Humberto-Delgado-LIS#:~:text=deals%20to%20Lisbon-,Sun%2C%20Nov%202%20%2D%20Fri%2C%20Nov%2021,%24479Scandinavian%20Airlines\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">$500 round-trip<\/a>. Dining for two averages <a href=\"https:\/\/www.numbeo.com\/cost-of-living\/in\/Lisbon?displayCurrency=USD\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">$64<\/a>, versus <a href=\"https:\/\/www.numbeo.com\/cost-of-living\/in\/Orlando\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">$80 in Orlando<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Panama City, Panama: Cruise the Panama Canal<\/p>\n<p>Gliding through the Panama Canal, one of the world\u2019s great engineering wonders, is a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gobankingrates.com\/saving-money\/travel\/travel-habits-helped-me-save-on-my-trip-to-panama\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-is-dynamic-hyperlink=\"false\" data-link-position=\"4\" data-link-type=\"incontent_link\" target=\"_blank\">must-do for travelers of all ages<\/a>. Retirees will find Panama City especially comfortable, with English widely spoken and walkable neighborhoods like Casco Viejo.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Hotels average <a href=\"https:\/\/www.budgetyourtrip.com\/hotels\/panama\/panama-city-3703443\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">$66 a night<\/a> versus Florida resorts at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rentbyhost.com\/florida-vacation-rentals#:~:text=On%20average%2C%20you%20can%20expect%20the%20cost,based%20on%20factors%20such%20as%20the%20location\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">$220 to $280<\/a>, and flights from Miami often cost <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cheapflights.com\/flights-to-panama-city\/houston\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">under $400<\/a>. A meal for two is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.numbeo.com\/cost-of-living\/in\/Panama-City\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">about $50<\/a>, compared to can <a href=\"https:\/\/www.budgetyourtrip.com\/united-states-of-america\/florida\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">range from $31 to $73 per person<\/a> in Florida.<\/p>\n<p>San Miguel de Allende, Mexico: Soak in Desert Hot Springs<\/p>\n<p>A soak in San Miguel\u2019s natural hot springs, surrounded by cacti and desert skies, is a rejuvenating experience that belongs on every bucket list. The cobblestone streets of this UNESCO city are easy to explore, and it\u2019s home to a welcoming retiree community.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Boutique hotels start around <a href=\"https:\/\/www.budgetyourtrip.com\/hotels\/mexico\/san-miguel-de-allende-3985344\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">$134 per night during low season<\/a> compared with over <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kayak.com\/Florida-United-States-Hotels.127.dr.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">$200 in Florida<\/a>, and flights from the U.S. are usually <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/travel\/flights\/flights-from-new-york-to-san-miguel-de-allende.html?gl=US&amp;hl=en-US\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">under $400.<\/a> Dinner for two runs averages about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.numbeo.com\/cost-of-living\/in\/San-Miguel-de-Allende?displayCurrency=USD\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">$43 for a mid-priced dinner for two<\/a>, well below Florida\u2019s $80 and above.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<p>Chiang Mai, Thailand: Release Lanterns in the Night Sky<\/p>\n<p>At the Yi Peng Lantern Festival, thousands of glowing lanterns rise together into the sky, a sight few forget. Chiang Mai offers a slower pace and easy access to the Old City, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gobankingrates.com\/saving-money\/travel\/holiday-vacations-for-every-middle-class-retirees-bucket-list\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-is-dynamic-hyperlink=\"false\" data-link-position=\"5\" data-link-type=\"incontent_link\" target=\"_blank\">making it retiree-friendly<\/a> despite the long flight.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Hotels cost about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.budgetyourtrip.com\/hotels\/thailand\/chiang-mai-1153671\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">$50 a night<\/a>compared with Tampa resorts\u2019 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.budgetyourtrip.com\/hotels\/united-states-of-america\/tampa-4174757\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">$130<\/a>. Even with airfare (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/Cheap-Flights-To-Chiang-Mai.d6056197.Travel-Guide-Flights\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">$900 to $1,200<\/a>), extended stays are far cheaper thanks to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.numbeo.com\/cost-of-living\/in\/Chiang-Mai?displayCurrency=USD\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">$2 to $3 street food meals<\/a> compared with Florida\u2019s $25 to $30.<\/p>\n<p>Valletta, Malta: Sail the Grand Harbor at Sunset<\/p>\n<p>A sunset cruise through Valletta\u2019s Grand Harbor, framed by centuries-old fortresses, is the kind of memory retirees will treasure forever. This compact Mediterranean capital is easy to navigate on foot, with English widely spoken and excellent healthcare.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Luxury hotels average <a href=\"https:\/\/www.budgetyourtrip.com\/hotels\/malta\/valletta-2562305\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">$160 per night<\/a>, versus <a href=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/4Star-Florida-Keys-Hotels.s40-0-d6023765.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">$220 per night<\/a> in the Florida Keys. Flights from the East Coast run <a href=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/Cheap-Flights-To-Valletta.d2341.Travel-Guide-Flights\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">$600 to $700 round-trip<\/a>, and dining for two at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.numbeo.com\/cost-of-living\/in\/Valletta?displayCurrency=USD\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">inexpensive restaurants is about $18<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Prague, Czech Republic: Cross the Charles Bridge at Dawn<\/p>\n<p>Watching the sunrise from Prague\u2019s Charles Bridge, surrounded by Gothic towers and baroque statues, is a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gobankingrates.com\/saving-money\/travel\/bucket-list-destinations-with-senior-discounts-you-didnt-know-about\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-is-dynamic-hyperlink=\"false\" data-link-position=\"6\" data-link-type=\"incontent_link\" target=\"_blank\">quintessential bucket-list moment<\/a>. The city\u2019s historic center is pedestrian-friendly, with affordable public transit and a welcoming atmosphere for older travelers.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Hotel rooms with a view <a href=\"https:\/\/www.budgetyourtrip.com\/hotels\/czech-republic\/prague-3067696\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">average about $69 a night<\/a> compared with Miami\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.budgetyourtrip.com\/hotels\/united-states-of-america\/miami-4164138\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">$152<\/a>, and flights from U.S. hubs start at $415 round trip. Dinner for two averages <a href=\"https:\/\/www.budgetyourtrip.com\/czech-republic\/prague\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">about $50 per day<\/a> compared to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.budgetyourtrip.com\/united-states-of-america\/miami\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">$72 per day<\/a>.<\/p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Suratwadee Karkkainen \/ Shutterstock.com Commitment to Our Readers GOBankingRates&#8217; editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":350551,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[64,8726,255,7545,1164,67,132,68],"class_list":{"0":"post-350550","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-personal-finance","8":"tag-business","9":"tag-gobankingrates","10":"tag-personal-finance","11":"tag-saving-money","12":"tag-travel","13":"tag-united-states","14":"tag-unitedstates","15":"tag-us"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@us\/115480745839335395","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/350550","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=350550"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/350550\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/350551"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=350550"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=350550"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=350550"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}