16 thoughts on “8 Places to Retire & Get the Most Bang for Your Buck”
My sister and brother in law just moved to Thailand and I’m so impressed with the house the purchased at such a low price! They can eat a full meal for $2 and everything is super cheap! If it wasn’t so far away I’d join them there right now!
I always believed that there was no ‘perfect’ place to live. Every place has it’s pluses and minuses. The key is to find something that suits you. It’s kind of like investing. There never is a ‘perfect’ time to buy or sell in the market as some like to try and time their purchases. I think it’s great that you have close family living in Thailand now. It gives you the perfect opportunity to visit and see what life is really like over there any time you wish. Thank you for commenting.
These places are relatively cheap and your cost of living is less hence making the most out of your buck. It’s still going to take some time being separated to family though.
Separation from family is definitely a concern for many as well as getting used to other cultural differences. At least with a move to Central America you are never too far away from anywhere in the U.S. It’s all about a lifestyle choice and, of course, finances. I appreciate your comment.
My thoughts exactly, separation anxiety will surely be an issue. Retiring abroad is a great option considering the cost of living in the U.S today plus the fact that the cost of healthcare is rising. But you also need to consider other factors like being away from your family. I’m torn between moving to Spain or moving to U.S states like Georgia, Louisiana, Alabama or any state that offer affordable healthcare or long term care rates, which will benefit me later on. I still have a few more years to think about this. I appreciate this post!
Glad you enjoyed this post but as I mentioned to Adz Dy a move to Central America is very close to most parts of the U.S. Belize and Panama can reach many parts of the U.S. in about three hours so a trip to visit relatives can be made relatively easy with little or no time difference as well.
Costa Rica is a very popular tourist spot for many Americans. It’s still on my list of places to visit. I was in nearby Panama a few years ago and for a moment envisioned myself living there one day. Thank you for sharing.
I’m glad you liked this post. It’s a fun map to click around. Leaving ‘home’ is a very difficult decision. I’m sure many would love to retire abroad but are afraid to make the commitment for one reason or another. I still think Central America can be a great choice for most Americans. Panama, Belize and Costa Rica are all relatively close to all parts of the continental U.S. Thank you for stopping by and commenting.
I would love to retire to a tropical paradise someday. Costa Rica is really cool, i havent been to panama but I imagine its very simliar to Costa. Alexander @ Cash Flow Diaries recently posted…From Jeep Wrangler to Minivan – A Financial Sacrifice
Keep dreaming and if you truly desire it I know you’ll retire in a tropical paradise. Panama, especially the capital, is very cosmopolitan. It reminds me of a mini Manhattan. For such a low cost of living it seems that you don’t have to sacrifice anything to live there. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
I’m torn between Belize and Ecuador. The cost of living is affordable but I’m concerned about the cost of healthcare and if I can use my health insurance or long term care insurance in both countries. Alaska is the most expensive state for long term care, which is around $110,000 annually. Connecticut is expensive too. You need to shell out around $73,000 annually for long term care.
Both countries have something to offer the expat lifestyle. I have visited both countries and think Ecuador is more suited for an expat lifestyle. Nothing wrong with Belize, it just seems too much of a vacation spot with less general services than Ecuador. In either case, it would be cheaper than staying in the U.S. Thank you for commenting.
My sister and brother in law just moved to Thailand and I’m so impressed with the house the purchased at such a low price! They can eat a full meal for $2 and everything is super cheap! If it wasn’t so far away I’d join them there right now!
Hi DD,
I always believed that there was no ‘perfect’ place to live. Every place has it’s pluses and minuses. The key is to find something that suits you. It’s kind of like investing. There never is a ‘perfect’ time to buy or sell in the market as some like to try and time their purchases. I think it’s great that you have close family living in Thailand now. It gives you the perfect opportunity to visit and see what life is really like over there any time you wish. Thank you for commenting.
These places are relatively cheap and your cost of living is less hence making the most out of your buck. It’s still going to take some time being separated to family though.
Hi AD,
Separation from family is definitely a concern for many as well as getting used to other cultural differences. At least with a move to Central America you are never too far away from anywhere in the U.S. It’s all about a lifestyle choice and, of course, finances. I appreciate your comment.
My thoughts exactly, separation anxiety will surely be an issue. Retiring abroad is a great option considering the cost of living in the U.S today plus the fact that the cost of healthcare is rising. But you also need to consider other factors like being away from your family. I’m torn between moving to Spain or moving to U.S states like Georgia, Louisiana, Alabama or any state that offer affordable healthcare or long term care rates, which will benefit me later on. I still have a few more years to think about this. I appreciate this post!
Hi ALTCP,
Glad you enjoyed this post but as I mentioned to Adz Dy a move to Central America is very close to most parts of the U.S. Belize and Panama can reach many parts of the U.S. in about three hours so a trip to visit relatives can be made relatively easy with little or no time difference as well.
I love Costa Rica
Hi dG,
Costa Rica is a very popular tourist spot for many Americans. It’s still on my list of places to visit. I was in nearby Panama a few years ago and for a moment envisioned myself living there one day. Thank you for sharing.
Divhut,
I love how interactive this is! Thanks for sharing. It’s great to see just how far my money could go if I were to leave the USA. Oh but will I? 🙂
Hi DR,
I’m glad you liked this post. It’s a fun map to click around. Leaving ‘home’ is a very difficult decision. I’m sure many would love to retire abroad but are afraid to make the commitment for one reason or another. I still think Central America can be a great choice for most Americans. Panama, Belize and Costa Rica are all relatively close to all parts of the continental U.S. Thank you for stopping by and commenting.
I would love to retire to a tropical paradise someday. Costa Rica is really cool, i havent been to panama but I imagine its very simliar to Costa.
Alexander @ Cash Flow Diaries recently posted…From Jeep Wrangler to Minivan – A Financial Sacrifice
Hi CFD,
Keep dreaming and if you truly desire it I know you’ll retire in a tropical paradise. Panama, especially the capital, is very cosmopolitan. It reminds me of a mini Manhattan. For such a low cost of living it seems that you don’t have to sacrifice anything to live there. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
How can I find out about the quality of healthcare in Belize?
Hi KLR,
Here are a couple resources you might want to check out: Healthcare in Belize and Why Belize Is A Great Place To Retire. Thank you for commenting.
I’m torn between Belize and Ecuador. The cost of living is affordable but I’m concerned about the cost of healthcare and if I can use my health insurance or long term care insurance in both countries. Alaska is the most expensive state for long term care, which is around $110,000 annually. Connecticut is expensive too. You need to shell out around $73,000 annually for long term care.
Hi FfH,
Both countries have something to offer the expat lifestyle. I have visited both countries and think Ecuador is more suited for an expat lifestyle. Nothing wrong with Belize, it just seems too much of a vacation spot with less general services than Ecuador. In either case, it would be cheaper than staying in the U.S. Thank you for commenting.