Retiring in Honduras: A Comprehensive Guide for 2025

Honduras, a gem in Central America, has been gaining popularity among retirees seeking affordable living costs, beautiful landscapes, and a warm climate. With its stunning beaches, lush mountains, and rich cultural heritage, Honduras offers a diverse range of environments for retirees to call home. This comprehensive guide explores what you need to know about retiring in Honduras in 2025, from costs of living to visa requirements and healthcare options.

Cost of Living in Honduras

One of the most attractive aspects of retiring in Honduras is its affordability. According to recent data, the overall cost of living in Honduras is approximately 45% lower than in the United States, not including housing costs, which are about 80% lower than U.S. averages.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

Based on 2025 data, here's what retirees can expect to spend monthly in Honduras:

These figures translate to annual retirement costs of approximately $10,800 for a low budget, $18,700 for a medium budget, and $30,300 for a high-end lifestyle. This makes Honduras one of the most affordable retirement destinations in Central America.

Source: Global Passport (2025), SmartAsset (2024)

Housing in Honduras

Housing costs in Honduras vary significantly depending on location. Popular retirement destinations include:

Roatán

This Caribbean island is popular among expatriates for its beautiful beaches and diving opportunities. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Roatán's center averages $600 per month, while a three-bedroom apartment costs around $1,360 monthly. Property prices average about $80 per square foot, significantly lower than the U.S. average of $320 per square foot.

Tegucigalpa

In the capital city's upscale neighborhoods, a one-bedroom apartment typically rents for 8,000-12,000 HNL ($320-480) monthly, while similar accommodations in middle-class areas range from 5,000-8,000 HNL ($200-320).

San Pedro Sula

This commercial hub offers housing at prices comparable to Tegucigalpa but with better infrastructure in some areas.

Source: Global Passport (2025)

Food and Dining

Food expenses in Honduras are generally affordable, particularly when choosing local products:

• A meal at a local restaurant costs 100-200 HNL ($4-8)
• Dinner at an international restaurant might run 300-500 HNL ($12-20) per person
• Monthly grocery shopping at supermarkets like La Colonia or Walmart typically costs 3,000-5,000 HNL ($120-200) for one person
• Shopping at local markets can reduce costs significantly

Honduras is known for its fresh tropical fruits, vegetables, and seafood, making it easy to maintain a healthy diet at reasonable costs.

Source: Global Passport (2025)

Healthcare in Honduras

Healthcare is an important consideration for retirees, and Honduras presents some challenges in this area. The World Health Organization ranks Honduras's healthcare system 131 out of 191 countries, indicating significant room for improvement.

Public vs. Private Healthcare

Most expatriates and retirees opt for private healthcare in Honduras due to the limitations of the public system. Private health insurance typically costs 1,500-3,000 HNL ($60-120) monthly per person, depending on coverage.

Medical Costs

• Doctor's consultation: 500-1,000 HNL ($20-40)
• Specialist visit: 800-1,500 HNL ($32-60)
• Hospital stay: Varies widely depending on treatment

There are several 24-hour private hospitals in Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula that cater to expatriates. Many retirees choose to live near these facilities for peace of mind. It's important to note that rural healthcare is scarce in Honduras, so retirees with ongoing medical concerns should consider urban areas or popular expatriate communities.

Source: SmartAsset (2024), Expat Exchange (2024)

Visa and Residency Requirements

Honduras offers relatively straightforward residency options for retirees. As of 2025, there are three main types of long-term residency visas:

Retiree Visa (Pensionado)

To qualify, applicants must prove a guaranteed lifetime monthly benefit of at least $1,500 per month from an established private or government institution (such as Social Security or a pension fund).

Rentista Visa

This requires proof of a minimal monthly income of $2,500 from a non-Honduran source (e.g., rents, deposits, bonds).

Investor Visa

Applicants must prove an investment of at least $50,000 in a business or project in Honduras.

Application Process

The application process requires working with a Honduran attorney and submitting the following documents (apostilled):

• Letter explaining the type of residency desired
• Proof of income
• Passport valid for one year from the date of application
• Police record showing good standing with the law
• Health certificate
• Passport photograph (6 cm by 6 cm)

Processing time typically takes six to nine months, and costs range from $1,000 to $3,000 including legal assistance.

Source: International Living (2024)

Taxes for Retirees

Understanding the tax implications is crucial for retirees planning to move to Honduras:

• Income earned in Honduras is taxed between 15% and 25%
• Real estate capital gains are taxed at 10%
• Annual property tax is approximately 0.4% of the total property value
• Foreign income, including pensions, Social Security benefits, and distributions from tax-advantaged accounts, is not taxed by Honduras

U.S. citizens should note that they remain subject to U.S. taxation on worldwide income, though various exclusions and credits may apply.

Source: SmartAsset (2024)

Popular Retirement Destinations in Honduras

Roatán

This Caribbean island offers beautiful beaches, world-class diving, and a substantial expatriate community. The West End and West Bay areas are particularly popular among retirees.

La Ceiba

A coastal city offering a mix of urban amenities and natural attractions, including proximity to Pico Bonito National Park.

Copán Ruinas

A charming town near the famous Mayan ruins, offering a cooler climate and colonial architecture.

Valle de Ángeles

A mountain town with a pleasant climate, known for its arts and crafts.

Tela

A coastal town with beautiful beaches and a growing expatriate community.

Source: Yahoo Finance (2024)

Safety Considerations

Safety is a significant concern for many considering retirement in Honduras. According to the U.S. Department of State, violent crime, such as homicide and armed robbery, is common in Honduras. Gang activity, street crime, and narcotics trafficking are widespread in certain areas.

However, many expatriates live comfortably in gated communities and areas with security staff. Popular retirement destinations like Roatán generally experience fewer safety issues than urban centers like Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula.

Retirees should:

• Research neighborhoods thoroughly before relocating
• Consider gated communities with security
• Avoid displaying signs of wealth
• Stay informed about local conditions
• Develop relationships with local residents and other expatriates

Source: SmartAsset (2024), U.S. Department of State (2024)

Lifestyle and Community

Honduras offers retirees a relaxed lifestyle with numerous recreational opportunities:

• Outdoor activities: Hiking, diving, snorkeling, fishing, and bird watching
• Cultural attractions: Mayan ruins at Copán, colonial architecture, local festivals
• Expatriate communities: Active groups in Roatán, Tegucigalpa, and other popular areas
• Volunteer opportunities: Many retirees find fulfillment working with local charities

The language barrier can be challenging, as English is not widely spoken outside tourist areas. However, many retirees view learning Spanish as an enriching part of their experience.

Source: Expat Exchange (2024)

Conclusion

Honduras offers retirees an affordable lifestyle in a beautiful tropical setting. With monthly expenses ranging from approximately $900 for a modest lifestyle to $2,500 for a more luxurious one, it represents one of the more budget-friendly retirement options in Central America.

The country's challenges—including healthcare limitations and safety concerns—should be carefully considered and planned for. However, many retirees find that the low cost of living, natural beauty, and warm community more than compensate for these challenges.

For those seeking an affordable retirement destination with tropical weather, diverse landscapes, and a relaxed pace of life, Honduras deserves serious consideration. By choosing the right location within the country and taking appropriate precautions, retirees can enjoy their golden years in this Central American paradise.