1. Portugal
Portugal is an increasingly popular vacation home destination, offering a mix of interesting history, culture and natural beauty. You can choose charming coastal towns or vibrant cities. Due to the higher volume of resort-like amenities, many popular vacation home locations in Portugal are near coastal spots like Lagos and Vilamoura. For an extra unique and authentic living experience, consider looking in smaller villages where you can further immerse yourself into local culture. For something more, look in smaller villages, where you’ll find a modest lifestyle with still-stunning scenery.- Who it’s for: Retirees and empty nesters seeking a slower pace of life
- Primary attractions: UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Sintra, Porto and the Jerónimos Monastery; Douro Valley
- Average home cost: $179,563
- Average Luxury Home Cost: $915,849
| Travel tip: For fewer crowds and tourists, consider visiting Portugal during its off-seasons of spring and fall. |
2. Mexico
With its pristine beaches, ancient ruins and lively cities, Mexico offers a wide range of experiences for anyone looking for a vacation home. Mexico offers excellent local cuisine and plenty of history and culture, plus easy access to and from the United States. Another huge draw of Mexico is the affordability — many houses start under $200,000.- Who it’s for: Beach lovers and those seeking an affordable, laid-back lifestyle
- Primary attractions: Ancient Mayan ruins, colonial cities, Yucatán Peninsula
- Average home cost: $87,186
- Average Luxury Home Cost: $1,026,216
3. Thailand
For a beach house in a location with a low cost of living, look no further than Thailand. The mix of ancient culture and stunning natural beauty make for a unique tropical paradise. Explore beautiful beaches and islands along the Gulf of Siam and Andaman Sea, and discover delectable food and a rich cultural heritage. From ancient temples to national parks to bustling city life, Thailand provides diverse cultural and historical experiences.- Who it’s for: Those seeking a warm climate and affordable cost of living
- Primary attractions: The city of Bangkok, beaches in Phuket or Koh Samui, Chiang Mai region
- Average home cost: $187,866
- Average Luxury Home Cost: $1,112,880
| Travel tip: Consider learning a few basic Thai phrases to show respect to the locals. |
4. Italy
For a taste of a Mediterranean lifestyle, Italy has so much to offer. Locals take life at a more leisurely pace, especially in smaller villages and places like Sicily. Enjoy local cuisine, rich culture and the temperate climate of picturesque towns. While Italy can be more expensive than some other European countries, some regions haver a lower cost of living, including the villages of Sicily and other western towns. Places like Rome, Lake Como and the Amalfi Coast will come with a higher price tag.- Who it’s for: Foodies and art lovers seeking a slower pace of life
- Primary attractions: Ancient Rome ruins, Vatican City, Cinque Terre (a UNESCO World Heritage site)
- Average home cost: $192,018
- Average Luxury Home Cost: $1,023,596
5. Greece
Greece offers an enticing blend of picturesque islands, stunning landscapes and cultural roots. Crete, Greece’s largest island, is popular for its beautiful ancient ruins and tranquility. Perhaps even more popular is the Cyclades Islands, home to Santorini and Mykonos — a good option for luxury homes. For more affordable real estate, consider the Ionian Islands, home to spots like Corfu and Kefalonia. These less crowded areas offer just as much beauty and a slightly quieter pace of life.- Who it’s for: Island hoppers and beach lovers
- Primary attractions: Acropolis in Athens, Santorini or Mykonos beaches, Mount Olympus
- Average home cost: $138,045
- Average Luxury Home Cost: $1,055,920
6. Dominican Republic
If you hope to find a vacation home in a tropical paradise, consider the Dominican Republic. Home to lush rainforests and beautiful beaches, the Dominican Republic has a very affordable cost of living and a diverse range of experiences to indulge in. From vibrant colonial cities to stunning national parks, there’s much to discover here for adventure-seeking home buyers.- Who it’s for: Nature lovers and adventure seekers
- Primary attractions: Ancient Taino ruins, Punta Cana or Puerto Plata beaches, Los Haitises National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Median Home Cost: $140,000
- Average Luxury Home Cost: $1,647,135
| Travel tip: To avoid crowds and experience the Dominican Republic's natural beauty, explore less-visited regions, such as the Samaná Peninsula or the southwest coast. |
7. Croatia
If you’re considering to a vacation home in the Mediterranean, don’t overlook Croatia. With a beautiful coastline, crystal-clear waters and rugged landscape, the natural beauty provides the perfect backdrop for a vacation home. There are many different regions, from the popular Dalmatian Coast to the more peaceful villages of the Istrian Peninsula. Croatia also offers a wealth of history, and you’ll find a vibrant cultural scene among its ancient Roman ruins and medieval towns.- Who it’s for: History buffs and nature lovers
- Primary attractions: Dubrovnik (a UNESCO World Heritage site), Plitvice Lakes National Park, Korčula
- Average home cost: $187,866
- Average Luxury Home Cost: $949,251
8. Monaco
Monaco is a small principality on the French Riviera with a world-class reputation for a more glamorous lifestyle. Its high-end boutiques, glamorous casinos and beautiful beaches tend to attract a wealthy and famous clientele. It’s also a popular destination for business owners, celebrities and investors who are drawn to its prestige and exclusivity.- Who it’s for: High net-worth individuals seeking a luxurious lifestyle
- Primary attractions: Casino de Monte-Carlo, Oceanographic Museum, Prince's Palace
- Average home cost: $824,420
- Average Luxury Home Cost: $5,225,729
9. Costa Rica
The small Central American country of Costa Rica is known for its affordability, natural tropical beauty and commitment to sustainability. You’ll find equal parts relaxation and adventure as you explore the country’s diverse ecosystems. There's something for everyone, from rainforests and beaches to national parks like Manuel Antonio, Corcovado and Arenal Volcano.- Who it’s for: Nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers seeking a low cost of living
- Primary attractions: Playa Tamarindo, San José, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
- Average home cost: $114,173
- Average Luxury Home Cost: $1,473,439
10. France
France is steeped in cultural heritage, making it an excellent vacation home spot for history buffs and art lovers, as well as connoisseurs of fine food and wine. If you’re seeking a luxurious lifestyle, consider properties in Paris or head to the French Riviera, home to high-end resorts and a bustling nightlife. For mountain scenery and a more peaceful atmosphere, check out the French Alps. Brittany and Normandy also offer a more relaxed atmosphere and fewer crowds.- Who it’s for: Those seeking a vacation home destination rich in culture
- Primary attractions: The Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Palace of Versailles
- Average home cost: $306,191
- Average Luxury Home Cost: $883,525
| Travel tip: For a convenient way to explore all of France, purchase a rail pass that lets you travel unlimited distances on the country’s extensive train network. |
11. Spain
Spain has much to offer in terms of its culture, history and natural beauty. From the bustling city of Barcelona to the more tranquil villages of Andalusia, Spain has a diverse range of locations and experiences for every vacation home buyer. Spain also has one of the lowest cost of living rates in Western Europe, making it a great place to buy a vacation home if affordability is your priority.- Who it’s for: Retirees and those seeking a low cost of living
- Primary attractions: Basque Country, Canary Islands, Prado Museum
- Average home cost: $185,790
- Average Luxury Home Cost: $1,282,189
12. United Kingdom
Home to ancient castles, stunning countryside and bustling cities, the United Kingdom has much to explore. From the rugged mountainous region of Scotland to the coastal scene of Wales to the diversity of London, the U.K. offers a diverse range of options for vacation home buyers.- Who it’s for: Those seeking a unique cultural experience.
- Primary attractions: Buckingham Palace, Stonehenge, the Scottish Highlands
- Average home cost: $297,887
- Average Luxury Home Cost: $1,517,344
Methodology
To determine the best places to buy a vacation home, we analyzed both luxury and average home prices across various global destinations. The average luxury home costs for each location were sourced from James Edition, a leading luxury real estate marketplace. The average home prices were primarily sourced from Finder.com, with exceptions for the Dominican Republic (data from Global Property Guide) and Monaco (data from Monaco Properties and Relocation Monaco).This data provides a balanced view of both high-end and general real estate markets, helping buyers make informed decisions based on their budget and investment goals.What to consider when buying a vacation home abroad
Owning a vacation home abroad can be rewarding, but there are a few key considerations to consider before purchasing. Here’s what it keep in mind when deciding where to buy a vacation home:- Budget: Establish a budget and research the cost of living and property prices in your desired location.
- Location: Consider your ideal climate, local culture and proximity to different attractions or amenities. Do you want to live in a more populated area or somewhere more secluded? Carefully consider what matters most to you.
- Legal and financial considerations: Be sure to understand the legal and financial implications of owning a property abroad, including taxes and property management.
- Residency requirements: Check whether your preferred location has any residency requirements if you plan to own property abroad.
