This morning, on the news, we repeatedly heard about the top ten states in the US for retirement. Since many of our readers live outside the US and can’t afford the high cost of living in this country for the long term, we decided to research the top ten countries worldwide for eventual retirement.
Adding the pros and cons is as important as listing the locations since many factors may be a deterrent for some. Thus, we’ve compiled this information with pros and cons in order to assist in the important topics for further research, which you may do on your own.
Tomorrow, in Part 2, we’ll list the second batch of the top ten countries for retirement or vacation/holiday again with the pros and cons.
In 2024, finding affordable countries to live in or travel to depends on several factors, including cost of living, safety, quality of life, and accessibility. Below are ten countries that are generally considered affordable, along with their pros and cons.
1. Vietnam
Pros:
- Very low cost of living, especially for housing and food.
- Rich culture and history with plenty of scenic landscapes.
- Great street food and vibrant local markets.
- Strong expat communities in cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.
Cons:
- Language barriers can be challenging.
- Infrastructure in rural areas is less developed.
- Pollution and traffic congestion in major cities.
2. Portugal
Pros:
- Relatively low cost of living compared to other Western European countries.
- Beautiful coastline, historic cities, and mild climate.
- High quality of life with good healthcare and public transportation.
- Friendly locals and a welcoming expat community.
Cons:
- Bureaucracy can be slow and frustrating.
- Language learning is necessary for full integration.
- Wages are relatively low compared to other EU countries.
3. Mexico
Pros:
- Affordable cost of living, particularly outside of major tourist areas.
- Warm climate and diverse landscapes from beaches to mountains.
- Rich cultural heritage and delicious cuisine.
- Proximity to the U.S. for easy travel.
Cons:
- Safety concerns in certain regions.
- Language barrier in rural areas.
- Bureaucratic processes can be cumbersome.
4. Thailand
Pros:
- Very low cost of living with affordable housing and food.
- Excellent healthcare services at a fraction of Western prices.
- Warm climate year-round with beautiful beaches and mountains.
- Strong digital nomad community, especially in Chiang Mai.
Cons:
- Air pollution can be an issue in some areas.
- Visa regulations can be complex and require careful planning.
- Cultural differences may take time to adapt to.
5. Colombia
Pros:
- Affordable cost of living, especially in cities like Medellín.
- Beautiful landscapes, from beaches to mountains.
- Vibrant culture with festivals, music, and dance.
- Improved safety and infrastructure in recent years.
Cons:
- Safety concerns remain in certain areas.
- Language barrier, as English is not widely spoken.
- Healthcare outside major cities can be limited.
Please check back tomorrow for more.
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, August 14, 2014:
