I Asked ChatGPT Where Upper-Middle-Class Retirees Can Live Like Royalty on a Budget
Written by
Laura Bogart
Edited by
Molly Sullivan
Commitment to Our Readers
GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.
20 Years
Helping You Live Richer
Reviewed
by Experts
Trusted by
Millions of Readers
Though I’m not yet ready for retirement, a gal likes to daydream about the possibilities. Ideally, I’d like to retire on an upper-middle-class income — and I suspect I’m hardly alone. Like many future retirees — whether retirement arrives in the next few years or decades — I’d like to live like royalty. To help give shape to those daydreams, I wanted to find some locations where I could retire like a queen on an income that was comfortably middle class.
On a whim, I turned to ChatGPT for guidance. While ChatGPT is certainly not an ideal retirement planner — when it’s time for me to consider retirement more seriously, I’ll be sitting down with a financial planner who knows the ins and outs of my situation — it did provide a few loose ideas worth exploring.
If I were closer to retirement, I might bookmark these locations and speak with my financial planner, as well as real estate agents — including those who specialize in international real estate — while also connecting with people who live in the region through social media or senior clubs. For now, let’s explore this list of possible retirement destinations.
Top International Destinations
ChatGPT started by assuming I’d want to become an expat in my golden years — honestly, not an unfair assumption given the list of places it came up with. The AI emphasized quality of life, a lower cost of living, amenities, vibrant culture, pleasant climate and accessible healthcare in its decision-making.
Portugal (Especially Algarve, Cascais and Braga):
The AI cited a “Mediterranean climate, safe, walkable towns, great healthcare and expat communities” as major factors in its lead suggestion. Pulling information from Forbes, ChatGPT suggested I could enjoy the pleasures of coastal living without paying conventional Western European prices — and that my stay would cost less than living in many typical U.S. cities.
Greece (Crete, Kalamata, Islands):ChatGPT claimed I’d feel like a distinguished elder royal exploring Greece’s historic towns and beaches. Of course, the warm weather and delicious food don’t hurt, either.
“Cost of living is substantially lower than in the U.S. and Western Europe, and retirees can access subsidized healthcare,” the AI wrote.
Malaysia (Penang, Kuala Lumpur):By living in Malaysia, the AI assured me I’d enjoy luxury for less. Among the perks: excellent healthcare and strong infrastructure for expats, along with tropical landscapes. Pulling information from Kiplinger, ChatGPT noted that “retirees enjoy condo living, culture, beaches and dining affordably thanks to a low cost of living.”
Ecuador (Cuenca, Coastal Cities):The subhead ChatGPT offered for Ecuador was “affordable yet cultured.” Given the presence of historic towns, low housing costs, a thriving expat community and a mild climate, it’s easy to see why.
Mexico (Puerto Vallarta, Mérida, Oaxaca, Lake Chapala):If I were committed to staying close to home, I’d find a haven in Mexico, complete with lower costs, delicious food and a warm climate. Many retirees from the U.S. and Canada have flocked there in part because of its affordable, high-quality healthcare and modern amenities.
Costa Rica (Atenas, Grecia, Tamarindo):ChatGPT praised Costa Rica for its natural beauty and stability, citing “friendly locals (‘Pura Vida’), good healthcare, affordable living and many outdoor experiences.”
Hungary (Budapest):If I wanted the charm of a European city — complete with rich culture, efficient public transportation and abundant art and architecture — but at lower living costs than Western Europe, ChatGPT suggested Budapest.
Vietnam (Da Nang, Hoi An, Hanoi):For a beachcombing retirement lifestyle, ChatGPT recommended these Vietnamese cities for their low living costs, inexpensive dining and services, and growing expat communities.
Options in the US
Aware that I might not have wanderlust in my senior years, ChatGPT also recommended a few U.S. cities. I’ve included these suggestions verbatim.
New England and Northeast Gems
- Dover, New Hampshire — No tax on Social Security, strong livability ratings.
- Milford, Connecticut — Coastal charm with community amenities and good quality of life.
Portland, Maine, and Saratoga Springs, New York, also rank highly for retirees with comfortable budgets.
Affordable Beach Towns in the South
- South Padre Island, Texas — Sunny beaches, a low cost of living and Certified Retirement Community status.
Other beach towns — including Pensacola, Florida; Daytona Beach, Florida; and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina — offer similar warm-weather, beach lifestyles within moderate budgets.
The Bottom Line
The lion’s share of ChatGPT’s suggestions were globetrotter-friendly destinations, and while some of the locales are tempting, I do wish it had identified more stateside options. While the AI cited respected outlets such as Forbes and Kiplinger, some information appeared to be sourced from travel blogs that may not follow rigorous fact-checking standards. While I came away with several promising ideas, I’d treat ChatGPT as a starting point for further investigation — not a final authority.
More From GOBankingRates
