# Can I retire abroad on Social Security alone?

Canonical: https://theretirementdecisionlab.com/answers/can-i-retire-abroad-on-social-security-alone/
Section: Where does your money work hardest? (Retirement Decision Lab, Decision 3 · Week 3 · Wed Nov 18)
Facts checked: 2026-10-06 · Next review by: 2027-01-15
Reviewed by: Todd Allyn, Founding Director, Sovereo Intelligence Research

## Short answer

In some countries, yes. SSA reports the average retired worker's check at about $2,000 a month in early 2026. That clears the retirement-visa income minimum in some countries and falls short in others.

## Detail

Some examples from 2026: Panama and Costa Rica ask for $1,000 a month, Portugal about $1,060, Ecuador about $1,450 and Colombia about $1,640, so an average check clears all of them. Spain asks for about $2,770 and Mexico about $4,400, more than the average check.

Qualifying for a visa is only the first test. The check still has to cover rent, health care and currency swings, with nothing else coming in.

Your own benefit matters more than the average. Look it up before you shortlist countries.

## Where it gets personal

Week 3 runs your own benefit against the places on your list. The Retirement Decision Lab: https://theretirementdecisionlab.com/

## Sources

1. Monthly Statistical Snapshot, Social Security Administration: https://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/quickfacts/stat_snapshot/
2. How Many Countries Can the Average Social Security Check Get You Into?, Sovereo Intelligence Research: https://www.sovereo.com/retire-on-social-security.html
3. my Social Security account, Social Security Administration: https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/

Education only. Not financial, tax, investment, immigration or legal advice.
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