I Asked ChatGPT for Safe and Beautiful Retirement Spots on $3,500 a Month — These 10 Were the Best
Written by
Laura Beck
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Molly Sullivan
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Looking for the perfect place to retire on $3,500 a month? I asked ChatGPT to find spots that balance safety, beauty and affordability. No small task! So, how’d the artificial intelligence do?
Well, ChatGPT broke down options into two categories: international destinations where $3,500 goes extremely far, and U.S. locations where that budget provides a comfortable living. The key difference is your money stretches much further abroad.
Here’s the best of the best of what the AI recommended.
International Winners
Portugal’s Cascais or Algarve Coast topped the international list. ChatGPT highlighted the Mediterranean climate, gorgeous beaches and excellent healthcare. It’s one of Europe’s safest countries, with monthly costs running $2,500 to $3,000 for a couple, leaving room for travel.
Costa Rica’s Arenal or Atenas came next, with its rainforests, volcanoes and beaches with a “pura vida” lifestyle. The AI wrote about Costa Rica’s stable democracy and expat-friendly communities, with comfortable living possible at $2,000 to $2,800 monthly.
Spain’s Valencia or Málaga made the list for Mediterranean coastal beauty, great culture and affordable healthcare. ChatGPT called these cities very safe and walkable, with costs ranging from $2,500 to $3,200 depending on lifestyle.
Mexico’s San Miguel de Allende or Mérida is incredibly charming and has a vibrant art scene. ChatGPT specifically mentioned that Mérida ranks as one of the safest cities in the Americas, with budgets of $1,800 to $2,500 monthly, meaning your money goes very far.
Malaysia’s Penang Island rounded out the international picks. ChatGPT wrote that it has tropical island living with English widely spoken, low crime, good healthcare and costs of just $1,500 to $2,200 monthly. At $3,500, you’d be in for some major luxurious living.
US Options
Asheville, North Carolina, led domestic choices with Blue Ridge Mountains, four seasons and a strong arts community. ChatGPT called it a safe mid-sized city with strong community ties, costing $2,800 to $3,500 monthly for couples.
Boise, Idaho, made the cut for outdoor beauty, river walks and mountain access. The AI highlighted Boise’s consistent ranking among America’s safest cities, with comfortable living around $3,200 to $3,500 monthly.
Sarasota, Florida, has Gulf Coast beaches, cultural events and warm weather. ChatGPT mentioned safe neighborhoods and a strong retiree community at $3,000 to $3,500 monthly depending on housing.
Prescott, Arizona, offers a small-town feel with mild four-season climate surrounded by forests. ChatGPT described it as quiet, safe and retiree-friendly at $2,800 to $3,400 monthly.
Traverse City, Michigan, completed the list with Lake Michigan beaches, wineries and a charming town center. The AI noted low crime and tight-knit community vibes at $2,700 to $3,300 monthly.
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