Moving somewhere else like overseas lowers the cost of your retirement as you are also seeking for adventure. In Europe, six destinations are included in 2019’s overseas best retirement options. Eurozone is a sensible option for those retirees on budget due to strong dollar. Possible places for retirement were assessed on the factors which are essential to possible expat retirees. These are affordable real estate, living expenses, taxes, infrastructure, recreation, residency option, health care, crime, international access, the use of English language, and options for the expat community. For overseas retirement, try to consider these 10 most affordable places to retire abroad.
1. Georgetown, Malaysia
Living here got both ways, the traditional and the 21st century, comfortable and exotic. Apart from high-rise apartments, its modern Georgetown is among the well-preserved aged cities all over Asia. Along the winding road of UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site comes lots of olf shophouse, clan houses, and guildhalls. English is generally spoken in this place, credits to its colonial history. Great outdoors, almost near the city are the classy seaside settlements, with palm trees along the sandy beaches and its abundant rainforest. The city is known as the capital of Asian culinary with tasty specialties like the Char Koay Teow, chili paste, noodles with a shrimp and cockles which cost lower than $2 per serving.
2. Algarve, Portugal
This region is welcoming, safe, friendly, affordable, and beautiful. It exhibits several golf courses and best beaches, with an interesting and long history. The place is well protected from winter because of the ocean’s movement in Gulf Stream which results to ideal climate having the sunshine of 3,300 hours each year over and above other countries on this side of the world. The English language is widely spoken, so no need to learn a new language if you wish not to. In Algarve, there’s a top-notch infrastructure, world-class health care with just a fraction of value in North America.
3. Cascais, Portugal
A magnificently beautiful place with rocky coastline, stone building, white sandy beaches, museums, parks, and cobblestone sidewalks. An affluent, sophisticated destination which is among the affordable locations to embrace an extravagant lifestyle near the ocean. The expenses for everyday living in this place is considerably higher than in Algarve, but its already a good deal given the living standard offered. You could manage here even without learning the Portuguese language as in the Algarve region, English is less used. Cascais, 40 minutes away via a train ride from the city center of Lisbon, is a city and beach life in one.
4. Mazatlán, Mexico
This place is very distinct for beautiful beaches and a walk-through in its colonial center. A popular choice among expats is the Mexican town resort which makes this place cozy. In the months of December to March, the temperature reaches up to 70s and with little or no rain and in the months of July to October, humidity levels and temperature are greater which make this place an ideal option for snowbirding. It’s a hassle-free moving in Mazatlan from just loading up your truck and drive into the south with just a budget for tolls and gas.
5. Cuenca, Ecuador
This place is among the most affordable places in the world for retirement. A budget of $1,000 or less in a month for a couple is enough to have a comfortable life. This place is a beauty with streets made up of cobblestone and their historic centers are well-preserved and you can also just walk to explore the city – no need to invest in a car. Its mild climate makes your expenses less because of no heating and conditioning. It uses U.S dollar currency which means no risk for the exchange rate. This country is a part of a developing world, still, Cuenca enjoys dependable electricity, drinkable water and current internet service. This place has a large community for expat retirees that’s why newcomers have lots of support to assist their transition.
6. Annecy, France
This place satisfies all the lifestyle of the people who are museum enthusiast, nature lover, fashionista, foodie, and adrenaline junky. Best known with its lake as amongst the cleanest all over the world and skiing. It also features townhomes with pastel colors, museums, castles, historical sites, cinemas, festivals, and modern theaters. If France is known as a country of cheese, Savoy is the heart. They lunch on delicious dish tartiflette (a potato with bacon pie and smothered with reblochon cheese) regularly eats at fondue de raclette.
7. Occitanie, France
Saint-Chinian is a village in Occitanie region in which life here every day is somewhat like “Beauty and the Beast” of Walt Disney. The prices of the property are half of those in Coted Azur and Provence. The wine industry is also growing. This place has 1900 residents with 200 winemakers. For the past dozen years, the growers were able to specialize production of world-class red wines which originates from Carignan, Grenache and Cinsaut grapes, with additional Mourvedre and Syrah varieties. Sitting on the Saint-Chinian’s hillside and enjoying blissful French country scenery, you might think that this is in a far-flung place. However, Spain is nearby to visit for some dinner and so is Paris which has 3 hours of travel by train.
8. San Ignacio, Belize
This wide-open space appeals to those who are independent and adventuresome. The land of Mayan ruins, mountains, waterfalls, and rivers. Driving along Western Highway, starting in Belize City to the Cayo, you’ll have a glimpse of trees, jungle, livestock, pastures, and fields. They grow citrus, sugar cane, watermelons, and corn. The largest town in Cayo is the San Ignacio which homes the big and increasing community of the expats and foreign retirees. You could live amongst them easily for everyone speaks the English language and it is easy to establish in Belish. A top option for a simple life and living off-grid. Among the virgin forest of Cayo, you can dwell in this place self-sufficiently in good company and in style.
9. Citta Sant Angelo, Italy
Abruzzo has all that Tuscany offers with a fraction of its cost. Newly constructed highways give easy accessibility from Rome, the opening of this area domestically attracts private and state investment. There’s recent development that takes place across this region, and little towns work hard in attracting investment in order for them to save their momentous historical streets. Still, the place remains inexpensive and considered among the greatest bargains in Europe. If you’re looking for a traditional Italian lifestyle, this is the ideal place. However, you have to learn Italian if you’re going to live in Citta Sant’Angelo.
10. Valletta, Malta
This place is 122 square miles with a population of about 400,000 people. A three island which is the first-world jewel located at the center of the Mediterranean Sea. The English language is universally spoken in this multilingual population. A stable haven, safe and boasting an exquisite overall living lifestyle and excellent health care. The rugged coastline of Malta shows off its dramatic cliffs with varying very small coves dotted by ancient forts as well as quaint fishing ports. Inland, isolated olive fields, stone walls, potatoes and wheat, and heavy hanging grape vines during the season. With its culture, history up to its food and weather, Malta’s one of the most affordable choices to go in Mediterranean Europe.
