Have you ever considered an exotic retirement as the best choice for your golden years?
When it comes to the golden years, not many retirees end up considering an exotic retirement. This may be because they are scared of losing their connection to their family back in the States or because it has never even crossed their minds.
However, an exotic retirement in an international city can be the best answer and bet when it comes to having to retire on a budget.
While for some, the United States may be too expensive for retirement, the world is truly our oyster when it comes to retirement options, so why not go international?
These exotic retirement locations are just as beautiful as they are affordable, and a couple can easily relocate to them for only $1,500 monthly!
We have looked at what experts recommend and brought you some of the best locations where you can retire with this budget and live your best golden years within your means, without having to worry about finances! Keep on reading to discover them!
Have you ever considered an exotic retirement? Why or why not? Share your reasoning in the comments!
Bergerac, France
When it comes to France, many think about Paris or Lyon, but there are other parts of the country that you can settle in that are going to be more affordable.
Make no mistake, it is not going to be a place where you can find dirt-cheap digs, but the cost of living is going to be lower when compared with most of France and even parts of the United States. It definitely fits the budget criteria we set, so you do not have to worry about that!
This smaller town is perfect for those who love history and the French way of life. Bergerac has an amazing medieval street and is famous for its public squares and medieval fountains, which are all still functional.
There are a lot of perks to making Bergerac your exotic retirement location. While not truly exotic, Francophiles love the food culture of France, along with the wine, the unspoiled countryside, the rich historical and cultural landscape, and amazing healthcare!
Plus, if you are a history enthusiast, you will be able to find plenty here!
Alicante, Spain
Another part of Europe that would be perfect for an exotic vacation is Spain!
Not only can you enjoy the best tourist destination, but you can also create a community in this city that many consider a part of Paradise.
Located on the east coast of Spain, Alicante is a perfect location if you have been thinking about picking up golf, while also being perfect for seaside enthusiasts and history buffs.
The Castle of Santa Barbara is close by, and you can explore it to your heart’s content, while the beaches in the area are amazing as an oasis of relaxation and quiet.
Spain is a great destination due to its unique landscape. With both beaches and mountains, along with bustling cities and delightful festivals, you can expect to have almost constant sunshine.
This is just part of what makes this county one of the most sought-after exotic retirement destinations!
And the cost is not that bad either! A couple can rent a home with a seaside view or an apartment in the middle of Alicante for less than $700 a month.
The rest of the expenses are reported to cost another $700 for a couple, so even less than our allocated budget!
Arenal, Costa Rica
Have you ever thought of Costa Rica as an exotic retirement location? If you have been thinking of moving to a spot that has a low rent, then Arenal may just be that city for you.
Rent in this location is around $400 per month, and those who have made this commitment to stay here say that the rest of their expenses amount to less than our budget of $1,500. So there is nothing to worry about when it comes to the financial part if you choose this part of the world.
Arenal also has some pretty interesting landmarks since it is named after the namesake volcano, which is one of the most famous places in Costa Rica. The presence of the volcano gives access to the entire area for amazing rainforest hikes and an abundant hot spring experience.
If you are a nature lover, then this is a small oasis for you, just a mere less than 5-hour flight from the United States!
Chiang Mai, Thailand
If you’re truly looking for what many consider an exotic location, then you should look into retiring to Chiang Mai in Thailand.
Being the third largest city in the country, this city is the largest in the northern part of Thailand and it is full of history. Chiang Mai used to be the capital of a kingdom by the same name!
Despite being seen as a large city, Chiang Mai is more akin to a large village than a metropolis, but you will not be missing anything you may need if you choose to relocate here.
If you have been thinking you would love to be in a more urban setting without the hustle and bustle of a huge city, Chiang Mai may just be the best choice for you!
The cost of living here is affordable too, with experts saying that a condo with three bedrooms and a hill view is only going to be around $300, and couples spending under $1,000 monthly on their shared expenses in addition to the housing cost!
If you would like to know more about Chiang Mai, we recommend that you visit the area first to see if it is a good fit for you. This travel guide from Amazon has helped many plan their Chiang Mai trip, and it may be useful for you too!
Isla Mujeres, Mexico
If you are looking for an exotic retirement, you do not have to fly all across the world, as we have seen with Costa Rice. However, you can get here in as little as three hours from Atlanta International Airport, so it’s way closer!
To get to Isla Mujeres, you would have to first fly into Cancun and then take the ferry to the island. However, if you are looking for a relaxed beach destination that is not going to be full of tourists, then this is the spot for you.
Isla Mujeres is a great location for enjoying white sand beaches and having a quiet spot for yourself, with other residents being locals, artists, anglers, and expatriates!
Even better, an apartment here is going to cost you only around $600 a month, with all utilities included in the price!
Armenia, Colombia
If you have always been a coffee enthusiast, then why not move to a place that is known as a “coffee lover’s dream”?
Armenia in Colombia is the home of the coffee cultural landscape of the country, and it has also been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Not only will you be able to enjoy the gorgeous coffee and food scene of the city, but you will also be able to visit amazing sights and explore the likes of coffee and banana plantations.
What’s more, this is the most affordable spot on our list! A one-bedroom apartment in Armenia is around $400, with food not going to cost you more than $200!
If the budget seems to be a bit too high for you, then do not worry! Other overseas locations can provide you with a great retirement experience for about $1,000 a month! Check them out here and start thinking about whether or not going abroad when you retire is the best choice for you!
