Retiring abroad on $1,000 per month doesn't mean sacrificing quality of life. Many countries offer excellent health care, infrastructure and amenities at a fraction of the cost compared to the U.S.
The cheapest places to retire abroad include Panama, the Philippines, Portugal, Malaysia, Mexico, Thailand and Vietnam.
Before making the move, consider expenses such as travel costs, taxes and visas, which can vary significantly from one country to another.
During your retirement abroad, stretch your budget by embracing local culture, cuisine and lifestyle.
Moving to a lower-cost country does not mean you need to compromise on quality of life. The level of medical care, infrastructure and other important lifestyle factors can be as high as, or even superior to, U.S. equivalents. Many international locations cater to expat retirees looking for an enjoyable lifestyle and the chance to discover new places and cultures.
Before you go, you’ll need to determine how much you can afford to spend. Factor travel costs, such as flights back to the U.S. to visit family, into your overall budget. There are also taxes and visas to consider, which can vary from one country to another.
We spoke with travel and budget experts who have lived in and visited more than 50 countries, tracking living costs worldwide.