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"With the rising cost of living and healthcare, you might be wondering if you'll ever be able to retire. The answer is yes! If you've got $200,000 in retirement savings, and a sense of adventure, there are plenty of safe and affordable countries where you can comfortably kick back and enjoy your golden years." [Here are just 10 from south of the U.S. border.]

[This synopsis of edited excerpts* (936 words) from the original article ( 1805 words) by Erin Daley provides you with a 48% FASTER - and EASIER - read. Please note: This complete paragraph, and a link back to the original article, must be included in any article re-posting to avoid copyright infringement.]

Many Americans are heading to Ecuador to retire for the fascinating colonial cities, quaint mountain villages, and gorgeous coastal towns?but also for the retirement lifestyle that they wouldn't be able to afford back home.

According to Numbeo, monthly expenses per person are roughly $585 (without rent) in Quito. With the mild climate, utility bills average about $83 a month, and a furnished, 900-square-foot apartment runs about $425 in the capital.

(Note: All figures in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated. Please check out our Currency Converter for the latest values.)

If you're a sun worshipper on a budget, Nicaragua might be the country for you, especially if you're looking to stay in touch with family and friends back home, as you'll be in the Central/Mountain time zones.

Housing is very affordable in the Land of Lakes and Volcanoes. Utility bills average about $105 a month, and a furnished… The Nicaraguan government is also seeking to attract foreign retirees and offers certain financial incentives to sweeten the deal.

Belize offers expats a change in pace from the North American rat race. Though not as cheap as other Central American countries, it offers a simpler?and therefore cheaper?lifestyle. And with English as the official language, it's easy to adapt.

According to International Living, a couple can expect to pay about $1,619 to $1,994 a month on Ambergris Caye, one of the pricier expat areas in the country. Internet, however, can be expensive, running roughly $130 a month. You must also show proof that you can meet the $2,000 a month income requirement. That said, Belize's Qualified Retired Persons Incentive Program allows retirees aged 45 and over to earn tax-free money from outside sources.

Not far from the United States, Panama offers retirees great weather and a modern lifestyle without the huge price tag. Life in Panama City is comparable to life in California?yet much cheaper and, if you leave the capital, your costs go down.

A single person can expect to pay $724 a month (without rent) in Panama City. Utility bills in the capital average about $200 a month for a couple, and a furnished, 900-square-foot apartment is about $1,005. Another bonus?no income tax on overseas earnings.

Named the world's best retirement haven by International Living, Costa Rica offers retirees a tropical climate, excellent and affordable healthcare, gorgeous natural scenery, cheap real estate, and a low cost of living?not to mention safety and stability. Once you taste the pura vida (?life is good?) lifestyle, there's no going back.

In San José, it costs a single person about $756 a month to live (without rent). Utility bills for a couple in the capital average about $197 a month, and a furnished, 900-square-foot apartment is about $630.

There's something for everyone in Peru?from sunny beaches and Amazon rainforests to the Andes Mountains and the ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu, not to mention Spanish colonial towns.

In Lima, a single person can expect to pay $515 a month (without rent). Utility bills for a couple in the capital average about $81 a month, and a furnished, 900-square-foot apartment is about $561. When it comes to healthcare, you can get a policy for as little as $100 a month.

Sick of the long, cold winters of the north? Retire in Colombia, where the weather is pleasant all year round and the standard of living is high. It's the second-most biodiverse country in the world, so you're sure to find an area that suits you.

A single person can expect to pay $463 a month (without rent) in Bogotá. Utility bills in the capital average about $162 a month for two people, and a furnished, 900-square-foot apartment is about $533. The World Health Organization also ranks Colombia as No. 22 out of 190 countries in terms of its healthcare system.

Conveniently located just south of the United States, Mexico is still close to home yet far enough away to be exotic, have better weather, and boast a lower cost of living with first-world standards, including fast internet. Imagine living on $1,500 to $3,000 a month (depending on which bustling city or laid-back seaside town you choose), including rent and healthcare.

A single person can expect to pay $471 a month (without rent) in Mexico City. Utility bills in the capital average about $84 a month for two people, and a furnished, 900-square-foot apartment is about $787.

Stable government? Growing economy? Glorious weather? Say yes to the Dominican Republic in your golden years. If you're seeking European flavor with Caribbean beaches, this is the country for you. What's more, it's easy to qualify for retiree residency?all you need is proof of a monthly income of $1,500 and you can start enjoying the many perks and tax breaks that go with it.

A single person can expect to pay $525 a month (without rent) in Santo Domingo. Utility bills in the capital average about $93 a month for two people, and a furnished, 900-square-foot apartment is about $396.

Go for the temperate climate, beautiful vistas, friendly locals, and low crime rate, and stay for the incredibly low-cost public healthcare that covers everyone?even expats.

A single person can expect to pay $720 a month (without rent) in Montevideo. Utility bills in the capital average about $153 a month for two people, and a furnished, 900-square-foot apartment is about $693."

(*The author's views and conclusions are unaltered and no personal comments have been included to maintain the integrity of the original article. Furthermore, the views, conclusions and any recommendations offered in this article are not to be construed as an endorsement of such by the editor.)

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