44 Countries Where Your $2k Monthly Budget Stretches Further Than You Think

Experience Retirement Like Royalty

To beat the system, live abroad on a modest budget. These 44 destinations offer comfortable living for less than $2,000 monthly, complete with modern amenities and enriching cultural experiences.

Retirement Havens

Indonesia: Ubud

Tired of the fast life in the West? Want somber yoga classes, organic cuisine, and affordable healthcare? If so, Bali's Ubud locale is just what you need, rent comes to $600, including utilities and staff. Getting treatment here starts at $23, far from the typical high American rates.

Indonesia Ubud Michelle Maria, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Thailand: Chiang Mai

Ancient temples dot this cultural hub, where $1,400 covers a modern lifestyle. A furnished apartment in the Nimman area costs $500, while $300 handles utilities and fast internet. The city's numerous international hospitals offer premium care at one-third of U.S. rates. And food? Just $150 monthly.

Thailand Chiang Mai CEphoto, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

North Macedonia: Ohrid

Do you know that Ohrid Lake has the oldest biodiversity on the planet, home to over 1,200 species? Well, now you know, and if you would love to retire learning and exploring these waters, you can do so for only a budget of $645 (solo) and $1,679 (four people). Everything here is affordable.

North Macedonia Ohrid Dr. Ondřej Havelka, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Bolivia: Sucre

One person can comfortably retire here on a $659 monthly budget—a family of four requires $1,528 for all expenses. Here's the breakdown: eating out $0.64 to $5.09, rent $288 to $782, transport $19.1, groceries under $150, and a medical visit would be no more than 23 bucks.

Bolivia Sucre Dan Lundberg, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Portugal: Lisbon

Known for its rich culture, Lisbon offers a comfy life with a monthly budget of below $2,000. With housing costing you $700, utilities $150, meals $300, eating out from $10 to $18, public transport $40, private healthcare $100, and $200 for miscellaneous expenses, I think you'd make it work.

Portugal Lisbon CAPTAIN RAJU, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Montenegro: Kotor Bay

Medieval walls meet fjord-like waters in this UNESCO site. And a $1,500 monthly budget covers a bay-view apartment ($500), utilities ($100), and daily expenses. The new medical facilities cater to international patients. This locale also has plenty of retiree-friendly activities: festivals, water activities, boating, and walking tours.

Montenegro Kotor Bay Ggia, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Panama: Coronado

Oh, Panama, where the Pacific beaches allow your $1,700 to bring comfort. If you are single without rent, living on a $801.3 budget is possible. But that shoots to $2,888.1 if you are four. Condos cost $700, utilities average $150, and the Pensionado visa offers substantial discounts.

Panama Coronado Sandra Cohen-Rose and Colin Rose, Flickr

Croatia: Split

Accommodation within Diocletian's Palace walls costs around $600, and utilities are closer to $150 in Split. You'll also save on fuel as there is a car-free center with ferry connections, which is even more affordable. Healthcare also starts from $100. The cost of living totaled would be $1,302 per month (approx.) for one.

Croatia Split Gaius Cornelius, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Bulgaria: Varna

Black Sea breezes cool this beach city, where $1,400 ensures a cozy retirement life—starting with affordable healthcare, which costs around $50 per visit. Sea-view apartments amount to $400, and bills average $100. To move around, you can get public transport passes for $30.

Bulgaria Varna karel291, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Cambodia: Siem Reap

If you live solo, Siem Reap allows you to survive on around $630 monthly. If you are a unit of four, a budget of $1613 (with rent) would suffice. Water, rent, electricity, and food for one person are comparatively cheap for such a gorgeous city.

Cambodia Siem Reap Pierrevang3, CC0, Wikimedia Commons

Costa Rica: Atenas

Atenas—a beautiful place to spend your senior years, where $1,700 suffices. Houses with valley views fetch $600, water and electricity average $150. The country's universal healthcare system welcomes foreigners, while organic farmers' markets supply fresh produce year-round. Resident retirees need only a $1,000 monthly income.

Costa Rica Atenas Ll1324, CC0, Wikimedia Commons

Philippines: Dumaguete

Known as "The City of Gentle People," in Dumaguete, $1,400 provides seaside living with oceanfront apartments going for $500, utilities $100, and household help $200 monthly. The city's seven universities create a vibrant atmosphere, while modern hospitals like Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital offer affordable rates.

Philippines Dumaguete Mike Gonzalez, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Turkey: Antalya

Sea-view apartments' rent, water, electricity, and other bills for one person average at just $524. The city's state-of-the-art hospitals attract medical tourists, while year-round sunshine keeps heating costs low. Fresh markets and Turkish cuisine make dining affordable and delicious, at $299 for one and $777 for four.

Turkey Antalya GUIDE0770, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Hungary: Pécs

Roman, Turkish, and Hungarian cultures blend in this university town. The expenses here might vary, but $1,500 monthly covers rent ($450), utilities ($150), and other expenses. The city's thermal baths promote wellness, while Hungary's E.U. membership ensures quality healthcare. Wine from nearby vineyards costs $5 per bottle.

Hungary Pécs Takkk, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Czech Republic: Olomouc

Now, if you love some beer, Olomouc welcomes you. The cost of a world-class pitcher here is only $2 per pint. Besides that, you can get to live in the city center by paying $600 for rent, about $150 for utilities, and affordable public transport. The Czech Republic's universal healthcare ranks 13th globally.

Czech Republic Olomouc Michal Gorski, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Romania: Brasov

For digital nomads who stay connected to the world through fast internet, Brasov ranks among Europe's best for just $8 monthly. You'll also spend about $400 on rent and utilities for $150, including water, electricity, garbage, heating, and cooling. And Romania's E.U. membership will definitely get you modern healthcare.

Romania Brasov Pudelek, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Colombia: Medellín

The "City of Eternal Spring" delivers year-round comfort for $1,700 monthly. High-rise apartments in upscale El Poblado costs range between $300 to $ 800 (one-bedroom to three-bedroom). Basic utilities will take you back around $80. To move around, you'll be grateful for the affordable cable cars that offer mountain views.

Colombia Medellín Kamilokardona, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Slovenia: Maribor

Wine roads wind through this riverside city, where $1,800 provides Central European living. Apartments near the old town cost $600 (three-bedroom), utilities run $200 (for a family), and groceries will come to approximately $100-$150. The nearby Alps offer year-round recreation for thrill seekers—from skiing to hiking.

Slovenia Maribor Sharon Hahn Darlin, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Georgia: Tbilisi

Did you know that sulfur baths offer musculoskeletal relief? Meaning no more muscle pain and aches. Tbilisi has plenty of those for about $52 to $50. Besides that, rent would cost you $700 (three-bedroom), utilities including internet, approximately $90, monthly transportation ticket for $15, and about $100 for groceries.

Georgia Tbilisi Giorgi Balakhadze, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Uruguay: Punta del Este

Uruguay's resort town offers sophisticated living for one person at $1,500 monthly—additional people; higher expenses. Still, rent and utilities would take up $863 out of your $2,000. Then food costs approximately $450 and transport $72. A visit to the doctor's nears $50, but that depends on treatment.

Uruguay Punta Del Este Jimmy Baikovicius, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Armenia: Yerevan

Pink tuff stone buildings grace this ancient capital, where $1,300 is enough for one person. Food expenses are modest at $400, and that includes groceries and eating out sparingly. Transport expenses are low at only $10 for a monthly ticket. Gas? About $2 per 2.1 liter. And, of course, rent, which will be between $500 and $900.

Armenia Yerevan Serouj Ourishian, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Peru: Arequipa

Now, this Peruvian city ensures you and your family of four survive on only $1,300 monthly. Everything here is super affordable, starting with rent for a three-bedroom at $530. Utilities plus internet are approximately $80, and basic grocery shopping will only cost you around $100. Transportation? $16.4 for basic local transportation.

Peru Arequipa DocSlyper, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Fiji: Savusavu

Savusavu is where beauty meets affordable living with groceries at about $150, utilities at $100, and rent at $300 to $1600 monthly. If you are into sports, a subscription to a fitness club will cost you $29.12, and a one-hour tennis court session will cost $6.68. Up for a movie premiere? That'll cost you only $4.45.

Fiji Savusavu Paul Dashwood, Wikimedia Commons

Albania: Saranda

For only $956, you can thrive in Saranda as a solo retiree and need slightly higher as a pair. An affordable one-bedroom here costs $280, but it doubles if you prefer the city center. Medical visits command $22, and groceries and utilities average $200 per person. Transportation will take you back around $25.

Albania Saranda Artur Malinowski, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Latvia: Jurmala

Baltic beaches stretch before this spa town, where $1,300 covers everything a sole retiree would need a month. So, set aside $532 for a cheap one-bedroom, around $200 for utilities, $20 for internet, $20 for transport, $100 for groceries, and $50 for a doctor's visit.

Latvia Jurmala Ken Eckert, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Portugal: The Algarve Region

A one-bedroom apartment in this location's historic districts rents for around $650, while fresh produce averages $200. Portuguese healthcare ranks 12th globally, with private insurance available for $45 monthly. Moving around requires about $35–$50. For fun money, set aside $50–$120 monthly for eating out.

Portugal The Algarve Region Bextrel, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Malaysia: Penang Island

First, groceries here will cost you no more than $150—eating out at a mid-range restaurant for two only costs $20 for a three-course meal. $700 covers rent in the city ($500), utilities ($80), and daily expenses. The monthly transportation pass costs $17.23 and healthcare on this Island is highly satisfactory, according to Numbeo.com.

Malaysia Penang Island CEphoto, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Mexico: Merida

Merida has quite a lot going on for it—colonial buildings, historical hubs, local markets, vibrant nightlife, and a geographical marvel—all for $1,090 monthly. One-bedrooms cost $400-500, while utilities are below $150 (plus internet). The city's large expat community enjoys countless cafes, museums, and cultural events. Healthcare costs about $39 per visit.

Mexico Merida Sharon Hahn Darlin, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Vietnam: Da Nang

A family of four only needs $1,700 to enjoy the ocean views and mountain vistas. A single retiree only requires $610 to cover rent ($200), utilities ($33), internet ($9), monthly transport ($5), and other miscellaneous expenditures like groceries, entertainment, leisure, etc. etc.

Vietnam Da Nang Dragfyre, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Ecuador: Cuenca

In this locale where UNESCO-listed architecture meets Andean wilderness, a retiree's unit of four will have barely anything left on a $2,000 budget because it all totals $1,956 monthly. If you are alone, that figure drops to $700. Mind you, this includes everything—rent, utilities, transport, groceries, and perhaps a medical visit.

Ecuador Cuenca Natalia Cartolini, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Serbia: Novi Sad

One of three European Capital of Culture 2022 offers Danube views for $1,040 monthly for a solo retiree. The one-bedroomed apartments within the city cost $490, utilities average $110, and transportation $24 monthly. Serbian healthcare attracts medical tourists, while seasonal farmers' markets reduce food costs to approximately $200 monthly.

Serbia Novi Sad Alexander Cocek, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Bosnia: Mostar

If your dream for retirement is a daily dose of natural scenery, then Mostar is exactly where you need to land. For only $1565, a group of four will cover rent ($280-$356), groceries ($150), utilities ($138), internet ($25), and transportation ($1.13 per ticket). Want to eat out? No problem, it's below $50.

Bosnia Mostar Daniel Wabyick, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Chile: La Serena

When you think of any Chilean destination, think of beaches, astronomy observatories, and everything else that is relaxing. And if you're on a budget of under $2,000 for one or two, and rent and utilities cost $853. Vino lovers, La Serena's finest productions retail from $5.28 per bottle. Beer? $1.1 per 2.1 pints.

Chile La Serena Serenensextremo, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

India: Pondicherry

Pondicherry is one of the few places you consider yourself elite with a $2,000 monthly budget. The rent here ranges between $80 to $300 based on size. As if that's not affordable enough, utilities are under $30 for a family, monthly local transport under $10, groceries under $150, and (if needed) a doctor's visit under $15.

India Pondicherry Hari Mahidhar, Shutterstock

Moldova: Chișinău

Another comfy one-person retirement haven has to be Chișinău, Moldova. Here, you can survive on a budget of $876. Perhaps you could be a pair, counting additional expenses on groceries, transportation, and medical costs. The warm community and plethora of recreational activities will give your retirement years a new light.

Moldova Chișinău Rodion Gavriloi, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Azerbaijan: Baku

Caspian Sea breezes cool this architectural wonderland, which allows you to survive on a budget under $2,000—solo for $766 and a unit of four for $1963. Accommodation will cost between $200 and $1000, depending on size and location. Groceries would be under $200, transportation under $20, and a doctor's visit under $40.

Azerbaijan Baku Expedition Azeri, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Tunisia: Hammamet

A one-bedroom in the Hammamet Mediterranean city center costs $322. 45, and rent outside the city costs even less ($241.84). Essential mobile and internet utilities cost around $60, and other expenses like groceries, transportation, entertainment, and leisure vary. However, it's all still under $2,000 per month.

Tunisia Hammamet Citizen59, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Morocco: Essaouira

Here is where the Game of Thrones filming meets authentic Moroccan life under $2,000. $1,327 buys a retiree's family of four comfort with a medina three-bedroomed apartment ($500), utilities plus internet ($60), and groceries expenses (about $150). Private healthcare costs less than the U.S., starting at $ 21.6 per visit.

Morocco Essaouira Visions of Domino, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Nepal: Pokhara

If you thought Antalya, Turkey, was affordable, Pokhara would knock your socks off. Why? One person's budget—rent included—is $377; four people's is $696. Everything is affordable, such that with a $2,000 budget, you could eat out often and still have some pocket change for investments and savings.

Nepal Pokhara Mikhail Semenov, Shutterstock

Sri Lanka: Galle

It seems like as we move down this list, things get more affordable and interesting. Welcome to Galle, where $484 is enough for one person and $1077 is sufficient for four. A Dutch colonial fort meets Indian Ocean beaches here, and a date out for two won't go above $50. Groceries and transport? Not beyond $150.

Sri Lanka Galle dronepicr, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Honduras: Roatán

Retired divers, snorkelers, and all water lovers, Roatán is where you can finally call home after serving the people—comfortably on a $2,000 budget. $408 covers a one-bedroom city apartment, $40.6 covers utilities, and $150 covers groceries and additional daily costs. A medical check-up only costs $19.

Honduras Roatán davidpinter, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Kenya: Malindi

Malindi is a charming coastal town with a rich Italian influence. One retiree can survive on only $502. If they tag along three more people, they only require $1,558 for a month. Eating out is affordable at approximately $23.1 for two, and a medical visit costs $12.5.

Kenya Malindi Authentic travel, Shutterstock

Jordan: Aqaba

Jordan welcomes retirees to enjoy the low cost of living with all affordable amenities. Housing ranges from $200 to $600, utilities from $50 to $100, transportation from $1 to $60, medical visits from approximately $20, and groceries—including beer, wine, and other extras—from $100 to $200.

Jordan Aqaba Hatice Bakcepinar, Shutterstock

Paraguay: Asunción

If you adore that sound of river flow, let life in Asunción become your final destination with affordable living. Here, rent is approximately $430 for a city-based one-bedroom and $760 for a three-bedroom. All fitness enthusiasts get ready to part with a $26.62 fee, and movie buffs: a seat will cost you $5.05.

Paraguay Asunción Jon Chica, Shutterstock