10 Cheap Places To Retire Abroad (on Social Security)

Learn a new language at home or abroad with Rosetta Stone.- Sign up here and get more than 60% off Lifetime Access to 25 languages! partners.rosettastone.com/tra... Are you looking for somewhere you can live a simple, comfortable life on a modest budget? More than half of retired adults depend on social security for their only source of income. But the current social security check won’t get you very far (especially in the United States). And that’s why so many folks are leaving! Nearly 450,000 retired Americans receive Social Security benefits abroad, and you can be one of them.
If you’re planning retire abroad on social security alone, this video is for you. These are places that you and REALISTICALLY move on $1-2k per month, that have retirement visas, good healthcare, and are generally considered safe.
If you’re dreaming of a better life abroad where your money will go farther, I’m offering practical advice in this video so you can make that dream a reality. I’m ranking 10 countries by the cost of their retirement visas and average cost of living, with #1 being the cheapest place to retire on this list.
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Living Abroad: 🌍
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Watch next: 👀
1 Top 10 Best Places to Retire in 2024 (Visas, Residency, Healthcare, Taxes)
• 10 Best Places to Reti...
2 The Top 10 Best Places to Retire in the World
• The Top 10 Best Places...
3 Ten Places I Would Personally Live with $1,000 per Month
• 10 Places I Would Live...
4 Why Expats Leave Costa Rica
• 8 Reasons Why American...
5 The Best Countries for Americans to Live Abroad
• The Easiest Places for...
6 The Best Places to Live on $1,000 per Month
• Top 10 Best Places To ...
Chapters:
00:00 Retiring Abroad on Social Security
1:11 10th Place
4:50 9th Place
8:00 8th Place
11:44 Learning a New Language
13:44 7th Place
16:00 6th Place
18:55 5th Place
19:41 Retired Dave in Paraguay
23:30 4th Place
26:25 3rd Place
32:13 2nd Place
35:18 Karen on Retiring in Albania
36:26 1st Place
39:50 What about Costa Rica and Panama?
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👱🏻‍♀️ About: Kristin Wilson is the author of Digital Nomads For Dummies, the host of Badass Digital Nomads Podcast, and known as Traveling with Kristin on KZbin. She's traveled to more than 60 countries and has been helping people move overseas since 2005.
Want help moving abroad? Apply at: www.travelingwithkristin.com/...
📸 Follow on Instagram: bit.ly/TWKinstagram
PS: This video is for entertainment purposes only and is not consulting or advice. Information about visas, residency permits, immigration, cost of living, and taxes change frequently. Consult a licensed professional for advice. Video descriptions may contain affiliate or refer-a-friend links for products I use and recommend. Thanks for supporting the channel!
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#cheapplaces #retireabroad #top10 #rosettastone #rosettastonepartner

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Learn a new language at home or abroad with Rosetta Stone. Sign up here and get more than 60% off Lifetime Access to 25 languages! partners.rosettastone.com/traveling-with-kristin3 (Sponsored)

[@muurikatu]

Your Rosetta Stone video background makes me miss my Venetian Islands neighborhood at Miami Beach 😂

[@jayalexander7763]

Hey Kristin can you pretty please do a video for young couples or young singles in 20s-30s and how much they’d need to save to move abroad and get started? Thank you ☺️

[@kathleenkulman7841]

Are there any programs that teach Albanian?

[@HealingHeartsandMindswithKelly]

I have tried to sign up 3 separate times because of your videos and it never completes after I enter all my info. So frustrating...

[@LexisWilson436]

Retirement becomes truly fulfilling when you possess two essential elements: ample financial resources and a meaningful purpose in life. Make prudent investment choices to secure good returns and ensure a comfortable retirement

[@Garypryde787]

that's right. Investing in stocks can be a key component of your retirement strategy, but it's essential to approach it wisely. A trusted financial advisor can guide you in making informed investment decisions, diversifying your portfolio, and maximizing returns. By partnering with a financial expert, you can confidently invest in stocks and build a secure financial foundation that supports your retirement goals and aspirations.

[@AngieLayman27]

Absolutely! A key to success in stock investing is to avoid impulsive decisions based on fear, which can lead to premature selling. It's essential to recognize that stocks are long-term investments, not get-rich-quick schemes. seeking the expertise of a financial advisor is essential to help make informed decisions.

[@Garypryde787]

This is why I've entrusted a fiduciary with my investment decisions. Many underestimate advisors until emotions lead to losses. My advisor crafted a tailored strategy aligning with my long-term goals, guiding entry and exit points for the equities I focus on. This has grown my portfolio to $780k, generating sufficient dividends for my household's needs.

[@AureaBrereton865]

Mind if I ask you to recommend this particular coach you using their service?

[@Garypryde787]

jennifer alaine is the licensed fiduciary I use. Just research the name. You’d find necessary details to work with a correspondence to set up an appointment.

[@woody3167]

I have to give you a well deserved credit for covering the tax ramifications of these countries. Most, if not all of the other KZbinrs do not go there, but you have gone the extra mile which is what a newly retired guy like me needs to know. Thank you Kristin so, so much. Good Job!

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Thank you very much! I'm glad the tax information was helpful to you @woody3167.

[@jones4334]

The minimum Philippines monthly budget should be 1500 usd not 400 to 500. Their are many foreigner homeless people holding signs up on the roads begging like in the US. Insurance cost is about 1800 a year. If your older, you need to live in 1 of 3 cities for good hospitals. Manila, Cebu, Angeles City. Having 200 a month home, expect no AC, no Refrigerator, no cooking utensils, no western amenities (bamboo bed with 4 inch mattress) The SRRV is about a 6 month process. The 13A marriage visa,,, if your wife decides your marriage is over, she can have your 13A revoked and you will get Deported. Tourist visa is $60 a month. If you don't buy a scooter, the cost is about $8.00 a day. Average short trike ride is $2 each way depending on the island you choose. Western food is expensive because of shipping cost. Keep all of the above information in mind before you sell everything and move here. Make sure you have about 30k minimum nest egg so you can pay for healthcare and airfare home. ....... you can not leave the hospital until you pay your bill. They have armed guards to ensure you pay your bill. Have a wonderful stay!!

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Thank you for sharing this detailed information about living in the Philippines @jones4334 !

[@vividhaiku]

Agreed.

[@3dmixer552]

I left the Philippines in 2016 and I need $1500 to live a decent life at that time. 400-500 will not cut it for sure these days. At least a foreigner don't want to live on that budget.

[@LydiaCarroll]

I am 38, so nowhere near retirement haha. HOWEVER this is the first time I realised I can collect my pension overseas when I retire. THIS IS INCREDIBLE NEWS!! 😃😃😃

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Yes you can collect social security at home or abroad! And retire at 40 in Belize or Malta ;)

[@stanleysalters1195]

I didn't know that ​@@TravelingwithKristin

[@Dinsdale2020]

Kirstin: there are a lot of good channels looking at this topic. I consider your channel the number one I trust. I am on the verge of doing exactly this. Many Thanks for your hard work and doing such a great job 🙏👍👍

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Thank you so much! Glad the hard work is paying off 😊

[@user-T.Baldwin]

I agree very, very thorough and thoughtful. But I make 960 S.S. , hate noise, crime, got any ideas ?

[@karenespig]

Yes, Albania is super affordable! I lived there for just over two years! Local and seasonal foods are abundant and very inexpensive, rents are also reasonable. The downsides as you say are some infrastructures as well as language and culture barriers. Americans can live there visa-free for 12 months which is amazing.

[@photopro100]

Did you experience or hear about tax requirement issues or tax situations for extended stays there such as more than 180 days even though the visa is 1 year?

[@karenespig]

The one year stay for Americans is not a visa. It is a visa-free stay, similar to the 90 days you may stay in many countries based on your passport alone. To my understanding there is no tax obligation unless you apply for residency … the financial infrastructure of Albania is still evolving but I believe taxes for residents come into effect after a certain income threshold.

[@photopro100]

@@karenespig Thanks, I understood it’s not a Visa through applying, it’s a stamp in the passport upon arrival. Tax situation is good to know to prevent surprises. Too many countries consider a person a tax resident in well under a year in the country. It is something to keep up to date on.

[@JenniferMillican-nc7fb]

Water! I'm surprised at how few people are discussing this. Even a quick search on KZbin about the Mexican water shortage can be quite the eye opener. I won't drink Coke, Pepsi or Heineken 😬 In the next few weeks more people will understand if it doesn’t start to rain 🙏

[@YogaBlissDance]

She didn't say Mexico?

[@user-bg9em7ch6k]

It’s Finally raining and we are celebrating 🥳 💃

[@MH-et5sn]

I'd drink Mexican Coke over American Coke any day.

[@michaelcorner3861]

Another great thing about Malta is easy and inexpensive air access to much of Europe, London in particular. With a little planning travel between Malta and the US is both faster and less expensive than most of South America!

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Yes great point! Good flight routes and value for money

[@Oceanofsand1981]

I have a big crush on this girl. She is quite pretty and I like the elegant way she speaks

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Thank you for the compliment

[@jglee6721]

I can tell you that her videos get better and better all the time.

[@sean8514]

I agree! She's very pretty, well-spoken , and best of all? chill! I've been watching her YTs for about 2 years? I think 🤔? But she lays out the important information first and IMO is in my top 3 travel/living abroad YT peoples. Keep up the great work!🍀🙏

[@stefanlouw6395]

Clean, clear and concise breakdown. Kristin is brilliant as always!

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Thank you so much for the kind words! I'm glad you found the breakdown helpful @stefanlouw6395. 💛

[@stefanlouw6395]

@@TravelingwithKristin ☺️🌸

[@travelescapesOFFICIAL]

I live in the Philippines and can confirm what you said about the friendliness of the locals!

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Right?! They are so kind

[@andrewbrann6231]

Honestly I live in the United States on lless than 2000 a month.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Good for you, Andrew! It’s also possible in the U.S. of course, but depends on the location. Which state or city are you in?

[@toddmaek5436]

Which area?

[@andrewbrann6231]

@@TravelingwithKristin Winchester Tennessee area. Town of about 10,000. In 2019 I was renting a two-bedroom house fully renovated with a backyard and office in a garage for 450 a month. Prices have gone up but they're still considerably lower than a lot of cities in Tennessee. Actually my child support ended and my car got paid off so I basically downsize and moved in with a friend and live in the living room and sleep on the couch. He charged me $200 a month all bills.

[@MH-et5sn]

​@@andrewbrann6231Yeah most people don't want to live on a couch. I'd rather live in a culture rich area in a foreign country than the middle of nowhere in America (and still be poor).

[@krr868]

After hearing all the retirement videos, I always feel like this site is like coming home. You always get the straight info without the fluff. Again, thank you for all the hard work!

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Thank you so much for your kind words @krr868! 🙌

[@stevemellor7989]

Lots of good information Kristin. Its right up my alley. Thanks for putting this together.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

You're welcome! I'm glad you found the information helpful. Thanks for watching!

[@Mialovesphoto]

Kristin, youre awesome. I love that you added Dave's testimony❤❤

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Thank you so much @miaj3373! I’m glad you enjoyed Dave's testimony. ❤

[@HiTomWalker]

Keep those videos coming, Kristin. I can't get enough of them :D

[@TravelingwithKristin]

More to come, Tom!

[@consultante1650]

Wow first time I hear about PERU for retirement. I know it quite well as I had a Peruvian Girlfriend which showed me around. You can even get a complete nice dinner or Lunch for 1$ if it is still the same as 10 years ago.

[@sarahnd]

Lots of good research -- thanks!

[@TravelingwithKristin]

My pleasure, Sarah!

[@debbieg8951]

Your description of how cold Malta was in the winter made me laugh because I definitely experienced the “colder inside than outside” during the six years I lived in Morocco. I purchased two hot water bottles to get me through the winter, and when I was working at my desk, I’d put one at my feet and wrap the other in a towel and hold it on my lap. What a game changer. 😂

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Thanks for sharing your experience @debbieg8951! 😀

[@pg618]

Remember in Argentina that unless it is an emergency bringing you to the emergency room you cannot walk into a clinic you must do a reservation online and if they don't understand you they will hang up on you.

[@cindyk3076]

I enjoyed this Social Security-based recommendation video, including the more affordable countries since my S.S. is minimal. I had not considered Uruguay prior to watching so I thank you for that. I love the informational chart at the end of each country, it is so helpful. I appreciate all of the time it takes to compile the data, thanks so much!

[@TravelingwithKristin]

You are so welcome Cindy! I’m glad having all the info together is helpful for you!

[@fastneataverage]

Excellent content for me. Really enjoying this series on affordable locations for those of us thinking of moving abroad and saving money.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Great to hear! If you have any video requests please let me know.

[@fastneataverage]

@@TravelingwithKristin I would love to see a video on your personal top 5 favorite places that you would live if you had to pick one place to settle down. You could list the criteria that make these places the most desirable to you. Since you are a nomad, I am sure this will be a challenging one but I would be interested to hear your choices.

[@tanyawashburn8964]

Love your videos and the detailed information which you present with such a calming voice that it makes it all seem possible!

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Thank you so much for your kind words and support @tanyawashburn8964! I'm thrilled to hear that you find the information helpful and accessible. Stay tuned for more videos!

[@BestHomeschool]

Uruguay is not a safe nor a cheap place to live. And is especially dangerous for expats. Uruguayans are not very welcoming to foreigners and most leave within 2-5 years having had a very bad experience. Of course, it's always best to speak directly with expats who have lived in these countries to get an insider's view so there are no major disappointments.

[@ba8898]

This channel and other similar channels tend to exaggerate affordability quite significantly. It's how they get views - by selling false dreams. Either that or they don't do their research properly. I don't know much about Uruguay, but you're definitely not going to be living well in the Philippines for $500-600 a month, as this video claims. You'd need to double that at the very bare minimum.

[@BestHomeschool]

@@ba8898 I've also lived in Indonesia for 9 years and there's no place to exist on $1,000. And, again it's VERY dangerous. We had to have guards at our house in Jakarta at night for protection. Also dirty. Bali was gorgeous in the 90s but now - no thank you and quite pricey. Paraguay is not for the faint of heart.

[@oldaloneandfarfromhome]

I was surprised that Malta was on the list! I will have to give it another look. I am watching from Paraguay and agree with everything that was said about this place. I also loved the section about Albania. That has been one of my favorite places that I have visited thus far. I always enjoy your videos!

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Thank you so much for your comment and for watching from Paraguay! 💛

[@kennethboehnen271]

Phillipines cost $2000 per month for most expats; not under 1k.

[@eduardodifarnecio2336]

Another great informative video. Thank you.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Glad you enjoyed it @eduardodifarnecio2336!

[@davesites]

Great video very nice, thank you. Keep up the great work. Have fun.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Have a great day! 🙌

[@RodrigoSantos-dm5xv]

Thanks!

[@malcolmnicoll1165]

As a man living on social security alone, a heartfelt thank you Kristin for this informative and inspiring video. Besides Facebook, what forums are available to make contact with fellow expats? Any help would be greatly welcomed. Let’s hope these gems don’t become Californicated and thus unaffordable to locals and tourists alike.

[@jacquesahouansou]

"Californicated" 😂

[@jamesreed4483]

Thank you Kristin for this excellent video. This is the best you have done. FYI, I live in Thailand and next video your info about Thailand, especially the tax information, will need to be updated.

[@davidgaskins9577]

Great video, as usual, I do love all of your videos. I've thought about Albania alot and I would love to see a new comprehensive video about this country and traveling around the Balkans

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Thank you so much @davidgaskins9577! I appreciate your support 😊

[@sevasweets7856]

I just found your channel and loved this video! So informative. Thank you for sharing!

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Thank you for watching and for your kind words @sevasweets7856! I'm glad you found the video informative.

[@Kevin-et5zs]

Malta is an interesting choice, it IS an EU country. Valletta is my favorite city in the world, but it's VERY expensive to live there. Any time somebody says "Mediterranean climate" you should think "cold and DAMP" in the winter. Also, you showed the Azure Window in your graphics, which fell into the ocean a few years ago. Gozo is a bit cheaper, rent-wise, and Victoria is really nice. Plus it has the Citadel. Note: there is NO Ikea in Malta. One of my friends skipped it for that. IF you're going to Peru, stick to Miraflores or Barranco (both suburbs of Lima) which are great for expats. Peruvians are nice, and everything is pretty sensibly priced. Take the bus from the airport, they'll take care of you and the counter clerks speak English!

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Hi Kevin, glad you like Malta! It’s definitely cold and damp in the winter, as I conveyed from experience. The rent is very affordable outside of St. Julians and Sliema, however. The Azure Window was there during my trip (before it collapsed) so that why I included the clip. I try to use my own footage in my videos as much as possible. And it’s still a symbol of Gozo in my opinion 😉 Thanks for the Peru tips! I stayed in Miraflores as well.

[@jaynair2942]

Your videos are quite informative. Though no country is perfect, livability factor depend on personal preferences and choices. So it's difficult to pinpoint a particular country which's perfect for everyone.! Watching videos like yours help people to decide things based on their choices. Kudos to you for your efforts. And..you're looking so gorgeous as always.😊

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Thanks Jay! Glad it’s helpful

[@Bobster0007]

Good job on giving detailed info at the end of each location. Not sure I would agree with Peru as your #1 pick , as I would not even consider Peru....but to each his own.

[@bettyb1581]

Peru and Belize terrible places to retire to

[@elizabethsdesk]

Great to know about Philippines

[@jbvatuone]

You have me very curious about Malta w/ the copious amounts of sunshine. Not sure about the lack of nature though. Great resource video for my upcoming travel planning.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

I'm glad you found the video helpful @jbvatuone! Wishing you wonderful travels ahead!

[@markmartin7384]

Great video thank you

[@TravelingwithKristin]

You're welcome! 😊

[@GRB777]

Great video Kristin. I was hoping to see Malaysia on the list, but I guess it's getting expensive there.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Thank you, I appreciate your feedback! 😊

[@papadougpapadougsadventures]

I was recently in Ubud, Bali and would consider it to be a great place to live. I was there 7 days but will definitely go back.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Nice! Many people enjoy Ubud for the culture and natural beauty there. It’s also a wellness destination

[@BillGreenAZ]

Another nice list, Kristin. I was hoping you would include Portugal. It's another affordable European country with good health care. The southern part of the country, the Algarve, has a lot of English expats so English is spoken there as well.

[@erickarnell]

I would guess Portugal is off this list because it averages a little more expensive than these ten. I agree that it might still make a good candidate for a lower-cost long-term stay.

[@BillGreenAZ]

@@erickarnell I think you might be right.

[@myhealthislife]

Thank you for sharing these real life experience people making it happen 19:30 and 35:30

[@shotelco]

Kirstin is a confirmed goddess of social media global travel info based on boots-on-the-ground experience. Although I haven't checked in here in several years, I know Kirstin is honest and means well. It does not escape me that her audience focus seems very American and Eurocentric, however - for those that can get past the "Western perceptions" - I would strongly encourage considering Rwanda, Morocco (where we live part-time), and Namibia.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Thank you for the feedback! I haven’t traveled much in Africa yet but hope to explore more there in the coming years. 😊

[@user-T.Baldwin]

You can tell Kirsten has a good heart as she replies to just about all the questions and comments here alone. Boots on the ground too ! I thought I was a nice guy, now I'm truly humbled. I hear you can meet a lot of really cool people up in heaven. I'm hoping to retire there someday.😂

[@pg618]

Remember with Belize there's two seasons hot and sticky and super hot and super sticky.

[@TheOtherChef]

As always another gem of a video. If I can add to this, the Philippines is the ONLY country outside of the USA that has a VA Hospital. So this is a great place for US military disabled veterans who want to be seen by a VA health professional.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Thank you so much @TheOtherChef! That's a valuable insight. Appreciate you sharing!

[@martypoll]

I retired to Thailand in 2017. If you look into Thailand visas you will quickly discover that the visa situation can be complex. Let me simplify for this low income retirement target audience. Most people in this category avail themselves of visa agents. With a visa agent you will not have to make the $21,000 bank deposit. You will pay a yearly fee to the agent of about $400/year. While visa agents initially seemed a little dodgy to me it is in fact a widely accepted practice allowed by Thai immigration. If you do have the deposit money then you can do it yourself. If you are patient and organized it can be quite easy. Also, note that you get a visa (typically a non-immigrant O visa) and then you extend this visa yearly. You can do this indefinitely without leaving the country and if you continue to meet the financial requirement you will have no problems staying here long term. Also note that it is nearly impossible to get permanent residency and citizenship. Foreigners cannot own land but you can own a condo. Starting in 2024 the tax situation in Thailand is a little bit up in the air. They changed a tax rule that more easily allows them to tax income brought into the country. It's been 6 months though and nobody has any clear idea how this will affect the average pensioned expat. There is plenty of speculation - don't listen to it. I think we will have to wait until early 2025 before hearing anything from expats who have experienced this and can tell their story. This is causing some people to put off Thailand until next year. I'm already here and I am not worrying about it. The health care throughout Thailand is great from a US perspective. I've been to private hospitals in Bangkok and Ubon Ratchathani and the quality of care is exceptional. Access is essentially same day or next day. Doctors speak English. And it is very inexpensive. Health insurance is available but it is a private insurance market similar to the US. For me the insurance is equivalent to my US insurance but insurance is a complicated subject. Climate - it is a hot tropical climate. No getting around that. It works for me as a retiree by wearing t-shirts, shorts, and sandals every day. Language can be a barrier but we all get by just fine. If you are a city person then Bangkok is a huge modern international city with everything you could want to see and do. I lived there 6 years and loved it. I live in the countryside now but I visit Bangkok frequently.

[@bijanbayne3259]

I love Hua Hin. i hope to rent there when my lease in Jomtien expires

[@jglee6721]

Great post. Using an agent is actually part of the Thai culture. It's about connection and they do have connections with government officials through family connection or being in the same group.

[@martypoll]

@@jglee6721 I wouldn’t go that far. You could also look at it as low level corruption. A couple of times a year there is a news story about agents running off with money or passports. You have to be careful who you choose as a third party intermediary. I never used an agent. I deposited 800,000k in my Thai bank and prepared all the documents myself and only paid 1,900 baht ($52) each year. I only mention it as the most practical means to stay in Thailand for people with very low incomes and no savings since this video is about retiring overseas on $1,000/month.

[@Miker1776]

Wow, this guy nailed it! For anyone thinking about Thailand as a retirement destination, read this guys post. I retired here 2 years ago and this is exactly my experience. Good job sir.

[@susannesuffoletta]

Thank you very much , in 2025, i am going to retire in Thailand ..

[@familyoffive5212]

Yes! The Philippines 🇵🇭 English speaking and friendly people. Nice white beaches, mountains to hike, waterfalls to jump😊advanced medical facilities in big cities, low costs of living

[@TravelingwithKristin]

I agree!

[@janitoronfire]

Crippling heat and humidity 😂😂😂

[@BillGreenAZ]

@@janitoronfire I was there last January, during some of the nicest weather times of the year. It was warm and humid then too. I can't imagine what it's like during the warmest part of the year. I plan to spend a few months there during the first part of each year.

[@janitoronfire]

@@BillGreenAZ 👍

[@familyoffive5212]

Just avoid March to June. Best time December to February. We go July to August when the kids are off from school. Not bad for those months either

[@gugy68]

My list: Costa Rica, Brazil, Belize, and Bali. Costa Rica/Belize my first option due to the nice weather and proximity to the USA.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Thanks for sharing @gugy68!

[@erika8884]

Thank you for sharing. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, has fantastic medical care, lower rent, and highly inexpensive food costs. You can have a complete body check-up and scans with results on the same day. Most everyone speaks English.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Thanks for sharing @erika8884! 🙌

[@carolmartin4413]

Still too chicken to go 10thousand miles away.😮 Most important...as a senior with chronic health issues...no country is an option...maybe Mexico with quick access to American hospitals...just the way it is. Who expected 🇺🇸 to become such an expensive junk bond country.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Hi Carol, Mexico is a popular option for medical tourism where you can remain close geographically to the USA. I covered Mexico in this video for you: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rGrMpnmrg5ySgJIsi=9jPVr7UDs2GhbL_H

[@carolmartin4413]

@TravelingwithKristin Thanks, Kristin. I did watch that video. It was excellent...and for retirees, mandatory. Noone thinks pain and problems til you have them...and seldom do people plan their futures considering it. Enjoy the summer!

[@Hippy2021]

I heard SSI stopped payment if you leave the country more than 90 days It's not only about low cost living but most important is Safety

[@TravelingwithKristin]

You can check your eligibility to receive social security abroad online

[@mohammedziauddin601]

I see you Rosetta Stone commercial was done in the Miami, Ft. Lauderdale area...come back to the 305 & make some videos from your home town. 🙋🏽‍♂️

[@frankcentofanti9317]

Hi been loving your videos, if someone retired on 2000 a month which place is your favourite

[@deansmallman2126]

Hi Kristin. Really enjoy your channel. Are there issues with Vietnam? I thought it may come in at #1. Other than the language barrier, it seems almost perfect. Thanks

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Hi Dean, no issues with Vietnam! There are so many great places to feature. I might do a separate video on places to retire in Asia.

[@writerjohnmcnally]

Vietnam doesn’t have a retirement visa, so you’d have to leave the country every 3 months for a visa run, unless you have a work visa, marriage visa, etc.

[@hornal1998]

Of these two, I would either pick Uruguay or Thailand.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Great to hear!

[@BureaucracyWorld]

HuaHin Thailand is a retirement city. Affordable, high quality living. Large expat community.

[@juanvaldez7633]

Have now lived in Colombia for the past 3-1/2 years solely on Social Security so it's definitely doable, but like the others covered here, it definitely has its challenges. Curious though why it didn't make this particular list?

[@viajerozz]

Very good video thanks! You mention that Peru is the 2nd cheapest country in SA...may I ask which is the 1st?

[@nh154321]

Bolivia?

[@marybrown8905]

@@nh154321I have family in Bolivia. Politics are iffy.

[@muurikatu]

Great and inspiring video! I will never retire and US will be my tax residency forever since most of my income comes from Nasdaq, even though I spend more time elsewhere :) Are you into sailing? Would be fun to see a comparison of dockage fees for ~ 40ft sailboat of these inexpensive locations 😂

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Thank you so much! I tried learning how to sail once but it didn’t come naturally so I think I’ll leave it to the pros!

[@pg618]

Remember in Peru whichever of the major cities you choose you are far far away from absolutely every major city in the world. For example from Lima it's either Santiago Chile Buenos Aires San Paulo Brazil nothing is close by.

[@informationcollectionpost3257]

Used to think that Costa Rica or Panama would be great places to move to but then I found out that parts of rural Ohio and Indiana are slightly more expensive for me to live in than both places.( mostly because you need to own & maintain a car) I view the Christian religion as extremely important in my life which rules out the Thialand & Albania type countries ( although I really like the videos on Albanian travel) Top places to move if I ever decide to move out of the USA are becoming Philipeans, Uraguay, or Paraguay for visiting purhaps Argentina and Croatia or Romania as top picks for a vacation.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

That's interesting to hear your perspective! Each place has its unique factors to consider. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[@michelereyes]

Kristen? Maybe I missed this but for the Philippines, where would you recommend for seniors near a nice clean beach and lots of trees? Thank you so much!

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Hi Michele! I haven’t done a video yet about places to live in the Philippines as I’ve only been to Makati and Manila areas, so I can’t speak from experience there.

[@charlesdiputado28]

Apologies for interrupting, just one of the brief recommendations about your query, try visiting Dumaguete city in Negros Oriental or Panglao island in Bohol, those are nice places for seniors with a nearby beach areas and a pure of nature to drop by✌✌✌

[@michelereyes]

Thank you!

[@jamesdewane1642]

For tropical countries, could you specifically address malaria risk and mitigation?

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Good idea, James. Will reference in a future video

[@chuckmurray1825]

Kristin, which country did you choose? Are you living outside the U.S.? I've got to make a decision in the next 12 months so your videos have been helpful. My dream was Portugal but changes in the laws there have now made that unaffordable for me. I'm looking at Puglia in Italy or a couple of locations in Mexico. I have to say, I think Mexico is growing so fast now that the exchange rate is going to tighten the gap between the dollar and peso so it won't be as advantageous for Americans much longer. I don't want to live in cold climate so some of the cheaper countries are off the table for me.

[@JohnCash001]

I can't believe it took me awhile to realize this, but I really need a place that has a decent sized English-speaking expat community and/or a place where I am willing to learn the language. I am in Warsaw Poland for a little while and the English-speaking expat community is too small, people don't speak great English (even though everyone will tell you all the young people know English; when they don't). I definitely don't want to learn Polish. It can be lonely and isolating without that expat community or knowing the language.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Thanks for sharing your experience John! 😊

[@papajeff5486]

It is absolutely essential to learn the language. If a 2-3 year old can learn the language then so can you…even if you start with 1-2 words, then short phases, given time and constant effort you will learn. You will find it lonely and slow, very normal, until you learn; but, if you put in the work, you’ll learn the language. My housekeeper had me label everything in my one room apartment, nouns on post-it notes. She practiced with me until I owned them all. With Rosetta Stone the learning can go much faster…with real satisfaction.

[@JohnCash001]

@@papajeff5486 give me a break, most people aren't learning Polish and if its a Hungarian, one of the hardest languages on Earth, forget out it ! hahaha Spanish and Italian I can do.

[@jinnyridger5075]

KIERA COYOTE SAY "SECOND"!!!!!

[@samerethsalliman1881]

Have you heard of "Startup Chile," offered by the Chilean Government? They will pay entrepreneurs $40K each to relocate their businesses there. I saw this in other KZbin Videos.

[@86joncooper]

Bali Thailand and Philippines is it for me

[@86joncooper]

And southern Spain 🇪🇸

[@JohnCash001]

@travelingwithKristin do you do one-on-one coaching anymore? I am trying to figure out where to live and would like some guidance.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

I do take one-on-on consultations from time to time, you can fill out this form, John www.orbisrelocation.com/contact

[@xtaporx]

where are you making this video from @Traveling with Kristin ?

[@rtravisboyd5013]

1. Peru 2. Albania 3. Malta 4. Philippines 5. Paraguay 6. Uruguay 7. Thailand 8. Belize 9. Argentina 10. Indonesia

[@arnaldogloria1749]

Hi Kristin! We recommend over $1,000 to $2,000 for the Philippines to live comfortably.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Thanks for you recommendation @arnaldogloria1749!😊

[@DanielHBuchmann]

So sad that the US is becoming unaffordable to the average family. Great that there are alternatives, but still sad.

[@RohanBiswas-jg6qu]

Love from India 🇮🇳❤️

[@jerrylawler2735]

Does peru have a city with weather like san diego. If so where? Thanks in advance

[@musavillarin6102]

Wow and Malaysia?

[@TravelingwithKristin]

It’s covered in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rGrMpnmrg5ySgJIsi=zvlm8Ju80NIswHtt

[@9Erik]

i would only Move to Countries that their language is Spanish or English, i don't want to learn a new language .............. i'm glad i learned How to Speak English But it was very Hard For me and i don't want to go thru that again

[@TravelingwithKristin]

I totally understand @9Erik. Thanks for sharing your insights.

[@erickarnell]

I expected cost of living to be higher in Malta, as it is so integrated economically with the rest of the EU.

[@paulanthony6931]

Spot on

[@therehastobesomethingmoore]

We are curious, when looking at Latin America, what countries have the best free healthcare ? (So far we have lived in 3 Central American countries) The private health insurance issues we have run into are that they don’t cover the big stuff like heart surgery, cancer, etc….or they are very expensive, and/or they continue to increase in price as you age, or maybe even drop you at a certain age. At this point we are healthy and just pay out of pocket, but we aren’t getting any younger. We may end up retired in Guatemala, Colombia, Peru, or Argentina…not sure. So any idea who has the best free public healthcare in Latin America ?…or how these countries rank ? Thx !!!

[@luiscabrera6625]

Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil have the best public healthcare in S. America, although they say Colombia's is pretty good too.

[@MH-gh8yq]

Great video Kristin, your videos are always top notch. I'm considering Taiwan as a retirement destination, how do you feel about Taiwan? Many thanks.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Hi MH! I haven’t personally been to Taiwan but I have covered it as a destination in previous videos. Due to the potential long-term threat from China, I didn’t include it in this video, although it is a very affordable place to live with welcoming residency options. I also have a podcast about living in Taiwan, here. Enjoy! www.badassdigitalnomads.com/living-abroad-in-taiwan-expats-international-ingrams/

[@MH-gh8yq]

@@TravelingwithKristin Domo arigato!

[@claudiest-laurent1405]

Belize a studio 200$$$$ not sure about tnis ...have you experience those places?

[@Julijacreates]

I am very surprised about Malta. I currently live there and I have to tell you, it's absolutely not cheap. Prices for food and rent skyrocketed after the pandemic, which makes it even more expensive than some northern European countries. Malta is a place where prices don't really make sense in comparison to what the people earn there. It's also very small and touristy with many migrants from India, Bangladesh, and Latin America, making it lose its original culture. Due to the massive increase in population, the traffic is a horror and the streets are dirty. It can also get quite hot and wet in summer. Even though you have mild winter months, great restaurants, and cheap fresh seafood, I think many other places in Europe offer more for less.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Thank you for sharing your perspective on Malta @Julijacreates!

[@martypoll]

There are 100’s of these live “wherever” for $1,000/month videos. I retired to Thailand. Personally I recommend at least $2,000/month in any of these low cost of living countries plus some savings ($25k - $100,000) plus factor in the cost of your health care needs. If you plan to live in a foreign country on $1,000/month then you are going to put yourself in a fairly precarious position.

[@kennethboehnen271]

I live in Thailand too. I $3,000 gives a little more peace of mind to slurge a bit.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Thanks for the feedback, Marty and Ken. The costs I gave in the video are accurate and based on current info. It’s possible to find nice apartments in Chiang Mai for $300 per month. However living in Thailand on $3,000 per month would definitely be a luxury lifestyle!

[@jmv1511]

How does this list or ranking change if you are solo female?

[@andrewbrann6231]

I've been to the Philippines and Thailand.. to me Thailand beats the Philippines in every category except for language religion add Visa situation. It is nice that they speak English in the philippines. A religion I am a Christian but I'm not a Catholic so I kind of look at Catholics like I would a different religion. You definitely get treated like a rockstar as soon as you get to the Philippines compared to Thailand. The language never bothers me because I literally just use Google translate and stay in areas that there's hardly any foreigners and have no problem. Infrastructure is so much better in Thailand. I mean you can get in a vehicle and I literally drive like you would in a small town America outside of town. The Philippines it can take like 3 hours to drive something that would take an hour in the United States.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Thanks for sharing your experience, Andrew. That’s true that the distances are veryyyyy far in the Philippines. Some ferries are more than 24 hours in a series of stops

[@mkishon]

You make great videos. but your info re prices are very off.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Which ones are you referring to?

[@RohanBiswas-jg6qu]

Please come to visit India ❤😊🇮🇳

[@KalonaOrtizHawaiiWeddings]

Peru!!?? No way!!😮

[@tuhinonthego-bangla5049]

I’m from India 🇮🇳

[@dawnburwell4876]

You said Peru was the second cheapest in South America, what is the first?

[@Globetrotter-jz2uw]

Bolivia.

[@roofuscat2whosname370]

What if I have animals? What's the process to move with my cats and dogs?

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Great question! A separate video would best address this

[@jeffreybruner5462]

The answer varies by country and how big your dog is. Tiny dogs can often fly in cabin but larger dogs either go in cargo or require a charter flight. A new company, Bark Air, has launched flights from NYC to England and tickets cost about $8,000.

[@nrivera567]

You got Uruguay wrong for sure. It’s not cheap to live there. I have Uruguayans friend that decided to retire in Medellin, Colombia instead. Way better in every aspect!

[@bryankoziar2867]

The Philipines is probably my destination. Just heard a grown woman was swallowed by a reticulated python in Indonesian. I'll pass but may visit Bali for a week.

[@mdkram]

How about India?

[@herrkin]

I heard Argentina is not as cheap as it used to be now

[@Clarkssman]

You're doing some damage by telling your viewers the cost of living in the Philippines is 500 per month. If you want to eat only rice while living in hut in the woods I guess its possible.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

There are many videos on KZbin where people report retiring in the Philippines for less than $500 per month. That doesn’t mean you have to, but it is possible. As I reported, the minimum income requirements for the SRRV are from $800-1,500 per month, which is a more generous budget range.

[@deborahnagel9011]

are you quoting per person? or per couple?

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Cost of living amounts are calculated per person unless specified about a couple for the retirement visa