9. Thailand (tie)

There is no doubt that the allure of Thailand begins with its sun drenched, warm climate and appeals to those who have a keen sense of adventure and an eye for natural and cultural beauty, writes IL Thailand correspondent Rachel Devlin. Thailand is the heart of Southeast Asia and is hugged by Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar in the north and shares a border with Malaysia in the south.

Thailand is the only country in Southeast Asia that wasn’t colonized by any European countries and therefore maintains a culture untouched by any other influences. Culturally, the Thais place great emphasis on ‘sanuk’ or ‘fun’ which impacts on all aspects of the lifestyle in Thailand. Thais are community minded and love to meet each other and eat out which drives an enormous restaurant and cafe culture across the entire country.

Thailand has been a popular destination for retirees for decades and provides long term visas for people over 50. Although Americans are the largest expat cohort in Thailand, it is also a popular destination for the British, Canadian, French and Swiss. Thailand’s expat appeal is that it offers an affordable cost of living yet manifests an enriched way of life. Its diverse natural beauty means that expats are spread from islands surrounded by emerald waters, the high-rise metropolis of Bangkok or the rice fields and laidback lifestyle of Northern Thailand.

Probably the best deals to be had in Thailand are in real estate. Foreigners are able to buy condos very easily and there are bargains everywhere. It is possible to buy a two-bedroom condo for under $30,000 and rentals can be as cheap as $180 per month if you need something small and quaint. Most expats believe that $2,500 per month equates to a good life in Thailand, however I know many that live off less than that.

An enormous advantage to living in Thailand is the healthcare. Being a popular place for dental and health tourism says it all. Expats report being very happy with the healthcare and there are a range of hospitals to choose from. The infrastructures of the country are also outstanding. The utilities are very cheap, an average monthly water bill is less than $5.

9. Italy (tie)

This year’s Retirement Index actually features a “top 11” countries, as Italy and Thailand as both listed as No. 9 on the list.

Italy makes itself an ideal retirement location with an incredible diversity of climate, topography, beaches, food, wine, sports, community, healthcare, and a lifestyle that has the average Italian living one to five years longer than its Western European neighbors, and the average American. Its list of world-famous historical and cultural attractions is too numerous to mention, notes IL Italy correspondent Chip Stites.

For these reasons and more, retirement in Italy is unique for those desiring a longer, fuller life, a sense of adventure and pleasure at a leisurely pace matched by few countries anywhere. The biggest surprise is how much lower living expenses are in a country that is protective of its lifestyle, its economy, and its heritage.

Healthcare is ranked number two in the world according to the World Health Organization. After only six months of living in Italy, you can enter the public health system with proof of your permanent Visa and Permisso de Soggiorno. Each region has its own method of accessing costs but in general, the further north you go the more expensive, and the further south the less expensive the healthcare and the cost of living.

Italy offers excellent infrastructure via trains, buses, airlines, and senior discounts in most areas. Infrastructure includes excellent countrywide internet, fresh drinkable water, continuous electricity, and regular trash pickup across even small villages. WiFi, TV (local and satellite), and telephones are surprisingly inexpensive. Stites said he spends about half of what he spent in the U.S. on all his phone, WiFi, and satellite services.

But the best thing about Italy may be the cost of living. The average Italian lives on less than half of what the average American lives on, Stites says, adding he and his wife live on a budget of about $3,500 per month.

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