I think this will be a growing trend as the US becomes more and more expensive for those with a fixed income but with the freedom to live anywhere. Vietnam and Thailand seem like good options, where else is emerging as a promising affordable retirement destination? Mexico? Central America?
Cambodia is another good option in term of cost, safety for expats, local culture, and ease of getting a Visa.
Due to its lower development level, most big factors in cost of living such as housing, utilities, and transportation are still cheaper or comparable to other countries in Southeast Asia. Overall foods are also very cheap but more fancy options are also available when eating out.
Cambodia is now one of the safest place in Asia for expats. There are many good options for international schools for families with children. There are also many good affordable options for healthcare with internationally trained doctors and modern facilities. You can even get private health insurance now.
With a long history, you will have many avenues for exploring the local history and culture. Or you can simply enjoy the fact that a predominantly Buddhist Cambodia makes it the world’s friendliest country according to Rough Guides:
https://www.roughguides.com/gallery/the-friendliest-countrie...
Cambodia is also one of the few countries with an easy-to-get retirement Visa. You can also get a work Visa. For younger people not yet ready to retire or not working, a Visa renewal run to Thailand is a quick and cheap round trip plane ride costing as low as $100.
Mexico, Costa Rica and Panama are already popular retirement destinations for people from Canada and the US. Much like with gentrification in cities, I expect to find the truly affordable destination you will need to be a little bit ahead of the trend.
Costa Rica seems to be showing up in some discussions as a retirement option for Americans for cost of living and healthcare options. Panama has been on this list for a while. Would love to hear about others
Avoid Mexico at all cost, it's one of the most dangerous places on earth, is unlikely to improve in the next decade or two, and there are far better options in Latin America.
Although I disagree completely with "avoid Mexico at all costs", kidnapping is a real threat. They won't kill you but it's a pretty unpleasant experience, and avoiding cocaine won't protect you.
Anecdotal - I lived in Mexico City for 2 years running around doing very stupid things. Only kidnapped once, by the police, for less than a few hours, because I was doing illegal things in public.
Mexico has serious crime issues and murder issues. But this is mostly confined to specific areas and specific cities along drug running corridors.
It is a bit like someone looking at Chicago and saying it's a war zone. They would be correct, in the worst parts of town. The average HN poster is unlikely to ever set foot in those areas, so their experience will be vastly different.
This is a very misinformed comment. Mexico indeed has enormous issues with violent crime but those incidents are very unlikely to affect expats who choose to retire there.
