It’s no surprise why so many people decide to retire by the beach. There are incredible aspects of this lifestyle. Living near the sea inspires you to live a healthier life by going on walks or taking a dip in the ocean. There are many calm, coastal communities that you can become a part of as well.
Desired life by the beach
However, you don’t have to be limited by the United States beachfront. For Americans looking to retire outside of the US life by the beach, here are 8 countries that you should consider retiring in that won’t break the bank.
1. Philippines
With its picturesque white sandy beaches and palm-tree-covered islands, it’s no secret that the Philippines is a tropical paradise. There is a lifestyle for everyone, from the bustling cities to the beachside and mountainous views. It boasts a low cost of living, where a couple can live comfortably at about $2,000 per month.
There is even a special visa for retirees with the Special Resident’s Retiree Visa (SRRV). With this permit, you can enter the country multiple times, and you can stay indefinitely without needing to renew every year.
2. Mexico
Mexico has a temperate climate, affordable healthcare, and a stunning landscape. With a time zone relative to the United States, retirees can stay connected with their loved ones back home. It is close enough to remain near family but far enough away for when you crave adventure.
Food is unbeatable in Mexico as well! It is more than just tacos and burritos, for you can indulge in incredible seafood dishes too. If you are moving solo, then you could retire to Mexico and live off of $1,500 a month for the necessities. Note that you should be careful when choosing your Mexican destination as some beach regions have very high crime rates.
3. Nicaragua
Nicaragua can be a tax haven for retirees looking to move abroad. Earnings from outside the country are not taxed, and you can even get around with US dollars in many places. It is an affordable country, where you can live life by the beach comfortably with about $1,000 a month.
With this cheap cost of living, you could retire ten to fifteen years earlier than you intended. The country has a retiree benefit program that includes tax incentives and investment opportunities. Some areas to look into moving to include, Granada, Leon, Managua, and San Juan del Sur.
4. Belize
Belize is a Caribbean paradise that’s known for its beaches and jungles. Citizens of the United States can obtain a residency in Belize with the Qualified Retired Person Residency Program. To qualify for this, you must be at least 45 years or older and have a monthly income of at least $2,000.
Wanting to move with your family and enjoy life by the beach? In Belize, it is possible to bring your spouse and children along with you in this residency program.
5. Fiji
Fiji is an incredible island nation bordering Australia. These islands are a great option for retirees because you can even get second citizenship by relocating to Fiji. You can apply for citizenship through naturalization after living in Fiji for five out of ten years.
While living in Fiji may not be as cheap as some of the other options on this list, you still get to live in an idyllic paradise for a little over $2,000 a month.
6. Cambodia
There’s no shortage of things to do in Cambodia. It’s cheap to eat, drink, and live there. Who doesn’t want to live in luxury for the fraction of the price? A couple could spend as little as $1,300 in Cambodia. But remember that it is vital that you buy a global health policy that will have some medical evacuation coverage as local hospitals may not be up to Western standards.
Cambodia even has a special retirement visa for those wanting to move there. In order to qualify, you must be at least 55 years old and have a valid passport. It is valid for one month and then you can renew it for up to 12 months.
7. Vietnam
If you are looking to retire along the beach, then look no further than Vietnam. With over 2,000 miles of sprawling coastlines, there is definitely a home there for you. Foreigners do have to rent, since owning land is not allowed in Vietnam. Regardless, rent is on average about 70% lower than in the United States.
With a $1,000 monthly budget, you can travel around the country, eat out, and afford comfortable accommodation. It’s also an incredibly safe place to live.
8. Colombia
If you are looking to move somewhere more off the beaten path, then you’d love to retire in Colombia. With a rich and electric lifestyle, architecture, music, and more, there’s definitely a reason a lot of Americans are retiring in Colombia. It also boasts of producing the best coffee in the world!
Colombia also has high-quality healthcare, with expats and retirees paying as low as $80 a month for services. The system is easy to navigate, and you don’t need a high or even intermediate level of Spanish to use.
Conclusion
Choosing where to live life by the beach, can be an incredibly difficult decision. Often a myriad of distractions keeps people from making the jump. With a bit of wanderlust and planning, retiring abroad just may be the best decision you ever make.
Keep in mind the type of lifestyle you want to live, the cost of accommodation, visas, and amenities available. There are many advantages of retiring abroad such as traveling, saving money, learning new languages, and access to affordable global healthcare.
It is important to note that no matter where you choose to retire, health insurance should be a top priority. You should consult with an expat insurance expert such as Expat Financial, to make sure you have everything you need before the move.
