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5 Best Places To Retire in Asia for Less Than $1,500 a Month

April 13, 2025

3 min Read

Written by Gabrielle Olya

Edited by Levi Leidy

Panoramic aerial view of Georgetown, Penang island, Malaysia.

bloodua / Getty Images/iStockphoto

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The average monthly Social Security retirement benefit is now just shy of $2,000. In many places in the U.S., that’s not enough to get by, but if you’re open to retiring abroad, you may find more affordable options.

In Asia, there are several places where you can retire comfortably for less than $1,500 a month, according to a new report from International Living. These locations offer a mix of culture, relaxation and affordability for retirees looking to live abroad.

Here are the best places in Asia to retire for less than $1,500 a month.

Penang, Malaysia

The island of Penang offers a little something for everyone, whether you want to explore historic sites or relax on the beach. Penang has a population of 1.2 million, including a thriving ex-pat population.

Here, you can rent a three-bedroom apartment just a few miles from the city center for just $380 a month. A cappuccino at a local coffee shop will cost you around $3, while a three-course meal for two can cost as little as $15. Monthly living costs, excluding housing, are around $500 a month for a single person and $1,000 for a couple.

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Located in the Thai mountains, Chiang Mai is home to hundreds of Buddhist temples, an Old City and an incredible culinary scene.

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You can rent a three-bedroom condo for about $300 a month, and other monthly living costs typically total $600 to $1,000 for a couple. You can buy a cup of coffee for less than $1, and a three-course meal for two can cost around $10.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

The capital city of Cambodia is known for its unique architecture, Cambodian French fusion cuisine and walkable streets.

Rent for a 900-square-foot apartment goes for about $1,100 per month, and if you shop locally, you can cover other costs for a total of $300 per month. A fine dining experience will cost around $40 for two, and you can enjoy a beer for just 75 cents.

Kuching, Malaysia

Located on the island of Borneo, Kuching is a diverse city that boasts a mix of colonial buildings and modern towers. It’s known for its cafe culture, as well as streets that are lined with food vendors and juice stands. There are also a number of national parks nearby for those who want to experience the beauty of the rainforest firsthand.

Here, a cup of coffee costs around 60 cents, rent for a three-bedroom house will cost around $700 a month and additional living costs total around $500 a month for a couple.