This article takes a look at the 15 safest places to retire abroad for less than $2,000 a month. If you wish to skip our detailed analysis on global peace deterioration and rising costs for US seniors, you may go to 5 Safest Places to Retire Abroad for Less Than $2,000 a Month.
Global Peace Deterioration and Rising Costs for U.S. Seniors
According to the Global Peace Index Report 2024, there are currently 56 active conflicts worldwide. This is the highest it has ever been since the Second World War, with the number of disputes being resolved declining rapidly. 2024 results note that global peacefulness has deteriorated by 0.56%, marking the 12th deterioration in peacefulness in the last 16 years. While 65 countries saw improved peace levels, 97 countries experienced deterioration instead. This is the highest number of countries to deteriorate in peacefulness ever since the inception of the index itself.
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North America, comprising Canada and the United States, recorded the largest deterioration in peace in any region in the 2024 GPI. Nevertheless, it is still the third most peaceful region globally. Canada is the 11th most peaceful country in the world, while the United States, the country it shares the region with, stands at a shocking 132nd position.
The United States witnessed an overall peacefulness score decline of 5.7%. However, safety isn’t the only problem its residents have been facing these past few years. The cost of living has been getting higher for millions of Americans, making life in the US harder than it once used to be. According to the Labor Department, the consumer price index (CPI) was unchanged in May from the previous month.
“Core inflation is at its lowest level since April 2021, grocery prices have fallen for four months in a row, and gas prices are below $3.50 on average across the country. Wages are rising faster than prices, and unemployment has remained at or below 4% for the longest stretch in 50 years”.
-President Joe Biden
On the other hand, the Labor Department notes that housing expenses, energy, and vehicle maintenance costs have all increased by double digits since January 2021. Shelter costs increased by 21.4%, home prices increased by 33.9%, and rent has been up by 21.4%. Seniors, especially retirees, have been hit the hardest by these circumstances. Even though they received two biggest COLAs in the past years, the adjustments didn’t quite allow them to cope with inflation gracefully. It has come to light that inflation has eaten the buying power of Social Security benefits by 36% since 2000. Moderating inflation has led to a smaller COLA of 3.2% in 2024, while seniors complain that costs have risen more than the benefit bump received.
With all the mess with Social Security and a lack of savings thereof, seniors have been turning to credit cards, assistance programs, and other sources to manage their living expenses. Moreover, since there are so many problems wrong with the system, many individuals have started thinking of alternative options for living, especially in their retirement period. More than 700,000 Americans already receive their Social Security from outside the USA. For those who wish to retire to safe havens that offer cheap living expenses, some of the cheapest and safest countries to retire to include Indonesia, Ghana, Romania, North Macedonia, and Vietnam.
Businesses such as Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT) note that prices of groceries and other items have fallen, but some areas are still witnessing inflation to be stubborn. These include items such as dry groceries and processed foods. Dairy, eggs, sugar, and meat continue to witness a hike in prices, while items such as pet food, apples, potatoes, strawberries, and sporting goods have witnessed a decline.
Overall, Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT) has had a strong first half of the year. The company beat its earnings expectations for Q2 2025 with a reported EPS of $0.67. Expectations were $0.646. Its revenue for 2Q 2025 increased by 4.8% to $169.3 billion, while net income decreased by 43% to $4.50 billion compared to 2Q 2024. Jim Cramer, an American television personality, author, entertainer, and former hedge fund manager, has praised Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT) for offering affordable prices during the inflation crisis, while Piper Sandler has projected significant profit growth for the retailer. Walmart’s strong quarterly results, increased full-year outlook, and rising high-income shoppers have eased recession fears.
While we acknowledge the potential of WMT as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than WMT but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.
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Methodology
To compile the list of safest places to retire abroad for less than $2,000 a month, we began by screening the cheapest and safest countries from our previous lists. Next, we filtered out places with a cost of living higher than $2,000. Places were further scored on factors such as healthcare, amenities, and overall quality of life to be assigned a final Insider Monkey score. Places were ranked in ascending order from the lowest to the highest scores.
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Here are the safest places to retire abroad for less than $2,000 a month:
15. Ubud (Bali), Indonesia
Insider Monkey Score: 12
Average Monthly Cost of Living: $1,830
Known as the cultural heart of Bali, Ubud is one of the cheapest warm places to retire in the world. Home to fascinating landscapes, modern amenities, and good healthcare, Ubud is the perfect spot for seniors to call home in their golden years. Living expenses are much cheaper than in many Western countries, with many retirees easily managing life under $1,500. Additionally, Ubud is also quite safe to live in. Its community is both welcoming and peaceful, maintaining a strong focus on cultural harmony.
14. Valdivia, Chile
Insider Monkey Score: 12
Average Monthly Cost of Living: $1,500
Next on our list of safest places to retire abroad for less than $2,000 a month is Valdivia, Chile. Living in Valdivia is significantly more affordable than in cities like Santiago, with living expenses being 20-25% lower. A single expat retiree can manage life easily under $1,500. The city is also revered for its friendly locals and boasts a low crime rate. Besides its affordability and safety, Valdivia is also a retiree favorite because of its charming river-side setting, vibrant culture, and peaceful environment.
13. Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Insider Monkey Score: 13
Average Monthly Cost of Living: $1,500
Even though Sarajevo may be an expensive city in the country, it is not for expats with dollar incomes. Living expenses in the country are an estimated 51% lower than the USA. This attractive retirement destination boasts affordable housing, healthcare, and daily expenses. The city’s scenic surroundings and rich cultural offerings enhance its appeal, while its peaceful atmosphere provides the perfect setting to reinforce a retiree’s decision to relocate.
12. Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic
Insider Monkey Score: 14
Average Monthly Cost of Living: $1,200
Retiring cheaply amidst beautiful white beaches and lush forests is entirely possible when one chooses Las Terrenas in the Dominican Republic. Also making it to our list of cheapest places to retire abroad on $1,000 a month, expats can live a life of luxury and comfort without breaking the bank.
11. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Insider Monkey Score: 17
Average Monthly Cost of Living: $1,000
Retirees are increasingly considering Chiang Mai for retirement owing to its excellent retirement facilities, great climate, friendly locals, and top-quality healthcare facilities. Low crime, a welcoming community, and inexpensive living make it a well-rounded retirement destination for those on tight budgets. Additionally, the city’s well-established retirement community further adds to the appeal of retiring here.
10. Brașov, Romania
Insider Monkey Score: 19
Average Monthly Cost of Living: $1,593
Another one of the safest places to retire abroad for less than $2,000 a month is Brașov in Romania. Active retirees will love it for its location in the heart of Transylvania ringed by the Carpathian Mountains, offering stunning mountain views and plenty of trekking, climbing, and similar things to do. The city also flaunts its well-preserved history with medieval Saxon walls and bastions, the towering Gothic-style Black Church, and more.
9. Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Insider Monkey Score: 21
Average Monthly Cost of Living: $1,200
Located on the Indonesian island of Java, Yogyakarta flaunts extremely affordable living expenses, a friendly local community, and plenty of art, music, and cuisine. Its rich heritage, highlighted by iconic landmarks like the Borobudur and Prambanan temples, provides opportunities for exploration. The city also offers access to modern amenities and has a booming expatriate community.
8. Cochabamba, Bolivia
Insider Monkey Score: 21
Average Monthly Cost of Living: $900
Situated in Central Bolivia in the valley in the Andes Mountain range, Cochabamba in Bolivia is another option worth exploring. This hidden gem is often referred to as the “City of Eternal Spring” owing to its “spring-like” temperatures all year round. Retirees can live a comfortable lifestyle well under $1,000; enjoying a thriving food scene, vibrant markets, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation.
7. Kotor, Montenegro
Insider Monkey Score: 22
Average Monthly Cost of Living: $1,550
Known as one of the most picturesque bays in the world, Kotor provides an idyllic setting for retirement at an irresistible cost. Nestled along the Adriatic Coastline, this scenic retirement destination also boasts a UNESCO World Heritage status, modern amenities, and abundant opportunities for recreation.
6. Debrecen, Hungary
Insider Monkey Score: 22
Average Monthly Cost of Living: $1,700
Culturally vibrant, safe, and affordable are three features that best describe retirement in Debrecen, Hungary. Beautiful architecture, historic churches, and lively festivals make the city all the more charming, while its modern facilities further reaffirm a retiree’s decision to retire here.
5. Da Nang, Vietnam
Insider Monkey Score: 24
Average Monthly Cost of Living: $1,100
Da Nang may lure in retirees for its affordable living costs, but its natural beauty and cultural richness make them stay. This progressive city flaunts trendy restaurants, bars, friendly locals, and all the essentials needed for a comfortable retirement away from what once used to be home. There are international hospitals that provide high-quality medical care.
4. Sibiu, Romania
Insider Monkey Score: 25
Average Monthly Cost of Living: $1,400
Lying in the heart of the picturesque region of Transylvania, Sibiu boasts well-preserved medieval architecture, cobblestone streets, and a vibrant cultural scene. The city is embraced by natural landscapes, offering the tranquility and peace retirees crave in their golden years.
3. Herceg Novi, Montenegro
Insider Monkey Score: 26
Average Monthly Cost of Living: $1,450
This peaceful coastal retreat is a town in the Coastal region of Montenegro located at the Western entrance to the Bay of Kotor. Beaches, clear water, and abundant greenery await residents to come and explore them, while the town’s just-as-vibrant cultural scene fills it with more colors and entertainment.
2. Skopje, North Macedonia
Insider Monkey Score: 27
Average Monthly Cost of Living: $1,000
Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, is a top choice for retirees looking to retire abroad without financial stress. There is an English-speaking expat community, beautiful landscapes, lots of green spaces, and plentiful things to do. Its central location is a plus, allowing retirees to explore the stunning natural landscapes of North Macedonia, including nearby mountains, lakes, and national parks,
1. Hoi An, Vietnam
Insider Monkey Score: 28
Average Monthly Cost of Living: $900
Based on our methodology, Hoi An in Vietnam is the safest place to retire abroad for less than $2,000 a month. As per the Global Peace Index Report of 2034, Hoi An in Vietnam has a high peace ranking, making it a safe country to retire to. Hoi An, in particular, makes it at the top of our list owing to its reasonably affordable costs of living. Hoi An is also considered safe, boasting low crime and a friendly, close-knit community. The town’s beautiful riverside setting, nearby beaches, and surrounding countryside further add to its charm. While the country doesn’t offer a retirement visa, there are alternative visa options available that can help expats live in the country.
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Disclosure: None. This article was originally published at Insider Monkey.
