New Countries Practically Begging For Americans To Retire
Americans are broke, burnt out, and bombarded with nonsense. A bunch of countries are rolling out the red carpet, practically begging you to bring your social security check, your remote job, or your leftover 401k. And you know, like they say, live like a king on peanuts. This is my 2025 countdown of 10 countries practically begging Americans to retire there now. And spoiler, they’re not just in Asia like I am. So, let’s go from the good, from the best, the top of the top. Number 10, we’re in Europe for Albania. Cheap, safe, sunny, and nobody’s talking about it. Albania is like the wild card of the Balkans, offering a one-year renewable visa to Americans with zero income proof. You just show up. Cost of living, rent is under 400 in smaller cities like Skoder or Flor. Health care basic but improving and you can get private coverage for under $100 a month. The food’s a Mediterranean dream. Olives, lambs, fresh bread and Italian influence in every bite. History buffs will love the layers. Roman ruins, Ottoman moss, communist bunkers, and yes, beaches. The Albanian Riviera is like the Amalfi coast without the Instagrammers and cost. Downsides, spotty infrastructure and rural zones. But for digital nomads or retirees wanting EU proximity without EU prices, Albania is wide open. Number nine, Panama. Let’s go to the canal, baby. Panama’s Pensionado visa is still one of the easiest on Earth. If you’re over 50, getting a,000 a month in retirement income, you’re in. Bonuses, discounts on flights, restaurants, medical care, even movie tickets. Panama’s city skyline looks like Miami with fewer cars, but you’re not limited to the capital. Try Bokeete for cool mountain air or Bokeas del Toro for Caribbean vibes. Healthclair is world class, private hospitals, safe for the region, yes, especially for expat friendly zones. A monthly budget of 2,000 gets you a solid apartment, great food, maybe even a maid. Eh, benefits? I doubt it. They use the US dollar. The tap water is drinkable. The roads are good. If you’re scared of culture shock, this is like training wheels for retirement abroad. It’s not even a long flight. What are you waiting for? Number eight, Georgia. And I don’t mean peaches, baby. You’re not getting to watch any Falcons game. Georgia lets the Americans stay vis. No strings, no paperwork. You just waltz right in. You can rent into Bilci or Batumi for under 500 a month and eat in Kenkowi dumpings and kacapuri cheesebread for pennies. The wine is world class and ancient. This is literally the birthplace of vida culture. It’s safe, proud, and weird in some of the best ways. A postsviet crossroads of Europe and Asia with mountains, beaches, and monasteries carved into the cliffs. Healthcare is basic, but cheap. It’s not Thailand, but for the price tag, I’d say it probably works for most of you. The biggest challenge is going to be learning the local language. For the cost of a monthly Netflix bill, you can hire a translator and a private driver if that’s your thing. Or you can just download the Dualingo app. Quick break. If you made it this far, you’re not just browsing, you’re actually thinking about retiring abroad. So, here’s the deal. I’m Evan. I’m retired early in Vietnam. And you can try my cost of living abroad membership and get my full move to Vietnam master class in 60 months as a free bonus this month. It’s got guides, visa help, cost calculators, packing list, health care comparisons, hospital info across the entire Southeast Asia region, and it’s cheaper than a dinner or a taxi in New York. The links in the description. Now, let’s get back to the countdown and find out what’s number seven. Portugal is still the EU goldenchild for retirement. The D7 visa lets retirees or remote earners stay long-term if they make just over €800 a month. and Americans, they’re flocking here. This place is no secret to anybody anymore, especially right now in summer. Lisbon is pricey now, but towns like Comria, Braga, and even parts of El Var are still affordable. Think 1,500 a month allin rent-wise. Seafood, wine, sunshine. There’s even surf there if you can still hack it. The health care system is excellent and nearly free if you register. Prime very low. Weather glorious, 300 plus days of sun a year. And the people, they’re warm, but you’ll need to meet them halfway on the language, especially if you go outside of Lisbon. Pastel the nata and grilled sardines will ruin your pallet for life. This is a soft landing into Euro retirement without breaking the bank. Number six, right next door, Cambodia. Cambodia is underrated and unbelievably cheap. Nonpen is chaotic, but I kind of like it. Sreap, jungle temples, $3 massages, $400 a month villas, whole houses. I’ve looked at this in other videos. There’s no official retirement visa, but the ordinary visa e-class with the ER extension is functionally the same. You can renew yearly with little hassle and low cost. And the ultimate goal here is that people are trying to come into the country cuz the government wants them. Expats live on a,200 a month or less thanks to NOS’s and ESL presence and the CMR food. English is widely spoken though thanks to decades of NGO presence and ESL schools. And the comr food, pepper, crab, coconut curries, fresh fruit all year, and that famous campo pepper is delicious. Healthcare, get insurance, go private. International clinics and nonpen are solid. Why to Bangkok? And while Cambodia isn’t squeaky clean, it’s safer than you’d think, especially outside the capital and some smaller regions. If you’re flexible and a bit adventurous, this place stretches your dollar like nowhere else. Stay away from Seanukville. Don’t ask why. Number five, Mexico. Speaking of safe, eh, Mexico makes it easy. The temporary resident visa requires just 2500 a month in income or about 43,000 in savings. And many consulates have some flexibility. You’ve got choices depending on where you’re coming from. Waka for culture, Merida for safety, Puerto Verta for beach life, Mexico City, my old home, is beautiful. Rent can be had for $600 to $1,000. Healthc care is excellent and affordable, especially private care. and tacos. They’re not just food, they’re religion. Add mascal, mariachi, chenotees, pyramids, and art, and you’ve got a continent in one country, an incredibly multicultural place. Yes, some areas are risky. You do your research, but millions of Americans already live here part-time or full-time for good reason. Another option might be Mazatlan or the Baja, beautiful parts. Anyway, number four, I digress. Romania. Romania is Eastern Europe’s hidden gem. Americans can stay 90 days visa-free and long-term digital nomad business visas are more accessible now. Kind of like the situation in Vietnam. Bucharest is a bustling capital with bohemian cafes, Gothic architecture, and fast internet. Brasov and Cluj offer medieval charm and mountain views. Rent under 400. Dinner under five bucks. Private healthcare under $100 a month for decent coverage. And Romanian’s beautiful. Sounds like Italian. Close your eyes. You won’t know the difference. It’s safe, surprisingly stylish, and steeped in folklore. Castles, forests, cheap wine. A chance to feel like a character in a Netflix series. Why not? Romania wants you there. Number three. Oo, this one’s high on my list right now. Literally. Malaysia is the retirement cheat code. English is widely spoken. The roads are smooth, the cities are modern, and the MM2 visa is coming back with more flexible options expected in late 2025. Paneang is a dream, a foodie paradise. Beautiful. Koala Lumpur is cosmopolitan, connected. Lancawi is duty-free island living. Healthc care is outstanding. Better than the US, I would say, and cheaper, no doubt, than Australia. Rent 4 to700. Street food 1 to three bucks. Monthly budget. You can live affordable luxury here for under 1,200. The crime is low. The weather is tropical. The culture is a fusion of Malay, Chinese, Indian, colonial history and Islam. And you can fly to Bali, Bangkok, Tokyo, or just about anywhere else with Air Asia in under 6 hours. Malaysia wants you there, and they’re making it easy, Americans, and it’s gorgeous. It is hot, though. Number two, the OG, the classic, Thailand. Retiring in Thailand is practically a right of passage. The country offers multiple visa options for retirees over 50, including the OA and LTR. They want your money and they’ll treat you like royalty in a sense if you bring it. Chiang Mai is the budget retirees dream as long as it’s not burn season. Bangkok is busy but dazzling. The islands are straight out of postcards. Rent can be under 500, but it can also be a thousand. Local food is incredible. Fantastic flavors. Yes, there’s bureaucracy. Yes, there’s buzz in the news. But Thailand knows what it is and they’re leaning into it. The 2025 incentives include some tax breaks and digital visa options. You want temples, beaches, smiles, and pad crap. Pow for a buck. It’s all still there, no matter what I or anyone else tells you. But my number one might be a shocker. It’s not Vietnam. It’s the Dominican Republic. This one might surprise you, but if you’re American, the Dominican Republic is aggressively courting US retirees. The pension visa requires just 1,500 a month in retirement income. Processing is fast and permanent residency can come in under a year. The island has it all. White sand beaches, lush mountains, baseball, rum, Spanish Caribbean culture, and the Hemingway history. Sano Domingo has good hospitals, Cabarete and Lasarenas have thriving expat scenes. Rents 4 to 800 bucks depending on location. The food is fresh, cheap, crime. Maybe avoid certain areas, but expat zones are generally safe and welcoming, especially if you pick up a little bit of espanol. It’s closer than Europe or Asia. It shares time zones, offers a Caribbean dream without that Cayman or Bahama price tag. In 2025, this might be the easiest, sunniest, most affordable place to live in the Western Hemisphere or to retire on a budget if you’re an American on social security. And yes, I would say it’s practically begging you to come there. I’m Evan A and if you know me, I’m in Vietnam. Check out my website the costofliveabroad.com or watch this great video on properties under $100,000 in Southeast Asia or this video on if not to retire in Thailand, where should you go in Southeast Asia. Check you later. Thanks so much.
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In this episode of The Cost of Living Abroad with Evan Eh we compare 10 Countries Practically Begging Americans to Retire in 2025, the best affordable places to live and retire abroad for Americans in 2025, including a full monthly budget breakdown and discussion of the pros and cons of living in Vietnam.
We break down:
✅ Cost of living
✅ Residency visa requirements
✅ Healthcare quality & affordability
✅ Expat-friendly cities
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Whether you’re ready to pack your bags or just daydreaming about sipping margaritas for half the price, this guide will help you explore where your dollar—and your sanity—go the furthest.
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WATCH MORE VIDEOS:
20 Reasons Not to Retire in Vietnam https://youtu.be/JmkBaOP068E?si=S_BsmeUw40hB9uG4
Best Place to Retire in 2025 https://youtu.be/g9R9xgC_fu8?si=W4NDpZuqku6mh5OZ
Life in Vietnam on $500 https://youtu.be/R4G73dVNAug
If Not Thailand, Where to Retire? https://youtu.be/N-OcJK0mnb4?si=JkAJlKfh4zl2sxB4
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34 Comments
Where did I miss? I have been looking around a lot because I am considering doing a year of slow travel in 2026. What countries do you recommend to retire abroad right now? I want cheap, safe and fun. In that order. Thanks again for helping me hit 25k subs this week. I am stoked.
Sorry but I keep reading how retires have pensions like $3000 to $4000 USA a month and are trouble in these countries mentioned to live .
Why not move to Australia in smaller cities like Perth , Adelaide, Tasmania state or north Queensland in Cairns or Townsville?
With like $3000 or $4000 a month is like $4650 or $6200 amonth or $1100 or $1460 Australian dollars a week to live in Australia,especially if you buy your own apartment you can live very well off ) When you are comparing like $1200 a week to $525 Australian normal pension a week , you live very well.
Plus , Australian has a better medical system than these Asian countries ) you have warmer weather cities too and English is the major language.
You can buy your own property and not worry about bring scammed by the locals like in Asia .
But in Australia, a woman will date your fir your looks abd personality not because they are poor and need your money 😂😂😂)
But do not expect to be a 65 years old with a 25 years woman in Australia to date , be prepared fir your age group gf )
No country wants American tourists. You are broke in your coutry and cannot afford to live there and want to move aboard to live off your high value dollars. Broke tourist
You forgot to mention Puerto Rico.
Keep Uruguay a secret.
Just asking, but is Georgia somewhat ruined by the influx of Russians? Or is that overhyped?
DR? Horrible food. You have perked my interest in Albania though. Malaysia? I cancelled retiring there due to the pre-dawn PA system. Excellent value private' medical care though, as you rightfully point out. I disagree with you about healthcare in Cambodia. I lived three for six years. It is worse than you assess Many old friends have died there the care is so poor.
If could pull something like this off on disability where could stretch it further would be nice
Why live in the U.K. or U.S.A. with high taxes and crime rate?Emigrate to Cyprus, contact us to see how.
Cyprus, english widely spoken, low crime rate, Great healthcare, lower taxes than U.K and USA outstanding opportunities and tax incentives to bring your business here, good education AND the wonderful weather, beaches and watersports. Contact us for free consultation on moving here
U talk about instagramers…but by uploading this vidéo now they know the place …..ffs
I can tell you why a lot of retirees of a certain age dont consider albania, Serbia, panama and others in those regions. Its the same reason my head snapped up like "what?!" when I heard you mention them. We, Gen Xers and older know those countries as war zones. Dangerous, violent, unstable, and constantly areas of suffering and strife. When you hear that constantly on the news as children or teens or young adults, you dont forget. Like telling someone to move to Russia or Ukraine in a few years. They would question your sanity.
Georgia is a better deal but the drawbacks is that they mostly speak Russian
Albania is a hub for crime .. you need to be aware if that is your chosen retirement destination
Mexico 🤢🤢🤢 Soon as you said Mexico, ALL credibility just went out the window for me.
A new temporary residency permit in Mexico is generally $4,100/month income OR $70,000 in savings. As you noted each consulate has some discretion but they don't stray very far from these numbers.
I haven't been in all the countries mentioned here, but I've been to many of them, and I'll be kind by saying that he is looking through rose colored glasses.
How common is the Islamic call to prayer in Albania? Are there areas where you don't hear the call to prayer?
I can’t comment on places I have not been.
I will disagree with a few here.
First of all “expat live like a king abroad” is OVER. Unless you want to live like the poor locals.
The DR: dangerous, rampant theft, and a total shit hole. Right next to Haití.
Thailand?🤣 they are canceling visas. If you don’t spend $5,000 per month, they no longer want you.
Cambodia- I spend $5000 per month on avg.
My rent is $1025 month.
It’s MORE expensive than Thailand. Food is more, entertainment is more. Shopping options are limited.
Again, the great escape with little money is over.
Albania has organized crime mob controlling the UK
NO TOXICATHOLIC COUNTRIES !!!
I would retire in Armenia 🇦🇲
Americans are welcome everywhere, it’s above all easy money for the locals!
One place I wouldn't go is Portugal due to too many Americans. Another is Spain.
Mauritius ?
Cambodia 1.200$ per month? No way. For a good living more like 2.500$. I know it first hand. And hospitals are not at level. The best part is the Cambodian people. Amazing great people
THANKS FOR THE INFO A SPEED OF DELIVERY
The Dominican Republic is a toilet! Believe it or not, the biggest arrest numbers for – U.S. Boarder Patrol – [on Puerto Rico, YES! The island of Puerto Rico has a VERY active Boarder Patrol,] are Dominicans.
Why?!?! Because the Dominican Republic is a 3rd world Toilet!!!!
It's just to risky to leave
When you steal a world according to Briggs video idea, shouldn't you give him credit?
Some tempting options here! But beyond the offers, I’d love to know how healthcare, safety, and residency rules stack up. Anyone here already made the move?
Don't tell people my secrets!
Mexico doesn't want Americans. There were big protests against Americans recently.
I am surprised at seeing Malaysia on your list as well as Indonesia. Are these not Muslim countries with strict adherence to Islamic law? If you are very rich maybe life could be okay there. But the Call to Prayer five times a day reminds you constantly that you are an outsider forever and they tolerate you if you are rich and you are subject to serious law if you step on someone's toes. For me, I am stuck in L.A. for the present, trying to get health care at the VA hospital. But I will be returning to Thailand soon as I can and to my Thai wife and have not found the laws and the system as welcoming for Westerners as you imply. There are a lot of bureaucratic obstacles now. Medical care, if you need it – if you are old – is too expensive. If I were younger – if I had it to do over again – I would give Costa Rica and Portugal a try.