Top 15 Places in the World to Retire Early for Cheap in 2025

[@VagabondAwake]

Links to reports discussed above here: vagabondbuddha.com/top-15-places-in-the-entire-world-to-retire-early-for-cheap-in-2025/ 𝗗𝗮𝗻’𝘀 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 𝗘-𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞→ 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗕𝗼𝘀𝘀 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 vagabondbuddha.com/fire-your-boss-travel-world/ 𝗗𝗮𝗻’𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗽 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱𝘄𝗶𝗱𝗲☆★☆ vagabondbuddha.com/ 𝗗𝗮𝗻’𝘀 𝗥oad Map to Freedom Overseas (Retire Overseas Course)☆★☆ vagabondbuddha.com/courses/the-retire-overseas-course/ 𝗗𝗮𝗻’𝘀 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 $$$ 𝗢𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝗯𝗯𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀e vagabondbuddha.com/courses/the-hobby-income-course/ Health Insurance I Bought (Free ebook, Video, Agent, not affiliate link): vagabondbuddha.com/expat-health-insurance-ebook/ What kinds of risks are you taking if you move overseas? vagabondbuddha.com/our-liability-disclaimer-the-risk-is-on-you/

[@thejoe4000]

@@VagabondAwake I also loved Jomtien , Pattaya, Bangkok,Subic bay, Borocay. I live between Manila and Baguio. In Agricultural province. Reminds me of “up north” Michigan ( in the summer 😂 ). I live great on $1,300/ month. Including $200/ month for prescription pain med. love the content you two put out ❤️

[@johnerd]

"Feet on the Ground" Dan and Qiang, the validity and reliability of your videos are unmatched! Just my humble opinion. Thank you both!

[@VagabondAwake]

Thanks for watching, it's appreciated.

[@thebestlifejeremy]

Dan is by far the best of the best KZbinr on travel

[@nala3038]

Jose is not far behind Dan.

[@Jammer411]

He reads his entire video

[@Joseph-xt2qg]

For budget travel and local experience, I 100% agree

[@wcguthrie]

This was my favorite report. Quick hitting, on point, without too much detail.😅

[@michellebubbie]

Really like this video and especially how you point out in the beginning that all video and photos are your own and not AI generated or stock images. Lots of choices to consider that are realistic for budget minded expats.

[@VagabondAwake]

Thank you for your thoughtful comment. :-)

[@kw7796]

Love that it's ALL YOUR VIDEO & No AI - Love it.

[@ianpatrick23]

I love that all of your footage is from your time on the ground in these locations.

[@randyfocht737]

Love it as always. Thanks for sharing some super good ideas on places to live cheap, and how to live cheap!

[@frankiesmart1113]

Thanks Dan n Qiang. Always excellent information 👌

[@frankg.8915]

Another gem, thx guys. I will be heading to several of these locations by 2026 so your Retire Cheap Reports are very handy for me.

[@papadougpapadougsadventures]

I’ve been to many of these. Great job you two

[@malcolmnicoll1165]

Thanks, Dan for another great and inspiring video. Great and informative content. Zero maudlin music, no cringy graphics or nauseating AI. Just straight up vlogging.

[@johnerd]

No cringy graphics is RIGHT! And no click bait or commercials.

[@VagabondAwake]

Thank you. I'm glad you like it.

[@dee-i6w5o]

hi Dan & Qiang, Greetings from Nha Trang - as you say an amazing place. Another interesting 'top places' report. I am always interested in your choices and rationale. This trip I have also been in Siem Reap and Da Nang - but only stayed in Da Nang one week due to the weather at this time of year. I will go back there in a few months, as I love it too. I always watch your reports and Qiang's insights into culture and lifestyle. Thank you !

[@VagabondAwake]

Hi @dee-i6w5o, Would you like to be a guest start on one of my videos? Here is an example guest star video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r4SwkGWgdqhnrJY Your interview could be just your voice or we could do a zoom call showing your face. If you would like to be a guest star and share your story please leave a personal message here: vagabondbuddha.com/contact/ Thank you for your comment. The detail of your comment makes this real for people. If you have a business, service, or KZbin channel, you could share that on the interview. Best, Dan

[@unknownquantity4440]

Excellent video as always. So glad the universe guided me to you and your channel. I'll be leaving in the next few days to explore your top picks. Thanks Dan.

[@FOCUSonASIA13]

Great vid Dan!

[@brandonfarrell4647]

Great video!

[@jimmy999-z2j]

Great content as always

[@Joseph-xt2qg]

This was a fantastic video! Tons of useful information, great footage, and things that I haven't heard on a million other videos :-) I think I will be joining your community soon

[@VagabondAwake]

Awesome, I'm glad you liked it!

[@richardwiediger7298]

Dan, I think that just about anywhere in S.E Asia is a good bet, I haven’t been to as many locations as you have, but , I have lived and traveled extensively. Thanks for showing people that they have many choices!

[@garyxyz4400]

Great video. I am very interested living abroad with my American wife. Thanks for sharing. Look forward to future videos.

[@rudolphteperberry3888]

Brilliant, about time I subscribe! In Bangkok now, checking out Koh Samui for 3 weeks next month then abiut 5 weeks in Da Nang (then northrrn India over the summer). I was in Tirana and other parts of Albania last year and was blown away with how cheap and lovely that place is, and I happen to love snow 😅

[@VagabondAwake]

Are you slow traveling or just doing exploratory visits?

[@rudolphteperberry3888]

@VagabondAwake it's a bit of both. Sometimes spend weeks in one place, sometimes spend weeks walking between destinations. That's still "slow" travel but can be a new place every day. A great way to see a country btw, maybe but not for everybody. Have to travel light 😁

[@pedrozatravel]

Great summary report

[@TheBlueCollarTourist]

Been to a few of these places to live. Doing the slow travel thing now. In Kotor Montenegro at the moment. Next month I’ll check out Albania. My personal favorites so far to live have been Mexico and Thailand. If money and visa was no issue though. Spain would probably be my home. But I spent 8 months in Thailand. Lost 40 pounds. Saw great sunsets every night . And I know I’m going to end up back there soon. Malaysia is very cool as well. Had no idea how modern Kuala Lumpur was. Was just using Malaysia for a visa run. And ended up spending more and more time there. Went to Kota Kinabalu as well. You have a great channel.

[@ronnyb9416]

Some excellent choices. In May we are off to Asia for a year to check it out. THANK YOU for the $99 special for Christmas. Enjoying your books.

[@jameskelly9243]

What 99 special?? I'm always last to know

[@VagabondAwake]

Jump on my email list so you will be in the know: vagabondbuddha.com/fire-your-boss-travel-world/

[@robertmeade1892]

Wow, I was surprised to hear about the change in Bali visa requirements. I was wondering why it dropped out of your top choices. Also the changes in Mexico surprised. Glad I enjoyed living in both already. Was surprised to hear that you had Boracay as a top choice for long term though it is beautiful. You have reinforced my desire to return to Thailand and check out Viet Nam and Malaysia.

[@VagabondAwake]

Happy New Year Robert!

[@nineseven420empire3]

I love your content and think the AI KZbin junk is 90% crap or ripped off from real content creators.

[@JeffreyStock]

The income requirements for a residency/nomad visa in Indonesia that you mentioned are not related to the retirement visa. Since this video is specifically about retirement, you may want to reconsider that.

[@VagabondAwake]

Send me a link to your source and I will look into it. :-)

[@stevephillips1635]

Outstanding video, as always! Oops! Check your graphic for your #1 pick, Koh Samui… it says #2! Thank you for your amazing work.

[@unknownquantity4440]

Yeah. Confused me for moment as well.

[@VagabondAwake]

Sorry about that. Ouch.

[@michaelmackey754]

Awesome 🎉

[@vgshwk]

I was put off by Chang mai but of course when I was there it rained hard for 7 days so all I could do was grab an umbrella go eat and go back to the hotel and watch Netflix. But of course I would suggest renting because things can change but do it for at least for a year before you even consider buying

[@Rotuma1260]

19:07 Good description of Singapore. It's advanced in many ways, with some interesting architecture, but that city is so expensive. Had to spend part of a night at the airport due to airline connections. Spent a few hours in a room the size of an average walk-in closet in the US. There are in-airport hotels in Seoul (Incheon) that are cheaper and slightly bigger.

[@kennethkilpatrick3758]

Would love to see a list of spring like year round weather locations. Right off the bat there are quite a few towns in Latin America that fit the bill. A few in Asia. Just not into hot and humid.

[@VagabondAwake]

I need to do a new highlands video, but this will give you an idea of cool but not cold weather places: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXTTdnd5YpKfl80

[@mahmoodmalik140]

Excellent Vlog

[@StephenHooks-p9c]

Great report Dan. Thank you for updating it. Trying to make some intermediate plans and goals- I need something to shoot for when I go back to work in a few days- small time entrepreneur in AR. After watching these videos for 10 days now, I really liked Puerto Vallarta- it checked all the boxes. I saw some "burnt" expats to hang out with. The govt's (plural) kicked it in the ass- we can't have Americans running off to Mexico. Looks like the Univ of Illinois! That's my way of saying it looks like Boquete with side trips to Bocas Del Toro. Not a bad consolation prize.

[@VagabondAwake]

Thank you!

[@thejoe4000]

Thanks AGAIN Dan 😂🤙

[@JeffBrown9]

Another awesome video, love the top 15 list!!😊

[@anahata8870]

what a nice content even the poor like me can enjoy.

[@Rotuma1260]

Nice report. What type of drone are you using at 7:18?

[@VagabondAwake]

DJI Mavic mini II, but it sucks, don't buy it. The communications keep going out.

[@haldepet12]

Albania did not make the list because of snow. But Porto made the list. Note that in 2006 there has been snow in Porto and the water temperatures is much lower than in Albania all year around.. Why you dont succest Teneriffe instead? In my opinion, everything is better there, it has no winter, is cheaper, it has better infrastructure, better healthcare, easier language, more diverse landscape and even better flight connections.

[@VagabondAwake]

All great points.

[@Jammer411]

I CAN'T WAIT FOR YOUR NEW INTERVIEW WITH WILL TRAVELZ IN DANANG🎉😂 THIS FRIDAY

[@dialectic5012]

I believe in Mexico you can also qualify if you show 6 months of $70,400 dollars in an account. Also they have extended the RNE program which has no financial requirements. You only need to have visited any time between 2013 thru 2023 and have a stamp on your passport or have been registered in the system.

[@unknownquantity4440]

Depends on the consulate where you apply for Temp Residency. Each consulate sets it's own requirements. It sucks that people who just happened to step foot in MX a couple years ago can just now go through the RNE program to obtain residency *in country* after overstaying their FNM, and not have to deal with the bureaucrats at the MX consulates in the US. I've dealt with two US consulates before I decided that MX was not worth the hassle and paperwork. I spent months gathering paperwork and documenting solvency, but still didn't satisfy the consulate as I'm a non-banked, asset rich, 'undocumented' (income) migrant. I wasn't going to park tens or hundreds of thousands in a bank account at low/zero interest rates for 6 to 12 months just to satisfy their ridiculous requirements. So I'll transit through Mexico, get my passport stamped, and return in a couple of years to obtain residency IF they extend the RNE program.

[@Dr.Pepper001]

It's great until the cartels show up looking for gringos.

[@VagabondAwake]

There are some loop holes for sure. So if you are dead set on it you may be able to find your way through the maze.

[@PorntipEngel]

Wow we just bought the house in koa Samui and it nice and romantic island life great choice ❤

[@VagabondAwake]

I hope you are enjoying Koh Samui!

[@renemontenegro6143]

Ive been to all them places i reside in Colombia now

[@unknownquantity4440]

Interesting. Why Colombia? Colombia seems to have grown some new problems, related to expats in Medellin and places. I'm just curious as to your reasons.

[@craigparse1439]

I'd like to see this list without the 'aversion' to a bit of snow. I'd like to see where, in this list, Albania and maybe some of the Baltic countries rate.

[@dcartier1692]

Coimbra, PT is certainly an interesting and beautiful city, but relatively unfriendly - as if they are suffering tourist/student fatigue.

[@VagabondAwake]

We had a great time. But the university is the center of life there, I would say more than tourism maybe?

[@Tweewhite]

Wow my home city Nha Trang is #2 on the list !

[@VagabondAwake]

It is a good place to live. :-)

[@keithhenschke2449]

Thanks

[@VagabondAwake]

You are very welcome.

[@Positive_Atrributes]

DOUBLE tax treaty networks are becoming serious prospective success things!🏥

[@MICHELDILLIONS]

Hi Dan and Qiang , Blessings Happy Newyear ,

[@MICHELDILLIONS]

thank You and You

[@robcanad]

Interesting list but in the end it depends highly on the persons preference and situation. I wonder why stay in just one place why not move around like you do and then go back home for a few months.

[@nineseven420empire3]

Malaysia Visa still on the costly side, for long term stay?

[@VagabondAwake]

The just dropped it substantially. I will do an update soon.

[@JagdishBhatia_Thailand_Vibes]

Nice video

[@VagabondAwake]

Thanks! I hope you found it helpful.

[@mrbHanoi]

The roads in Danang and Nha Trang are much better than on Koh Samui.

[@AdamSabo-u3w]

Hey Dan where do you go to see the videos of a specific country and city can't find it

[@VagabondAwake]

Hi @AdamSabo-u3w, We have youtube playlists for each of our retire cheap in paradise countries. You will find that information on your requested country there: kzbin.infoplaylists Whereas all our reports on each city in those countries are in our membership catalog here: vagabondbuddha.com/ Thank you , Dan

[@AdamSabo-u3w]

@@VagabondAwake ok thanks only seen 1 video of Thailand where do you go to watch vids of each place in thailand

[@AdamSabo-u3w]

your site is not easy to navigate, no thailand folder open and vids of the cities or am i missing something

[@Circuit7Active]

I am surprised and shocked that you have Siem Reap rated so low. When was the last time you visited

[@VagabondAwake]

These are the top 15 in the entire world. That is not low after 18 years traveling the world. That is high.

[@Badger345]

Nice 👍

[@VagabondAwake]

Thanks! :-) Hope you find the information useful.

[@louis20122]

I may visit and consider Bangkok

[@dialectic5012]

Dan, in Boquete Panama since it has a lot of rain, does that detract somewhat from the hiking experience of trails?

[@VagabondAwake]

People wear big rubber rain boots.

[@winthorpetrois]

Granted, pronouncing Koh Phangan is pretty difficult, but that was pretty funny.

[@jameskelly9243]

Not Portugal any longer

[@VagabondAwake]

Thanks for your thoughts. Do you live there now?

[@louis20122]

What happens if the U.S. dollar is devalued?

[@VagabondAwake]

It usually devalues less than this countries. That is why it is cheaper to live outside the USA.

[@philsummers9931]

Thanks for the vid guys! Excellent report. Anywhere in Europe would definitely not be on my list because of the nutty governments and their crazy imports (people that don’t integrate). Plus many other reasons. But the rest, for me, I could happily live in any of them. Have you been to Khanom?

[@VagabondAwake]

I have not been to Khanom. Do you like it?

[@philsummers9931]

@ I have only seen it on KZbin, but of all the places that I have seen in SE Asia, that is my favorite. Not far from the port where the boats go out to Koh Samui.

[@benbohoho]

Ok i have been watching these for years and im finally going to ask -- why do you say "retire cheap report" after each of the city names? 😂 Seriously though thanks for these i always love to hear your thoughts about each city

[@VagabondAwake]

To remind people that we have full written reports on each place they can use to find out everything we learned while we were on the ground. They make life easier. Go here and scroll down and start clicking country names to see. vagabondbuddha.com/

[@justlookingatoz]

Kymer -pronounced "come ear" '

[@joehelmick1057]

Could you list the locations in your notes?

[@VagabondAwake]

Hello @joehelmick1057, They are already listed with links to the reports. All of our videos have a webpage that has the information discussed in that video so you don't have to take notes. The link to that web page for this video is the first link in the description below this video. In case you don't know how to find the link, here is a KZbin video teaching how: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pmXFgWeumZx9atU Most of our videos have multiple links to important information that will help you save time and money. It is our way of thanking you for watching our videos. So, ... thank you, Dan

[@julietteisanogle9571]

Just so you know I was watching the LIKE button and it's not changing correctly. Every time someone hits the like button it stays on the same number over and over again. It changes once in a while. Hope you have a great day.

[@RoadtrippinwithTakacs]

@@julietteisanogle9571 That's pretty normal for KZbin. I notice my analytics are different when I look at other people's phones. You also see different numbers in KZbin Studio when you look at your analytics. No biggie. We all know his videos are great. 😀👍

[@VagabondAwake]

Thanks!

[@Cellus002]

Good video, but I gotta ask. How many swim suits does she have?

[@benbohoho]

😂😂😂

[@VagabondAwake]

30? But she only has about 10 with her at any given time. She would know the eexact numer. Check out her channel: kzbin.info/door/mXq0ZRIyR3eX9OhTrNHisA

[@WealthyChronicle]

As much as I love the idea of a cheap retirement, some of these places sound too quiet! Who else needs a bit of nightlife to keep things interesting? 🎉

[@AdamSabo-u3w]

Loved Panama and Thailand and hated Philippines

[@VagabondAwake]

Knowing what you like and don't like in life is half the battle. :-)

[@AdamSabo-u3w]

@ Agreed Philippines just seems to 3rd world for me unless your in a major city

[@intedinensak453]

Several of theese places are NOT cheap and don't belong on a list like this in my opinion. Good luck living cheap in Porta or Borocay for example.

[@VagabondAwake]

Those two require more discipline for sure.

[@intedinensak453]

@@VagabondAwake For sure, Though I guess they could be considered cheap compared to some tier 1 US or European cities still.

[@ExploreAmerica]

❤

[@magnetoforce704]

Africa continent has many cheap countries to retire, but never on any KZbinr list.

[@benbohoho]

Any cities that would belong on this list? Keep in mind the combined aspects of safety, cost, infrastructure and things to do...

[@vigov2012]

In Africa only Mauritius or French Runyon in the rest of Africa is unsafe. UAE is very hot.

[@VagabondAwake]

What locations would you suggest?

[@mrbHanoi]

I think Fukuoka is better than Thailand or Vietnam now but there is more of a language problem You would need Japanese languuage school for a year

[@VagabondAwake]

Thanks for your thoughts.

[@Brumbie68]

way to many Russians in NaTrang

[@VagabondAwake]

I prefer them in Nha Trang instead of Ukraine.

[@rickhilton2447]

Thailand is cheap, I lived in Jomtien, but Bangkok is not cheap and too many people

[@VagabondAwake]

It is all about the neighborhoods and restaurants and markets you pick.

[@1drummer172]

Which of the top 15 places is free from scorpions and venomous snakes?

[@VagabondAwake]

I haven't seen a Scorpion since I visited Arizona.

[@Slowtravelsofmrchillin]

Which one of these countries can I, an American, purchase land 100%

[@MoralHazard-g1e]

Never buy land in a country you cannot get citizenship or permanent residency, especially in SEA where the rent is so low.

[@ScooterOnHisWay2024]

​@MoralHazard-g1e 100 correct advice. No reason to buy.

[@mbongopapi4498]

Can anybody list here on the comments all the countries ? Thanks

[@EGO0808]

If only the Americans were able to pronounce local places in local lingo. It is so cringing to hear the American pronunciations of places outside of the US.

[@VagabondAwake]

Thanks for your thoughts @Slowtravelsofmrchillin. Personally, I have decided not to buy real estate overseas and I give a few reasons why in this video along with reasons some people should buy (in this report): vagabondbuddha.com/why-retired-expats-should-not-buy-real-estate-overseas/ Thanks, Dan