15 Best Places to Retire If You Have No Savings

Published on March 7, 2024 at 7:12 am by Insider Monkey Staff in Lists, News, Retirement

This article looks at the 15 best places to retire if you have no savings. If you want to skip our detailed analysis on why a wealth of experience is not enough and how your American dollars might be your gateway to a comfortable retirement, go to 5 Best Places to Retire If You Have No Savings.

Is a wealth of experience enough?

As the demographic landscape of the United States shifts, marked by the Baby Boomer generation entering retirement and Millennials contemplating their financial futures more earnestly, the conversation around retirement is more relevant than ever. Particularly pressing is the topic of the best places to retire if you have no savings, a reality for a significant portion of the population. According to a troubling statistic from the National Institute on Retirement Security, approximately 40% of Gen Xers have no retirement savings whatsoever. This stark number underscores the critical importance of planning for financial sustainability in later life, especially against a backdrop where the cost of living continues to climb.

In this environment, identifying the best places to retire involves a delicate balance between manageable living expenses and access to essential services like healthcare. The increasing cost of living and healthcare expenses across the country bring these considerations to the forefront of retirement planning for financially under prepared Americans. As we step into 2024, retirees are facing a mixed financial landscape, marked by slight improvements in Social Security benefits but countered by rising healthcare costs and pressing concerns about the adequacy of retirement savings. The latest data from the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) reveals that Social Security recipients now have a 3.2% increase in their monthly payments, thanks to the 2024 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). This adjustment raises the average retirement benefit from $1,848 to $1,907, a modest but welcome $59 boost per month that reflects attempts to keep pace with inflation, albeit at a slower rate than the previous year’s 8.7% increase.

However, this financial relief is somewhat tempered by the news from the Medicare sector. After a 3% decrease in 2023, the standard premiums for Medicare Part B are up for a 6% climb starting 2024, with the monthly premium reaching $174.70. This increase, combined with the raised annual deductible for Medicare Part B to $240, may erode the benefits of the COLA adjustment for many beneficiaries.

The healthcare and insurance sectors play critical roles in this evolving scenario. Companies like UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH), a leading healthcare public company, and Humana Inc. (NYSE:HUM), a prominent insurer, are at the forefront of addressing these challenges. Both UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) and Humana Inc. (NYSE:HUM) have a significant influence on how healthcare services and insurance products adapt to meet the needs of an aging population, particularly as these companies work to manage the balance between coverage and cost.

“Given all the stresses in the world today, such as natural disasters and geopolitical events, Americans continue to confront challenging times in our economy”.

-Kevin Barry, the President of Workplace Investing at Fidelity.

This statement lays the groundwork for understanding the financial backdrop against which retirees are navigating. According to Clever, a real estate data company, an alarming 37% of retirees’ report having no savings set aside for retirement, with the average retiree holds $170,726 in savings, a noticeable decline from $191,659 in 2022. This reduction in savings, coupled with nearly 48 % of retirees fearing they will outlive their retirement funds and 71% carrying non-mortgage debt averaging $19,888, paints a concerning picture. Barry’s words serve as a crucial reminder of the multifaceted pressures compounding the financial insecurities faced by today’s retirees, underlining the urgent need for strategic planning and support to navigate these challenging economic waters.

In response, companies like UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) and Humana Inc. (NYSE:HUM) are pivotal in developing healthcare and insurance solutions that strive to alleviate some of the financial strains on retirees. Their efforts to offer comprehensive healthcare plans and insurance products that cater specifically to the needs of the elderly can play a vital role in helping manage the dual challenges of rising healthcare costs and insufficient retirement savings. As 2024 unfolds, the importance of strategic financial planning and the support of the healthcare and insurance sectors becomes increasingly clear. Given the economic landscape, the search for the best places to retire if you have no savings is more than just a financial consideration; it’s a question of how to maintain a dignified, comfortable lifestyle on a limited budget. This search necessitates looking beyond traditional retirement paradigms, exploring locales where the cost of living aligns more closely with fixed incomes typical of Social Security benefits.

15 Best Places to Retire If You Have No Savings

Methodology

In our quest to uncover the best places to retire if you have no savings, we embarked on an extensive research process, leveraging data from sources such as Nomadguide, Think Advisor, and VivEurope. This foundational step was critical in pinpointing cheap places to retire that promise not only affordability but also a high quality of life for retirees aiming to maximize their post-work years. Our methodology centered on key determinants crucial for those looking to retire with no savings: living costs, safety, healthcare quality, and healthcare costs. To ensure our recommendations for the best places to live with no savings were accurate and comprehensive, we sourced living cost and safety index information from Numbeo, enriched further by insights from International Living and Livingcost.org. Recognizing that financial viability extends beyond mere living costs, our analysis included a thorough review of taxation policies and retirement visa availability. This step was paramount in identifying cheap places to retire where retirees can enjoy both fiscal benefits and legal residence without depleting their savings. By aggregating scores, we were able to objectively highlight destinations that offer an optimal blend of cost-efficiency and quality living conditions for those looking to retire with no savings. Scores were summed up and places have been ranked in an ascending order from the lowest to the highest scores.

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Here are the best places to retire if you have no savings:

15. Ljubljana, Slovenia

Insider Monkey Score: 12

Ljubljana, Slovenia’s charming capital, beckons retirees with its blend of historic grace and modern living, all in a compact, walkable city. Living here offers an enriching lifestyle for about $1,000 to $1,500 monthly, combining affordability with a high quality of life. Ljubljana is renowned for its excellent healthcare services, English-speaking medical professionals, and safe, clean environment, making it perfect for leisurely exploration. The city’s green spaces, cultural events, and vibrant cafe culture offer endless leisure opportunities. Ljubljana embodies a peaceful, community-focused lifestyle, offering a picturesque setting that fuses urban conveniences with natural beauty, ideal for retirees seeking a serene, European living experience.

14. Boquete, Panama

Insider Monkey Score: 13

Nestled in Panama’s cool highlands, Boquete offers retirees an affordable, tranquil lifestyle amidst natural beauty. The Pensionado visa requires a minimum monthly pension of $1,000, making residency straightforward for expatriates. With living costs allowing a comfortable existence on about $1,100 to $1,500 per month, Boquete is attractive for its cost-effective lifestyle. The area boasts modern healthcare facilities, English-speaking doctors, and a safe environment perfect for exploration. Its year-round mild climate highlights its lush landscapes and vibrant community.

13. Cuenca, Ecuador

Insider Monkey Score: 13

Cuenca, nestled in Ecuador’s Andean highlands, offers retirees a blend of old-world charm and contemporary convenience in a city celebrated for its cultural heritage and natural beauty. Ecuador’s retirement visa, requiring proof of stable income, makes settling in Cuenca an attractive option. With monthly living expenses ranging from $800 to $1,200, Cuenca stands out for its affordability without sacrificing quality of life. The city is applauded for its healthcare system, accessible and staffed by English-speaking professionals, ensuring peace of mind for expatriates. Cuenca’s temperate climate, welcoming community, and vibrant arts scene, along with its historic architecture and tranquil rivers, create a perfect backdrop for a relaxed retirement. Moreover, its favorable tax conditions offer financial benefits, making Cuenca an ideal destination for retirees seeking a rich cultural experience combined with the ease of urban living and the tranquility of nature.

12. Atenas, Costa Rica

Insider Monkey Score: 13

Atenas, Costa Rica, acclaimed as the best place for retirement with no savings, offers an affordable, idyllic lifestyle amidst stunning natural beauty. Welcoming expatriates through Costa Rica’s retirement visa for those with stable income, Atenas promises a cost-effective living, with monthly expenses of around $1,000 to $1,500. Its reputable healthcare system, featuring English-speaking professionals, adds to the town’s allure. Known for the “world’s best climate,” Atenas couples a warm, friendly community with a vibrant expat scene, making it an unbeatable choice for retirees desiring a tranquil yet enriching retirement without needing a hefty savings account.

11. Iloilo City, Philippines

Insider Monkey Score: 14

Iloilo, Philippines, is another solid choice for retirees, thanks to its unbeatable combination of low living costs, friendly visa policies, and appealing taxation for expatriates. With monthly expenses hovering around $800 to $1,200, covering housing, healthcare, and essentials, Iloilo is perfect for retirees looking to stretch their pensions further. The Philippines offers retiree-friendly visa options that facilitate long-term stays, making it easier for expatriates to call this vibrant city home. Iloilo’s healthcare is both cost-effective and staffed by English-speaking professionals, ensuring peace of mind for healthcare needs. Coupled with its rich cultural heritage, welcoming community, and scenic landscapes, Iloilo promises a fulfilling and stress-free retirement without the worry of savings, embodying the essence of tropical tranquility and affordability.

10. Banyuwangi, Indonesia

Insider Monkey Score: 14

Banyuwangi, Indonesia, emerges as one of the best places to retire with no savings, blending low living costs with mesmerizing natural beauty. With living expenses between $700 to $1,000 a month, it appeals to those seeking an economical retirement lifestyle. Expatriates are drawn to its straightforward visa policies and the availability of English-speaking staff within an accessible healthcare system. The region is celebrated for its diverse ecosystems, from beaches to the majestic Ijen Crater, enveloped by a hospitable community and a perpetual summer climate. Banyuwangi stands as a peaceful sanctuary for retirees wishing to savor nature’s splendor.

9. Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay

Insider Monkey Score: 14

Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay, offers retirees an enchanting blend of historical charm and modern comforts, along with cost-effective living. With monthly costs of around $1,000 to $1,500, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a magnet for those seeking a picturesque yet affordable retirement. Uruguay’s welcoming visa policies and efficient healthcare system, staffed with English-speaking professionals, add to its appeal. The city’s cobbled streets, riverside vistas, and vibrant community promise a relaxed lifestyle, making Colonia del Sacramento an ideal choice for retirees looking to maximize their social security benefits in a serene, culture-rich setting.

8. Debrecen, Hungary

Insider Monkey Score: 15

Debrecen, Hungary, offers retirees an idyllic mix of cultural richness and affordable living, with costs ranging from $1,000 to $1,400 a month. This city, Hungary’s second largest, combines the amenities of urban life with the charm of Eastern European heritage. Its healthcare system is remarkable, with highly qualified, English-speaking professionals easily accessible. From its vibrant cultural scene to its tranquil parks, Debrecen provides a serene yet stimulating environment for retirees seeking a peaceful, cost-effective retirement.

7. Oradea, Romania

Insider Monkey Score: 15

Oradea, Romania, stands as a burgeoning haven for retirees, offering an exceptional blend of affordability, cultural heritage, and natural beauty. Living expenses in this picturesque city hover around $800 to $1,200 monthly, making it a highly cost-effective option for those aiming to maximize their retirement savings. Romania’s healthcare system is both modern and accessible, with several English-speaking healthcare professionals available. Oradea is acclaimed for its stunning Art Nouveau architecture, thermal springs, and vibrant community life, crafting a perfect setting for retirees seeking a tranquil, yet enriching European lifestyle.

6. Da Nang, Vietnam

Insider Monkey Score: 15

Da Nang, Vietnam stands out as one of the best place to retire if you have no savings, offering retirees an affordable, picturesque setting. With living costs as low as $1,000 a month, it combines ease of living with scenic beauty and a warm community. The healthcare system is both accessible and staffed by English-speaking professionals, enhancing the city’s appeal for expatriates. Da Nang’s beautiful beaches, cultural richness, and vibrant expat scene make it an unparalleled destination for those seeking a fulfilling retirement without a hefty savings account.

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