What it really costs to retire abroad
Researched monthly budgets, visa basics and honest city guides for US retirees. Every figure is a range with its sources listed, and every guide includes the downsides.
Destinations
Typical total monthly cost for one retiree living comfortably, from our latest research. New guides are added regularly.
Philippines
$958 / month typical
Range $555 to $1,855 · 1 city guide
Thailand
$1,006 / month typical
Range $594 to $1,651 · 1 city guide
Vietnam
Research in progress
Malaysia
Research in progress
Mexico
Research in progress
Costa Rica
Research in progress
Panama
Research in progress
Portugal
Research in progress
Spain
Research in progress
Ecuador
Research in progress
Latest city guides
- Retiring in Chiang Mai, Thailand: Monthly Costs for a US Retiree Typical $1,006/month · data checked 2026-11-05
- Retiring in Cebu City, Philippines: Monthly Costs for a US Retiree Typical $958/month · data checked 2026-11-03
How we work
Our guides are researched and drafted with AI assistance. Each cost line needs two independent sources or one official source, and we show low, typical and high figures instead of a single number. Read how we make these guides and our disclaimer.