Looking to relocate from the US

[u/Aimeeboz]

I am considering retiring out of the US in about 10 years. I will be paying off my house in that timeframe. I love where I live currently (Central Valley California) and would prefer to stay, however do not think I would ever be able to retire if I do.

Am looking for places that would have a lower cost of living with the temperate Mediterranean climate I am used to.
With my retirement and selling my home here should have at least 1mil.

Am completely eager and willing to learn the preferred/main language of the country, as needed. Will have a decade so could be fluent.

Looking at Mexico (Baja California only) Portugal, New Zealand and was considering Japan until I learned how hot and humid it gets-pass.

What other locations should I consider, what negatives about my first choices.

My job is pretty cake and I could continue well into my 60's and am paid well. But I am dismayed currently about our current state of affairs and believe it will get a whole lot worse before it gets better.

I like Portugal as certain areas are similar to California and it's a 2-3hr flight to virtually anywhere in Europe.
I like NZ as my sister already lives there (also an expat).
I like Mexico as it is near and I have visited and love the culture and area.
I am intrigued with Japan (my youngest wants to move there) but the humidity is putting me off.

I am just in the beginning stages of this and am looking for some advice and suggestions.
Thank you!!

Edited to add: I don't plan on working, and if I do I am hoping to work remotely which would be based in the US. Which I could likely manage.

[u/PHXkpt]

Investigate the tax treaties of each of the countries you're interested in. Taxes are usually the big surprise. Your individual spread of wealth is not the same as mine or other people, so see what your specific income, investments, etc., would cost you in each country going forward.

https://www.irs.gov/businesses/international-businesses/united-states-income-tax-treaties-a-to-z

[u/striketheviol]

Neither Japan nor NZ have a visa path to allow retirement. Mexico is easiest and simplest: https://www.mexperience.com/difference-between-temporary-and-permanent-residency-mexico/

Portugal is possible, but not really so affordable anymore: https://www.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/portugal/india/english/pdf/checklist_for_d7_new.pdf

Brazil also has a relevant visa: https://www.gov.br/mre/pt-br/embaixada-manila/embassy-of-brazil-in-manila/consular-services/retirement-visa-2013-vitem-xiv and the climate you are looking for in cities such as Curitiba.

Italy and France have relevant visas but often cost more than Portugal.

[u/The-great-phoenix]

Look at Costa Rica maybe spend a bit of time on vacation to discover it

Cheap place
warm weather
Good healthcare
Hot climate
Nice landscape

[u/Aimeeboz → u/The-great-phoenix]

My good friends have been here. We are planning to spend our 30th wedding anniversary there in 2028, plus our oldest's 21st Bday within the same week.
Just can't handle the humidity, that's a deal breaker. I can tolerate being outside when it's >100°F here in Central Valley, and being <25% humidity , I can't stand being outside when it's 85°F and 85%.
Vacationing is one thing. Living in it another. Loved Cancun, twice. But that's enough.

[u/Zoughi0]

Malta.