Retirement Living Abroad: What Does It Cost To Live In South America's Only English-Speaking Country?

An increasing number of Americans are considering retirement abroad. A 2024 Monmouth University poll found that 34% would like to move overseas for retirement — three times the 10% reported fifty years ago. While cost and healthcare access remain the primary drivers, cultural appeal and overall quality of life have become more influential factors. South America draws plenty of these retirees with its stunning scenery and vibrant cultures. But there's a big hurdle — most countries there speak Spanish or Portuguese as their official languages. For North Americans expecting an easy transition, that language barrier makes everything harder, from grocery shopping to dealing with Social Security paperwork from abroad.

Guyana is South America's exception. It's the only South American country where English is actually the official language, thanks to its time as a British colony. Americans moving there can skip the language learning curve and settle in much faster than anywhere else on the continent. Guyana's wild interior spans Amazonian rainforest, the Rupununi savannas, and the Pakaraima tepuis — highlighted by Kaieteur Falls, widely cited as the world's largest single-drop waterfall by volume.

Retiring in Guyana means some of South America's lowest monthly costs. This is key when calculating your annual retirement savings. According to Expatistan's 2025 data, a single person's typical spending is about 283,368 G$ ($750–$1,300) each month. Eggs run for about 1,011 G$ ($4.85) for a dozen. Tomatoes are 990 G$ ($4.75) per kg. Milk costs 578 G$ ($2.77) per liter.

For retirees, rent delivers some of the strongest savings compared with U.S. markets. According to Numbeo's 2025 data, the average one-bedroom city-center apartments cost about 189,853 G$ (roughly $904) while places outside the center go for around 85,833 G$ (about $409). Compare that to the U.S. average of $1,730 in city centers and $1,427 outside the center — with New York City hitting $4,079 downtown. That means Guyana retirees often pay less than half, sometimes a quarter, of those urban rates.

Utility costs remain modest in Guyana. An 85 m² (915 sq-ft) apartment runs close to 21,000 G$ ($100) a month for power, water, and trash service. That leaves retirees with more room in the budget for leisure. A gym membership in the business district averages 10,746 G$ ($52). Two movie tickets cost about 2,649 G$ ($12.79), and a cappuccino comes in at 709 G$ ($3.42). With prices like these, retirement savings go much further.

Guyana sets up retirees with support programs that make daily life easier. Residents get free public healthcare, eliminating those hidden healthcare costs that often blindside retirees in their golden years. If you want private care for quicker appointments or specialized treatment, expect to pay 5,000–12,000 G$ ($24–$58) for doctor visits, 6,000–10,000 G$ ($29–$49) for dental cleanings, and 15,000 G$ ($73) or more for emergency hospital visits.

The Guyana Ministry of Health launched a 10,000 G$ ($49) voucher program in 2025 to reduce medical costs, offering substantial discounts, which helps address long-term healthcare affordability issues for aging Americans. Every resident gets 40–70% off lab tests and major health screenings at participating private hospitals and labs, reducing the cost of preventive care.

For retirees, staying connected to loved ones in the U.S. is convenient. Cheddi Jagan International Airport (GEO) is the main gateway for Georgetown, complemented by Eugene F. Correia International Airport for regional trips. Round-trip fares to New York's John F Kennedy Airport usually cost between $392–$646 in October. That makes quick visits doable while also allowing retirees to avoid having their Social Security checks paused simply by planning brief trips back to the United States within the required timeframes. Joining expat groups can build lasting networks, too. InterNations, for example, hosts frequent mixers, group activities, and cultural events that make it easier for expats to establish friendships and embrace the local culture.