You Could Retire Earlier Than Planned
For most workers, retirement is the ultimate goal. But with the cost of living going up in a lot of places, it's a dream that seems to get further away by the year. It's really frustrating! Not all countries have that problem, though. In fact, some are so affordable that you don't even need to think about work once you move there...
Turkey
The great weather. The idyllic surroundings. The awesome beaches! Yes, Turkey already has a lot in its favor. But here's something else to add to that list — it's incredibly affordable, too. It won't cost you an arm and a leg to live there. The total cost of living usually sits between $1,200 and $1,700 each month. Not bad, right?
Philippines
There aren't many places where beachside apartments will cost you less than $500 a month. Yet those are the kind of prices on offer in the Philippines. We're serious! Overall, the monthly cost of living should set you back by $1,200 to $1,800 in the Southeast Asian country. Think of what you could do with all that extra cash.
Thailand
If you're on a budget, Thailand might be the perfect place for you. It's super cheap! You could move into a fully-furnished apartment there for around $300 each month. That's an amazing price, right? In total, the monthly living costs sit between $1,200 and $1,500. And that's with health insurance thrown in, too.
Ecuador
Ecuador is an absolutely gorgeous country. From the beautiful beaches to the jaw-dropping mountains, it's a real feast for the eyes! Is it a cheap place to call home, though? You bet. Healthcare, food, and housing costs are all reasonably priced. The cost of living there barely reaches $1,600 each month. Who wouldn't be happy with that?
Portugal
Portugal isn't just a great vacation spot, folks — you could live there pretty comfortably without blowing through your savings, too! The monthly expenses in a city such as Braga usually range from $1,300 to $1,800. Coupled with the largely free public healthcare service, you'll have plenty of money left over to enjoy yourself.
Mexico
How far can a monthly budget of $1,500 to $2,000 get you in Mexico? You'd be surprised! The cost of living is extremely low in spots such as Lake Chapala, Puerto Vallarta, and Mérida — to name but a few. If you're alone, you could snag a single-bedroom apartment for as little as $400 per month. Talk about a bargain.
Colombia
Is Colombia worth checking out if you're eyeing a cheaper place to live? Absolutely! Take Medellín for example. The monthly expenses in that city are over 50 percent lower than most American spots. That's not a typo, folks. With the cost of living sitting between $1,300 and $1,700, you could comfortably live there without a job.
Malaysia
To call Malaysia expat-friendly feels like a bit of an understatement. They're everywhere! But when you look at the living costs in the Southeast Asian country, you start to understand why. It's a really cheap place to call home. Monthly expenses in a state such as Penang won't exceed $1,500.
Vietnam
When looking at the living costs in Vietnam, we wouldn't blame anyone for wanting to make the switch. It's extremely affordable. It might be one of the only countries in the world where eating out is actually cheaper than eating in! You could easily live off $1,000 to $1,400 each month, leaving plenty of cash in reserve.
Nicaragua
A country that's both picturesque and relaxed, Nicaragua already ticks plenty of boxes. But wait until you see the living costs! Utilities and housing expenses are ridiculously affordable in the Land of Lakes and Volcanoes. You could realistically live there for less than $1,000 each month. How crazy is that?
Georgia
Aiming to settle down in a country that won't drain your bank account? Well, look no further than Georgia. The European nation is a very affordable place to live, offering great prices for groceries and housing. In total, the monthly cost of living sits between $900 and $1,300. Nice!
Peru
Could you realistically live in Peru without getting a job? Certainly. The expenses in places such as Trujillo and Arequipa can be incredibly low — we're talking under $300 for rent here, folks! As for the total monthly living costs, you're looking at $1,000 to $1,500. Welcome numbers, right?
Cambodia
You'd be amazed by what $1,000 could get you in Cambodia. You can live in supreme comfort on that budget every month — in fact, there may be times when you spend even less. Siem Reap is a particularly cheap spot, where $600 is enough to afford a fancy villa. No joke, folks!
Bulgaria
Bulgaria often falls under the radar when folks discuss beautiful European countries. It's a lovely spot. And compared to many of its neighbors, it's a super cheap place to live as well! The total cost of living each month only comes to $1,200. You could save a fortune there.
Paraguay
While it might not be the most glamorous name in South America, Paraguay is actually an awesome place to call home. It's very affordable, offering great prices for food and utilities. The housing costs aren't too bad, either. For $2,000 each month, you can have a real comfortable life there.
Through: Pedro Ribeiro Simões