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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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...

[@mrfish1051]

Peru has recently implemented Nomad Visa for 1 year and renovation for a second year.

[@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.

[@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.

[@razorsharplifestyle101hard9]

I am retiring early with 300k to thailand in 7 years at the age of 48.Thats a solid retirement income.I will only be there 4 to 6 months a year though.

[@jones4334]

@@TravelingwithKristin your welcome. It was written quickly.

[@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.

[@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 ?

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@mrfish1051]

It depends what city in South America. A fight Miami to Lima is cheaper.

[@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.

[@annehedonia156]

Wait, why Coke, Pepsi or Heineken?

[@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!

[@sarahnd]

Lots of good research -- thanks!

[@TravelingwithKristin]

My pleasure, Sarah!

[@HiTomWalker]

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

[@TravelingwithKristin]

More to come, Tom!

[@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 ☺️🌸

[@bessmahaneypilates8638]

I’m on the verge of retirement. I traveled to Albania after seeing one of your videos. I’m on the way to Boquete Panama in January. I’m checking out cheap places to retire. Thank you for this video ❤

[@TravelingwithKristin]

That's wonderful to hear! I'm thrilled that my videos have inspired your travels and retirement plans. Wishing you all the best on this exciting journey ahead! ❤️

[@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! 🙌

[@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. ❤

[@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!🍀🙏

[@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!

[@LeonardMarlin]

I live the same lifestyle here in the Philippines on Samal Island in Garden City as I do in the United States in Clearwater, Florida with my wife and four kids, two being in college. It's all about how you want to live your life. A single person can live comfortably on $1,500 to $2,000 dollars a month anywhere in the Philippines while a Family of five can live an upper middle class lifestyle on $2,000 to $3,000 dollars a month here. What it takes to live a comfortable life in the Philippines for this American. (Me) 1) I refuse to rent, I'm not stressing about a house or rental payment every month. We own our own house that's paid for because of this specific reason. 2) I refuse to live without air-conditioning. Not only do we have a split air-conditioning unit ( central air ) But three window air-conditioning units as well for back up. I'm never going without air-conditioning. 3) I refuse to live without water to clean our house, take showers, do dishes, do laundry, water the plants, wash our scooters. We have Public water as well as a water tank and electric water pump. I'm never going to run out of water. 4) We keep 50 gallons of drinking water on hand at all times. I'm never going to run out of drinking water. 5) I refuse to be sitting in our house in a brown out without lights, air-conditioning, and water. We have Public commercial power as well as a generator. The generator will run everything in our house when the power goes out. We have brown outs several times a week. In most cases they last about 10 minutes but sometimes more so in the event the power is out for more than 30 minutes I will then turn the generator on. Sometime in the next two years we will be putting up solar panels. 6) We cook with propane gas. We keep two tanks so we don't have to wait around for a delivery to finish cooking a meal. I'm never running out of propane gas. 7) Transportation, when it rains we take tricycles to go anywhere we want. For now public transportation is always easy to get too. When we go to Davao city we get a taxi cab. We have two scooters mine and my wife's she prefers to ride with me but saying one breaks down we have a back up. We will be purchasing a van sometime in the near future. 8) I refuse to eat just Filipino food, We go to Davao city to shop for American food once a month, I eat 50% Filipino food and 50% American food during the month. I've said all this for one reason, If you're a person who is struggling to live in the United States trying to put food on your table and keep a roof over your head then you may want to explore the idea of relocating to the Philippines. 90% of The Philippine people speak English a big plus when moving to a new country.

[@Taller-yl9yn]

Renting is cheap. Foreigners can’t own land

[@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.

[@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! 💛

[@eduardodifarnecio2336]

Another great informative video. Thank you.

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Glad you enjoyed it @eduardodifarnecio2336!

[@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.

[@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.

[@mrfish1051]

Hello from Peru , living in Magdalena del Mar , Lima. Her information is 100% correct. A full coarse meal costs $3.5 or 12 soles using local currency.

[@fastneataverage]

Peru sounds really nice! I would love to see it.

[@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" 😂

[@mrfish1051]

Peru is the most affortable country in her list. Try in Lima , Magdalena del Mar

[@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.

[@JosephArmbrister]

Interesting information

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Glad you think so!

[@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! 😀

[@InMyBrz]

LIKE a lot of Europe with it's old poorly insulated apartments and houses. Portugal is famous for it's ice box houses esp in the north Have been to Malta in the summer, didn't know it got that cold there ?

[@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!

[@mrfish1051]

Peru is the most affortable in her list. I live in Lima , a district with mild climate all year around. ocean view 10 block away. Magdalena del Mar. A full coarse meal $ 3.5 or 12 soles.

[@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.

[@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.😂

[@Eatlovetravelsis]

I hadn’t thought of these areas . I want to know more.

[@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! 😊

[@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!

[@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

[@markmartin7384]

Great video thank you

[@TravelingwithKristin]

You're welcome! 😊

[@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

[@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).

[@mrtannguyen1122]

​@@MH-et5snExactly. What is the fun of living in a small town in Tennessee. I live in Alabama and retiring here would be depressing. 😅

[@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.

[@mrfish1051]

Peru is one of the safest counteis in L.America 2023 . 6 homicide per 100k people , while Uruguay 12 , colombia 26 , Mexico 24 , etc

[@mrfish1051]

Hello Kristin from Lima. Great video , it was a surprised to see Peru as N° 1 . A guy as Travel-Insider had a good video about living in Lima for several months. Maybe ,just maybe an interview with him could shed more light about Peru.

[@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.

[@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 ..

[@RodrigoSantos-dm5xv]

Thanks!

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Thank you!!

[@elizabethsdesk]

Great to know about Philippines

[@myhealthislife]

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

[@travelescapesOFFICIAL]

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

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Right?! They are so kind

[@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.

[@BureaucracyWorld]

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

[@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.

[@mrfish1051]

I am living in Lima. Magdalena del Mar , ocean view as Miraflores but cheaper.

[@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. 🙋🏽‍♂️

[@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!

[@ninabuckley1666]

Hi Kristin! From the USA and I’m a huge fan of yours and have been following for ages! I’m always impressed by your hard work and quality content:) I have a video request:) My husband and are retired and have the option to live in several countries conservatively but comfortably. But my kids (about your age) are also thinking of moving abroad. What are your pics for countries you would suggest for retirees and a young family to have a decent future? Education, healthcare, safety, taxes etc. I have a feeling wherever we pick our kids may follow, so would be great to have a few suggestions! Thank you! Keep up the outstanding work!

[@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!

[@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! 🙌

[@kennethboehnen271]

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

[@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!

[@rtravisboyd5013]

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

[@hornal1998]

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

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Great to hear!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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?

[@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!

[@muurikatu]

@@TravelingwithKristin You just need a big enough boat :) Greetings from Stockholm Archipelago

[@Avarua59]

Hi Kristin. What is the source for the Healthcare rankings? I searched online and you get all kinds of different rankings on various websites.

[@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

[@marywilson9186]

That's not true. There are thousands of retiree's doing slow travel all over the world. I've lived in Panama for nearly a year and many have been here a decade without issues.

[@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.

[@JCMovingtoEcuador]

Cuenca, Ecuador has a huge English speaking Expat community and cheap living if needed.

[@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.

[@frankcentofanti9317]

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

[@RohanBiswas-jg6qu]

Love from India 🇮🇳❤️

[@RobertIsaacson-hi9sz]

They sure look better than Mexico We're out of here. It's now gotten more expensive than a lot of places in the United States. Thanks.

[@arnaldogloria1749]

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

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Thanks for you recommendation @arnaldogloria1749!😊

[@musavillarin6102]

Wow and Malaysia?

[@TravelingwithKristin]

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

[@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

[@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!

[@danielalonzo7445]

Older people don't realize that if they have a major health crisis, such a heart attack, the chances of surviving in a third world healthcare is almost impossible. My brother had a heart attack in Mexico and the private hospital provided shoddy care, which resulted in my brother's death. The were still trying to charge over 20 thousand dollars, otherwise they would not release the body until we got SEMEFO (coroner's) office involved.

[@jerrylawler2735]

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

[@mrfish1051]

Yes Lima is like Southern California with mild climate

[@teresabelshaw4262]

What about iceland would love to go there

[@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!

[@Beyondthebreakers]

what are your thoughts about Panama? I was impressed how safe and welcoming this country is. The real estate, hotels and services are superior to US in my opinion. What are your thoughts and what you didn’t like there?

[@xtaporx]

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

[@jinnyridger5075]

KIERA COYOTE SAY "SECOND"!!!!!

[@iEduin]

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.

[@scottybbadd]

There's a couple I'd consider

[@pg618]

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

[@mrfish1051]

Peru on the top of her list because the country has mild climate in some regions as in Lima.

[@pg618]

@@mrfish1051 Problem with Peru is whichever city you stay in you are very very far away from any major city.

[@mrfish1051]

@@pg618 What do you mean ? Sidney , Tokyo , Honolulu , Bogota , Quito , etc are away from mayor cities How can it be a problem ?

[@jamesdewane1642]

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

[@TravelingwithKristin]

Good idea, James. Will reference in a future video

[@mrfish1051]

In case of Peru ,no malaria in the coastal and highland region, but yes in The Amazon.

[@erickarnell]

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

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@mrfish1051]

Peru has some regions with mild climate as Magdalena del Mar district in Lima.

[@user-gp1qy5ul4i]

would living in Spain reduce my social security benefits or will it stay the same? what about medicare and health benefits?

[@86joncooper]

Bali Thailand and Philippines is it for me

[@86joncooper]

And southern Spain 🇪🇸

[@claudiest-laurent1405]

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

[@badkeiser]

I'm in India, then it's Nepal, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and then the Philippines. Hopefully, I'll be rich by that time, and I can reassess my options. Haha😂

[@tuhinonthego-bangla5049]

I’m from India 🇮🇳

[@rose10425]

Needing current 2024 info please. Wanting to vacation in Europe for a month or so, I have never been there. Looking for a central, safe area to rent to use as a home base and visit other countries. Which countries are the most financially responsible, safe and centrally located? I’m thinking about Romania and Albania… ideas and approx rent for a nice but not extravagant place??? Thanks

[@RohanBiswas-jg6qu]

Please come to visit India ❤😊🇮🇳

[@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.

[@jmv1511]

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