🏠 Your Retirement Profile
Tell us about your situation to personalize the cost comparison
Household & Lifestyle
Current City
Comparison Destinations (up to 3)
① Destination 1
② Destination 2
③ Destination 3
📊 Monthly Cost Breakdown
All figures in USD/month adjusted for household size and lifestyle
💰 Purchasing Power on Your Income
📄 Estimated Annual Tax Burden
💵 Monthly Budget Projection
⭐ Quality of Life Ratings
📌 Estimates are based on 2024 cost-of-living indices and representative household data. Actual costs vary based on specific neighborhood, lifestyle, healthcare needs, and market conditions. International tax treatment for US citizens depends on tax treaties and individual circumstances. Consult a financial advisor before making relocation decisions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which US cities have the lowest cost of living for retirees?▼
Chattanooga TN, Myrtle Beach SC, Knoxville TN, and Tucson AZ consistently rank among the most affordable US cities for retirees. These cities offer low housing costs, no or low state income tax on retirement income, and a cost of living index well below 100. A single retiree can often live comfortably on $2,200–$2,800/month.
How much cheaper is retiring abroad compared to the US?▼
International retirement destinations can be dramatically cheaper. Chiang Mai Thailand, Bali Indonesia, and Cebu Philippines have cost indices of 28–32% of the US average. A $4,000/month US lifestyle might cost only $1,100–$1,300 abroad. Even European destinations like Lisbon Portugal and Athens Greece are typically 40–50% cheaper than major US cities. Keep in mind US tax obligations for citizens abroad.
Do I still pay US taxes if I retire abroad?▼
Yes — US citizens are taxed on worldwide income regardless of where they live. You will still file federal income taxes and owe taxes on Social Security, IRA distributions, and investment income. However, the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) and Foreign Tax Credit can reduce double-taxation. Consult a cross-border tax specialist before retiring abroad.
Which states do not tax Social Security income?▼
Most US states do not tax Social Security benefits. States with no income tax at all include Florida, Texas, Nevada, Tennessee, and Wyoming. States that exempt Social Security but have other income taxes include Arizona, Georgia, and South Carolina. Only a handful of states tax Social Security at all — this tool accounts for this in the tax breakdown.
What is a reasonable monthly budget for a retired couple?▼
For a retired couple in a moderate US city, expect $4,500–$6,000/month for a comfortable lifestyle. This typically includes: $1,200–$1,800 housing (own outright), $500–$700 groceries, $400–$600 healthcare, $300–$400 transportation, $150–$200 utilities, and $300–$500 entertainment. High-cost cities like Naples FL can push this to $7,000+, while budget-friendly options like Chattanooga can bring it under $3,500.
How accurate are the cost estimates in this tool?▼
Our estimates are based on 2024 cost-of-living indices from Numbeo and COLI data. They represent typical costs for the lifestyle tier selected. Costs vary by specific neighborhood, healthcare needs, and market timing. Use these numbers for directional planning and verify current rental prices on Zillow, healthcare premiums via Healthcare.gov or Medicare, before making a relocation decision.