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  1. #1
    Thailand Expat DrWilly's Avatar
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    8 of the Cheapest Countries to Retire Around the World

    Retirement plans are as unique as the individuals who are looking forward to the day when work, at least as they know it, comes to an end. For some, retirement can mean a career change to a long wished for profession or more time to devote to a hobby or passion. For many retirees, whether for adventure, change of scenery, or reduction in living expenses, moving to another country is a goal.

    It's well-known that moving outside the U.S. can help reduce living costs — particularly if the retiree is leaving a large city. Just as at home, though, costs vary depending on location, lifestyle, and personal needs. However, if the goal is to reduce expenses, most retirees can accomplish that and live quite well in a variety of countries.

    From Latin America to Asia and Europe, retirees are finding homes and plenty of expat communities where living is more affordable. Weather, location, health care access, language, visa qualifications, and income requirements are among the many considerations that go into deciding on a retirement home. Financial advisors, experienced travelers, and expat retirees can help with advice, and the Social Security Administration, Internal Revenue Service, and State Department also have important information to offer.
    Data from Numbeo, updated as of June 2022, is used here for cost of living comparisons.

    These are some of the countries that offer retirees an opportunity to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle and lower cost of living.

    Mexico number one on the list, and Thailand didn't make it at all...


    8 of the Cheapest Countries to Retire Around the World

  2. #2
    Thailand Expat Storekeeper's Avatar
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    61 days and a wake up until retirement and one final mortgage payment. After that my costs to live in my 2 bedroom, 1100 square foot condo overlooking the inlet are … $400 a month maintenance fee, $175 a month property tax, $125 a month internet, $100 a month yearly average for electricity and $50 a month for renters insurance. If I was staying and bought a car I’d buy a brand new one and put enough down to have a $325 a month payment. And then my car insurance would be/is roughly $50 a month. My health care expenses would be zero as I’m a military retiree and have TRICARE. And since I can use the commissary on base for shopping let’s say $1000 a month all in for food, cleaning stuff, toiletries. Less than $2500 a month. And that’s here in the state of Washington.

  3. #3
    Thailand Expat Fondles's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Storekeeper View Post
    61 days and a wake up until retirement and one final mortgage payment. After that my costs to live in my 2 bedroom, 1100 square foot condo overlooking the inlet are … $400 a month maintenance fee, $175 a month property tax, $125 a month internet, $100 a month yearly average for electricity and $50 a month for renters insurance. If I was staying and bought a car I’d buy a brand new one and put enough down to have a $325 a month payment. And then my car insurance would be/is roughly $50 a month. My health care expenses would be zero as I’m a military retiree and have TRICARE. And since I can use the commissary on base for shopping let’s say $1000 a month all in for food, cleaning stuff, toiletries. Less than $2500 a month. And that’s here in the state of Washington.
    Why renters insurance if you own and live there ?

  4. #4
    Thailand Expat Storekeeper's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Fondles View Post
    Why renters insurance if you own and live there ?
    Internal contents.

  5. #5
    Thailand Expat Fondles's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Storekeeper View Post
    Internal contents.
    Ohhh so just normal contents insurance.

  6. #6
    Thailand Expat Storekeeper's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Fondles View Post
    Ohhh so just normal contents insurance.
    Yes, the maintenance fee covers the insurance for the structure.

  7. #7
    CCBW Stumpy's Avatar
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    It's a big decision to retire and move abroad. Many things one needs to research and consider and you have to be honest with yourself. It all sounds good on paper.

  8. #8
    Thailand Expat Backspin's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Stumpy View Post
    It's a big decision to retire and move abroad. Many things one needs to research and consider and you have to be honest with yourself. It all sounds good on paper.
    Inflation is probably making it a necessity for more and more ppl. Even if it isn't their cup of tea. But yeah, i agree

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by Backspin View Post
    Inflation is probably making it a necessity for more and more ppl. Even if it isn't their cup of tea. But yeah, i agree
    Pity you will always be struggling in Surrey.

  10. #10
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    Costa Rica is one of my favourite countries anywhere.

    I started a travel thread on it a while ago but gave up because it's just such a hassle to upload pictures.

    It isn't necessarily "cheap" though.

    Colombia is a good shout too; it isn't as dangerous as people say it is, and Medellin is a wonderful city.

    But you still have to have your wits about you and there are certain parts of certain cities that are no go areas- especially after dark.

  11. #11
    Thailand Expat misskit's Avatar
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    ^I’ve some “retired” American friends who have had a place in Costa Rica for years. The absolutely love it and have recently become naturalized Costa Ricans.

  12. #12
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    Quote Originally Posted by misskit View Post
    ^I’ve some “retired” American friends who have had a place in Costa Rica for years. The absolutely love it and have recently become naturalized Costa Ricans.
    It reminded me very much of SE Asia. Relatively safe too, which isn't always the case in that part of the world, and the wildlife (if you're into that) is outstanding.

    A no brainer when you consider its proximity to the States.

  13. #13
    Hangin' Around cyrille's Avatar
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    Totally off putting when you consider its proximity to the States.

  14. #14
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    Totally off putting when you consider its proximity to the States.
    much like thailands proximity to china then.

  15. #15
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    @misskit - I've watched some vlogs abt Costa Rica and most vloggers say that compared to other Lat-Am countries, it's more pricey and has become too gringo-ized.

    I've also watched some vlogs on Ecuador & Colombia - I think the cost of living are similar for both places.

    However, in Colombia, that's where I learned/ read the expression "no dar papaya" (or similar). Meaning, don't expose your sweet/ expensive stuff like phones, watches, etc.

    The blogger Nomadic Matt and vlogger Alina McLeod (a young, pretty Canadian) had some dicey experiences in Colombia. If I was to travel solo, I'd be very wary in Colombia.

    Disclaimer - I've never been to Central or South America, but am curious about the region.

  16. #16
    Thailand Expat misskit's Avatar
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    ^Costa Rica has probably been more grino-ized a far longer time than other Latin American countries with the exception of Panama. The country has a high standard of living and education so no doubt more expensive than surrounding countries.

    The only way I would spend time in Colombia is if I were with Colombian friends. Ecuador doesn’t seem as daunting.

  17. #17
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    ^ I lived there for 3 and a half years and never had a single problem. I travelled all over the country, often on public transport, and loved the place.

    In general, any problems tend to be encountered when doing the things you wouldn't do at home: walking through parks on your own late at night pissed up; going to the worst areas of the city where even most Colombians wouldn't dream of going; drug deals, prostitutes etc.

  18. #18
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    Reg Dingle's Avatar
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    ^I'd imagine it's safer than your home town Moss Side, Gunchester

  19. #19
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    Quote Originally Posted by Reg Dingle View Post
    ^I'd imagine it's safer than your home town Moss Side, Gunchester
    You don't half fancy yourself these days since you sold your soul for a southern post code, Mrs Bouquet.

    I bet the neighbours think you're casing the joint when you take the poodle for a walk on your little pink unicorn bike.

  20. #20
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    Quote Originally Posted by hallelujah View Post
    Mrs Bouquet
    It's Bukkake

  21. #21
    Thailand Expat
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    Quote Originally Posted by Storekeeper View Post
    61 days and a wake up until retirement and one final mortgage payment. After that my costs to live in my 2 bedroom, 1100 square foot condo overlooking the inlet are … $400 a month maintenance fee, $175 a month property tax, $125 a month internet, $100 a month yearly average for electricity and $50 a month for renters insurance. If I was staying and bought a car I’d buy a brand new one and put enough down to have a $325 a month payment. And then my car insurance would be/is roughly $50 a month. My health care expenses would be zero as I’m a military retiree and have TRICARE. And since I can use the commissary on base for shopping let’s say $1000 a month all in for food, cleaning stuff, toiletries. Less than $2500 a month. And that’s here in the state of Washington.

    Stay there, get active in some things you like. Then realize you can travel to your hearts content. Asia including Thailand for the Mrs. Then buy a used RV that's nice. Do the USA. Checking out all the other places you have in the back of your head. Take 2 or 3 months and 7 or 8,000 miles. Like the RV keep it. Dont like it sell it for 90% of what you paid for it.

    You are in a great position.

  22. #22
    Guest Member S Landreth's Avatar
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    My daughter would volunteer in Central America. Help set up units (train doctors and nurses) for premature births. They would keep the volunteers in one building and escort them the hospital each day.

    I told her that was noble of her to give up her time and knowledge, but to stop. I did give her a good reason and she understood.

    She told me after about a month after setting these units up they would shut them down. Not enough money to keep them up and running.

    Costa Rica Travel Advisory
    Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.

  23. #23
    Thailand Expat Backspin's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by hallelujah View Post
    It reminded me very much of SE Asia. Relatively safe too, which isn't always the case in that part of the world, and the wildlife (if you're into that) is outstanding.

    A no brainer when you consider its proximity to the States.
    The problem I find with S/c America is that the quality of everything whether its the computers at a internet cafe, motorbikes or bicycles, used phones, cloths at the market, are just of far lower quality and quantity because its not the mfg base of the world like SE Asia is.

  24. #24
    Thailand Expat Storekeeper's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by aging one View Post
    Stay there, get active in some things you like. Then realize you can travel to your hearts content. Asia including Thailand for the Mrs. Then buy a used RV that's nice. Do the USA. Checking out all the other places you have in the back of your head. Take 2 or 3 months and 7 or 8,000 miles. Like the RV keep it. Dont like it sell it for 90% of what you paid for it.

    You are in a great position.
    I read this and immediately started thinking of the lyrics to Stairway to Heaven. Had to listen to it on YouTube. Daggum song has been in my head all friggin’ day …

  25. #25
    Thailand Expat OhOh's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by aging one View Post
    Dont like it sell it for 90% of what you paid for it.
    Yesteryear maybe.

    Now some are realising places to pull into for the night are filled with less than desirable, permanent residents....

    As fuel prices surge, RV drivers take shorter trips, get vehicles delivered

    Contributor
    Doyinsola Oladipo Reuters


    Published
    Jun 16, 2022 2:14PM EDT

    As fuel prices surge, RV drivers take shorter trips, get vehicles delivered | Nasdaq
    A tray full of GOLD is not worth a moment in time.

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