Compare your current US costs against 15 top expat destinations — side-by-side, category by category. See your real purchasing power and monthly budget estimate.
| Category | US Monthly | Destination | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Monthly | — | — | — |
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Retiring abroad is one of the most powerful ways to stretch a fixed retirement income. With Social Security averaging $1,976/month in 2026, many Americans find that their income barely covers the basics at home — but affords a genuinely comfortable lifestyle in dozens of countries around the world.
The key is knowing your actual numbers before you make the move. Here's a snapshot of the 15 most popular expat retirement destinations and what a comfortable lifestyle typically costs a couple:
The largest expat community in the world. Perfect climate, English-speaking services, and some of the most affordable private healthcare in the Americas.
EU lifestyle, English widely spoken, excellent healthcare. NHR tax regime can reduce taxes significantly for foreign-source income.
"The City of Eternal Spring." Year-round 72°F weather, world-class infrastructure, vibrant food scene, and fast-growing expat community.
Southeast Asia's most popular expat hub. Incredible food, Buddhist temples, modern infrastructure, and ultra-affordable private hospitals.
UNESCO World Heritage city. Year-round spring climate, dollarized economy (no exchange risk), and one of the most affordable COLs in the Americas.
The MM2H program offers long-stay residency. English widely spoken. World-class food, excellent private hospitals, and a rich multicultural community.
This is the most common blind spot for Americans planning to retire internationally: Original Medicare does not cover healthcare outside the United States in most circumstances. If you have a medical emergency in Portugal or need routine care in Thailand, Medicare Parts A and B will not pay a cent.
Most expat retirees cover this gap with international health insurance, which typically costs $150–$400/month depending on age and health status. Many destination countries also offer excellent private healthcare at a fraction of US costs — meaning you often come out ahead even after paying for coverage.
Use our Medicare vs. International Health Coverage tool to see the full comparison for your specific situation, including coverage gaps, recommended providers, and country-specific healthcare quality ratings.
Cost estimates in this calculator are based on Numbeo's Cost of Living database, International Living annual surveys, State Department per diem rates, and aggregated expat community reports. All figures represent typical 2025–2026 costs for a couple. Individual costs vary based on neighborhood, lifestyle, and personal spending. This tool is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, or immigration advice.