What a Comfortable Retirement Will Cost You in These 16 Asian Countries

When it comes to retiring abroad, most Americans tend to look at Europe, Latin America or the Caribbean. But Asia also offers a rich expat retirement experience at affordable costs.

Here’s how much you would need to retire comfortably in the following 16 Asian countries, according to Insider Monkey. Living costs apply to individual retirees and will vary depending on which city or town you decide to retire in. Countries are listed alphabetically.

Cost of living per month: Less than $1,000.

Good to know: This is one of the cheaper destinations in Asia, with many expat retirees living comfortably for $500 a month. Apartment rentals can be as low as $200 a month.

Cost of living per month: $750.

Good to know: China’s cost of living is roughly 45% lower than in the U.S. on average, and you’ll have access to a “high quality of life” and “world-class healthcare.”

Cost of living per month: $1,000.

Good to know: Indonesia’s retirement KITAS visa allows retirees to stay there and enjoy its warm climate, pristine beaches and diverse wildlife.

Cost of living per month: $1,500 to $2,000 in many cities.

Good to know: There is no specific retirement visa for expats, but a long-stay visa can help expat retirees remain in Japan.

Cost of living per month: $1,500.

Good to know: Laos offers “adequate healthcare” that includes 30 private hospitals and a medical insurance system.

Cost of living per month: $1,600.

Good to know: Malaysia offers one of the “best retirement visa options in the world” as well as affordable healthcare, warm weather and outstanding cuisine.

Cost of living per month: About $2,140.

Good to know: An ideal location for retirees who enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing and swimming.

Cost of living per month: Less than $1,500.

Good to know: There is not a large expat community here, but it’s a great destination if you value nature and outdoors adventure.

Cost of living per month: Less than $1,000.

Good to know: Another nature-lover’s paradise thanks to the Himalayas, as well as the country’s many forests and lakes.

Cost of living per month: $2,000.

Good to know: Rents for one-bedroom apartments in Muscat and other major cities cost around $1,000 per month.

Cost of living per month: Less than $1,000.

Good to know: The country’s Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) can help you move to the Philippines and join the more than 200,000 expats who already live there.

Cost of living per month: $2,500.

Good to know: Qatar is home to a sizeable expat community who go there to take advantage of its modern infrastructure, safety and strong healthcare system.

Cost of living per month: About $1,400 in Seoul and other big cities.

Good to know: South Korea doesn’t grant a retirement visa and expats need to qualify for its long-term visa to stay. On average, one-bedroom apartments start around $265 a month and go up to $800.

Cost of living per month: $1,500.

Good to know: Under the Dream Home Visa Program, retirees over the age of 55 get a monthly remittance of $1,500 or the equivalent in an approved foreign currency for the principal applicant — as well as $750 or the equivalent in an approved foreign currency for each spouse and dependent child.

Cost of living per month: $1,000.

Good to know:  One-bedroom condos within a mile of a beach cost around $500 per month, while resort-style one bedroom-houses near Koh Samui cost as low as $1,200.

Cost of living per month: Less than $1,500.

Good to know: Retirees will have access to affordable healthcare here and you can find decent housing rentals for $300 to $800 a month.