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Snowbirds Are Ditching Florida in Droves This Winter (And Heading to These 7 Spots Instead)

Rethinking Florida? Explore seven places to spend the winter.

By Kristin Hitchcock , Edited by Laura Hohenstein

Updated Oct. 21, 2026

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Florida isn't the automatic winter choice it once was. Initial estimates put Canadian visits down about 15% in the third quarter of 2025. A separate survey found 26% of Canadians intended to visit the U.S. that winter, compared with 41% who had traveled during previous winters. Meanwhile, 54% of Canadian U.S. property owners surveyed planned to sell within a year. Those figures measure different groups, but suggest growing hesitation.

For anyone hoping to save money in retirement, another destination deserves a closer look. Here are seven options, along with the expenses and restrictions that could complicate the switch.

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Canadians face currency pressure and political friction

A weak Canadian dollar makes U.S. rent, groceries, and insurance harder to afford. Political tensions add another reason to reconsider: 40% of respondents in the 2025 travel survey identified them as a barrier.

Registration adds paperwork for some extended visitors. Canadians staying at least 30 days who aren't already registered generally must register; an I-94 ordinarily satisfies that requirement. Canadian visitors are exempt from fingerprinting under this registration process.

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Americans have a different set of bills

For American owners reconsidering Florida, the calculation centers on homeowners insurance, property taxes, and condo costs. Required structural reserves and repairs could mean higher dues or special assessments.

Seasonal owners also generally miss out on homestead benefits reserved for permanent residences. These bills continue arriving even when you're spending the summer somewhere else.

What a couple might spend

These published monthly estimates include housing and ordinary living expenses. They're starting points, not winter rental quotes. Confirm airfare, seasonal premiums, and your own medical insurance separately.

Destination	Monthly budget for two, in U.S. dollars
Mexico	$2,000–$3,500
Portugal	$2,500–$4,500
Costa Rica	$3,000–$4,500
Panama	$2,500–$4,000
Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic	$2,000–$3,000
Texas Rio Grande Valley	$3,000–$3,500
North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina	$2,600–$3,100

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Mexico

Mexico offers a relatively short trip home, established expat communities, and private medical facilities in major destinations. Puerto Vallarta is one option for travelers who want beach access without giving up city conveniences.

American and Canadian tourists may receive up to 180 days, but should check their actual authorized stay. Foreigners may buy property, although residential purchases in restricted coastal and border zones generally require a bank trust.

Portugal

Portugal suits someone who wants cafés and coastal walks more than swimming weather. The Algarve has cooler winters than tropical alternatives; plan your flight around Faro or a connection through Lisbon.

U.S. and Canadian tourists generally have 90 days within any 180-day period across the Schengen Area. Foreigners may own property, but ownership doesn't extend that allowance. Visitors should budget for private care and insurance rather than assume public coverage.

Costa Rica

Where you stay matters as much as what you spend. A remote beach rental might be lovely until you need a specialist. San José offers greater access to major private hospitals; Liberia's airport serves many northern beach destinations.

Americans and Canadians may be admitted visa-free for up to 180 days, at immigration's discretion. Foreigners generally may own titled property, but beachfront concession land carries separate restrictions. Have an independent lawyer check which you're buying.

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Panama

Panama removes one budgeting headache for Americans: it uses U.S. dollars. Canadians still face the Canadian-dollar exchange rate. Panama City offers international flight connections and major private hospitals, making it practical for people who don't want a remote winter retreat.

American and Canadian tourists generally have up to 180 days. Foreigners may own titled homes.

Dominican Republic

Las Terrenas offers beach-town living, with Samaná's El Catey airport nearby. However, check the flight schedule before choosing a rental: an inconvenient connection could erase some savings.

The standard tourist allowance is 30 days for Americans and Canadians; arrange an extension for a longer season. Foreigners have broad property ownership rights. Medical access is less dependable outside major cities and tourist areas, so identify suitable care before committing.

Texas's Rio Grande Valley

The Valley has an established "Winter Texan" community and modest furnished rentals. Eldorado Acres lists a three-month park-model stay at $1,500 monthly, plus electricity. Add an illustrative $1,500–$2,000 for two people's other expenses, and the working budget becomes $3,000–$3,500 before travel and insurance.

McAllen has connections through Dallas and Houston. Before booking, confirm nearby doctors accept your coverage. Medicare Advantage networks could limit routine out-of-area care.

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North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Trading tropical temperatures for cooler beach walks could reduce the rental bill. Towers at North Myrtle Beach advertises January 2027 one-bedroom ocean-view units at $1,116, before taxes and fees. An $1,500–$2,000 allowance for other couple expenses brings that to roughly $2,600–$3,100 before those extras, travel, and insurance.

Myrtle Beach has commercial air service and regional hospitals. As in Texas, Americans face no immigration limit. Canadian visitors still follow U.S. admission and registration rules.

Bottom line

Florida may no longer fit your winter budget, but another destination isn't automatically a better deal. Compare the full season's cost, including housing, transportation, medical coverage, and any bills you'll still pay back home. A lower advertised rent only tells you so much.

To avoid money mistakes, ask for a written total before paying a rental deposit. Electricity, cleaning fees, and cancellation terms could change the calculation. You should know what you'll owe (and what you could lose if your plans change) before committing to several months.

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