Some people take living cheaply to an extreme; these individuals have embraced a truly local lifestyle. In Thailand, for example, on retiree figured out how to live comfortably for as little as $300 a month. This single adult bikes around town, eats at food stalls and makes a sport out of saving money wherever he can. Another woman owns her own apartment and lives very comfortably on her Social Security check of $600 a month.
Although these two examples are extremes, they make the point. It is very possible to enjoy a comfortable “Western lifestyle,” assuming you own your own home, for as little as $723 a month in countries including Ecuador, Panama, Nicaragua and Thailand. Below is a basic monthly budget:
What if you rent? In many places around the world, including Ecuador, Panama, Nicaragua, Belize, Thailand, Vietnam, even rural France and Italy, $450 a month can afford you a charming, comfortable place to live. Some places, including Ecuador and Panama, for example, a budget this size could get you a modern, fully furnished two-story house with two bedrooms, complete with a full lawn and access to a community pool.
These are just a few of many examples of how to retire well and for less, overseas. From the beaches of Mexico to destinations in Europe, Asia, and Latin America, for those who dare, retirement is just the beginning of the adventure.
Author Kathleen Peddicord is editor and publisher of Live and Invest Overseas. She has covered the international beat for nearly 30 years and is considered the world’s foremost authority on overseas living and retirement. For more information, visit www.LiveAndInvestOverseas.com.