10 exotic, affordable retiree havens

Malta

Apart from the near-perfect climate, the living in Malta is easy and affordable, crime hardly exists, and the locals are hospitable.

In addition, permanent foreign residents can take advantage of a 15% income-tax rate, and nobody pays property taxes. The health care is excellent. And you'll encounter no language difficulties because nearly everybody speaks English.

• Bottle of decent wine: $5

• Coffee: $2

• Meal for two with wine: $35

• Movie, full price: $5

• Taxi from airport to downtown: $24

• Doctor visit: $25

• Utilities: $130

• Maid: $80

• Rent: not available.

New Zealand

In addition to its magnificent scenery and an array of activities for keeping busy and fit, New Zealand has a low cost of living, an English-speaking population, great infrastructure and one of the world's highest "healthy longevity" figures. Not to mention the fact that the country imposes no capital-gains tax.

The downsides: It's difficult to qualify for permanent residency here -- though you'll have no trouble spending up to six months a year in the country -- and the country's proximity to the U.S. could be an issue. It's a 12-hour flight from Los Angeles.

• Bottle of decent wine: $14

• Coffee: $2.50

• Meal for two with wine: $40

• Movie, full price: $11

• Taxi from airport to downtown: $30

• Doctor visit: $36

• Utilities: $200

• Maid: $300

• Rent (Auckland): $900

Uruguay

Uruguay has modern, First World infrastructure, excellent highways, drinkable water, good communications and stunning beaches. During high season, it is fun and lively. During low season, it is quiet and peaceful.

It feels like Europe but with Third World prices, thanks to the spillover of the Argentine financial crisis. Uruguay is a country where your dollar still goes a long way. Friendly immigration policies make it easy to live here, and it's reasonably easy to obtain an Uruguayan passport.

• Bottle of decent wine: $8

• Coffee: $2

• Meal for two with wine: $50

• Movie, full price: $5

• Taxi from airport to downtown: $25

• Doctor visit: $35

• Utilities: $120

• Maid: $300

• Rent: not available.

Mexico

Besides Mexico's great weather, low prices and rich culture, this country's biggest draw is its proximity to the U.S. This allows you much more flexibility when making your retirement move. And because of great cellular coverage and widely available high-speed Internet, Mexico is also appealing to an increasing number of professionals and business people who semiretire to Mexico, continuing to work from a beach with a laptop. Mexico's health-care system is very good, and often excellent, with many doctors and dentists trained in the U.S. or Europe.

• Bottle of decent wine: $6

• Coffee: $1

• Meal for two with wine: $35

• Movie, full price: $3.50

• Taxi from airport to downtown: $27

• Doctor visit: $40

• Utilities: $220

• Maid: $88

• Rent (San Miguel de Allende): $700

France

For the retiree, France offers a great quality of life along with all the modern-day comforts you enjoy at home.

Though France does not have a special incentive visa for retirees, the process of retiring in France is quite simple: You apply for a long-term visa at the nearest French consulate in your home country, after which you would obtain a carte de séjour visiteur.

Because Paris is the most expensive place to live in France, you may want to consider retiring in the French countryside, where real estate, rents and the cost of living are cheaper. According to a recent study by the World Health Organization, France provides the best overall health-care system in the world, but North American retirees are advised to buy private medical insurance when they retire in France.

• Bottle of decent wine: $7

• Coffee: $2.50

• Meal for two with wine: $55

• Movie, full price: $10

• Taxi from airport to downtown: $60

• Doctor visit: $25

• Utilities: $115

• Maid: $300

• Rent (Paris): $2,650

Continued: Low-cost living in Romania

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