9 Cheap (and Wonderful) Places to Retire in Southeast Asia
Ulun Danu Bratan Water Temple in Bali, Indonesia
Southeast Asia presents visitors and expats from around the world with some of the most affordable and entertaining retirement options on planet Earth. Parts of Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia offer environments like no other, and—at the same time—prices that often make you think you’ve gone back in time. With retirement abroad becoming increasingly popular, and with Southeast Asia as a whole turning into a go-to option for would be-retirees and run-of-the-mill expats and remote workers from all over the United States and Europe, it makes sense to take a closer look at what Southeast Asia has to offer those considering an international move.
Southeast Asia is particularly appealing to foreign retirees due to its affordability and quality of life.
Regardless of where you choose to live in Southeast Asia, it’s guaranteed to be filled with exotic adventures and novel experiences. For many, these are the places where their dreams quite literally come true.
For many, a dream retirement is whiling away the hours on a golf course in Boca Raton, Florida, or Scottsdale, Arizona. Anybody who wants something a little more invigorating in their lives, however, should consider this list of potential retirement destinations in Southeast Asia, some of which are well-known, and some of which are a little more under the radar. And let’s not forget that almost all of these destinations—regardless of country—feature one or more of the world’s most pristine beaches. That’s a pretty decent selling point if your one and only goal in retirement (like me) is to relax on the sand and watch the world go by.
Remember, a residence permit or retirement visa can facilitate the process of settling down in Southeast Asia. So whether you’re thinking about a brief holiday, a year-long sabbatical, or a permanent place to stretch your legs in your golden years, let’s dive into the very best that Southeast Asia currently offers.
Here’s our list, in no particular order:
- George Town, Malaysia
- Thailand’s Eastern Seaboard
- Bali, Indonesia
- Da Nang, Vietnam
- Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Kota Kinabalu, Malaysian Borneo
- Da Lat, Vietnam
- Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Hua Hin, Thailand
George Town, Malaysia
Aerial view of George Town, Malaysia
Based in the Malaysian state of Penang, widely known as “The Pearl of the Orient,” George Town has become one of the top retirement destinations in Southeast Asia. If your savings are a bit lacking, don’t fret: the low cost of living is a huge part of Georgetown’s appeal. Health care in and around the city is universally recognized as excellent, and as anybody familiar with Malaysia already knows, the country is rock solid when it comes to safety and stability. Some of this is almost certainly a legacy of George Town’s history as a colonial outpost of Britain, a fact that also explains why English is the city’s dominant language and the lingua franca for the city’s diverse residents.
Read Here: How to plan your move abroad
Life in George Town is both exotic and supremely comfortable. Ubiquitous restaurants and food stalls serve delicious and inexpensive fare, and there are at least a dozen major museums that give visitors and locals alike insight into Malaysia’s rich history and diverse cultural traditions.
Past modern George Town’s growing collection of modern high-rise apartments and towering office blocks is one of Southeast Asia’s most impressive—and best-maintained—old cities. George Town’s city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring a rich collection of colonial architecture, fascinating historical sites (temples especially), and a truly unique and vibrant blend of cultural traditions, chief among them Malay, Chinese, Indian and European, every one of which has brought something important and lasting to the table. Meanwhile, right on George Town’s edges sit extremely stylish seaside houses and apartment buildings that feature lush jungle behind and sandy white beaches in front. A little bit of heaven indeed.
Stunning white colonial houses in Heritage Town, George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Overall cost of living in George Town is effectively half the national average in the United States, which is excellent value. Crime is low, air quality is good, shopping is exceptional, and public transport is excellent. The pace of life is relaxed and the city has a rich art and cultural scene. If you’re a retiree or someone planning on retiring shortly, there’s no shortage of outdoor activities and cultural diversions in George Town to keep you busy.
Thailand’s Eastern Seaboard (Chonburi Coast)
Pattaya Beach on Chonburi Coast, with turquoise blue water and a hotel complex
Less than two hours from Bangkok is a 30-mile stretch of enchanting and wildly impressive coastline known to locals and foreigners alike as the Chonburi Coast. Up until the mid-1960s this entire area was home to virtually nothing except a series of sleepy and very small fishing villages—each more picturesque and quiescent than the rest.
That all changed in the mid-1960s when the region became an important base of operations for the US military during the Vietnam War. Today, this part of Thailand hosts the world’s largest and most diverse collection of expatriates, with virtually every nation on Earth represented—though Americans, Europeans, and citizens of other Western countries make up a big chunk of the total. Remarkably, an impressive number of traditional fishing villages continue to ply their trade, resisting the foreign onslaught.
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The City of Chonburi at dusk
For the most part, however, this region is safe and modern, with tremendous international flair and easy access to all the necessities of life. It’s also incredibly affordable. Housing costs and general living costs are well within the budgets of most working Americans considering retirement. Private hospitals, clinics, and health care systems in urban areas designed to serve the expat community are high-quality, budget-friendly, and accessible (though it’s important to note that Thailand is generally a bit more expensive than some of the other locations featured in this list).
High-quality educational infrastructure, plenty of green space, and child-friendly activities are other prominent features of the Chonburi Coast. The beaches, climate, and nightlife—as well as various local tourist attractions—are guaranteed to keep expats and retirees busy.
Bali, Indonesia
Couple beside treehouse looking over ocean in Bali, Indonesia
Bali is famous the world over. Even those who’ve never been—and who’ve never considered visiting—know Bali’s reputation as the ultimate tropical paradise. And there’s no doubt about it: Bali is one of the world’s most beautiful tropical islands. The jungle is lush and verdant, volcanoes rise up and often pierce the clouds above them, sandy white beaches are virtually everywhere, and the valleys feature an endless patchwork of rice fields running from top to bottom, in terraces.
Even the tiniest communities have at least one multi-level Balinese temple to call their own—and the sea, always just a hop, skip, and a jump away, is renowned for everything from diving, surfing, and snorkeling to parasailing and windsurfing. Locals, visitors, and expats alike take advantage of local hiking and cycling opportunities and often take long walks to soak in all the beauty. Sanur—a small town and a suburb of nearby Denpasar—lies on the southeast side of Bali.
Know More Here: Things to keep in mind when moving overseas
Small, modern self-built home in Bali, Indonesia
Quiet and unhurried, Sanur feels a million miles away from the hordes of sightseers who gravitate to Bali every year for holidays, party tours, and honeymoons. One of the best elements of Sanur is the fact that you can live a five-star life on a two-star budget. Not many places can make that claim—at least not many you actually want to visit! You can generally live in Bali for half or less of what you’d pay at home. Most Americans can live well in Bali for $1000 per month, while $2000 per month will buy you a truly luxurious existence. Foreigners can buy property in Bali, and a small, one-bedroom house will probably set you back $150,000-$200,000 USD. You’ll certainly have enough money to buy decent medical care. And most Balinese speak English, which is definitely handy.
Street in downtown Bali, Indonesia
Da Nang, Vietnam
Da Nang is a different animal entirely. This is a place for individuals in search of serious stimulation in their lives even after they retire. With a booming population that now tops one million, Da Nang has quickly become one of Vietnam‘s largest and most dynamic and entertaining cities.
Da Nang Administrative Center in Vietnam
In many ways, Da Nang is as forward-looking as it is traditional. Buildings, streets, and infrastructure are almost all sleek and modern, but most businesses remain small and operated by individual families. There’s no Walmart or Starbucks in Vietnam at all, and almost no McDonald’s outlets. For some retirees thinking about Southeast Asia as a potential retirement destination, this may be a deal-breaker. After all, Americans, and especially older Americans, love their box stores and big-name restaurant chains.
For others, however, a less commercial existence may be just what they’re looking for, and there’s no doubt that in Da Nang, life revolves more around social activities and relationships and less around consumption. You’ll certainly be able to find what you need, but it may take a little longer than it would in say, California—or even Thailand, which is more hooked into the global economy than Vietnam.
Aerial shot of Da Nang residential area
Da Nang is a restless city full of office towers, bridges, and shopping malls, and there’s an incredible entrepreneurial energy that flows through everything – especially the people themselves – who are remarkably and consistently upbeat.
Fine white-sand beaches stretch from one side of Da Nang to the other and lush jungle serves as a backdrop. The waters are turquoise, and the waves are calm.
Interestingly, Da Nang is only a short distance away from three important UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Hoi An and Hue—both ancient urban centers—and the remains of the Hindu temples at My Son. Parks, hills, mountains and pagodas abound. Day trips are easy to book.
It’s also important to stress that housing costs in Da Nang are not only cheaper than in the US, they’re half as expensive as Thailand and significantly lower than Malaysia as well. That’s real value.
Da Nang beachfront villa for sale
International hospitals and clinics in Da Nang serve foreigners and have a good reputation. Crime is low, though caution on the streets at night is always warranted.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
A neighborhood in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Back to Thailand! Expats from Europe and the United States have been flocking to the city of Chiang Mai, in Thailand, since the 19th century. And it’s not hard to see why, given the city’s incredibly rich and colorful history, its unique culture, its wonderful weather, and, perhaps above all, its consistent affordability.
The oldest part of Chiang Mai was founded in the late 13th century, and today the city’s ancient walls compete for attention with Buddhist temples both ancient and modern. The remains of moats, too, are clearly visible—which isn’t a surprise given that Chiang Mai was an important political, cultural, and religious center for centuries. Most areas feature a plethora of Buddhist temples and statues of all shapes and sizes. All of these structures can be found within the most diverse collection of neighborhoods imaginable.
Expats love to spend their time visiting mountain-top temples, swimming in waterfalls, and spotting bathing elephants. Beyond the old city, however, can be found a plethora of multi-level shopping malls, international grocery and department stores, and other markers of 21st-century globalization.
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Chiang Mai at dusk
The most attractive element of potential retirement in Chiang Mai is truly affordable (and excellent) health care and a generally low cost of living (far lower than the Chonburi Coast for example). A traditional Thai-style house with a garden in Chiang Mai can be had for as little as $100,000, though a much more luxurious abode can set you back $250,000. Retirees who gravitate toward Chiang Mai simply can’t go wrong.
Chiang Mai rice paddies and rolling green hills
There has been a problem in recent years with increasing air pollution between February and April, when most farmers burn their fields to increase the fertility of the soil. Many expatriates choose to travel during this period. On the plus side, Chiang Mai is considered the safest city in Southeast Asia – period.
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysian Borneo
Aerial shot of Kota Kinabalu at sunrise
You may not have heard of Kota Kinabalu, but there’s no question that it’s currently one of the world’s most livable beach cities. Referred to simply as “KK” by locals, Kota Kinabalu is a remarkably safe, clean, and well-run city that’s also as peaceful as they come. If you’re looking for a sedate spot in Southeast Asia to plant an easy chair on your patio and watch the world go by, you could do a lot worse than Kota Kinabalu.
For expats, it’s important to stress that KK is yet another product of globalization—a city that’s managed to stay close to its roots even as it gives its residents every modern amenity, brand-name consumer goods, health insurance provider, and fast-food and entertainment option they could possibly want. In short, the city offers a perfect balance between modern and traditional life—a fusion that’s bound to appeal to US retirees keen to stretch their savings.
A boxy multi-story modern home set against blue sky in Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu is a relentlessly buzzy Asian city.
The cost of living and home prices are incredibly low compared to the other housing options on this list. Median home prices are roughly $130,000-150,000 USD. Cost of living for one person is roughly $600 USD per month, placing Kota Kinabalu in the top 15 percent of lowest-cost cities in the world. Health care is both low cost and high quality. Queen Elizabeth Hospital is probably the best-known healthcare facility in the area.
Kona Kinabalu City Mosque
The city itself is small, densely packed, and immensely walkable—a mere two miles from end to end. It is said that life here revolves around the water, and that makes perfect sense; retirees could easily fill up each and every day with endless snorkeling, diving, and boating adventures. Cheap and convenient ferries also ply the waters regularly between KK and the many neighboring islands.
Da Lat, Vietnam
Multicolored rooftops and blue skies in Da Lat, Vietnam
Sitting at almost 5000 feet on the Lang Biang Plateau, Da Lat was founded in the 19th century by French colonists in search of lasting relief from the oppressive heat and humidity of Vietnam’s major cities. One of the most attractive features of Da Lat is how verdant it is. Many comments that its lake views are strongly evocative of the ski towns of central Europe.
Da Lat is perfect for American retirees in search of peace and tranquility. Shaped by imported but undeniably impressive French architectural styles, Da Lat’s majestic hotels, villas, churches, and gardens remain a sight to behold. Green grass, waterfalls, and endless walking trails can be found everywhere. The French actually created a mini-Paris on site (“Le Petit Paris”) that features its own miniature Eiffel Tower, a surprisingly faithful recreation of the original. Today, De Lat is especially popular with Vietnamese newlyweds, though the city attracts visitors and residents from every corner of the world, including the US.
People sitting on benches by a lake in Da Lat, Vietnam
The most popular feature of the city by far is its climate, which is perpetually spring-like at around 60 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. Interestingly, Vietnam is a major global coffee producer—particularly Robusta coffee, which is more bitter, but has higher caffeine content, than Arabica beans. Much of the country’s crop is grown in the coolish Central Highlands surrounding Da Lat.
French-inspired first villa at La Vallee de Dalat set against blue sky
The cost of living in De Lat is rock bottom. It is said that two people can live very comfortably on $ 1,000-per-month income. Public and private hospitals and clinics are on hand to serve foreign nationals.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia at dusk
Kuala Lumpur, situated in the very heart of the Malaysian peninsula and boasting a population of roughly two million, is not only the largest city in Malaysia, it’s a city of two worlds. On the one hand, there’s the glimmering stainless steel Petronas Twin Towers—modern skyscrapers that are among the tallest in the world. These are flanked by upscale US-style shopping malls that sell everything from handmade traditional clothing to Rolex watches.
However, at ground level—a mere 20 minutes away by foot—the Malay village of Kampong Bharu, with roots stretching back to antiquity, goes about its business as it always has. Chickens wander the streets unaccompanied and monkeys scramble across rooftops.
Smaller traditional houses of Kampong Bharu village set against towering apartment buildings
Foreigners are made to feel at home here, and the fact that Malaysia was once a British colony influences that mindset.
The people, many of foreign origin themselves, genuinely welcome those from abroad. Malay, Chinese, and Indian are the three main ethnic groups. However, English is the language of almost all business activity in Kuala Lumpur, and Malaysian students learn the language from the time they can speak.
Health care in Kuala Lumpur is top-notch, featuring a wide variety of hospitals and clinics, many of which cater almost exclusively to foreign nationals. The cost of living is roughly half that of the United States. Public transport is efficient and affordable, tap water is clean and safe to consume, and best of all (in my opinion), gorgeous beaches are within easy reach and cool mountain hideaways can be accessed in less than an hour.
Three-level white luxury villa with pool set against blue sky and clouds in Kuala Lumpur
This is a dynamic, fast-moving city best suited for those in search of adventure and stimulation. A single person in Malaysia is likely to spend about $600 USD, on top of rent. Kuala Lumpur is definitely the most expensive place to buy a house in Malaysia, but even here the median house price is about $170,000 USD. Hence Kula Lumpur is considered as one of the best places to retire in Southeast Asia.
Hua Hin, Thailand
Hua Hin, Thailand at dusk
Finally, we have Hua Hin, a community of roughly 66,000, which runs along a sheltered beach on the west coast of the Gulf of Thailand. Hua Hin has wonderful weather from January to December and most expats know it! They’ve made the place into a virtual United Nations. Every nation is represented, and plenty of locals are on site as well. Retirees can live large regardless of income. Many prefer to spend their days on the city’s undeniably lovely golf courses, while others gravitate toward high-end restaurants which usually end up costing a quarter or less of what a similar meal costs in the US. It really is a place where a little money goes a long, long, long way.
Beach with Hua Hin in the background
Medical care in the area is decent, and Hua Hin is relatively close to Bangkok, which features many of the region’s best and most well-known hospitals. Properties available for rent or purchase include modern condos, beachfront homes, and modern homes set within gated communities. The median home price is about $175,000 USD.
White luxury home with tiled roofs for sale near Hua Hin, Thailand
As noted, the expat community in Hua Hin is enormous and growing and connects via book clubs, festivals, running and cycling clubs, soccer leagues, wine tastings and (amazingly) darts tournaments. There’s no doubt they know they’re onto a good thing! Beaches, caves, trails, water parks, markets, waterfalls, and vineyards tend to keep everyone very, very busy. Also, the fact that Hua Hin has a royal connection – the Thai royal family has a summer home there – only adds to its allure and popularity with locals and expats alike. This makes Hua Hin one of the best places to retire in Southeast Asia.
International Van Lines (IVL)
The World’s Best International Moving Company
International Van Lines (IVL) is the world’s premier long-distance and international moving company. The IVL advantage? Simple. We’ve got the infrastructure, the personnel, and the experience. No other mover can match what we do.
Whether you’re moving to the other side of town or the other side of the world (to a lovely retirement destination in Southeast Asia for example) we guarantee a smooth, predictable, and worry-free experience. We also guarantee that your personal possessions will arrive on time, on budget, and in pristine condition.
Based in Coral Springs, Florida, but now serving over 180 different countries worldwide, IVL’s reputation for excellence continues to grow. Over the past 25 years, we’ve mastered every aspect of full-service door-to-door relocation. No other international moving company does it better.
IVL relies on the following transport methods: air freight, ocean freight, and our enormous and growing fleet of high-end moving vans and trucks.
We offer our customers endless moving options, but we also offer them a wide variety of storage options (see below), so whatever your plans may be upon arrival at your destination location, we’ve got you covered.
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Josh Morales, IVL founder and CEO
To get your free online moving quote, and for easy access to all the moving info you’ll ever need, head on over to our website. And again, if you’d prefer to speak with us directly, give us a call at (877) 647-1336. Our team is always ready to help.
Click Here for Your Free International Moving Quote Today!
Our Services
IVL’s domestic and international moving services are comprehensive and door-to-door. Here’s a brief overview of what we offer our customers:
- Comprehensive packing and unpacking services*
- Furniture assembly and disassembly.
- Personalized services for high-value and/or fragile items, including art and antiques.
- Transport via ocean and/or air freight, as well as our fleet of high-end moving trucks and vans.
- Debris pickup.
- Vehicle transport, domestic or international.
- Varied storage service options (short-term, long-term, standard, climate-controlled).
- Full customs clearance management, including taxes, fees, and paperwork (extremely useful for anyone relocating to Southeast Asia).
- Limited liability insurance providing basic moving protection; full value protection available for purchase.
- Full corporate and military relocation services.
- Live chat and customer service 24/7.
- Easy shipment tracking.
*If you want to save money by doing some pre-packing yourself, we can direct you to local suppliers of boxes, plastic wrap, moving tape, and anything else you might need to keep your items safe in transit.
How Much Does IVL Charge?
IVL team members at company HQ in Coral Springs, FL
Take a few minutes to check out our online moving cost calculator to get a better feel for what your move is likely to cost. When requesting a moving quote from IVL, be sure to provide complete move details and the destination zip code to ensure the most accurate quote possible.
Also feel free to contact IVL directly for a rough estimate or detailed quote based on your specific circumstances, budget, and needs. Understanding the actual costs involved in international moving is crucial to avoiding confusion and disappointment. In some instances, the rough estimate you receive may not reflect the final bill you receive. Rapidly shifting fuel costs are one of several factors that can influence moving costs, as are changes to import duties and tariffs.
At every step of the moving process, however, IVL is fully transparent with you, the customer. We always make it clear that our initial quote—and the final bill—could vary slightly. Unlike other movers, we never tack on any hidden charges or fees. When it comes to billing, IVL embraces clarity. We find things are a whole lot easier that way.
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Is There Anything Else I Should Know?
To promote the speed and efficiency of your move, IVL, like many movers, may choose to partner with one or more local moving companies at certain points of the moving process—the final stages in particular.
There is also a 25 percent deposit required to reserve a moving date. The balance is then split into two separate payments: 50 percent on moving day, and the remainder upon delivery. The deposit can be made using a credit card, check, or ACH.
Can I Get a Refund if I Need One?
Given the complex logistical arrangements that overseas moves require, deposits and fees collected for any international move are not refundable.
Is IVL Fully Licensed?
Yes. Per federal requirements, IVL is licensed by DOT, FMC, and AMSA (the latter having been recently absorbed by ATA).
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Or Contact Us Directly at (877) 647-1336!
