6 Affordable Places to Retire Abroad in 2012

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I am so of losing my writings or having them denied because of inaccurate info about my e-mail and password. It is driving me nuts. I can't communicate on the internet like I used to. I hate these stupid requirements, and copying crazy letters that don't let me in anyway. It is yuky. And I am starting to hate the net...I won't blog or write, I guess. I wrote for several newspapers and radio and TV, but I'm not good enough here...

Nancy of FL 4:52PM April 24, 2012

I wonder why you didn't mention the Philippines. I live here comfortably on $1000. There are many expats here. Check it out before you publish again.

Mike 5:23AM April 04, 2012

PM 10 Pollution levels are over 200 for many of the days in February, March and April with the government unable or unwilling to solve the problem. Hospitals have many patients with respiratory problems and outdoors activities are severely limited during these months. Traffic has increased over the last ten years with little increase in road and highway infrastructure. Every attempt at even limited mass transit ends up with the well connected selling overpriced buses to the City which are not maintained, never run on any kind of schedule, and end up out-of-service. But you are correct, it is inexpensive, relatively speaking.

CMThai 7:10PM March 30, 2012

Medellin?? Are you crazy??

Amie Warren of WA 8:05PM March 14, 2012

If you haven't checked out the Pacific Ocean paradise located only 15 miles west of Leon, you can live beach front for $500 or less per month.
Playa Roca Beach Hotel Las Penitas-Leon, Nicaragua
playaroca.com

davecardin 12:20AM March 02, 2012

I too live in Chiang Mai and for many it is a great choice. The biggest single determinant of your monthly budget will be the extent to which you are happy to live like a Thai. If you want to live and eat as an American then it may cost you MORE to live here, especially if you have kids at an international school.
My book "Your Investment Guide to Thailand" is a helpful resource in this regard ... details of which can be found at www.burning-bison.com
Secondly, don't forget to consider factors other than simply cost of living. Things like climate, Thai culture, language problems, etc. To some these are a plus, but to others a real deal-breaker. Do your homework before committing!

Bruce 3:04AM January 29, 2012

I hope not many see that you include Medellin in your list, I discovered Colombia over 6 years ago and Medellin is my favorite city in Colombia and is the likely place I'll retire. I have a rented new apt in a Estrada 5 area that rents for $650 for about 1000 sq ft and I spend 3-4 months a year there. Stay away from Pablado and discover the real Medellin!

Jeff of TX 7:24PM January 10, 2012

$1,100 a month for a couple in Chiang Mai is more than enough to live very comfortably. In my opinion much better places exist though, notably Chiang Rai, I cant imagine how someone lives on $200 a month this is pushing the envelope in an extreme way. I manage comfortably on $600 a month. I am currently documenting each day for a month what it is like living with only $400 a month over on my site http://www.livinginthailand.net/ Cheaper living only comes with time having basic fluency in the country's language goes a long way and will reduce your monthly bill by a third. A trip back to the west each year and purchasing the basics on arriving also need to be factored in and can easily add another $200 a month to your basic costs.

Neale of FL 9:19PM January 09, 2012

Don't tell to many more people about Chaing Mai, as this town and Country Thailand is wonderful. I lived there full time for three years, the people are friendly and welcoming. The Medical Care there is better then here in America, as one can actually visit a doctor, or a dentist and most important afford it!. the outlying villages are super friendly as are the children. What is really great to see is how the Thais take care of their elder people. None are "incarcerated" in a retirement home, their respective children take this care on. If no children are alive, the elder are taken care of by becoming monks or nuns in a Buddhist temple. Buddhism works there. We are Christian but do we do this as Buddhists do?

Somboon Ar-von of FL 5:09PM January 03, 2012

I'm glad to see Las Tablas is listed at #2. This proves what a great investment it will be to purchase a pre-construction condominium at the exclusive 16 unit Miranda Suites project. The project is located at Uverito Beach, which is 10 minutes from Las Tablas. See the following video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4dtnVojyUI The official website will be made available in January 2012...the same time construction is set to start. Units start at $85,000 for 1 and 2 bedroom units.

Walter of CA 1:45AM December 27, 2011