The Best Beach Towns In Mexico For A Retiree

Drawing on over 40 years of insight, International Living named Mexico the fifth-best country in the world for retirement in its 2026 Annual Global Retirement Index. According to Belinda Woodhouse, International Living's Mexico correspondent, the low cost of living is one of the country's key benefits for retirees, with a single person needing about $1,200 monthly to live comfortably on average. Flying across the country can cost as little as $30, and Mexico's proximity to the United States makes it easy to visit family. Overall, these qualities make Mexico one of the best countries to retire outside the U.S.

Other reasons to enjoy Mexican life include its incredible natural biodiversity, amazing architecture, and walkability. Groceries are affordable, coffee is excellent, and healthcare is professional, with appointments typically available within 24 hours. Medications don't cost much by American standards, either; for example, Woodhouse notes that insulin, which would cost around $300 in the United States, can cost less than $50 in Mexico. 

Plus, it's easy to get in. Simply by entering the country, you can enjoy 180 days in Mexico without a visa. This policy makes it easy for people to explore the Land of the Sun to see if it's the right place for them before applying for a permanent resident visa. All of the above helps explain why Mexico has become a retirement paradise for seniors; but where in the country should you settle? Puerto Peñasco, Loreto, Mazatlán, and Puerto Vallarta are four Mexican beach towns to consider for your golden years based on the following factors: proximity to the United States, housing affordability, and beach-life leisure activities.

Puerto Peñasco (also known as Rocky Point) is located about 65 miles from the United States border along the Gulf of California, a four-hour drive from Phoenix and a five-hour car trip from San Diego. Live and Invest Overseas noted that homes near the beachfront can cost under $100,000 or be rented with payments as low as $500 monthly, while condos along the ocean can be found for $200,000. For example, a two-bedroom, one-bathroom, 753-square-foot home with tile floors throughout and a marble kitchen backsplash was listed for $79,000 USD in late 2025 on Realtor.com. Described as move-in ready and sophisticated with an open floor plan, the 2,153-square-foot lot is fully fenced in. Meanwhile, a brand new three-bedroom, two-bathroom 1,076-square-foot home with a two-vehicle carport was going for $113,500 USD.

For recreation in Puerto Peñasco, people flock to multiple beaches, swimming in warm, calm waters. The local climate means that when moving to Puerto Peñasco, a retiree may need to adjust their wardrobe, depending upon the climate of their former home. Sun can be intense, so protective items like sunscreen and sunglasses are important to pack. Seasonally, evenings can be cool, so a light jacket is practical to have. 

When moving to Loreto, Mexico, in Baja California Sur, expats will be further away from the United States — about 700 miles from San Diego — so factor that in. Housing costs range significantly, with the more affordable options starting at $100,000 if you don't mind a bit of renovation work. One three-bedroom, two-bathroom, 969-square-foot park-fronted home with a terrace and balcony was going for $153,539 on Properstar in December 2025. As another option, a 2,368-square-foot brick home with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, located three blocks from the beach with views of the mountains, was listed for $200,000. It can be difficult to find a rental home in Loreto but, if you do, expect to pay around $600 monthly on average.

Crystal-clear waters along the Gulf of California are sometimes surrounded by classic sandy beaches and, other times, by rugged rock formations. Temperatures for swimming remain comfortable from late spring to early fall because of Loreto's temperate climate. The nearby Loreto National Marine Park is home to five islands, including Isla Coronados, which has stunning white sand and opportunities to spot dolphins, humpback whales, and sea lions. 

Located about 650 miles from the United States border, Mazatlán offers anyone retiring in Mexico plenty of ambiance. This beach town stands out with its quaint 19th-century architecture and cobblestone streets from yesteryear in Centro Histórico, but also features modern amenities in Zona Dorada. Live and Invest Overseas estimates that average rental costs range from $800 to $2,000 monthly, while ocean-view condos sell for around $200,000. For instance, a recently renovated, 731-square-foot home with two bedrooms and two bathrooms was up for sale in December 2025 for just over $125,000 on Properstar. Because so many tourists visit Mazatlán (factor that into your retirement relocation!), numerous long-term rentals exist in this locale, allowing retirees to settle in for a while to see if this is the optimal spot for them. For example, a brand new, two-level, three-bedroom, three-bathroom condo with amazing views of the Pacific Ocean, a balcony, full laundry room, and more goes for $32,000 per year, per Occan Properties. Renters can use an infinity pool, gym, and a gathering area.

Beaches are gorgeous, including ones that are more secluded and less touristy. Residents and tourists alike enjoy strolling one of the world's longest boardwalks — Malecón — at sunrise, at sunset, and at all other points in between. Dependable, affordable public transportation allows you to get where you need to go, even if you don't own a car or don't feel like driving.

Puerta Vallarta is about 1,700 miles away from the United States border, but it's a place where retirees can easily find familiarity. Although exact numbers fluctuate, more than 15,000 American expats typically live in this town located on Mexico's Pacific Coast, according to Discover PV. Unlike in Cancun — a Mexican vacation spot known to be hard on the wallet — the cost of living can be quite low here. LivingCost.org lists a figure of $1,296 needed monthly for a single person. Condo units can be found at bargain prices: a two-bedroom, one-bath, 683-square-foot unit was available in December 2025 for $76,000 on Mexico Life Realty. Meanwhile, a two-bedroom, one-bath, 798-square-unit in Puerto Vallarta came with pool access at a cost of $82,000. Like with other beach towns listed here, these real estate prices serve as baseline estimates. There are plenty of bigger and more luxurious (and, therefore, more expensive) properties also available for sale. 

The Sierra Madre mountains serve as the background of Puerta Vallarta's numerous beaches, which range from tranquil getaways to ones where people participate in water sports. Nearly all are ideal for swimming in the warm waters. To get in tune with nature in another way, the Vallarta Botanical Gardens provide a wealth of attractions, including a massive collection or orchids and a vanilla plantation.