Retire Abroad Calculator
Project your monthly retirement budget in popular international destinations.
Income Analysis
Cost Comparison
| Category | US Avg | Destination | Savings |
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Destination Info
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This tool is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional financial, medical, legal, or engineering advice. See Terms of Service.
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Request a ToolHow to Use the Retire Abroad Calculator
This calculator projects your monthly retirement budget in popular international destinations. It adjusts costs for retirement-specific factors like increased healthcare needs and reduced transportation costs.
- Select a destination. Choose from 20+ popular retirement destinations worldwide.
- Choose a lifestyle tier. Budget (basic but comfortable), moderate (standard expat lifestyle), or comfortable (higher-end housing and dining).
- Enter your monthly income (optional). Social Security, pension, investment income, etc. The calculator will show whether your income covers expenses.
- Toggle health insurance. Includes an estimated $200/month for private international health insurance.
About Retiring Abroad
An estimated 700,000+ Americans receive Social Security payments abroad. Popular retirement destinations include Mexico, Portugal, Costa Rica, Thailand, and Ecuador. The primary financial motivation is that retirement savings stretch 2-3x further in lower-cost countries, allowing retirees to maintain or improve their lifestyle on a fixed income.
Why This Matters
The average monthly Social Security benefit is roughly $1,900 (2025). In many US cities, that barely covers rent. In destinations like Cuenca (Ecuador), Chiang Mai (Thailand), or Medellin (Colombia), $1,900/month covers a comfortable lifestyle including housing, food, healthcare, and entertainment. This calculator helps retirees see exactly how their income maps to specific destinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I collect Social Security while living abroad?
Yes, in most countries. US citizens can receive Social Security payments in nearly all countries. Some exceptions apply (North Korea, Cuba, and a few others). Non-citizens may face restrictions depending on their country of citizenship and residence. Medicare does not cover healthcare abroad, which is why international health insurance is important. Check SSA.gov for country-specific rules.
What is the cheapest country to retire in?
Vietnam, Georgia (Tbilisi), the Philippines, and Thailand consistently rank as the most affordable retirement destinations, with comfortable monthly budgets of $800-1,200. Ecuador (Cuenca) and Colombia (Medellin) are popular in Latin America at $1,000-1,400/month. Portugal (Lisbon) is a top European choice but more expensive at $2,000+/month.
What about healthcare abroad?
Healthcare costs abroad are typically 60-80% lower than in the US. Many expat retirees purchase private international health insurance ($150-400/month depending on age and coverage). Some countries offer national healthcare access to legal residents. Thailand, Mexico, and Costa Rica are known for high-quality, affordable healthcare. Medicare does not cover expenses outside the US.