Imagine spending your golden years of retirement surrounded by world class vineyards, incredible weather, beautiful scenery and unbeatable food. For those thinking of Napa Valley or the south of France, this lifestyle might seem unattainable given the cost of living in those highly sought-after destinations. But that easy-living daydream is up for grabs at a much more reasonable price in Argentina’s stunning wine region of Mendoza.
And beyond just the draw of the area’s wine and scenery, Mendoza offers a high-quality day-to-day lifestyle and services at a fraction of the cost. Here are a few reasons why the city attracts so many retirees looking for both comfort and affordability, and how they manage to live there on less than $2,000 a month.
The Heart of Malbec Country
Mendoza is located in central Argentina near the Chilean border, and sits at the foothills of the Andes mountains at nearly 2,500 feet in elevation. That combination of altitude, temperate climate, and geography makes it one of the top regions in the world for grape-growing, while also providing jaw-dropping views of the Andes at every turn.
Mendoza’s global reputation is powered by its bold Malbec wines, and retirees can enjoy world-class wine as part of daily life instead of saving it for special occasions. A glass in a casual restaurant will run only a few dollars, and sitting down for a full meal with a fancy bottle rarely costs more than $15 or $20. Beyond the wine, that trend of affordability carries over to nearly all other aspects of life — housing, groceries, and even healthcare are way cheaper than what you might have to fork over in the U.S. or Europe, sometimes by as much as half. This is a major reason why so many retirees on modest budgets decide to head south to Mendoza.
Crunching the Affordable Housing Numbers
One of the biggest considerations for retirees when analyzing their budgets is housing, which also helps Mendoza stand out. The city provides a variety of options depending on budget and size. One-bedroom apartments in the city center often rent for between $400–600 a month, while larger homes in the suburbs or near the vineyards rarely top $1,000. For those considering buying their retirement home, many condos and smaller homes fall in the $100,000 range or less, meaning homeownership could be within reach for retirees who are priced out elsewhere — while still keeping overall monthly costs around $2k a month.
One important thing to keep in mind is the value of the Argentine peso which has seen a massive loss in value over the past ten years or so. Even with some recent efforts toward stabilization, anyone converting from a foreign currency will notice its impact. For now, the currency difference means retirees’ savings or pensions go further, though it will be important to keep an eye on the peso’s value in case conditions shift drastically in the coming years.
Unbeatable Food Pairings
You’ll obviously need a tasty meal to pair those endless glasses of famous Malbec, and that’s when being in Argentina continues to be a benefit. In general, the country’s food culture is rooted in tradition and a love for slow, home cooked meals, rather than always eating out at restaurants.
Families and neighbors regularly host Sunday asados with endless cuts of red meat, and the underlying theme that meals are meant to be shared and eaten slowly. This aligns perfectly with what many retirees are after — an unhurried pace of life, lots of quality family time, and on top of it all, a much more reasonable monthly food budget.
Easy to Explore the Rest of Argentina
While a flight to Mendoza does require a connection from the United States or Canada, it is extremely well connected to the rest of Argentina, a country which offers no lack of things to do. Retirees who want to spend some of their free time traveling can hop on a quick weekend trip to Iguazu Falls, or head off on a hiking excursion to Patagonia. And of course, a long weekend spent in Buenos Aires is always a great idea.
Mendoza also offers direct connections to several other countries in South America for those who want to go further. The airport is located just a few minutes north of the city center, which means that even if your itinerary does require a flight connection, airport dropoffs are simple and the travel headaches will hopefully be kept to a minimum. Most domestic flights cost well under $100, while similar deals can be found on international flights, especially when booked far in advance.
Healthcare Access
Argentina offers both public and private health care options to all citizens, residents, and even foreigners in the case of emergency. The public hospitals cover a wide range of services, but wait times can be long and getting an appointment can be difficult. Still, for many retirees coming from the U.S., the idea of walking into a hospital and not getting hit with a life changing bill is a welcome change.
Many retirees choose to add a private insurance plan on top, which is surprisingly affordable, falling in the ballpark of $150 a month for the most extensive coverage. This supplemental private insurance means faster appointments, state-of-the-art clinics, and access to some of the best doctors in the country. For those settling down in Mendoza, this two-tier system along with the city’s extensive hospital network provides peace of mind that good care is close by, and that one small emergency won’t lead to financial ruin.
Final Thoughts
Retirement is supposed to be about enjoying every day, and the perks and amenities that Mendoza offers make that easy to do. For just around $2,000 a month — and sometimes even less — retirees from abroad can settle into a comfortable home in a great location, and enjoy the amazing lifestyle that comes with living in one of the world’s best wine regions.
While retiring abroad still might seem like a far-fetched daydream to some, at the very least, it’s worth taking a trip to Mendoza to do some on-the-ground research — because even if you don’t end up relocating there, at least you can enjoy some great food and even better wine on your trip.
Dining and Cooking