Countries Where You Can Live on Social Security

The Expat Retirement Plan

An increasing number of Americans are approaching retirement without nearly enough money saved and face either working during their golden years or living a bare-bones lifestyle. For many, the pandemic has eaten into savings and made retirement an even more unlikely prospect. But that doesn't have to be the case. Retiring abroad can be a budget-friendly alternative, particularly for those seeking to get by primarily on Social Security.

“All over the world, safe, welcoming, warm-weather, good-value communities exist where retirees can watch their lifestyles expand while they spend less than it would likely cost to stay home,” says Jennifer Stevens, executive editor at the magazine International Living. “From Portugal to Panama — all sorts of choices present themselves. And these are spots where a retiree could live a genuinely comfortable life, even on a Social Security check alone.”

Here are the top 10 countries around the world to retire abroad as identified by International Living's Annual Global Retirement Index for 2020, as well as a few additional suggestions from International Living’s team of researchers.

10. Vietnam

Vietnam is new on the Global Retirement Index this year. It’s a place where cities and infrastructure are quickly developing and the economy is growing stronger by the day. Vietnam is also a country where you’ll find welcoming people and quality healthcare. No matter where you choose to settle throughout this country, it’s possible for two people to live quite comfortably for less than $1,500 a month. This rule of thumb even applies in the countries two biggest cities — Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Added bonus: English is widely spoken here, making it easy to get by.

9. France

As one of the most popular countries in Europe, (not to mention the capital of high fashion), it may seem counterintuitive that France would be a budget-friendly place to retire. But according to the annual Global Retirement Index, there’s a case to be made here. “France has all the ingredients we look for at International Living,” according to the annual report. “Good food, good wine, haute couture, a good climate, unspoiled countryside, glittering culture, excellent healthcare, colorful traditions and history, and, as a bonus, the glamour and sophistication of Paris — arguably the world’s most bewitching capital.” But let’s talk dollars and cents. While you’ll find the cost of things like electricity, cable TV, and water bills similar to the United States, other costs are far less, says International Living. Outside of major cities, it’s apparently possible to live cheaply — about $2,083 to $2,483 a month for two people, which includes rent and healthcare.

8. Spain

As surprising as it may seem, Spain also made International Living's list of best places to retire abroad. According to the Global Retirement Index, the country has one of the lowest costs of living in Western Europe. For around $2,500 a month, a couple can live comfortably in many parts of the EU country. Additional perks of retiring here include first-world, Western European living standards and many areas with large English-speaking expat communities. The country also has one of the best healthcare systems in the world, according to the World Health Organization.

7. Malaysia

Picturesque beaches and islands and pristine ancient rainforests are just some of the reasons expats are attracted to Malaysia. Getting around the country is also easy thanks to road signs in both English and Malay, not to mention English is Malaysia’s unofficial first language. As for the cost of living, a family of six can eat out at a good restaurant and have a 10-course meal for less than $6 per person. A men’s haircut meanwhile will set you back a mere $2. In a big city like Penang, it’s possible for a couple to live on about $1,800 per month, a figure that includes the cost of rent.

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6. Ecuador

If variety is your thing, Ecuador may be the ideal choice. The country, located on the equator, offers warm weather on its coast year-round and a more temperate climate in the Andes foothills. In between these two locales, there’s also the Amazon basin, which offers yet another unique climate choice. Varied geography aside, Ecuador is incredibly affordable, like many of the options on this list. International Living reports that expats can own a home on the Pacific coast or a condo for under $150,000. Don’t want to buy? Rentals are equally affordable. A two bedroom unit will run about $500 per month.

5. Colombia

How does spring-like weather all year-round sound for a retirement destination? That’s just one of the reasons Colombia gets high marks on International Living’s Global Index. The country has a growing expat community made up of those who have discovered Colombia’s secret — that you can live a First World quality of life in this country. Additional highlights include Colombia being the second most biodiverse country in the world and ease of establishing residency. Obtaining a retirement visa simply requires proving that you have at least $750 in annual income from Social Security or $2,500 in annual income from a private pension or 401(k). Applicants who meet those parameters are eligible for a three-year visa. Two people can live here on between $1,030 and $2,720 per month, depending on where you settle, the type of lifestyle you’re seeking, and healthcare needs.

4. Mexico

Our neighbor to the south offers something for everyone. There are plenty of charming beach communities, picturesque mountain towns, and cosmopolitan cities. “Because of its geographic diversity, you can also choose your favorite climate: from warm and dry to warm and sultry to spring-like temperatures all year in the Colonial Highlands,” according to the annual report. The cost of living is also incredibly low. Two people can live here for $1,500 to $3,000 per month, a figure that varies depending on location. That price tag includes the cost of rent and healthcare.

3. Costa Rica

A country that continues to be famous for its ecotourism and tropical climate, Costa Rica is also a popular place to retire. In addition to the balmy climate, Costa Rica features such admirable attractions as low cost of living, budget real estate and affordable medical care. Once residency is established, you pay between 7% and 11% or your reported monthly income to use the socialized medicine program. Added bonus: Costa Rica also has a stable democracy. It’s often referred to as the Switzerland of Central America.

2. Panama

Who said the Panama Canal is this country's main attraction? A modern country that’s only a short plane ride from the United States, Panama topped International Living's 2019 Global Retirement Index. This year it’s down one notch, but there's still plenty of reasons to keep it on your radar. “Modern, convenient, and close to the U.S. — not to mention sunny, warm, and welcoming,” according to the 2020 report. “Panama is warm and tropical, but completely outside the hurricane belt. The currency is the U.S. dollar. The tax burden is low. And there’s a large English-speaking population — including a cadre of excellent doctors.” Need still more reason to go? In the capital, Panama City, it’s possible to rent an ocean-view condo for just $1,500 a month. Panama City is also the only First World city in Central America.

1. Portugal

A country where expats are truly made to feel welcome, Portugal is the No. 1 pick for 2020 from International Living. “From north to south, from the Atlantic west to the Spanish east, this country’s gracious people, bustling capital, brilliant sun, tantalizing beaches, and verdant valleys are more appealing than ever to a growing number of people,” according to International Living's index. Beyond those glowing broad strokes, one of the most important specifics to keep in mind about Portugal is that it’s very affordable. It’s the second cheapest country in Europe, behind Bulgaria, according to the annual report. A lunch out will cost about $10 and total monthly living expenses come in at around $2,500. Need still more reason to consider Portugal? It’s also rated the third safest country in the world by the 2019 Global Peace Index.

Cambodia

If none of the places on the International Living's 2020 index strike your fancy, the good news is there are still plenty of other options, including Phnom Penh, Cambodia. A location highly recommended by International Living, the Pearl of Asia has much to offer, including an incredibly low cost of living, vibrant markets and a notable food scene. “Attracted by its beauty, the warm and welcoming nature of its people, and its supreme affordability, retirees living in Phnom Penh can afford indulgences out of reach at home, including staff like a housekeeper or gardener,” says International Living. A retired couple can get by comfortably here on about $1,838 per month.

Italy

While Italy as a whole is lovely, it’s not all affordable. The experts at International Living specifically recommend Modena, which is about 80 miles north of the famed city of Florence. “This city is one of the most underrated in Italy — a well-to-do city without being stuffy or over-priced,” says Valerie Schneider, International Living’s Italy correspondent. “Maybe it’s the sparkling wines produced here that gives Modena a bubbly demeanor, or maybe the light-hearted pastels of the buildings. Whatever it is, the ambiance of this city of 175,000 residents is pleasant and somewhat reminiscent of Florence with Renaissance influence.” A couple can live comfortably in Modena for a mere $1,617 per month, a figure that includes rent.

Belize

The seaside town of Placencia is International Living’s top recommendation in Belize for retirees. The community, flanked by the Caribbean Sea and a freshwater lagoon, offers gorgeous scenery to say the least. There are also views of the Maya mountain chain. And did we mention the palm tree-lined beaches here? All of this gorgeous scenery comes with a very affordable cost of living at just $1,760 per month, an estimate that includes a two-bedroom apartment and utilities.

Bali

Bali may be a legendary vacation destination, but it’s also becoming an expat hotspot. In particular, International Living recommends Canggu, which is pronounced “changoo.” A tiny village about 9 miles north of the resort of Kuta, this once under-the-radar locale is now the place to be. “Driving into the region of Canggu evokes a country feel. The traffic thins, the crazed pace of the southern tourist areas is left behind and there is a definite change to the urban sprawl. Fields of rice, banana plantations, and old-style warungs (small local eateries) line the roadsides. Local homes are dotted among the new villas and boutique hotels that are popping up. Despite the changing scenery, Canggu retains an undiscovered surfing town sort of feel,” International Living says. The area offers a relaxed lifestyle for retirees yet is not too far from bigger town amenities. Also, worth noting, the international airport is just an hour away. As for the cost of living, it’s about $1,266 per month for two people.

Thailand

One last recommendation from International Living: Chiang Mai, Thailand. Apparently a growing number of expats are settling on Thailand in general thanks to its outstanding healthcare, good food, rich culture, and affordable living. Chiang Mai in particular — Thailand’s second-largest city — has developed a reputation of being a good choice for both retirees and jet-setting digital nomads. “The chance to live an opulent, resort lifestyle is at your fingertips,” says Rachel Devlin, an International Living contributor. “You’ll find the top resorts offering gym memberships to local expats — they’re a bargain. For just over $500 a year, you can have a membership to the Rati Lanna Resort & Spa. Getting fit and healthy has never been so easy and so competitively priced.” And for the golf fanatics, Chiang Mai offers the ability to golf the days away without spending a fortune. The cost of living here is about $1,164 a month for two people.