When I meet people and tell them that I am working to relocate myself to Thailand, they often ask “Why Thailand?” That’s on the other side of the world, and a world apart from life in the USA. Here’s my story.
Chiang Mai – One of the most affordable places to retire comfortably
Consider settling down in Chiang Mai, perhaps the world’s most affordable place to retire comfortably. A retired couple can live here for as little as $1,100 per month, including rent and other basic expenses.
A frugal person could live here on much less. I know a single American man living in Chiang Mai on only $200 a month, with half of that going for rent. He makes a sport out of spending as little as possible. Another Thai American woman who bought an apartment in a small town outside Chiang Mai manages on her Social Security income alone, which is $600 a month. These are special cases, but you can live very cheaply in this part of Thailand.
House and apartment rentals can vary a great deal. You can rent a small home outside Chiang Mai for $100 to $150 a month. For a house or apartment that most American retirees would be happy living in, figure about $400 a month.
US News & World Report – Money – “6 Affordable Places to Retire Abroad in 2012″ – 29 Nov 2011
For me, Thailand was introduced to me by my wife. She is Thai but has been living in California for a dozen or so years before we met. We got married a little late in life (me in my mid-fifties and her in her mid-forties, and not the first time around). I am a typical Caucasian American, and had a limited experience with other cultures. Outside of America, experience was mainly with Europe and Mexico. There was very little I knew about East Asia. After our marriage, we took small vacations to Thailand every 3 or 4 months. and my wife showed me the country (“Land of Smiles) from top to bottom, and I learned to love the place. Pretty soon all I wanted to do was learn about Thailand. Continue reading