One of the key categories in our annual Overseas Retirement Index is, of course, cost of living. For many, it can be the deciding factor.
The good news is, in the locations we’ve identified, cutting costs doesn’t have to mean lowering your standards. Indeed, in these three havens, which stand out in our 2025 Index as being the most affordable, you can enjoy a serious lifestyle upgrade.
Hua Hin, Thailand
For most retirees, Hua Hin fits the bill of the ideal retirement haven. This charming seaside town is nestled along the Gulf of Thailand, offering miles of soft, sandy beaches.
It enjoys warm, sunny weather year-round, which means residents can take full advantage of the excellent recreation opportunities available such as hiking, watersports, and golf.
The town, the preferred summer retreat of Thai royalty since the 1920s, is clean, calm, safe, and well-appointed with solid infrastructure and all kinds of urban amenities—restaurants, shopping centers, internationally accredited medical care, and more.
And, happily, retirement here won’t cost you a king’s ransom.
In Hua Hin, even a modest retirement budget goes a long way. Many expat couples live comfortably on about $2,000 per month… but if you have more than this available, you can enjoy a bona fide luxury standard of living, with high-end accommodation and household staff.
Compared to the cost of living in North American, here you can save on rent (the typical range is $300 to $800 per month), eating out, and groceries. Healthy, hearty Thai dishes cost a couple of dollars per plate. Groceries are cheap as well, especially if you shop for local products.
Health care is high-quality and so affordable that you can pay out of pocket. Transportation options are limited to local modes—tuk-tuks and songthaew (open-air trucks). They’re unorthodox for North Americans, but they’re cheap and effective.
Mendoza, Argentina
Mendoza is Latin America’s first wine-growing region, and where vines grow, the living is generally good. Here in the interior of Argentina, food, wine, and interesting conversation are the priorities of life.
This region’s laid-back atmosphere, safe cities, developed infrastructure, unspoiled culture, affordable cost of living, and friendly people combine to create an idyllic lifestyle.
This is a good choice for active retirees who aren’t ready to sit back and rock on the front porch. You could spend your days skiing, hiking, climbing, playing golf, bird-watching, white-water rafting, kayaking, and even kite-surfing, and your evenings practicing tango.
Mendoza has a reputation as one of the cheapest places to live in Argentina, so for North Americans, it’s super affordable. The cost of buying or renting property is a bargain. You can rent a semi-furnished, two-bedroom apartment for $400 to $1,000 per month.
The city has a fairly well-organized public transport system, so technically you don’t need a car (although having one to take full advantage of Argentina’s wide-open spaces is recommended). The average bus fare is about 50 cents. Argentina is famous for beef, empanadas, and red wine, and you can enjoy a good meal out for $10 to $30.
Kyrenia, Northern Cyprus
Located on the north coast of Northern Cyprus, Kyrenia is blessed with clear blue waters and miles of coastline with soft-sand beaches. It’s known for its historic harbor and iconic views, with the Kyrenia Mountains to its back and the Mediterranean Sea to its front.
Kyrenia has long drawn expats from the U.K. and Northern Europe with its warm climate and abundant sunshine. The summer here is one of the longest in Europe, beginning in March and lasting until October, with over 300 days of sunshine a year.
Kyrenia is a super-affordable place to live. Relocating here is a chance to drastically reduce your monthly cost of living. You could live a luxury lifestyle by the beach on about $1,500 per month.
Rent for a two-bedroom apartment with a communal pool is about $400 to $800 per month. If you decide to invest in real estate, you’ll find prices to be a global bargain, especially in comparison to other Mediterranean havens.
Sincerely,
Sophia Titley
Editor, Overseas Living Letter
