What kind of retirement can $2,500 a month actually buy? We compare the Philippines, Mexico, Portugal, Thailand and Vietnam—not by meaningless exchange rates, but by the housing, food, healthcare, transportation, services and quality of life an American retiree can realistically afford.
Mexico has proximity. Portugal has Europe. Thailand has world-class tourism. But the Philippines offers something few retirement destinations can match: affordable living combined with widespread English, accessible healthcare, cultural familiarity, and a lifestyle where an American retiree can actually participate in everyday life.
How patience can save you thousands of dollars—and years of regret. This article is part of the My Philippines Retirement Hub, a collection of practical advice, personal experiences, and hard-earned lessons about retiring and living in the Philippines. Slow Down If I could give every American considering retirement in the Philippines one piece of advice, … Read more
YouTube is full of videos promising that you can retire in the Philippines for next to nothing. The reality is more complicated. Here’s what I’ve learned after years of living here.