Where $1,200 Buys You a Comfortable Life Overseas
Our on-the-ground experts reveal 14 destinations where retirees enjoy comfort, community, and culture without breaking the bank.
“You can live comfortably in the right spots abroad on a budget that, in the US, would really have you skimping and counting pennies,” says Jennifer Stevens, Executive Editor of International Living. “We worked with our contributors on the ground around the world to get realistic, up-to-date recommendations and guidance from them, to point to specific places where $1,200 a month can cover housing, food, utilities, transportation, and entertainment in communities that are safe, welcoming, and full of life.
“This isn’t about living small—it’s about living smart. Is this modest budget going to put you in a mansion? No. But it can fund a truly comfortable life where you can eat out often, enjoy cultural events, travel locally, and still have money left over. The key is knowing where to go and how to adapt to local rhythms. That’s what we show you in this report.”
Below are highlights from the 14 destinations our contributors identified as the best for living or retiring well on a $1,200 monthly budget. (Read the full report here)
Albania
On the Adriatic coast, Albania delivers Mediterranean living at a fraction of the cost of its neighbors. In waterfront cities like Vlore or Saranda, comfortable apartments rent for $300–$400 a month, with utilities averaging $100–$150. Local markets brim with fresh produce, fish, and cheeses at bargain prices, and café culture thrives, with espressos for $1 and full meals for under $10. The cost of living remains among the lowest in Europe, and Albania’s relaxed lifestyle makes it a hidden gem for expats seeking affordability with a seaside view.
Bali (Indonesia)
Bali offers a lifestyle that feels indulgent while remaining affordable. In quieter areas such as Sanur or Sidemen, guesthouse-style rentals run $400–$500 a month, often with pools included. Utilities average $80. Eating out is not only affordable but a joy, with local warungs (food stalls) serving excellent meals for a few dollars and international restaurants offering high-quality dining at half Western prices. A scooter rental costs $80 a month, and massages, pedicures, and haircuts cost just a few dollars. By embracing local life, expats can enjoy Bali’s beaches, culture, and community within a $1,200 budget.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria consistently ranks among Europe’s best-value destinations. In cities like Plovdiv or coastal Varna, a one-bedroom apartment rents for about $500 a month. Monthly groceries cost around $245, and fresh bread, vegetables, and wine are not only inexpensive but high quality. Public transportation is efficient, a monthly pass costs about $25, and cultural life is rich with concerts, theater, and festivals at low prices. For wine lovers, Bulgaria’s excellent local vintages cost a fraction of what you’d pay elsewhere.
Cambodia
Cambodia offers some of the lowest costs in Southeast Asia while delivering a rich cultural experience. In Phnom Penh or Siem Reap, modern one-bedroom apartments with access to gyms and swimming pools rent for $200–$400 per month. Dining out is often cheaper than cooking, with full meals available for $2–$3. Utilities and internet are inexpensive, and public transportation, though limited, can be supplemented with affordable tuk-tuks and ride-hailing apps. Even domestic flights are cheap, making it easy to explore the country or hop over to neighboring Thailand or Vietnam.
Colombia
In Colombia’s smaller cities, such as Manizales or Pereira in the Coffee Region, $1,200 stretches comfortably. A two-bedroom apartment can be rented for $250–$400 a month, while local markets keep food costs modest—fresh produce, coffee, and meats are all affordable. Public transportation is reliable and costs just pennies per ride. The climate in these mid-sized cities is spring-like year-round, reducing utility costs. With an active cultural calendar, low-cost entertainment, and welcoming locals, Colombia offers an affordable and enjoyable lifestyle.
El Salvador
Once overlooked due to safety concerns, El Salvador is now drawing attention with its affordability and improved security. In Santa Ana, one of the country’s larger cities, a one-bedroom apartment rents for about $300 in the city center. Eating locally is incredibly inexpensive: the national dish, pupusas, cost around 50 cents apiece, and buses charge only 35 cents per ride. Even in coastal towns like La Libertad, known for surfing and seafood, rentals and living costs fit comfortably within a $1,200 budget. With its small size and efficient bus system, travel across the country is both affordable and accessible.
Latvia
Latvia offers the charm of Northern Europe without the high price tag. In smaller towns such as Cesis or Kuldiga, one-bedroom apartments rent for around $290. Monthly utilities average $210, but costs can be offset by Latvia’s inexpensive rail system, which makes domestic travel highly affordable. Local markets provide fresh produce, meats, and dairy at low prices, and dining out remains reasonable in comparison with Western Europe. For retirees seeking a quieter European lifestyle with cultural richness, Latvia is a surprisingly affordable option.
Lithuania
In Lithuania, a couple can live well outside the capital, Vilnius, for $1,200 a month. In smaller towns and cities, apartments rent for about $500, and groceries average $350 monthly for two people. Utilities are modest, and transportation is both efficient and inexpensive. Lithuania’s thriving café culture and calendar of festivals provide low-cost entertainment, while its proximity to the rest of Europe makes regional travel simple. For expats looking for European living without Western European costs, Lithuania is worth considering.
Nicaragua
In Nicaragua’s colonial cities like Granada and León, a couple can live well for under $1,200 a month by embracing a local lifestyle. Rents outside the main tourist hubs can be as low as $300 a month for a furnished apartment. Utilities average about $100, and groceries at the vibrant local markets—where fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats are abundant—help keep food costs low. Street food and family-run comedores (small restaurants) serve hearty meals for just a few dollars, making eating out both affordable and enjoyable. Add in inexpensive transportation and strong expat networks, and Nicaragua proves itself one of the most budget-friendly destinations in Central America.
Peru
Cusco-based contributor Heather Jasper notes: “Like every country, Peru has cities with ritzy neighborhoods where rent alone is over $1,200. But there are also neighborhoods and towns where the cost of living is a fraction of that.” In Cusco, for instance, one-bedroom apartments rent for $250–$400 including utilities. A week’s worth of fresh market groceries costs about $20 per person. Taxis run $2–$3 per ride, and inexpensive intercity buses make it easy to explore Peru’s diverse landscapes. From the Andes to the coast, Peru offers a rich lifestyle on a modest budget.
Romania
In Romanian cities such as Craiova or Sibiu, one-bedroom apartments rent for about $385. Monthly groceries average $200, and utilities come in around $204. Public transportation is efficient and inexpensive, and intercity train travel is affordable and reliable. Romania also offers a full calendar of cultural events, from music festivals to theater, often at little or no cost. For retirees drawn to Old World charm with modern conveniences, Romania makes a strong case as a low-cost European base.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka combines tropical island living with affordability. In towns like Trincomalee and Batticaloa, beachside apartments rent for $275–$350 a month. Utilities are modest, and unlimited internet costs $13.50 a month. Fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and spices keep food costs low, with a full dinner for two often under $10. Transportation is famously inexpensive: a five-hour scenic train ride costs $4.20. With its beaches, cultural festivals, and welcoming locals, Sri Lanka makes island life possible on a modest budget.
Thailand
Northern Thailand, especially Chiang Mai, is one of Asia’s most affordable destinations. Apartments rent for as little as $63 a month, or $120 with air conditioning. Local meals—Pad Thai, curries, papaya salad—cost around $2.50, and Western meals are available for $6. Entertainment is abundant and often free, from temple ceremonies to university concerts and festivals. A secondhand bicycle costs about $60 and makes transport easy, while expat meetups ensure community connection. Regional travel is also inexpensive, with flights to Vietnam or Laos under $165 each way.
Vietnam
Vietnam stands out in Asia for its blend of affordability and quality of life. In Hanoi, a furnished 500-square-foot apartment rents for $265 a month and often includes twice-weekly housekeeping. Utilities rarely top $50, and mobile phone plans cost just $3.40 for 30 GB of data. Street food meals cost about $3 per person, while dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant runs $10–$13. Public transport is cheap, and domestic flights frequently go on sale for $30 or less. With thousands of miles of coastline and vibrant cities, Vietnam offers one of the best-value retirements in Asia.
Read the full article here: The 14 Best Places to Retire for as Little as $1,200 a Month
What do you think? Could you see yourself living in one of these places, or do you have another destination in mind? Share your thoughts in the comments; we’d love to hear from you.