Retire in the U.S.A. as Cheaply as Abroad

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there are many things to do in communities in the US and a variety of environments. they have often become common in our eyes while the issues abroad are new and interesting. before heading abroad please also check out the downside to these destinations. search the web and the state department for this sort of data. i know many Americans living abroad only until they are eligible for medicade/care. after living outside the US most of our adult lives we figure it would be cheaper to retire in the US. some things are cheaper, others are not. hidden costs are not apparent. the change in our quality of life is not worth the lower standard of living. we have about 15 years before we have to cross this bridge but from what i've seen i'd always have the plan available to head back to the US if desired.

Anne of TN 11:58AM July 21, 2010

$60 a month for health insurance? What planet does that person live on (or what century is the info from)?

Green Curmudgeon of GA 1:44PM July 19, 2010

I've lived in Nicaragua for the past 8 years. I find life here full and exciting. It's certainly not for everyone. You have to have a bit of adventure in your spirit. That's one of the reasons that Nicaragua attracts interesting folks to come and live their dream here. The Nicaragua people are happy and resilient. There are many opportunities to make a difference in your community here and all my friends here do participate in projects.

Nancy 9:05AM July 13, 2010

I am trying to decide where to retire better on $1500....I was thinking smal city in the south of Brazil...please tell me what you all think! I very much like the comment from puddin from Nicaragua.
D of Houston texas.

dee of TX 7:18PM July 12, 2010

The rate of money exchange here in Nicaragua is now C$21.15 to $1.00. Filet Mignon is C$54.37 per pound. you do the math. I live in one of the best areas in a medium (for Nica.)size town. I have a two bedroom house I pay $120.00 mo. rent. My water and elect bill is C$272.00 mo.(for both[thats less than $20.00 per month]) I have a washer (a real luxury here) and a microwave, refrig. television. I have cable TV $17.00(dollars) mo 54 chanels, about 10 mare in english. Hospital is free here. Doctor call for private physician is about $20.00 per visit. YOU DO THE MATH!!! Retire in the USA, yeah, if you want to live in a police state, on the street, in skid-rowand eat cat food.

puddin tane 10:42AM July 09, 2010

Michael- You are comparing your expenses for your whole family to my expenses as a single adult so of course there will be a wide discrepancy. A single adult in Seattle could live on a budget close to mine.
I have posted more details on my expenses at my blog if anyone is interested.

Andy Hough of MO 5:11PM July 07, 2010

Yes really what kind of a tent do you live in, in MO. Also you are getting a great rate for your camp fees if Im to guess there around $10 a day , That alone is $300 a mth. You obviously also have the cheapest phone and internet service any where in the country. B.S I changed my mind ,,,dont bothering to answer back

Jim Walsh of FL 2:08PM July 06, 2010

Do people that reply to articles in Washington, read?
To quote the article:
"Now, here is one of my recent monthly budgets while living in Kansas City, MO:"

of 6:03PM July 05, 2010

In Seattle, my rent is $1500. My utilities combine to reach nearly $500. My insurance not including health insurance is around $300. My internet and house phone eclipses $100. My family's cell phones aolne run me $160 and it just gets better from there on. My payroll deductions and assorted taxes are usually around $1800 a month. Do ya'll live in tents down there in Kansas or what?

Michael of WA 5:00PM July 05, 2010