This article talks about the 12 best places to retire in Honduras. If you wish to skip our detailed analysis of how Honduras is a prospective retirement destination, you may go to the 5 Best Places to Retire in Honduras.
Honduras: An Upcoming Retirement Destination
Honduras, a Central American gem, is best known for its stunning natural landscapes, budget-friendly cost of living, and year-round tropical climate. According to Fodors, an online travel guide, the country can be regarded as an up-and-coming retirement destination in the Western Hemisphere. It is close to the United States, has four international airports for easy travel, and boasts good private healthcare facilities as well.
The country also features pristine white sandy beaches along its Caribbean shores, raving excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities. On the Pacific side, the beaches in the Gulf of Fonseca are even more appealing, set against a breathtaking backdrop of dramatic volcanic landscapes.
Despite the impact of Hurricane Julia and the global headwinds, 2022 saw annual real GDP in the country expanding by 4%. Growth, as of 2023, is expected to remain slow at 3.2%, largely due to slow growth of exports and remittances. Although Honduras is a rather poor country; the economy and the labor market are recovering, thereby contributing to reduced poverty in the country.
The leading export of the country is coffee, while bananas are the second largest export. According to data from the Honduras Central Bank (HCB), coffee and banana subsectors represent 54% of the value of agricultural exports. Dole plc (NYSE:DOLE) and Chiquita Brands International control the most of production and export of bananas in the country.
After the storms Eta and Iota caused substantial damage to banana production in the country, the year 2023 has finally witnessed recovery in the sector. Dole plc (NYSE:DOLE) and Chiquita Brands International have reported exporting more than 16 million boxes of bananas for a total value of $419.4 million this year. Dole plc (NYSE:DOLE) has also been partnering with USDA to improve food security, reduce hunger, and improve literacy and primary education in the country. Coffee exports in the country have also seen growth in the year 2023. Shipments in June were up by 37% year-on-year, as reported by the national coffee institute IHCAFE.
Life in Honduras
An improving economy in Honduras has the potential to make it an increasingly attractive retirement destination. Expat retirees who wish to stretch their retirement savings can consider this country as their potential retirement home. There are many pros and cons of living in Honduras. Assessing them can help an individual analyze whether Honduras is a right fit for them during their golden years.
For starters, the cost of living in Honduras is very affordable. On average, the monthly cost of living for an individual retiree in the country is $1,500. From housing to food and entertainment, everything is affordable here. Expat retirees can have a good quality of life here at lower costs. The tropical climate of the country is another plus of retiring here, boasting plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures year-round. Finally, the stunning natural landscapes, from the beaches and rain forests to majestic mountains, add to the appeal of retiring here.
It is also easy to buy real estate in Honduras. However, every country has a downside to living in it as well. Some problems living in Honduras include its inadequate infrastructure, high crime rate, and lack of economic opportunities. Hopefully, the economic prosperity in the country will improve the quality of life in the country. For now, let’s check out the best places to retire in Honduras for retirees:
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Methodology
To come up with our list of best places to retire in Honduras, we have used several sources such as Expat Exchange, Fodor’s Travel, and Visa Guide, amongst others. We also checked out several expat forums to incorporate expat opinions on the best retirement destinations in Honduras.
A consensus approach was used to compile our list, with one point awarded to a place each time it was recommended by a source. Points were summed up and places were ranked in an ascending order from the lowest to the highest scores.
We have also discussed the costs of living for each place in our list. The figure depicts the monthly cost of living for an individual retiree living in Honduras. This cost also includes the monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city/town center. The sources used to determine the costs of living include websites such as Cost of Live, and Nomads List, amongst others.
Here are the top places to retire in Honduras:
12. Utila
Insider Monkey Score: 2
Revered for its natural beauty, diving, and water sports; Utila is one of the best Bay Islands to retire in Honduras. Pristine beaches, lush green landscapes, and a relaxed tropical atmosphere define Utila best. While lesser known than Roatán, Utila is popular with scuba divers and snorkelers as well. Embraced by vibrant coral reefs and splendid marine life, the island offers plenty of adventure for retirees. The pace of life is slow here, and a growing expatriate community makes settling here easy and comforting. On average, the monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $350. Meanwhile, overall cost of living expenses for an individual expat retiring in Utila, Honduras range between $850-$1,000.
11. Guanaja
Insider Monkey Score: 3
Another one of the Bay Islands in Honduras, Guanaja appeals to retirees because of its tranquil atmosphere, natural beauty, and affordable cost of living. The island is home to lush tropical rainforests and pristine beaches, offering retirees a peaceful yet beautiful place to call home. Scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities are present here as well. The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second-largest coral reef system in the world, can be accessed easily from this island. English is widely spoken, so expat retirees won’t have a problem adjusting on the island. On average, the monthly cost of living for an individual retiree is under $1,000.
10. Tela
Insider Monkey Score: 4
Nestled along the Caribbean coast of Honduras, Tela is one of the best towns to retire in Honduras. On average, an individual retiree can live here for $1,500 a month, which includes rent. Beautiful beaches and a tropical environment appeal to retirees who choose to call Tela their home. Lancetilla Botanical Garden and Research Center and Punta Sal National Park are located close to the town, a plus for nature lovers. Furthermore, there are many beachfront properties to choose from and enjoy a coastal lifestyle in Tela.
9. Amapala
Insider Monkey Score: 4
The secluded paradise of Amapala is situated on El Tigre Island in the Gulf of Fonseca. Some reasons that make it one of the best places to retire in Honduras include its tranquility, affordability, and opportunities for boating and fishing. Beautiful beaches and lush landscapes offer a picturesque backdrop, offering an ideal coastal lifestyle in the process. Boating and fishing enthusiasts will especially love it here, spending all their time sailing and catching fish. On average, the monthly cost of living for an individual retiree in Amapala is $1,200.
8. Puerta Cortés
Insider Monkey Score: 5
Puerta Cortésis is another coastal paradise to retire to in Honduras. The port city is located on the Caribbean Sea, and retirees get to enjoy a coastal lifestyle here. It offers a diverse cultural scene stemming from Garifuna, Spanish, and indigenous influences. San Pedro Sula is a short drive away, which provides access to big-city amenities. There are warm temperatures year-round, which means retirees can enjoy the outdoors throughout the year. On average, the monthly cost of living for an individual retiring in Puerta Cortés is $1,600.
7. Trujillo
Insider Monkey Score: 5
An unspoiled gem in the Caribbean, Trujillo boasts a rich history, coastal beauty, and many natural wonders for retirees. The Banana Coast Cruise port is a new development made in Trujillo to attract retirees and tourists, offering modern amenities, excursions, and several historical sites to explore. The town also has well-preserved Spanish colonial-era forts that retirees can check out to delve into the past. The pace of life is slow here, and the diverse flora and fauna make it one of the best places to retire in Honduras. A comfortable lifestyle for an individual retiree in Trujillo costs between $500-$800.
6. Copán Ruinas
Insider Monkey Score: 6
Famous for the magnificent Mayan ruins, Copán Ruinas largely appeals to the history buffs. The Copán archaeological site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that retirees can explore. There are lush green mountains in the town, offering the chance to hike, bird-watch, and even explore nature. The pace of life is quite relaxed here. Some sights to explore here include the Great Plaza, the Ball Court with the Acropolis, the tunnels, and its famous Hieroglyphic Stairway. On average, the monthly cost of living for an expat retiree is $1,701. This cost includes the monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment, which is $1,172.
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Disclosure: none. 12 Best Places to Retire in Honduras is originally published on Insider Monkey.