OMG
Top Places in the World Where You Can Retire on $150k!
Retiring and retiring well are two completely different concepts. Nobody shares the same path in life, so it is hard to find a one-size-fits-all solution for affordable retirement communities. In order to help as many people as possible find their way to a beautiful place to retire, we’ve decided to dig deep into our research. Listed below, you’ll find our list of the best places in the world to retire with only $150k set aside for your retirement fund. Pay close attention as you browse our list, you never know which city and country will grab your attention!
Da Lat, Vietnam
Let’s start our retirement world tour by visiting Da Lat in Vietnam. Da Lat is a temperate city with mountain peaks soaring on the horizon and beautiful pine forests at its back. This historic city costs little more than $900 per month to live in with under $400 of that committed to a nice centrally located apartment. Da Lat is a beautiful city with cheap food and great views.
La Paz, Bolivia
Moving to Bolivia might seem out of the left-field, but don’t let that fool you. Bolivia has plenty to offer as a crowning jewel of South America. Bolivia sports booming cities and small towns that will charm the socks right off of you. Living in La Paz costs around $1,000 per month, though you will need to factor health insurance into the equation.
County Mayo, Ireland
Ireland has something to offer just about everyone. From ancient castles to modern hospitals, transitioning to Ireland will be like having never left home. While Dublin is certainly expensive, you can find your own home in County Mayo for just $100k at closing. Ireland sports a wonderful health care system with affordable insurance rates available to those from outside the E.U.
Valparaiso, Chile
Life in Chile can be incredible for people looking to retire into a middle-class life. Living in Valparaiso will run you only $1,000 per month with more than enough money set aside to enjoy the local luxuries. You can acquire your retirement visa after visiting the country as a traditional tourist.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Thailand has been gaining popularity in recent years as an affordable tourist destination. Nowadays, people are planning on visiting Chiang Mai without the intention of leaving. Chiang Mai is not only beautiful but extremely affordable, as well. For a two-bedroom bungalow with a yard, you’ll pay little more than $800/month. Tuk-tuks and baht buses are the conventional travel choices of the city and boy are they cheap. Leave your car keys behind and embrace the retired life!
The Woodlands, Texas
Texas is a booming state right now thanks to all the income flowing into places like Houston. Houston has become a hotbed for economic progress as tech companies from all over the world look to start doing business there. The Woodlands are a suburb just outside of Houston with a population of just 100,000 citizens. Despite its proximity to Houston, retiring in The Woodlands will only cost around $1700 per month for a charming and comfortable middle-class lifestyle.
Montpellier, France
Finding a place to retire in France can be tough, especially with how exorbitant the prices are in some of the more touristy cities. With that being said, you can find a one-bedroom apartment in a nice neighborhood in the university city of Montpellier for under $700 per month. Applying for a long-term visa isn’t difficult as you only need to head to your local French consulate.
Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic has plenty to offer to retirees of all stripes. Puerto Plata is swarming in gorgeous turquoise water, warm weather, and year-round sunshine. With more than 800 miles of coastline in the Dominican Republic, you’ll never be far from a beautiful beach. Consider setting aside roughly $1200 per month to cover your living expenses, including your rent.
Bangkok, Thailand
Retiring in Thailand is the right choice for individuals that want to see an exotic place while still reveling in the comfort of first-world amenities. That being said, Bangkok is going to be the first place you look at when attempting to settle in the region. Thailand has great healthcare that is more affordable than the United States. With a thriving ex-pat community and an average temperature of 85 degrees, there is a lot to like.
Algarve, Portugal
Life in Europe can be as relaxing and charming as you want it to be when you head to Algarve, Portugal. The Algarve region of Portugal is as affordable as it is beautiful with nearly 3,300 hours of the sun shining down on the region every year. Some of the finest beaches in the world can be found in this area. To make matters even better, Portugal recently introduced its Golden Visa program to entice future retirees with established residency.
Girona, Spain
Retiring in Spain seems like a dream come to life, doesn’t it? While many people think that Spain would be cost-prohibitive when it comes to retiring abroad, the truth is that you simply need to know where to look. Girona sports a Mediterranean atmosphere with the weather that you would expect. Located a hop and a skip from the international airport, you’ll never have to go far if you need a break from your relaxing retirement. Girona also sports world-class healthcare with prices roughly a third of those in the United States.
Quito, Ecuador
Quito is the capital city of Ecuador as well as the most populated urban area in the country. Located at 9,350 feet above sea level, this is one of the most elevated capital cities on the planet. Ecuador has a booming ex-pat community, so international retirees should feel comfortable when settling in. Quito sports average daily temperatures of around 70′ throughout the year.
Cascais, Portugal
The city of Cascais is located in Portugal where it is nestled against the coast. Cascais has 100+ parks in its immediate vicinity as well as access to world-class golf courses. You’ll find a moderate climate and proximity to Lisbon as two of the major selling points of the area. You’ll also find that Cascais has a thriving ex-pat community, so you’ll be in great company!
Cuenca, Ecuador
Retiring in Ecuador should be at the top of your list, especially if you are prioritizing temperate weather and established ex-pat communities. Cuenca is probably the best place for people to retire on a budget thanks to its solid infrastructure and ease of travel. Cuenca has two seasons to be aware of: dry and rainy. Cuenca has an invigorated arts scene that has benefited from world-class performers. A house in Ecuador will also go for half the price than a comparable model would be sold for in the United States.
Mazatlan, Mexico
Forget what you’ve heard on the news, there are amazing retirement places in Mexico to embrace. Mazatlan is one of the most popular retirement destinations for Americans looking to get by on a budget. Mazatlan has an authentic Mexican setting with enough English diversity to make both languages viable. Mazatlan has incredibly low costs of living with most couples budgeting roughly $1200 for their monthly living expenses.
Annecy, France
Life in Annecy, France, can be adventurous or slow-paced depending on what you are looking to accomplish. Annecy’s largest attraction is their proximity to the French Alps and all of its associated skiing areas. Annecy seems more like a fairy tale than it does an actual city, so make sure to take in all that the beautiful place has to offer.
Taipei, Taiwan
Taipei is the capital city of Taiwan, but that doesn’t make it an expensive place to live. As one of the truly premier major cities in the region, Taipei benefits from an award-winning light rail system which makes traveling as simple as you could hope for. Taipei is easy to get around and easier to live in thanks to its safe environment and affordable amenities.
Bled, Slovenia
Forget the slightly ominous name and embrace everything that the city of Bled has to offer in Slovenia. Slightly pricier than some other options on our list, Bled is considered to be a true destination for ex-pats and retirees that want it all. From thermal pools and mountain trails to boating, fishing, and outdoor summer fun, there is always something to do. With the benefit of stability that the European Union offers, you will only pay around $1255 for a monthly budget.
Bali, Indonesia
You don’t have to be an international traveler to know that Bali is one heck of a vacation destination. With that in mind, what could be better than settling down there for your golden years? Bali is one of the most stunning islands on the planet with lush jungles and soaring volcanoes. You’ll find just about any outdoor activity that you can imagine at your very fingertips. Bali is a little more expensive than many of our other options, though you are going to enjoy what you get for your money!
Popoli, Italy
Who doesn’t want to move to Italy to retire? Popoli is one of the more affordable retirement destinations in the country. With just 5,000 full-time residents, Popoli is just big enough to be exciting while still small enough to feel like home. There are beautiful historic homes for sale with functional farming plots available as well. You’ll truly feel like you are in the Old World without getting rid of your modern conveniences.
St. Paul’s Bay, Malta
Finding your way to St. Paul’s Bay in Malta will lead you to the retirement community of your dreams. There are two official languages in the country with English being one of them. Malta has a beautiful coastline that is littered with historic forts, fishing harbors, and beaches. St. Paul’s Bay specifically features modern conveniences and all the support that you would expect of a first-world destination.
Salto, Uruguay
Uruguay is one of the most prosperous countries in all of South America. Uruguay sports democracy as their form of government as well as modern conveniences blending in with ancient Old World intrigue. Consider settling down in the second-largest city in the country, Salto, for around $800 per month. A mutualista health care plan will only run you around $100 per month.
Arequipa, Peru
Peru is a beautiful country that is becoming increasingly popular with ex-pats and international retirees alike. Living in Peru can be affordable, especially if you settle into Arequipa or Cusco. For a couple to live comfortably in Arequipa, you need to set aside only $250 per month for your apartment rental. Applying for a rentista, retirement visa, is simple and easy to renew.
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysian Borneo
Kota Kinabalu is one of the most beloved beach side cities in the world. Known for being a safe, clean, and peaceful place, Kota Kinabalu has become a home for more than 800,000 people. With first-class amenities and western brand names, the city of KK will feel like an extension of your old home. Kota Kinabalu has affordable living expenses as well as a high-quality medical system for locals and foreigners alike.
Ljubljana, Slovenia
While we can’t pronounce the name out loud, we know that Ljubljana is rapidly becoming one of the crowning retirement jewels of Slovenia. Located near Italy, Hungary, Croatia, and Austria, Slovenia is centrally located in the beating heart of Europe. Ljubljana is a modernized city that still manages to retain its humble charm. With high-quality infrastructure and a low cost of living, you can get by just about anywhere in town.
Dominical, Costa Rica
Dominical is a beach side town in the country of Costa Rica. Life on the Pacific coast is relatively laid back thanks to the beachy vibes that permeate the region. Small beach communities can be found throughout the coast with Dominical being among the most famous destinations. Dominical is laid back, relaxing, and brimming with fun activities. What’s more, Dominical features many of the modern amenities that you remember from home, such as reliable high-speed internet and electric services.
George Town, Malaysia
If you are planning to take your retirement abroad, you might want to consider looking into Malaysia. The country of Malaysia will be represented several times over during our discussion today, and for good reason. George Town is considered a truly exotic first-world destination thanks to its immense melting pot of both languages and culture. English is widely spoken and foreigners are embraced throughout the city. Despite the luxury and beauty that George Town possesses, you can cover all your living expenses for roughly $1.1k per month.
Panama City, Panama
Panama has a wealth of retirement choices for people working on a limited budget. While the official language of the region is Spanish, the vast majority of people in the country also speak English. You can retire for Panama’s retirement program to fast-track your residency. To comfortably settle into Panama City, you need little more than $900 per month to cover your expenses.
Zagreb, Croatia
Croatia is a country comprised of over a thousand islands. With so many islands to choose from, you might have trouble selecting. For our money, we’d point retirees to the capital city of Zagreb. Considered the ‘new Tuscany’, Zagreb is immensely affordable while deliciously exotic. Beautiful beaches and gorgeous weather are among the top reasons to settle down here.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Living in Kuala Lumpur can be like a dream come to life. Located amidst the Malaysian peninsula, Kuala Lumpur offers soaring skyscrapers not twenty minutes away from the ancient village known as Kampung Baru. As a former British colony, English is prevalent throughout the city, so you won’t need to worry so much about adopting a perfect second language.
Udagamandalam, India
Udagamandalam is located in India among wooded hills, freshwater, and temperate weather. This beautiful region is located more than 6,000 feet above the sea with an average temperature sitting at around 60 degrees. You’ll find that the outdoor activities in this historical town are simply unmatched. Enjoy your time on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway which earned its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Scottsdale, Arizona
If you don’t feel like leaving the United States for your retirement, consider heading southwest to Scottsdale, AZ. Scottsdale is a big city with a small-town charm and a population of 200k. Scottsdale is close enough to Phoenix that you can always get the feel of a big city out of your system with little more than a short drive.
Abruzzo, Italy
Italy as a country is well-known for its riveting architecture, deep history, and influential art and culinary scene. Abruzzo is a more affordable location to settle in, so retirees who want a taste of Italy need to take note. From Abruzzo, you will be able to visit vineyards, beaches, and castles at your convenience. What more could anyone want?
Central Valley, Costa Rica
We’ve already talked about Costa Rica, so why not keep it going? The Central Valley can be a beautiful place to settle into if you are looking for high standards of living at a low and convenient cost. With tropical weather year-round, Central Valley offers a great environment for retirees looking for a relaxing and comfortable life. Costa Rica is well-known for its amazing medical care, so that’s another amazing benefit.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Mexico is one of the top countries in the world to retire at and for good reason. Puerto Vallarta is one of the top destinations in the country as it is a thriving resort community thanks to its access to the Pacific Coast. Puerto Vallarta has all the traditional high-end dining and shopping options, but you’ll be able to enjoy it at a considerable discount compared to other similar cities.
Adelaide, South Australia
While Australia is currently going through a crisis due to the wildfires, the country is typically one of the finest retirement destinations on the planet. Retiring in Adelaide will give you front-row access to one of the most livable cities on the planet. While the cost of living may be high, things are changing for the better. Adelaide offers all the amenities and conveniences that you could possibly want as well as some of the finest weather in the region.
Puerta Varas, Chile
Puerto Varas is located in the Chilean Lake District. Seated 600 miles to the south of Santiago, this charming city offers quiet living at a beautiful price. Puerto Varas offers hot summers and long sunny days, though winters will be cold and snowy. The outdoors is the largest calling card for retirees in Puerto Varas, so make sure to get out to enjoy what the region has to offer!
Tumon, Guam
Tumon is the beating heart of Guam’s economy. As a thriving tourist destination, more than 1.2 million visitors will head to the town every year to experience the shopping centers, history, and wonderful weather. Guam is often compared to Hawaii as a more affordable alternative when it comes to similar ocean scenery and weather. English is spoken throughout the island and the official currency of the region is the United States dollar.
Charleston, South Carolina
For a taste of southern living with a heaping spoonful of history, consider heading to Charleston in South Carolina. Charleston is the oldest city in all of South Carolina as it was founded in 1670. The area has been thriving thanks to the tourism industry, but the temperate climate and beautiful outdoor activities make it a great place to settle year-round.
A homeless man in Houston became an unexpected hero when he helped a lost 1st grader, who has special needs, find her way home. Six-year-old Serenity’s day took a scary turn when she disappeared during dismissal time from Lantrip Elementary School, located in Houston.
Serenity’s mother, Mercedes Polk, arrived at the school as usual to pick up her daughter, only to find no trace of her. School staff assured Polk that Serenity was somewhere on the premises, but as minutes turned into an hour, it became apparent that something was wrong. Determined to find her daughter, Polk began her search.
The assistant principal eventually guided Polk to a gas station a mile away from the school, where they found Serenity in a state of distress. The young girl, with tears in her eyes, recounted her attempt to find her family’s home, which is a 30-minute drive away. The situation left both mother and daughter shaken and terrified.
“Someone needs to be held accountable,” Polk expressed, reflecting the concern and fear any parent would feel in such a situation. The Houston Independent School District (HISD) acknowledged the incident and stated, “HISD is actively investigating the incident at Lantrip Elementary. Student safety is our top priority.”
However, amidst the distressing situation, a ray of hope emerged. Serenity pointed out a nearby homeless man, stating that he had come to her aid. Polk, acknowledging the homeless man’s role, said, “He did save her life. Something definitely would have happened to my baby. She could have got hit by a car, kidnapped, anything.”
This story sheds light on the importance of kindness and compassion, even in the most unexpected places. The homeless man’s selfless act underscores the idea that heroes can come from any background. The incident not only highlights the need for improved safety measures but also emphasizes the positive impact individuals can have when they extend a helping hand.
As the community reflects on this incident, it serves as a reminder that a simple act of kindness can make a significant difference in someone’s life. Serenity’s unexpected guardian angel reminds us all that compassion knows no boundaries, and that even in challenging circumstances, humanity and empathy prevail.
In a heartwarming turn of events, a baby donkey named Moon has been reunited with her mother after a frightening two-week-long ordeal. Moon, who is only two months old, was taken from Miller’s Ark Animals in Hampshire, UK, causing distress to both the farm and Moon’s anxious mother. However, thanks to the combined efforts of the community and social media, Moon was located and safely returned to her loving home.
In the month of May, a devastating incident occurred at Miller’s Ark Animals when Moon, a precious baby donkey, was stolen from her home. The farm, which prides itself on its dedication to animal welfare and care, was shocked by the incident. Moon’s mother, Astra, was deeply distressed during the time Moon was away, as the two shared a strong bond, especially through nursing.
As soon as the news broke about Moon’s kidnapping, the team at Miller’s Ark Animals launched an extensive search effort to bring her back safely. They turned to social media, spreading the word about Moon’s disappearance and sharing her story. The posts quickly went viral, gaining thousands of shares and generating numerous tips and sightings from concerned individuals.
After two weeks of tireless searching and monitoring CCTV footage, the Miller’s Ark team received a breakthrough. Moon was discovered at an address in Buckinghamshire, a county located not too far from Hampshire. The farm was overjoyed and relieved by this positive outcome. The team quickly made arrangements to bring Moon back home to her loving family.
Upon Moon’s arrival back at Miller’s Ark, the atmosphere was filled with happiness and excitement. Moon, seemingly aware of the love and care surrounding her, displayed her joy by swishing her tail and eagerly seeking cuddles. The entire team was delighted to witness Moon’s contentment and well-being.
While Moon was away, her mother Astra faced challenges of her own. Without Moon’s nursing, Astra’s milk had dried up, causing further distress for the worried mother. However, the dedicated team at Miller’s Ark Animals immediately stepped in to help Moon and Astra reestablish their bond. Through careful guidance and support, they are assisting Moon’s transition from nursing to solid foods, ensuring her healthy growth and development.
Dogs get themselves into the darnedest messes sometimes. Practically driven by their noses, dogs will follow things or smells into places they have no clue how to get out of. The normal reaction is to back up, but what happens if they go so far in, they can’t back up? That was the case for one canine who literally plugged up a drainage pipe.
Imagine being woken up by the racket of a backhoe grumbling its way into the Earth on the street next to you. That was the case for one neighborhood that found themselves looking out the window at a noisy racket first thing in the morning as the sun was coming up. Flashing fire engine lights also added to the mix, lighting the place up like a Christmas tree.
Bella Vista residents found themselves sitting in a front row seat watching a spectacle caused by a dog that went and wedged itself into a culvert pipe on one mild-mannered Bracknell Lane. More than likely, the dog was after something and was in such a hurry, it went head-first into the pipe without thinking about whether it could get through much less fit. So, once inside, the dumb dog got stuck and started whimpering and panicking up a storm. The dog’s owner was out early before the sun was up looking for his pet, heard the dog stuck, and called 911 for help. Firefighters arrived by 5am, and that’s when the circus started.
There was a bit of confusion at first when the fire engine arrived, as no one actually had a visual on the dog. As it turned out, the big puppy was deep inside the middle of the drainage pipe and wasn’t getting out anytime soon on his own power. That then meant the fire department had to enlist the aid of the town’s street department with earth-moving equipment.
Most times, dogs in a panicked state freak out badly and bite anyone near them trying to help or make contact. Instead, with a snack offered close by, the stuck dog was extremely cooperative and didn’t make a fuss as the firefighters worked to free it. On inspection, the pipe looked big enough for the young dog to make it through. However, deep in the middle, the weight of the ground had bent the channel tighter, and that’s where the canine got stuck.
Once rescued, the dog was back to normal, healthy and acting like nothing happened. Of course, the dog owner might have had a lecture or two about controlling his pet in the future as well as the cost of the rescue.
Many people join long lines on a daily basis purchasing lottery tickets with the hope of being the lucky winner of some serious cash.
Others work tirelessly, but to no avail. However, for an Indonesian man, all he needed was a miracle from the sky, and he certainly received, albeit in a scary way.
A meteorite came crashing through his roof recently and in the blink of an eye, has transformed him into a millionaire.
The North Sumatraman who makes coffins for a living, has since sold the precious rock from the sky for Dh6,611,760.
When a meteorite that was recently sold for $1.8 million (Dh6,611,760) crashed through his roof, a humble coffin maker in Indonesia became an instant millionaire.
A meteorite worth about £1.4 million crashed through the roof of an Indonesian coffin maker’s house, making him a millionaire.
When the 2.1kg rock smashed through the tin veranda outside Josua Hutagalung’s living room, he was building on a coffin outside his house in the town of Kolang.
After getting over the shock of the noise, the 33-year-old dug into his garden soil and discovered the piece of space debris.
“The noise was so loud that it shook parts of the house. And after looking, I discovered that the house’s tin roof had collapsed,” he told Indonesia’s Kompas newspaper. “The stone was already warm when I raised it.”
Carbonaceous chondrite is an exceptionally rare form of meteorite that is believed to be 4.5 billion years old and worth about £645 per gram.
Mr Hutagalung told The Sun that he sold the meteor to US meteorite specialist Jared Collins, who then sold it to a US buyer, who is currently storing it at Arizona State University’s Centre for Meteorite Studies.
Even though the coffin maker has not specifically stated the exact purchase price, it is believed to be in the region of £1 million. Mr Hutagalung stated that he had saved enough money to retire and that he intends to establish a place of worship in his neighborhood.
I’d like to receive emails from The Independent about special deals, activities, and news. Please read our privacy policy.
“I’ve really yearned to have a daughter, and I’m hoping this is a sign that I’ll be fortunate enough to have one now,” he said.
“My phone lit up with insane offers for me to jump on a flight and purchase the meteorite,” Mr Collins said. It was smack in the midst of the Covid crisis, and I couldn’t decide whether to buy the rock for myself or collaborate with scientists and dealers in the United States.
“I took as much cash as I could and went searching for Josua, who turns out to be a professional negotiator.”
The man who leads Indonesia’s National Aeronautics and Space Agency, Thomas Djamaluddin, explained to the press that such a big piece falling in a residential neighborhood was unusual. “The bulk of meteorites hit places far from human settlements, such as seas, forests, or deserts.”
Trust is an essential factor in a marriage. Apart from a few partnerships, all unions should have a benchmark of integrity. If that doesn’t work, you can try, but it is still improbable.
An incident can spark a disdain between the two people, and the distrust can be strong enough to affect their relationship. When this wife began to lose faith in her hubby, she decided to test her hubby’s loyalty. She found out something she never wondered.
