20 Best Countries To Retire Comfortably On $150K Or Less

In 2020, American retirees received an average yearly Social Security payment of just $18K. That's far from enough for a decent retirement that'd cost around $987K in the US. So what if you retire overseas? These 20 countries allow you to live comfortably with just $150K or less.

1. The Czech Republic

Thanks to its low living costs, The Czech Republic is an increasingly popular place for retirement. Prague's apartments are the cheapest among all European capitals, and its healthcare system is also inexpensive. Plus, you can enjoy its charming castles, medieval towns, and frosty local beers.

2. Bolivia

With its lovely weather, charming salt flats, welcoming colonial towns, and low cost of living, Bolivia has been luring a growing number of international retirees. You can live comfortably for around $1,000 a month in many areas, including Tarija, Santa Cruz, and La Paz.

3. Belize

Belize is an increasingly popular retirement destination for expats with its Caribbean vibes, beautiful beaches, and low cost of living. You can find rents for as little as $700 a month even in its most expensive areas. Remember to stay away from border towns and isolated regions, as these areas have higher crime rates.

4. Vietnam

Vietnam has been growing in popularity with North American retirees thanks to its French colonial buildings, amazing street food, and exciting natural pursuits. Particularly expat-friendly areas include Nha Trang and Da Nang, where $1,000 can afford a comfortable life for a month.

5. Ecuador

Thanks to its pristine natural surroundings, charming historical towns, and low cost of living, Ecuador has been a top retirement destination for American expats for years. You can rent a one-bedroom apartment for just $440 a month in its capital, Quito, and $360 in Cuenca.

6. Ireland

Settle in Ireland, and you'll have easy access to fairytale-like sceneries, stunning castles, and a tranquil life. Though the housing price in major cities like Dublin is high, homes in many other areas, such as Mohill, Ballymore, and Edgeworthstown, sell for around $100,000.

7. Chile

Known for its majestic mountains, beautiful beaches, and welcoming people, Chile offers you a chance to live a cozy middle-class life at a low cost. For around $1,000 a month, you can cover housing and basic costs almost anywhere in the country.

8. Uruguay

One of the most affluent nations in South America, Uruguay offers old-world charm alongside modern amenities. For $800 a month, you can live comfortably in the country's second-largest city, Salto. Plus, its private hospitals and clinics are available for around $100 a month.

9. France

Most people wouldn't think of France as a retirement destination, but some smaller towns are perfect for a low-cost life. In Pau, you can rent a one-bedroom apartment for merely $540 a month, and a decent dinner for two costs around $50. Montpellier is also reasonably priced.

10. Thailand

In Thailand, your retirement checks will go further in striving for a cozy life. For $1,500 to $2,000 a month, rent included, you can live comfortably anywhere in the country, whether it's the sun-soaked island haven Koh Samui, the modern city of Chiang Mai, or the busy capital city of Bangkok.

11. Italy

If you love Italy's tasty cuisine, fantastic culture, and mild climate, then you'll be delighted to consider an affordable retirement life here. In Basilicata's small villages, you can buy a modest home for around $32,000. A one-bedroom apartment in Matera costs about $600 a month.

12. Peru

Peru draws retirees from all over the world with its stunning Machu Picchu, beautiful beaches, fascinating cultures, and low costs of living. Popular retirement destinations like Arequipa and Cusco offer one-bedroom apartments for about $200 a month and a three-course meal for around $10.

13. Slovenia

Slovenia has become an increasingly popular retirement destination in Europe. It offers pretty storybook landscapes, charming historical villages, various outdoor pursuits, and livable four-season weather. You can rent a one-bedroom apartment in Ljubljana for about $600 a month.

14. Spain

Thanks to its natural beauty, warm sunny weather, and low food costs, Spain has long been a retirement haven for expats, especially Europeans. You'll want to stay away from major tourist cities like Barcelona, as their rents can rival that in the US. But small towns such as Valencia have one-bedroom apartments available for about $630 a month.

15. Portugal

Like its next-door Spain, Portugal has been winning international retirees' hearts for its sunny climate, low living costs, plus historical castles and fresh seafood. Apartments in small towns are quite affordable. Moreover, the nation is fairly stable and safe.

16. Malaysia

Malaysia offers retirees warm weather, high-quality healthcare systems, and a low cost of living. Even in its capital and largest city, Kuala Lumpur, a one-bedroom apartment can be found for a mere $600 a month. On Penang island, a one-bedroom apartment costs only $225 a month, on average.

17. Malta

Malta boasts temperate weather, natural beauty, rich history, and a lower cost of living than other Mediterranean nations. Friendly for American retirees, English is one of the country's official languages. In Gozo island, rents usually cost less than $500 a month.

18. Panama

Known for its glorious sunshine, natural beauty, and high quality of life, Panama has been popular with international retirees for many years. Its capital, Panama City, is pretty affordable: a one-bedroom rents for under $1,000 a month, and a good dinner for two is around $50.

19. Mexico

Mexico, particularly its Yucatan peninsula, is also a top retirement destination for global retirees. The Yucatan offers white sandy beaches, amazing wildlife, and the miraculous Mayan complex at Chichen Itza. In the center of town Merida, you can rent a one-bedroom apartment for about $250 a month.

20. Costa Rica

Costa Rica is another top affordable retirement spot for international retirees, with its noted pura vida lifestyle, stability and safety, gorgeous sunny beaches, and amazing biodiversity. Its Pacific coastline, known as the Southern Zone, is particularly popular with North American expats.