Over the 20th century, tens of thousands of American retirees from New England, the Midwest, and even California have left their homes to spend their pension years at so-called Sun Belt, enjoying warm weather and low taxes. Nowadays, more and more American retirees choose to move much farther than Sun Belt and have a new life in Asia, South America, and Europe. Thousands want to stretch retirement dollars, while foreign countries are eager to attract them and boost their economies. Americans can choose any country they want as the average income of $2,000 is more than enough to live in splendor.
Here is the list of six best places to retire abroad.
Chiang Mai, Thailand. Thailand has become a mecca for American and European retirees thanks to its low cost of living and wonderful weather. Chiang Mai is cheap even if compared with the rest of Thai cities. An American retiree can live their like a king for just $2,000 a month. For example, a 1,200-square-foot condo can cost one about $400 per month. Groceries can run up the bill of a little more than $50 a month, while restaurant costs do not exceed $100. Chiang Mai has Western-style restaurants and other facilities. Medical coverage in Thailand is paid, but professional and instantaneous. For example, a dentist check-up can cost one about $17, while an emergency spinal fusion can cost over $9,300.
Guam. The island offers a lot of benefits for American retirees, such as warm weather, a perfect climate, English as the first language, and US dollar as the main currency. Guam is considered to be an alternative to Hawaii: it has lower prices but the same weather. One can rent a one-bedroom apartment for $400 a month or buy a home for $200,000. Groceries are costly, but restaurant prices are not different from the US mainland. US citizens can use their Medicare in Guam.
Vancouver, Canada. Vancouver is a perfect option for American retires who need to spend thousands of dollars on health care. The city does have expensive housing prices, but its cosmopolitan character and advantages of the Canadian health care can be good reasons to move north from Seattle.
Valencia, Spain. Eurozone crisis lowered real estate prices in Spain, making this Mediterranean nation affordable for thousands of American retirees who can expect to buy a house for $200,000 or a one-bedroom apartment for $66,000. Rents are rather cheap too ($780 for a two-bedroom apartment in the very center of Valencia). Groceries are cheaper, and taxes are lower. Health care is also cheaper. Valencia is a great option for retirees who want to travel across Europe.
Buenos Aires, Argentina. Buenos Aires may be one of the most expensive cities in South America, but it is still a great choice compared to American cities. One can rent a one-bedroom apartment for $400 or buy one for $70,000. Bills do not exceed $100 per month. Transportation and health care are affordable and of high quality. Dining is costly, though. For example, one can spend $25-45 to have a decent meal out.
Lake Atitlan, Guatemala. Situated 75 miles from Guatemala City, Lake Atitlan is a great spot for American retirees. The village is surrounded by mountains and volcanoes and boasts with spring-like temperatures all through the year. One can rent a waterfront house for $300 a month. Dining is cheap. Groceries are affordable too. One can hire a nurse ($20 per day) or a maid ($10 per day). To note, use taxis to between the cities. They are cheap and safe. All in all, one will hardly need over $1,000 per month to live at Lake Atitlan.