These Are the Best Cities Around the World to Retire for $1,500 or Less a Month (2024)

For some seniors, retirement can be an anxiety-inducing experience due to insufficient savings and the rising costs associated with housing and healthcare. The average social security check in December 2023 was $1,767, while, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average monthly expenses in 2021 were $4,345.

It's no wonder some retirees are looking for an affordable place to spend their golden years outside the country.Now, a new survey by International Living listed 13 global destinations where entertainment, housing, healthcare, and food come with a much lower price tag than in the U.S., so retirees can live comfortably on $1,500 per month.

Mexico is the undisputed winner, with three cities on the list — the most of any country. Querétaro, a historic city in Central Mexico, and Isla Mujeres and Cozumel, islands off the coast of Cancun and Riviera Maya, all offer housing for as low as $500 a month, access to excellent healthcare, and an abundance of recreational activities.

However, five of the destinations on the list are in Southeast Asia. In Cambodia's capital Phnom Penh, for example, retirees will find "a stunningly low-cost, high-quality life," Jennifer Stevens, the executive editor of International Living, told Travel + Leisure.

"Bang for buck, Phnom Penh shines. Rent in the capital city is reasonable: you can lease a one-bedroom apartment in the heart of downtown, within walking distance of restaurants, bars, and the best shopping, for less than $500 per month," Stevens said, noting that a single person can live comfortably on $1,000.

Another spot where the cost of living is times lower than that in the U.S. is the island state of Penang in Malaysia, which stands out as an incredibly diverse destination where most people speak English.

"Penang offers up a wonderfully vibrant mix of old and new — restored colonial buildings anchor the island's tall glass high-rises. It's a culturally rich melting pot. It offers up lush jungle-covered hills bursting with wildlife and pristine beaches along with all the comforts of modern living," Stevens added.

International Living states that retirees here can rent a three-bedroom condo with sea views for as low as $380 per month and that, other than the cost of housing, a single person needs just $500 a month to pay for additional living expenses.

And for those looking to move across the pond should consider Alicante and Granada in Spain, as well as the charming town of Bergerac in southwest France, which is about two hours from Bordeaux. It is known for its viticulture, vibrant year-round arts event program, and picture-perfect setting comprising narrow streets, stone houses, and scenic riverfront.

You can read the complete list of destinations and how much it costs to retire in each at internationaliving.com.

These Are the Best Cities Around the World to Retire for $1,500 or Less a Month (2024)

FAQs

These Are the Best Cities Around the World to Retire for $1,500 or Less a Month? ›

Now, a new survey by International Living listed 13 global destinations where entertainment, housing, healthcare, and food come with a much lower price tag than in the U.S., so retirees can live comfortably on $1,500 per month. Mexico is the undisputed winner, with three cities on the list — the most of any country.

Where in the world can I retire on $1,500 a month? ›

Now, a new survey by International Living listed 13 global destinations where entertainment, housing, healthcare, and food come with a much lower price tag than in the U.S., so retirees can live comfortably on $1,500 per month. Mexico is the undisputed winner, with three cities on the list — the most of any country.

Where is the cheapest place to retire in the world? ›

7 of the most-affordable places to retire abroad
  • Malaysia.
  • Mexico.
  • Panama.
  • Philippines.
  • Portugal.
  • Thailand.
  • Vietnam.
Mar 1, 2024

Where can I retire on $2000 a month? ›

5 US Cities Where You Can Retire on $2,000 a Month
  • Chiang Mai, Thailand. Advantages: Very inexpensive. ...
  • San Juan, Puerto Rico. Advantage: In the United States. ...
  • Claremont, New Hampshire. A couple who found a place to retire on $2,000 per month. ...
  • Decatur, Indiana. Advantages: Potentially low rent. ...
  • El Paso, Texas.
Mar 19, 2024

Where is the best place to live in the world when retired? ›

The Best Places in the World to Retire
  1. Costa Rica. The natural beauty of Costa Rica is no secret, with beaches, cloud forests, and coffee plantations filling its relatively small area.
  2. Portugal. ...
  3. Mexico. ...
  4. Panama. ...
  5. Spain. ...
  6. Ecuador. ...
  7. Greece. ...
  8. Malaysia. ...
Mar 28, 2024

Can I live in Belize for $1000 a month? ›

A couple coming from North America can probably survive on US$1,000 per month (assuming you have your own home). However, US$1,500 would be more reasonable. Compared to the USA, the cost of living in Belize is at least 50% cheaper according to testimonials from my ex-pats friends and clients who have moved to Belize.

What is the easiest country to retire to from the US? ›

The winner is Argentina, where seniors can apply for citizenship only after two years of residency. “Argentina's Pensionado visa offers one of the easiest routes for retirees to gain citizenship in this country.

Where in the world can I live for $800 a month? ›

Top locations to consider in Vietnam include Da Nang, Phu Quoc, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Hoi an, and Nha Trang. Wherever you decide to live in Vietnam, your cost of living can be around $600 to $800 per month. But depending on your rent and lifestyle, it could go up to around $1,100, $1,200, or even $1,300 per month.

What is the safest and cheapest country to live in? ›

10 of the cheapest and safest places to live in the world
  • Albania.
  • Portugal.
  • Costa Rica.
  • Panama.
  • Mexico.
  • Thailand.
  • Malaysia.
  • Vietnam.

Can you still collect Social Security if you move to another country? ›

If you are a U.S. citizen, you may receive your Social Security payments outside the U.S. as long as you are eligible for them. However, there are certain countries to which we are not allowed to send payments.

Where can I retire on $800 a month? ›

Cuenca, Ecuador

Ecuador's retirement visa, requiring proof of stable income, makes settling in Cuenca an attractive option. With monthly living expenses ranging from $800 to $1,200, Cuenca stands out for its affordability without sacrificing quality of life.

What is a good monthly retirement income? ›

“A common guideline is to replace 80% of your pre-retirement income,” suggests Jose V. Sanchez, CFP® and financial advisor. “Take this amount and multiply it by 25 for a ballpark figure of how much you need to save.”

What is the best country to retire in if you're American? ›

  • Switzerland. #1 in Comfortable Retirement Rankings. ...
  • Portugal. #2 in Comfortable Retirement Rankings. ...
  • Australia. #3 in Comfortable Retirement Rankings. ...
  • New Zealand. #4 in Comfortable Retirement Rankings. ...
  • Spain. #5 in Comfortable Retirement Rankings. ...
  • Canada. #6 in Comfortable Retirement Rankings. ...
  • Sweden. ...
  • Italy.

Where is the cheapest warm place to retire? ›

Methodology
  • Corozal, Belize. ...
  • Panama City, Panama. ...
  • San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. ...
  • Santiago, Dominican Republic. ...
  • Lake Chapala, Mexico. ...
  • La Serena, Chile. Average Monthly Cost of Living: $1,640. ...
  • Cuenca, Ecuador. Average Monthly Cost of Living: $1,500. ...
  • Da Nang, Vietnam. Average Monthly Cost of Living: $1,500.
Nov 16, 2023

What is the best country to live in for American retirees? ›

Costa Rica is the best country to retire in the world 2024, according to a new study from International Living.

What countries can you retire to and still collect Social Security? ›

Country List 1
BelgiumIcelandPortugal
BrazilIrelandSlovak Republic
CanadaIsraelSlovenia
ChileItalySpain
Czech RepublicJapanSweden
6 more rows

What countries can you live in and still receive Social Security benefits? ›

If you are a resident of a country that has a U.S. social security agreement, (other than Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Sweden, or Switzerland), we will continue your U.S. Social Security payments.

What is the best country to live on Social Security? ›

Here is the list of 24 countries where you can retire on just social security in 2024:
  • Ghana. Monthly Cost of Living (Single Person): $1,800. ...
  • Chile. Monthly Cost of Living (Single Person): $1,780. ...
  • Italy. Monthly Cost of Living (Single Person): $1,750. ...
  • Portugal. ...
  • Costa Rica. ...
  • Mauritius. ...
  • Panama. ...
  • Indonesia.
Feb 1, 2024

What is the best country for Americans to retire in? ›

According to various studies, including International Living, Portugal is ranked as the best country for US expats to retire to. Its friendly population, welcoming community of American expats, excellent weather, quality healthcare system, and affordable cost of living are all big draws for American retirees.

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