With rising housing costs, many Americans choose to retire in other countries. The exotic appeal of living in another culture appeals to many who have spent their entire lives working to make ends meet.
If you’re debating on living the expat life, you might be wondering how and where you would go. Luckily, financial experts have found many places where you could comfortably live for less than $2,000 a month. Do any of these locations sound like they could be your future home?
1. Palermo, Italy
Average Monthly Cost of Living: $965
Average One-bedroom Rental: $863
Imagine spending your golden years chilling on the beach in Palermo, one of the biggest cities in Sicily. This slow-paced Italian coastal town has a rich history, moderate temperatures, and some of the best restaurants in the country.
Since Palermo is in the heart of Europe, it’s an excellent base for traveling and exploring the rest of the continent.
2. Brno, Czech Republic
Average Monthly Cost of Living: $967
Average One-bedroom Rental: $768
Expats who have retired to Brno have raved about the cheaper cost of living, all while living in a town with deep historical roots. The town has a population of 380,000 so you get the feel of the big city, but can still live in the countryside.
Highlights of the town include its gorgeous architecture, like the Villa Tugendhat and the Špilberk Castle.
3. Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Average Monthly Cost of Living: $890
Average One-bedroom Rental: $475
Tamarindo, Costa Rica, is an ideal beach town for lazy afternoons in the warm sun. This tiny Central American country has all the amenities to keep you happy.
The area is popular among tourists and features golf courses, nature preserves, world-class restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. Additionally, many Americans have retired to various cities in Costa Rica, so you’ll have plenty of locals who can help you build your social circle.
4. Zakopane, Poland
Average Monthly Cost of Living: $1,073
Average One-bedroom Rental: $632
Zakopane is a beautiful place for retirees looking to live an active, outdoor lifestyle. Located in the South of Poland, the Tatras Mountains offer winter sports, such as mountain climbing, hiking, and skiing.
The town also has a fascinating history, plenty of museums, and a charming downtown filled with local shops and restaurants.
5. Fukuoka, Japan
Average Monthly Cost of Living: $1,042
Average One-bedroom Rental: $605
Many Americans have never heard of Fukoka. Bigger cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka tend to get more press, but Fukuoka is slowly gaining traction. There’s plenty to do in the town. It’s known for ancient temples, beaches, and modern shopping malls, including Canal City.
How unique is it to enjoy a day at the beach, tour ancient castles, and then go shopping for modern technology at the mall?
6. Da Nang, Vietnam
Average Monthly Cost of Living: $770
Average One-bedroom Rental: $473
There are very few cities in Southeast Asia that blend modern amenities, ancient temples, and lush jungles. Retirees can relax on the pristine beaches, explore the Truong Son mountains, and shop at the Han Market.
The city’s central location provides great access to tour the rest of the country. It’s hard to believe that you can live in this coastal paradise for an average apartment rental of $473.
7. Flores, Indonesia
Average Monthly Cost of Living: $832
Average One-bedroom Rental: $289
Do you want to retire in a place where people go on vacation? Flores, Indonesia, is that exact place. For an average price of $289, you can rent a room on the coast next to Komodo Island and Kelimutu National Park, which is home to the 5,377-foot-tall Kelimutu volcano and its tri-colored volcanic crater lakes.
The parks are home to Komodo dragons, sea turtles, and manta rays. The climate provides year-round sunshine, making it ideal for people fleeing the cold.
8. Tagaytay City, The Philippines
Average Monthly Cost of Living: $631
Average One-bedroom Rental: $270
Tagaytay is another vacation town that retirees can call home for under $300 a month in rent. Other expats will tell you the mild weather, access to nature, and delicious food vendors only add to the town’s charm.
Local sites include the Tagaytay Picnic Grove, the Pink Sisters’ Convent, and the Chapel. One of the appeals of this Southeastern Asian country is that English is commonly spoken, so there is not much of a language barrier.
9. Alor Setar, Malaysia
Average Monthly Cost of Living: $558
Average One-bedroom Rental: $305
Locals in Alor Setar describe their city as casual and easygoing. The suburban setting might be an easy transition for a new retiree adjusting to life in a different country.
Popular leisure spots include the Paddy Museum, the Aman Central shopping mall, and the Wat Nikrodharam Temple. Religious sites include the famous Masjid Wazir and the Masjid Al Bukhari.
10. Patras, Greece
Average Monthly Cost of Living: $737
Average One-bedroom Rental: $523
Patras is the third-largest city in Greece and is home to Mount Panachaikon. Once a year, the city is flooded with tourists looking to have a blast at Greece’s best Carnival.
The beach, history, and central location make for a fantastic combination of vibrant city life and relaxing beachside living. Day trips to Olympia, Delphi, Mesolongi, and Nafpaktos are accessible for adventurous retirees.
11. Aguascalientes, Mexico
Average Monthly Cost of Living: $1,052
Average One-bedroom Rental: $478
Mexico, in general, is a great place to retire on a budget. Aguascalientes is one of the bigger cities to call your home in your later years. Located in the heart of the country, residents are immersed in the city’s stunning Spanish architecture and animated art scene.
Altaria Mall, the Templo de San Antonio de Padua, and the Jardín de San Marcos are some top sites to explore before you venture out to the rest of Mexico.
12. Murska Sobota, Slovenia
Average Monthly Cost of Living: $833
Average One-bedroom Rental: $733
Slovenia should be at the top of the list of European cities for retirement. The city is centrally located and near many other European cities, including Vienna, Budapest, Zagreb, and Split.
For a nostalgic taste of home, retirees can explore the Murska Sobota Castle, the Pavilion EXPANO, or the Elvis American Bar in the city.
13. Miskolc, Hungary
Average Monthly Cost of Living: $550
Average One-bedroom Rental: $384
Miskolc in Hungary is also attractive to expats. One of the country’s larger cities, it is home to the University of Miskolc, Diósgyőr Castle, the Miskolctapolca Thermal Cave Bath, and the Miskolc Zoo.
Retirees have all the amenities of a big city while surrounded by ancient architecture. And, just as in Murska Sobota, you are centrally located to explore the rest of Europe.
14. Haapsalu, Estonia
Average Monthly Cost of Living: $901
Average One-bedroom Rental: $566
While the other entries on this list require $2,000 a month to retire comfortably, financial experts say you can live in Haapsalu for only $1,500.
Haapsalu is a seaside tourist town on the west coast of Eastern Europe. If you’re looking for a quiet retirement, this is your place. Time moves a little slower in this medieval town filled with traveling tourists and polite locals.
15. Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Average Monthly Cost of Living: $593
Average One-bedroom Rental: $327
Plovdiv is an ancient city sitting on the Maritsa River. The Eastern European town is surrounded by rolling hills and cobblestone streets. Classic sites include the Regional Archaeological Museum and the Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis, which dates back to the Roman era. Plus, it is one of the cheapest cities to live in.
Frugal retirees can actually live in this town for $1,000 per month and live very well for $2,000 a month.
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