Are you the type of person who cannot wait for the day that you can finally go into retirement? Trust us, we all feel the exact same way! If you happen to be wondering where the best place to spend your twilight years is, you are in luck. There are many things to consider when you are looking for a new place of residence: cost of living, healthcare, tax laws, the weather. While some people set their eyes somewhere abroad, there are also those who prefer to stay close to home. Certain states are considered better for retirement, although it will ultimately boil down to preference. The following information came from Milken Institute, Kiplinger, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and National Association of Realtors. Let us see which states are the best fit for you and your priorities!
Here Are The Best States To Retire, Ranked From Most Expensive To Cheapest
Hawaii
According to Niche.com, most retirees in the tropical state prefer to live in Maunawili in O’ahu. The state boasts of a population of 1.4 million people as well. It is very attractive to people who are passionate because this state boasts of an almost ethereal natural beauty. For people who are 65 years and older, the average income is more than $71,000. The cost of living here is 87 percent higher than the U.S. average, which makes Hawaii a bad choice if you are hoping to make your savings last for a very long time.
Hawaii
California
California is also a good choice if you want to live in a sunny place. It is second only to Hawaii when it comes to the cost of living because prices are 52 percent higher than the national average. There are 39.56 million in the Golden State, so it is not ideal if you want solitude. Retirees claim that Beverly Hills has the best zip code around, although the costs can be prohibitive. The U.S. Census Bureau actually revealed that 19 percent of the population lives below the poverty line, so it would be a good idea to have a job lined up before making the big move.
California
Massachusetts
The Bay State is worth considering for the people who make up the retiree population as well. This is a place that comes with plenty of history, so there is no lack of things to do for culture lovers. It has a population of 6.902 million people as of 2018. Forbes says that Northampton is the best city in the state. However, the living costs are still pretty high at 38 percent higher than the U.S. average. Keep in mind that healthcare is expensive and not very tax-friendly. If you can’t stand the cold, it might be a good idea to look elsewhere.
Massachusetts
Alaska
The Last Frontier is very tax-friendly for retirees, although not many people take advantage of this fact. Yahoo! Finance says that Anchorage is the best place to live in. According to Kiplinger, the costs of living in Alaska is 32 percent higher than the U.S. national average. It is important to consider health care costs if you are a senior citizen, which might make you reconsider. This state has a population of 730,000 people. It is all about the quiet life, so this is not the place for you if you want a big city lifestyle.
Alaska
New Jersey
New Jersey is a great place, especially for those in their Golden Years. Long Beach Township is worth considering you are looking into moving there. It has a population of 8.909 million, which makes it ideal. You can catch great views of the water from Ocean City and New York City is a train ride away. History buffs will also love it here thanks to its rich history. Compared to South Dakota and Montana, the cost of living is on the higher end at 27 percent higher than the national average. Medical care and property taxes tend to cost more as well. The Garden State is not the best place to live in for low-income retirees.
New Jersey
Connecticut
With a population of 3.573 million, this East Coast state is also worth considering. According to AreaVibes.com, Darien is a great city. Connecticut is not all that tax-friendly for retirees because the real estate taxes are among the worst in the country. On top of that, it is still pretty pricey with a cost of living that is 24 percent higher than the national average. It is not that bad if you plan to get a retirement job, however. Just keep in mind that retirement income is taxed in its entirety and residents might also face taxes on Social Security benefits.
Connecticut
New York
New York might make for a good choice for retirees. The Great Neck neighborhood will fetch you the best bang for your buck. New York City is walkable and offers just about every necessity and service you might need! With a population of 19.54 million people, the Empire State offers great experiences for people of all ages. Small apartments are the norm, but it is good if you want something manageable. The cost of living is higher than the U.S. average by 22 percent, but it’s not too bad. However, it is best suited for well-to-do people because it is not tax-friendly and senior citizens suffer high poverty rates.
New York
Rhode Island
Now, how about this small East Coast state? Niche.com reports that Jamestown is a great choice. It is a small place with a population of only 1.057 million. As one of the original colonies, it offers a great deal of culture for history buffs. The ocean views will appeal to nature lovers as well. Sadly, it is not the most tax-friendly option there is. The cost of living might also leave a dent in your wallet since it is 22 percent over the U.S. average. However, this will make for a great choice if you have a lot of savings already.
Rhode Island
Washington
Washington might not be the most economical place to move, although the prices are not too bad for the Pacific Northwest. It has a population of 7.1 million people. Vancouver offers a great lifestyle without having to spend extravagantly, so this is worth keeping in mind. While the cost of living is still 21 percent higher than the U.S. average, it is still a lot cheaper than Hawaii and California. The lack of state income tax is very appealing. For households over 65 years old, the average income is more than $55,000, so a job will definitely make things easier.
Washington
New Hampshire
New Hampshire is a good option because it is a tax-friendly state that does not tax retirement income. This small New England state has a population of 1.3 million. Gilford is a great city to live in. If you have healthcare needs, you will be glad to know that the United Health Foundation reported that the state is the fifth-best for senior health. Let us not forget that it boasts of awe-inspiring landscapes. While the cost of living is still 18 percent higher than the national average, the tax conditions alleviate some concerns. Some people might not enjoy the humid summers and cold winters, however.
New Hampshire
Oregon
Let us take a look at Oregon to see if this is a good place for you to retire in. With a population of 4 million people, most retirees seem to prefer living in Gold Beach. Healthcare costs are pretty good at 2.6 percent below the U.S. average. It also offers lots of outdoorsy activities for senior citizens, although the rain can be a problem during the rainy season in September. While Social Security is tax-exempt, most retirement income is not. In fact, the state boasts of a 9.9 percent income tax, which makes it one of the highest across the country. The cost of living is 18 percent higher than the US average, but the income for senior citizens is on the low side at around $45,000.
Oregon
Maryland
Perhaps Maryland is the ideal retirement place for you. The state has a population of 6 million, and its retiree population likes living in Chevy Chase Village. The average household income for seniors is the second highest across the country at $70,874. This might be enough to offset the cost of living, which is 17 percent higher than the U.S. average. You can also go to Baltimore or even Washington D.C., so there are plenty of things to do in and around the state. While individuals make more money than most places in the U.S., keep in mind that they get taxed heavily. Social Security is not taxed but distributions from individual retirement accounts are. There is also an inheritance and estate tax.
Maryland
Colorado
Let us find out if you should live out your Golden Years in Colorado. It has a population of 5.4 million and a cost of living that is 17 percent higher than the national average. The nicest city in the area happens to be Colorado Springs. The state ranked fourth in the senior health rankings conducted by the United Health Foundation. Do you think the Centennial State residents will also go on to be over a hundred years old? Keep in mind that the real estate market is competitive in Denver and the like. You will also need to adjust to the high altitude of the state, but the weather is generally nice at the very least.
Colorado
Vermont
The Green Mountain State is worth considering if you want to stay healthy well into your twilight years. It has one of the smallest populations with only 626,000 people. Hartford is a good place to reside in. The cost of living is still 12 percent higher than the national average, which is not that bad. While it has unparalleled natural beauty and great senior healthcare, you should keep in mind that Kiplinger has called it one of the “Least Tax-Friendly” states.
Vermont
Delaware
Delaware is definitely worth looking into. The 2018 U.S. Census Bureau reported a population of 967,000. Rehoboth Beach, in particular, sounds like a nice place to live in. Delaware does not tax Social Security benefits, which makes it very tax-friendly. On top of that, the state exempts certain amounts of pension income and investments for senior citizens. All these things might offset the fact that the cost of living is 11 percent higher than the national average. It would be great if you have a lot of savings already since senior citizens have incomes that are lower than average.
Delaware
Virginia
Virginia boasts of a population of 8.3 million people as well as a somewhat high cost of living that rests 7 percent higher than the U.S. average. Many retirees seem to like living in Roanoke. Anyway, the incomes are pretty high here, so the cost of living might be negligible. On top of that, healthcare is pretty affordable and Social Security does not get taxed. Senior citizens can also deduct $12,000 from their income! It is not a great idea if you are a fan of big city living, however.
Virginia
Utah
Are you planning on retiring in Utah? Let us see if it would be a smart move to relocate to the state of 2.9 million people. According to the United Health Foundation, it has the second-best senior health care in the U.S. It is also a good idea to take advantage of the outdoorsy things you can do in the area. Did you know that there are 5 national parks, 43 state parks, and 5 national forests? We recommend living in Salt Lake City for the best quality of life. Sadly, it is not very tax-friendly for retirees. Social Security is taxed, but the cost of living is not too bad at 4 percent above the national average.
Utah
Nevada
Nevada offers some great deals when it comes to taxes. For one thing, the lack of state income tax will definitely help senior citizens. Poverty rates for the older generation are pretty low. Of course, we cannot talk about this state without mentioning that it is the state that is home to Las Vegas! The cost of living is not too high at only 4 percent above the U.S. average. Winchester is great for retirees. However, the extreme temperatures courtesy of the semi-arid desert climate might not appeal to some people.
Nevada
Minnesota
But what about Minnesota? Let us see. If you are most concerned about health, you should know that the United Health Foundation called it the “healthiest in the country for seniors.” Osseo is a great place, but Rochester has Mayo Clinic. It is definitely worth considering if you have serious health issues. There are 5.5 million living in the state, and the cost of living is 4 percent higher than the U.S. average. Sadly, the annual income is below average and Social Security gets taxed as much as the Feds charge. Retirement incomes are not exempted from tax either.
Minnesota
South Dakota
South Dakota also has a cost of living that lies 4 percent higher than the national average. It is on the small side with a population of only 882,000. Hot Springs is the place of choice among senior citizens. Did you know that it is also the “Most Tax-Friendly” state? Cool. Aside from the fact that it is affordable, nature lovers will not run out of things to do. Blizzards and the cold make it less than ideal when it comes to the weather, however. Sadly, there are no big cities around the area.
South Dakota
Montana
The cost of living in Montana is 3 percent higher than the U.S. average. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the state boasts of 1.062 million. Retirees seem to be very fond of Glasgow. It is certainly a beautiful state, which is evident from its natural wonders like the Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks. According to Kiplinger, it boasts of one of the highest senior populations in the country. Kiplinger said the Treasure State is “Not Tax-Friendly.” The income levels are lower than average and retirement incomes are mostly taxed. That includes Social Security! There are no big cities to visit nearby either.
Montana
Arizona
Meanwhile, Arizona boasts of a cost of living that is 3 percent higher than the U.S. average. The state has a population of 6.7 million, with many retirees opting to live in Green Valley. It offers great views and lots of sunshine, so this is a great place if you hate icy winters. The dry heat can get unbearable during the summer, however. On top of that, this is not the most affordable place for seniors since the average household income for the older generation is 10.8 percent lower than the national average.
Arizona
North Dakota
According to Kiplinger, North Dakota is tax-friendly for retirees since income taxes are only 1.1 to 2.9 percent. The state taxes retirement income, although this should not be a huge problem since the cost of living is only a percent higher than the U.S. average. The natural landscapes are great as well! The population of 760,000 makes it ideal if you do not like big city living. Rugby is a great place to live in.
North Dakota
Florida
Did you know that the Sunshine State is one of the most tax-friendly states across the country? Many retirees flock to Florida, especially Jacksonville, thanks to this and all the sunshine. The benefits are also fiscally secure, and the population of 19.9 million makes it desirable for people who like big city living. Just keep in mind that the heat and humidity will not suit everyone. If you have poor health, it might not be the best choice. Aside from that, thunder and lightning storms as well as hurricanes happen as well.
Florida
Wyoming
Wyoming only has a population of 577,000. Because of this, it is better suited for nature lovers instead of city dwellers. SmartAsset says Cody is the best city in the state. According to the Mercatus Center, the state ranks high in terms of fiscal health. The lack of income tax and the fact that the cost of living is the U.S. average makes things easier on the wallet too.
Wyoming
Maine
Maine has a population of 1.3 million, and the cost of living is 2 percent lower than the national average. Portland is an awesome city that fascinates retirees. If you like lobster and seafood, this is the place to be. The healthcare costs are lower than the U.S. average, so you can live a good life on savings and retirement income. The tax situation is fine, although most retirement income is taxed. The good thing here is that Social Security is exempt. However, keep in mind that senior households earn 25.2 percent below the national average.
Maine
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania boasts of a cost of living that is 3 percent below the national average. With a population of 12.8 million, it should city dwellers just fine. Pittsburgh is highly recommended – in fact, Forbes named it the best city in the country to retire in! Healthcare is generally inexpensive, and tax breaks make things even easier in this state. However, the Pennsylvania financial condition is not the best, so things might change in the future.
Pennsylvania
Wisconsin
The cost of living in Wisconsin lies 4 percent lower than the U.S. average. With a population of 5.8 million, this state is not out of the question for city dwellers. Madison is the best city for retirees. In general, Wisconsin has a low cost of living, and there are certain tax breaks for low-income retirees. If you like cheese, you can get your fix here. However, it is not the most tax-friendly income. On top of that, it has the lowest household income for senior citizens in the country. Social Security might be exempt but other retirement income is often taxable. Healthcare costs are pricier than usual as well.
Wisconsin
Illinois
Illinois has a population of 12.9 million and a cost of living that is 4 percent lower than the U.S. average. According to Niche.com, Leland Grove is a good choice for retirement living. The fiscal standing of the state has been going down for quite some time, however. Sadly, it is also the second-lowest fiscally secure state. Tax breaks on various retirement incomes are not guaranteed, and sales taxes are high.
Illinois
Idaho
Nature lovers will have a blast in Idaho with its rugged landscape, lakes, canyons, and mountains. It has a population of 1.6 million as well as an affordable cost of living at 5 percent below the national average. Sandpoint is awesome for retirees, but not if you want a big city lifestyle. The tax-friendliness is also a mixed bag for senior citizens. State tax is six percent, while state income tax is more than seven percent. On the downside, Social Security is not taxed and there is no estate or inheritance tax.
Idaho
New Mexico
New Mexico is a great and peaceful place, so do not be fooled by what Breaking Bad and Beter Call Saul might tell you. The cost of living is 5 percent lower than the national average. As of 2018, it has a population of 2.095 million. SmartAsset says Taos is the best city in the state. The tax situation is less than ideal, however. According to Kiplinger, it is the “Least Tax-Friendly” state since they tax retirement income. However, low-income seniors might expect benefits to offset that!
New Mexico
North Carolina
The weather in North Carolina is generally mild, so it is great for nature lovers. The cost of living is on the low side at 5 percent below the U.S. average. However, you might want to avoid the Kill Devil Hills area and opt for Asheville instead. With a population of 9.9 million, the state will appeal to big city lovers. While Social Security does not get taxed, other retirement income is taxed at 5.9 percent. Aside from that, income levels for seniors are pretty low at an average of $43,616.
North Carolina
South Carolina
Next up, let us take a look at South Carolina. The cost of living here is 7 percent lower than the U.S. average. With a population of 4.8 million, there are varied options in the area. If you ask us, Bluffton is a great choice. The mild year-round weather is great for retirees. Aside from that, seniors will be happy with how tax-friendly it is. However, the summer can get hot and humid in the state. Health is not the best either since smoking and obesity levels are high but the veggie consumption is low.
South Carolina
Georgia
This Southern state has a cost of living that is 7 percent lower than the national average. It has a population of 10.1 million. Athens would be the place to go for retirees. Georgia has warm weather and low living costs, which make it a good place to retire in. Aside from that, state taxes are pretty low too. The summers are hot and humid in this part of the country. Let’s not forget that the mosquitos can get annoying as well.
Georgia
Missouri
For retirees, the low costs of living in Missouri is definitely a plus. It is 10 percent lower than the U.S. average! Bookworms also love the fact that many famous writers come from here. The Show Me State has a population of 6.1 million. Columbia is the city to live in here. While it is cheap, you should cheap in mind that income levels for senior citizens are low at only a little more than $43,000. On top of that, the tax situation is not the best and there is poor healthcare for senior citizens.
Missouri
Texas
Boasting of a population of 27 million, Texas also has an affordable cost of living at 10 percent below the national average. Austin and Dallas might appeal to city dwellers, but San Marcos is the city that many retirees prefer. You will find that folks 65 years and above have a pretty good average income. Laws do not tax incomes heavily either. On the downside, healthcare is not very affordable and there are high poverty rates. It actually has the sixth-highest rate for senior poverty at 10.8 percent.
Texas
Louisiana
In the southern state of Louisiana, the cost of living is 10 percent below the average. Baton Rouge is a great city for retirees, but New Orleans is a fascinating place as well. There are 4.6 million people living in the state known for its cuisine, music, and swamps. You can find lots of adventures in this area! However, do not forget that incomes are also on the low side. The average income for senior citizens is $50,744. Healthcare is not the cheapest either as it is 2.1 percent more than the average in the country.
Louisiana
Nebraska
Nebraska has a very affordable cost of living at 12 percent lower than the national average. There is good fiscal health as well! It is not the most populated state in the country with only 1.9 million residents. Niche.com granted O’Neill an “A” for retirees, so this is the ideal place to live in. It is a good idea to keep in mind that it is not particularly tax-friendly for senior citizens. Retirement income is mostly taxable. For Social Security, you only get an exemption if you make $43,000 or less on your own and $58,000 for a joint filing.
Nebraska
Tennessee
Let us see how good Tennessee is for retirees. It is quite affordable thanks to the cost of living, which is 12 percent below the national average. The state of 6.5 million people is tax-friendly for retirees. It does not levy state income taxes! The big cities are pretty affordable as well. Lookout Mountain is ideal for many retirees. However, summer can be hot and humid. Aside from the weather, you should know that the traffic can get pretty bad in metro areas such as Memphis and Nashville as well.
Tennessee
Ohio
The further down we go, the cheaper it is for retirees! When it comes to the cost of living, Ohio boasts of a 12 percent lower than the national average. It has a population of 11.6 million. It is in the central U.S. so traveling around the country is fairly easy. You should look into Bellbrook if you are interested in living in the Buckeye State. Retirees will be glad to hear that Social Security does not get taxed, although the average household income for people 65 and above is not very high. We recommend it if you have lots of savings because the senior citizen income averages at $42,667.
Ohio
Michigan
What is Michigan like for retirees? There are 9.9 million people living in the Great Lakes State. The low cost of living (12 percent lower than the U.S. average!) and the low poverty rate make it appealing. For many retirees here, Farmington is the city of choice. If you end up living in the state, do not hesitate to try out water sports during the spring and summer months. However, the tax situation might get worse in the new few years. By 2020, people 67 years old and above will have to choose between a Social Security income deduction or $20,000 of income for singles and $40,000 for couples.
Michigan
Iowa
Iowa also has a cost of living that rests 12 percent below the average in the country. There are 3.1 million people living in the Hawkeye state. We recommend checking out Iowa City, which is a UNESCO “City of Literature” with a great cultural scene. There is no state income tax on Social Security, and you get a state income tax break on pension income. Sadly, taxes are still not that lenient. Retirement income might cost you as much as 8.89 percent! However, those 55 years old and above can choose to exclude as much as $6,000 in taxable retirement income.
Iowa
Alabama
The cost of living in Alabama lies 13 percent under the U.S. average. There are 8 million people living in the state. Retirees seem to prefer Orange Beach! The Heart of Dixie is budget-friendly for retirees, who spend 4.4 percent less than average on senior healthcare. Income taxes range from 2 to 5 percent and Social Security is exempted from taxes. However, storms are intense during the spring and November, so thunderstorms and rain come on these months. Since it is in the South, expect hot summers too.
Alabama
Kansas
You should also look into the idea of retiring in The Sunflower State. The cost of living there is 14 percent lower than the national average. Kansas has a population of 2.9 million. Eureka is a suitable city for many retirees. The scenic natural landscapes in the state will appeal to anyone who appreciates gorgeous plains and prairies. However, the state is not in the best financial shape. It is raising taxes to make up for it. Many retirement incomes, even Social Security, are going to be subjected to state taxes that range from 3.1 to 5.7 percent. If you are budget conscious, keep reading.
Kansas
Kentucky
The Bluegrass State might be the retirement state you are looking for! With a population of 4.4 million, the cost of living in Kentucky is 14 percent lower than the U.S. average. Lexington is a city that many retirees like. Retirees enjoy high tax breaks as well! Social Security as well as $41,110 of other income sources get exempted from taxes. However, the health costs for senior citizens are not the cheapest. In fact, it is more or less the national average. Senior health is pretty bad thanks to high rates of poverty, physical inactivity, and smoking. It might be hard to look for a good nursing home as well.
Kentucky
Mississippi
Mississippi offers awesome tax breaks and a cost of living that is 15 percent lower than the national average. There are 3 million people in the Magnolia State. The Hide-A-Way Lake area does not only have a great name, but it is also ideal for retirees! Anyway, it offers tax exemptions on IRAs, 401Ks, and other Social Security incomes. The property taxes are lower than most of the country as well. However, keep in mind it has a high senior poverty rate and a pretty bad senior health ranking.
Mississippi
Indiana
We are down to the last few states! Indiana is one of our top choices. This state has an affordable cost of living that is lower than 15 percent below the national average. There are 6.6 million in the state. For retirees, it does not get much better than Meridian Hills. However, Indiana is still the best for seniors that have saved a lot of money since the annual income is lower than the average across the country. In fact, it is 21.4 percent below the U.S. average! Retirement income, except Social Security, is also taxable.
Indiana
Oklahoma
Oklahoma is another that offers the best quality of life for retirees. There are 3.9 million living here. Nichols Hills is your best bet here. The cost of living is low at 16 percent below the U.S. average, so your retirement funds will go a long way. Social Security is not taxed and up to $10,000 can be excluded from your retirement income. Sadly, it is the third-worst in terms of senior health due to high rates of smoking and physical inactivity. Good nursing homes and geriatric care options are limited too.
Oklahoma
West Virginia
West Virginia is the second-best state for retirement in our books! The cost of living there is 17 percent lower than the national average. Aside from that, the Mountain State offers great sceneries, a rich history, and impressive resorts. According to Nichel.com, Lewisburg is the best city in the state for retirement. However, Kiplinger says the state is not the most tax-friendly. Fiscal soundness is not the best in the state either. Senior healthcare could also be improved to make the state better for retirees.
West Virginia
Arkansas
Arkansas offers a cost of living that is 17 percent lower than the U.S. average. There are 3 million people living in the Natural State. Bella Vista is the perfect place to retire in, but your money will come a long way anywhere here. Health costs are also the third-best for retired couples. You can enjoy hot springs, mountains, rivers, and hot springs. However, state taxes are not as low as they can go. Luckily, Social Security and up to $6,000 on retirement income are exempted. Income tax rates can reach 6.9 percent if it is over $75,000. Keep in mind that poverty rates are pretty high too. Lastly, it is not the best place for you if you are looking for a big city lifestyle.
Arkansas
Panama
Panama is the southernmost country holding its spot for the third-largest economy in Central America. In the past six years, the population of Panama has increased by nearly one million people, which proves that Panama is a highly desirable place to live. The largest city in the country is Panama City, which is home to about one million people. The weather in Panama remains hot nearly all year, and in some months it can also bring a lot of humidity. If you’re a summer person and someone who wants to be in the sun all year, Panama may be the place for you! The main language in Panama is Spanish.
Panama
Costa Rica
In 2019, Costa Rica has an estimated population of 5.05 million people, which is up from the last census, which showed the population at 4.58 million. “Costa Rica” is a Spanish word which translates to ‘the rich coast.’ This Central American country borders the Pacific Ocean to the west, the Caribbean Sea to the east, Panama to the southeast and Nicaragua to the north. In short, there’s really no bad view from the coast of Costa Rica! Since Costa Rica is so close to the equator, it’s pretty much hot year-round with no real “seasons”; although, it has what’s called the rainy season from May until November every year. Sort of like their version of winter, though still quite hot outside.
Costa Rica
Mexico
Talk about an up-and-coming place to retire, Mexico’s population has grown by over 12 million people in the past seven years! Mexico is the largest Spanish-speaking nation in the world, which is also pretty awesome. Mexico definitely has some distinct seasons; winter in Mexico can reach temperatures of about 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) and in the summer average temperatures in Mexico are about 83 degrees Fahrenheit (28 degrees Celsius). While it’s no snowy winter, at least you experience some cooler temperatures once in a while! The main language spoken in Mexico is Spanish and their currency is the Peso.
Mexico
Ecuador
Ecuador is along the west coast of South America; it’s bordered by Colombia, Peru, and the Pacific Ocean… wow! The majority of people living in Ecuador live in the central part of the country, along the Andes mountains, or along the Pacific coast. Surprisingly, the currency used in Ecuador is the U.S. Dollar! The best part about Ecuador is how cheap it is; the average couple could live in Ecuador on only about $1,500 per month. How crazy is that? You can get an upscale apartment for only $600 per month! That’s something you can’t usually find in America. The average temperature in Ecuador is 78 degrees Fahrenheit (26 degrees Celsius).
Ecuador
Malaysia
The current population of Malaysia is 31.95 million, which is quite a significant increase from 2013’s estimate of 29.79 million. Roughly three-quarters of the Malaysian population live in urban areas, and there are several large cities throughout the country. The capital of Kuala Lumpur is by far the largest city in the country with a population of 1.808 million; this is actually the only city in Malaysia with a population of over 1 million people. Though English is not an official language of Malaysia, all school kids learn the language and it is considered the official language used in business. Malaysia has tropical weather year-round; however, due to its proximity to water, it is often quite humid. The weather usually ranges from 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 Celsius) to 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius).
Malaysia
Colombia
High-quality housing in Colombia is very affordable for people in most cities. Some Colombian cities may be a bit too expensive for someone living alone on a $1,000 budget, but in general, it’s very affordable. For example, a one-bedroom apartment in central Cartagena on Colombia’s Caribbean coast averages over $600. The average year-round temperature in Colombia is 74 degrees Fahrenheit (23 degrees Celsius), which seems perfect to most people. English and Spanish are the most commonly used languages in Colombia, which is pretty awesome. The Colombian Peso is the officially-accepted form of currency.
Colombia
Portugal
Portugal is known for having near-perfect weather all year, which is why it’s no surprise that it’s becoming such a popular place to relocate to. Temperatures range from 53 to 79 degrees Fahrenheit (11 to 26 degrees Celsius). Portugal has some breathtaking views, and the food is also pretty amazing. On top of all of this, Portugal offers one of the lowest costs of living in all of Western Europe. Just about everything, from accommodation to groceries, is affordable. Including rent, a couple can live comfortably in Portugal’s interior, or in small cities, for just about $1,700 a month. Portugal sounds better and better each minute!
Portugal
Peru
By population, Peru is the 43rd largest country in the world and the fourth largest in South America, next to Brazil, Colombia, and Argentina. The current population of Peru is estimated at around 32.51 million, which is much higher than the 2013 estimate of 30,475,144 and its 2007 census of 28.2 million people. Peru actually tends to be warmer during the winter months, having high temperatures of 79 degrees Fahrenheit (26 degrees Celsius) in January and only 72 degrees Fahrenheit (22 degrees Celsius) in May. Like the other countries, Peru is extremely affordable to live in; on average, you can live comfortably in Peru on only $2,000 per month. The main language of Peru is Spanish.
Peru
Thailand
Did you know that Thailand is actually the 51st largest country on Earth? How cool! From July to October is considered monsoon season, which is when most of Thailand’s annual rainfall is accumulated. The humidity averages just under 90%, which seems crazy to even think about. Thailand’s climate is subtropical throughout most of the country, leading to year-round hot and humid weather. During the hottest months of the year, temperatures regularly reach 105 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius). Even during the cooler “winter” season, you can expect daily temperatures to be around 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius). Wow, talk about hot!
Thailand
Spain
Fun fact, Spain actually has the highest life expectancy of any country in Europe. That’s pretty uplifting news if you’re hoping to move there! Between their high quality of life and great diet standards, people are starting to live longer and longer lives. Spain has a few large cities that are known for different things throughout, but all of them are just as beautiful as the others. Temperatures range depending on which part of the country you’re in, but in Barcelona, the average temperatures range from 41 to 79 degrees Fahrenheit (5 to 26 degrees Celsius). Cost of living in most parts of Spain is considered some of the lowest in Western Europe; a couple can spend only about $20,000 per year while still enjoying regular meals out! With Spain’s amazing views, culture, and weather, this seems like a big win.
Spain
France
Everyone knows France as being one of the most romantic, elegant countries in the world, so why wouldn’t you want to retire there? In Paris, the summers are short and comfortable, but the winters are long and a bit brutal, depending on what weather you’re used to. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 35 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit (1 to 25 degrees Celsius) and rarely reaches below 25 degrees Fahrenheit (-3 Celsius) or above 88 degrees Fahrenheit (31 degrees Celsius). The downside of moving here is that Paris is a notoriously expensive city to live in. The cost of living is a lot higher than most other European cities, including Europe’s high tax percentages. You will likely even find that utilities and gas are more expensive than you’re used to anywhere else.
France
Italy
Just like most countries, weather in Italy varies depending on where you live. In Rome, temperatures vary from 37 degrees Fahrenheit (3 degrees Celsius) in the winter to 84 degrees Fahrenheit (29 degrees Celsius) in the summer months. As far as the cost of living in Rome, it is pretty comparable to any European city, but something good to keep in mine is that it’s much cheaper than New York, London, or Tokyo. Some things are more expensive in Italy than in the U.S., such as energy costs; gas, electricity, heating, etc. Living in the land of bread, pasta, and pizza seems like the ultimate dream, doesn’t it?!
Italy
Cambodia
Like most of Southeast Asia, Cambodia is warm to hot all year, and the climate is dominated by the annual monsoon season with its alternating wet and dry seasons. In the winter months temperatures can drop to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius) and in the summer months can reach up to 93 degrees Fahrenheit (34 degrees Celsius); what a big difference! Living in Cambodia is extremely cheap: about $350 per month can get you an apartment in a central location. Khmer is the most commonly-spoken language in Cambodia. Cambodia has many tourist attractions that are definitely must-sees when you first arrive!
Cambodia
Belize
Belize can either be gorgeous and sunny or extremely rainy. During rain season, you can expect a downpour at least once or twice a week… but hey, it’s worth it for the other days when you’re living in a tropical paradise! For the most part, it’s summer in Belize all year round. On top of this, living in Belize is very affordable. The average couple can live quite well in Belize for around $1,200 a month. What’s stopping you? Get to Belize to see how amazing it is!
Belize
Malta
While Malta does face colder months during the winter, summers in Malta are extraordinary and make up for the cold times. Low temperatures in the winter are about 49 degrees Fahrenheit (9 degrees Celsius), and warm temperatures in the summer reach about 88 degrees Fahrenheit (31 degrees Celsius). Living in Malta is more expensive than some other places, with rent alone costing about $700-900 per month, but if you can budget properly you’ll be able to manage well. Malta is best known for its quiet, tranquil islands, which makes for a perfect retirement destination after years of hard work!
Malta