A Country In Southeast Asia With Electric City Life Is One Of The Best Places To Retire Outside The US

Many retirees in America will be eligible for new senior tax deductions, thanks to the One Big Beautiful Bill. Yet even with those tax breaks, retirees will need to make their savings last as they experience their golden years. Hence why costs, along with amenities and infrastructure, are a major factor when determining the best U.S. state to retire in. However, what if you want to retire outside of the United States? One particular southeast Asian country — that's famous for exciting city life — may also be a great place for Americans to retire. International Living listed Thailand among its top 10 best places to retire due its friendly people, fantastic restaurants, ancient temples, and modern amenities. 

Thailand's largest city and capital, Bangkok, is filled with new skyscrapers and decent transportation, which includes the Skytrain, an electric powered train capable of holding 1,000 people per trip. But there is more to Thailand than just Bangkok. The laid-back atmosphere of Chiang Mai, a northern city in Thailand, has become a favorite for expat retirees. Or, for those who love beach living, Phuket can be a fairly-affordable island getaway for retirees. In fact, International Living noted that living in Phuket, and even other beach areas of Thailand, is less expensive than residing in Florida, where it takes an above average income to retire comfortably.

Per International Living, a couple can live comfortably in Thailand on just $1,500 to $2,000 per month. Medical care is cheaper, too, with a routine check up or procedure costing around $50. In Chiang Mai, you can rent for about $500 a month, whereas in Bangkok an apartment can be rented for $600 a month. Plus, meals bought on the street can cost as little as $1.50. Indeed, a single U.S. dollar can go a long way in Thailand. As of mid-July 2025, one U.S. dollar was equal to about 32.50 Thai baht.

According to Smart Asset, it is anywhere from 35% to 75% more affordable to live in Thailand when compared to the United States. In particular, groceries are up to 66% lower in Bangkok compared to a retiree favorite destination in the U.S., Sarasota, Florida. Plus, renting a one-bedroom apartment in Bangkok is 3.5 times cheaper than in Sarasota. The Thailand Life recommends having access to at least $2,500 per month for both a comfortable lifestyle and a buffer against any unexpected expenses. An American retiree will also need private insurance as Medicare does not cover most medical costs in Thailand, according to Visa Verge.

Thailand offers retirement visas to Americans over the age of 50. To obtain such a visa, a retiree must make at least 65,000 Thai baht (roughly $2,000) a month, or maintain a bank balance of at least 800,000 baht ($24,640), according to the U.S. Embassy & Consulate in Thailand. This retirement visa lasts one year before requiring renewal. If you happen to be a remote worker, and not fully retired, there's also the option of obtaining a five-year workcation e-visa, which requires an employment contract, or a digital nomad portfolio, along with financial assets of at least 500,000 baht ($15,450), according to Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  A five-year visa can also be obtained for medical treatment, or for training in soft-power activities such as cooking Thai cuisine or learning the Muay Thai fighting style.

Before you decide to retire in Thailand, make sure it is the right place for you. You might consider other retirement-friendly countries such as Portugal, which is also a great (and cheap) place to retire, more appealing in the long run. Ultimately, if you are in your 50s, and think you have enough funds to retire abroad, make sure you take the necessary actions to bridge any income gaps before booking a flight.