Quito, Ecuador

It might not seem the world’s top retirement haven, but the editors at International Living say the Republic of Ecuador is the best place in the world to retire to. The cost of living is low and real estate is cheap.

According to Dan Prescher, the special projects editor of International Living, and who — for the record — resides in Ecuador, the country affords him the chance to live on the fraction of the cost of living in the U.S. without sacrificing any quality of life. “A couple watching their spending here can live well on $800 a month,” International Living said. “And even if you push the boat out you’ll find it hard to spend more than $1,500.”

But that’s not all that International Living examined for its 2012 Global Retirement Index. The editors looked at eight factors, assessing everything from “the price of bread to how easy it is to make friends or stay in touch with family” before saying that Ecuador has what matters most to Americans who might be considering an overseas retirement spot.

And don’t worry about integration. The International Living editors say you can get by speaking English in parts of Ecuador. Plus, there are some expat communities already established. Retirement benefits, including 50% off transportation, utility bills and tickets for cultural and sporting events, are generous. And health care is inexpensive as well: All expats are able to participate in the Ecuador Social Security medical program for a premium of $57 a month.

….see retirement haven’s #2 – 10 HERE

Haven’s 2-10 are specic locations in:

• Panama
• Mexico
• Malaysia
• Columbia
• New Zealand
• Nicaragua 
• Spain
• Thailand
• Honduras