9 Central American Cities Where You Can Live on Nothing but Social Security

These days, many Americans are considering moving abroad as part of their retirement plan. But, there are plenty of logistics to think about before making that commitment — and the general cost of living should be a key part of that planning process.

If you've been dreaming of Central America for retirement, there are many stunning and welcoming cities to consider where you could live off just Social Security checks, which averages about $1,976 a month per retiree. Here are nine Central American gems to consider to make your retirement dreams a reality.

All rental prices provided by Numbeo unless otherwise noted.

Average Rent: $801

San José might just be the ideal city for those hoping to achieve a stress-free retirement alongside the natural beauty of stunning volcanoes and rolling green hills. Located in the Central Valley, San José is Costa Rica's capital and offers a wide range of delightful neighborhoods to explore.

Looking for something a little cheaper? Consider moving outside of the city center, where Numbeo says that the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment will only set you back $491 a month.

Average Rent: $1,123

Panama City has a lot going for it, particularly for retirees. It has a delightful and warm climate, is surrounded by natural beauty, and boasts an array of top-notch healthcare facilities.

It offers many of the perks of a major global city, including an excellent public transportation system, at a fraction of the cost (and with better weather than most).

Average Rent: $357

Belize is the only country in Central America where English is the official language, making it a top destination for expats looking to enjoy sunshine and beautiful beaches. Just like other popular cities on this list, you can cut costs a bit by moving outside the city center, where you may find rental prices as low as $181 a month.

Want to buy instead of rent? Remax real estate agents in the area say it's possible to nab a lovely home in Belize for $150,000 or less, depending on where you look.

Average Rent: $394

Another Central Valley gem, Grecia offers cheap rents, a comfortable year-round temperature that averages in the 70s, and real estate professionals in the area with the Expat Exchange report that you can purchase a lovely two-bedroom home for around $150,000

The gorgeous surrounding countryside features coffee plantations, sugar cane fields, and beautiful greenery — and the area already has an established expat community with plenty of retirees.

Average Rent: $874

Antigua may be a bit pricier than other areas in Guatemala, but the cost of living can still be completely manageable for retirees on Social Security.

The climate is warm and pleasant year-round, and expats will find themselves surrounded by an array of natural beauty like valleys and breathtaking mountains — as well as relics of the area's rich history.

Average Rent: $760

A beach town with prices you would rarely find anywhere in the U.S., Coronado is also becoming a big draw for retirees. It is located on the western coast of the country, not far from Panama City, which means great healthcare is close as well.

Coronado also boasts stunning beaches, a warm and pleasant climate, and a large and thriving expat community.

Average Rent: $1,807

The average cost for a one-bedroom in the downtown area of the lively beach hub of Tamarindo may stretch those Social Security checks a bit at nearly $2,000 a month. However, those who are willing to live outside the city's center can do so with ease, where the rental prices average less than $800 a month.

And that rental payment is worth the price for retirees looking to have it all. That's because Tamarindo has something for everyone — from those who simply want to relax among miles of tranquil beaches, to retirees seeking more of a bustling beachfront bar scene — Tamarindo is sure to have what you're looking for.

Average Rent: $1,200

The average rent in Placencia is a bit higher than the other top Belize destination we have on our list — but you will get quite a lot of bang for your buck for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center. And, if you stray a bit further outside of the city, you could even find lower rents that are closer to $700 a month.

Since the charming seaside town is largely viewed as a vacation spot, you could conceivably save money on travel expenses when living there, since you may not feel the need to travel when you're already living in paradise.

Average Rent: $543

Atenas has more of a rural feel, despite proximity to larger cities like San José, which could be appealing to retirees looking to live a more sustainable and simple life.

Expats are drawn to this city for its 70-80 average temperatures, eco-friendly housing options, stunning countryside, small farms, and the community that may feel a bit more close-knit than some other destinations in the country that tend to be big tourist draws.

When approaching retirement, many Americans may be focused more on simple goals like affording the ability to start traveling more.

However, when you move to Central America in retirement, you may find you no longer have the travel bug thanks to the array of beautiful and affordable options already at your fingertips. 

Who knows, this may allow you to save even more money, since you'll no longer need to factor those additional travel and lodging costs into your annual budget.