So, you are preparing for your retirement and you are interested in moving to some of the Asian countries to spend your golden days? It seems that this is a smart move because more and more people from Europe, America, and Australia are choosing this continent as one of the best to retire to.
The majority of Asian countries are known for their long history, pleasant people and excellent cuisine. Many of them have a decent infrastructure and a low cost of living. If you are prepared to move abroad when you retire, selecting an Asian country is definitely a smart move. To speed up your research, we have created a list which contains 10 best and cheapest Asian countries to retire to. With the help of this list you can:
- Find out more about the basic facts about each country
- Learn more about the prices of different products and services
- Discover the possibilities that these countries provide
We have chosen countries that belong to different parts of Asia. Some of them are landlocked while others have access to the sea. Most of them have pleasant weather all year round. If we have your attention, it’s time to reveal the 10 best and cheapest Asian countries to retire to.
1. Nepal
Capital city: Kathmandu
Area: 147,181 square kilometers
Population: around 28.9 million
GDP: $84 billion
Currency: Nepalese rupee
Without any doubt, Nepal is one of the most mysterious Asian countries. Situated in the south part of the Roof of the World, Nepal is an exotic country which hides many natural beauties. Many people use this country as a base from which they can explore the Himalayas and rich Mount Everest, the highest point on our planet. Of course, if you are planning to retire here, you will probably want to look for other activities because reaching this point is extremely difficult.
Despite the political turmoil that has happened a few years ago, Nepal is an extremely safe country for foreigners. Just like Thailand, Nepal is also known as the land of smiles. Most Nepalese especially the ones that live in the major cities speak English which is another big advantage. If you are worried about your health care options, you should stay in the capital city – Kathmandu because the healthcare system there is cheap and professional. Additionally, we should mention that this country has good weather, but only in the southern part.
- Nepal is a famous holiday destination
- Most people who live there know English
- The weather in the southern part of the country is great (hot summers and mild winters)
Cost of living in Nepal
Meal for two people in a decent restaurant: 11.8 Euros
Renting a one-bedroom apartment in the center of the capital city: 165 Euros
Internet (per month): 16.2 Euros
Wine (1 liter): 6.3 Euros
Milk (1 liter): 0.6 Euros
2. Sri Lanka
Capital city: Colombo
Area: 65,610 square kilometers
Population: around 21.6 million
GDP: $292 billion
Currency: Sri Lankan rupee
If you are considering the cheapest Asian countries to retire to, you should definitely add Sri Lanka to the list. Unfortunately, for many years, Sri Lanka was known as a place where the government forces were fighting rebels, but the situation has changed a few years ago and today Sri Lanka is a safe place. As a result of that, more and more people are visiting this island country and some of them are thinking about retiring there.
The first thing you will notice about Sri Lanka is that this place has plenty of greenery. The country has been blessed with amazing nature and you can find anything you want there – from high mountains to sandy beaches. Even though it’s not the most developed country, you can still find a stable Internet and you will pay significantly less compared to developed countries.
Healthcare can be a little bit expensive compared to many other Asian countries, but nothing like Western countries. Keep in mind that we are talking about private healthcare. The majority of people that live here are helpful and friendly. But, probably the best part is that the cost of living is very low and when we say cost of living we mean everything that’s usually included like rent, food, and utilities. Don’t forget that this island has a tropical climate.
- Once a war-torn, Sri Lanka is a stable island nation today
- Sri Lanka has a tropical climate
- It’s a country with beautiful nature
Cost of living in Sri Lanka
Meal for two people in a decent restaurant: 15.2 Euros
Renting a one-bedroom apartment in the center of the capital city: 265 Euros
Internet (per month): 12.6 Euros
Wine (1 liter): 10.6 Euros
Milk (1 liter): 1.1 Euros
3. Indonesia
Capital city: Jakarta
Area: 1,904,569 square kilometers
Population: around 261,1 million
GDP: $3,74 trillion
Currency: Indonesian rupiah
In the past, Indonesia was ruled by different European empires and the cultural marks that these nations have left to this country are still visible in the major cities. Indonesia is one of the most populous countries which is why the population here is so diverse. Most of the people are Muslims, but there’s a strong Christian community too. In addition, the number of expats is growing and that’s why it’s easy to find expat organizations.
Indonesia consists of hundreds of islands. The best city to retire to is Jakarta, a place where you can find different forms of entertainment, great infrastructure and many people who know English and other international languages.
Food in Indonesia is cheap even in restaurants, but you should remember that alcohol can be expensive because most people there avoid alcohol. We can’t say that the healthcare system of this country is great, but if you need help with a major medical emergency, it would be better to travel to neighboring countries (Singapore). It depends where you live, but generally speaking, the climate in Indonesia is tropical.
- Indonesia is one of the most populous countries in the world
- There are many foreigners that live in this country especially in Jakarta
- Food and meals in restaurants are very cheap
Cost of living in Indonesia
Meal for two people in a decent restaurant: 15.8 Euros
Renting a one-bedroom apartment in the center of the capital city: 380 Euros
Internet (per month): 25 Euros
Wine (1 liter): 20 Euros
Milk (1 liter): 1.2 Euros
4. Malaysia
Capital city: Kuala Lumpur
Area: 330,803 square kilometers
Population: around 32,7 million
GDP: $1,07 trillion
Currency: Ringgit
Located in Southeast Asia, Malaysia is known as a country with significant Chinese and Indian minorities. For many years, Malays, Chinese and Indian people have lived in peace and the situation is the same today. All these people are friendly towards foreigners. The economy of this country is becoming stronger in the last decade. This is not a surprise because Malaysia is a country with great natural resources, but they are investing in commerce, tourism, science, and medical tourism in the last few years too.
One of the things that attract people from Western countries, who want to retire to one of the best Asian countries, is the beautiful weather. Keep in mind that it is often very humid and hot, so in case you prefer cold weather, Malaysia might not be a good place for you. It’s also interesting that Malaysia can serve as a great base for trips to other exciting countries in this region including Singapore and Hong Kong.
Generally speaking, things in Malaysia are much cheaper compared to other developed countries. For example, one liter of gasoline is around three times cheaper compared to Western countries. You can have a meal in a nice restaurant without breaking the bank. Properties can be a little bit expensive and the same goes for rents, but this is only true for the central area of the capital city of this country.
- Malaysia is a multicultural country
- Most people are welcoming foreigners
- Food, restaurant services, and utilities are very cheap in this country
Cost of living in Malaysia
Meal for two people in a decent restaurant: 16.2 Euros
Renting a one-bedroom apartment in the center of the capital city: 500 Euros
Internet (per month): 26 Euros
Wine (1 liter): 15 Euros
Milk (1 liter): 1.4 Euros
5. Vietnam
Capital city: Hanoi
Area: 331,212 square kilometers
Population: around 94,5 million
GDP: $770 billion
Currency: Dong
Those of you who would lie to retire to a beautiful Asian country, can’t go wrong with Vietnam. Situated in one of the most beautiful parts of Southeast Asia, this country is known for its turbulent history and amazing landscape. In addition, people who live there are welcoming and friendly no matter where you are coming from.
There is a temperate and tropical climate in Vietnam. In the southern part, you can expect monsoon seasons too. From tropical lowlands to highlands covered in forests, as well as hundreds of miles of beautiful beaches, Vietnam is a country with many natural beauties. Yet, if you want to retire to this country, it’s better to stick to big cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh.
About the healthcare in this country, you should know that foreign healthcare insurance is not honored in Vietnam. In addition, medical care is limited to big cities and you should be prepared for a relatively high amount of money for proper treatment in a hospital.
- Vietnam is a country with amazing landscape
- This place has a nice climate
- The medical care in this country is not cheap
Cost of living in Vietnam
Meal for two people in a decent restaurant: 15.5 Euros
Renting a one-bedroom apartment in the center of the capital city: 320 Euros
Internet (per month): 10 Euros
Wine (1 liter): 7.7 Euros
Milk (1 liter): 1.2 Euros
6. Cambodia
Capital city: Phnom Penh
Area: 181,035 square kilometers
Population: around 15,2 million
GDP: $70 billion
Currency: Riel
The Kingdom of Cambodia is located in the southern part of the Indochina peninsula. In the 1970s, this country was known for the Khmer Rouge, a notorious regime which was responsible for many atrocities. However, nowadays Cambodia is a developing country which is trying to improve the quality of life for all the residents that have decided to live here. Of course, this is also one of the cheapest and best Asian countries to retire to.
One of the best options you have for moving there is to get a serviced apartment where you can get cleaning services, access to pools and fitness centers and a few other things without spending a small fortune on it. In order to live in Cambodia, you will have to get a retirement visa, but getting a visa like this is very easy. You can get this kind of visa once you arrive in Cambodia.
It’s good to know that medication in Cambodia is cheap and so is hospital care. The only thing that their healthcare is missing is experienced specialists and that’s why many people choose to travel to Singapore or Thailand when they need serious medical help. Due to its location, Cambodia allows people to visit other Asian countries without any hassles including Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia.
- Cambodia is a kingdom located in Indochina
- This country has a cheap healthcare system
- If you want to retire to this country, you will need a visa
Cost of living in Cambodia
Meal for two people in a decent restaurant: 18 Euros
Renting a one-bedroom apartment in the center of the capital city: 430 Euros
Internet (per month): 26 Euros
Wine (1 liter): 9 Euros
Milk (1 liter): 2 Euros
7. Thailand
Capital city: Bangkok
Area: 513,120 square kilometers
Population: around 68,8 million
GDP: $1,39 trillion
Currency: Baht
When someone mentions Thailand, most people think of vacation. This is not a surprise because Thailand is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world for many years now. In the recent period, many people consider this place to be one of the best Asian countries to retire to and it seems that there’s more than one good reason for that.
It’s interesting that the cost of living in this country is very low despite the fact that there are millions of tourists that are visiting different places in Thailand every year. If you want to find cheap accommodation and food, we suggest moving to Chiang Mai, a beautiful, picturesque city located in the northern part of Thailand. If you like beautiful beaches you can move to one of the many islands found in this country.
You can live a nice life and save money at the same time. This amount includes food, housing, and utilities. Don’t forget that Thailand has cheap healthcare too. Unlike many other Asian countries they have sophisticated medical care which will cost you less than the cost of healthcare services in your native country. We should not forget to mention that Thailand is a place where you can find delicious food. After all, that’s why there are a few Thai food restaurants in all major cities around the world.
- Thailand is a popular holiday destination
- Move to a less crowded and cheaper city if you can because Bangkok can be expensive
- Thailand has an advanced and cheap healthcare system
Cost of living in Thailand
Meal for two people in a decent restaurant: 23 Euros
Renting a one-bedroom apartment in the center of the capital city: 630 Euros
Internet (per month): 21 Euros
Wine (1 liter): 21 Euros
Milk (1 liter): 1.5 Euros
8. Philippines
Capital city: Manila
Area: 300,000 square kilometers
Population: around 101 million
GDP: $1,04 trillion
Currency: Peso
The Philippines were once a Spanish and an American colony. Today, modern Filipinos are pro-American people who are trying to practice a typical Western lifestyle. Of course, these people have kept their cultural characteristics too. There are many young people from this Asian country that have moved to other countries in order to earn more money, but most of them come back here when they want to retire. In the recent period, there are also many foreigners that are doing the same thing.
The Philippines are one of the best countries for those who are looking for beautiful beaches and welcoming people. The country has a well-developed infrastructure when it comes to flights and traveling by sea. One of the biggest advantages of moving to the Philippines in your golden days is the low cost of living. Even in the capital city of Manila the prices are low. This is especially true when it comes to restaurant services. One-Bed apartment rent for an apartment outside the center of the capital city is very cheap. Of course, if you are willing to move to another place like Cebu for example, which by the way is one of the places with the best landscape, you can save even more.
Lastly, if you decide to move here as a retiree, you will need a special resident retiree’s visa which will allow you to stay in this country as long as you want. You can use the same visa to go to and exit this country as many times as you need.
Cost of living in the Philippines
Meal for two people in a decent restaurant: 17 Euros
Renting a one-bedroom apartment in the center of the capital city: 500 Euros
Internet (per month): 48 Euros
Wine (1 liter): 7 Euros
Milk (1 liter): 1.4 Euros
9. India
Capital city: New Delhi
Area: 3,287,263 square kilometers
Population: around 1,324 billion
GDP: $11,5 trillion
Currency: Indian rupee
For many people, the idea of spending the best days of your life in one of the biggest and most populous countries in the world might not sound like the best suggestion. However, it’s the diversity of this country which makes it one of the best options you have. Of course, the fact that the cost of living is among the lowest among Asian countries is a great advantage too. Thanks to the process of globalization, India is a place where you can find almost everything you can find in developed countries.
What’s interesting is that India includes almost every type of climate in the world which means that you can select a climate that suits you and move there. In addition, there are many rural and urban areas and once again, you are free to choose from both options. As expected, the medical expenses there are very cheap. The infrastructure could be better, but reaching different cities around the country should not be a problem. You can use buses or railway as cheaper options.
Cost of living in India
Meal for two people in a decent restaurant: 15 Euros
Renting a one-bedroom apartment in the center of the capital city: 200 Euros
Internet (per month): 10 Euros
Wine (1 liter): 9 Euros
Milk (1 liter): 0,6 Euros
10. Bhutan
Capital city: Thimphu
Area: 38,394 square kilometers
Population: around 740.000
GDP: $7,7 trillion
Currency: Ngultrum
Those of you who are looking for adventure in their days as retirees should put Bhutan high on the list of best Asian countries to retire to. This is a landlocked country which happens to be the least developed place in the region. Yet, it’s also one of the places where it’s easy to do business, it’s a safe country and it provides a high level of economic freedom to its residents.
Bhutan is located in the Himalayas which means that you can expect polar-type climate in the north, but it’s interesting that there’s temperate and even subtropical climate in the south. For a small country, this is a quite diverse climate. Many people are visiting Bhutan to find spiritual peace.
Even though this is not a developed country, the medical care in this country is decent and what’s even more important it’s free for all the residents of this country. More than 2/3 of Bhutan is covered in forest which means that you can expect pure air and water here. Obviously, these two things are very important for the wellbeing of every individual. Another interesting fact about this country is that tobacco is banned, so if you are a smoker, look for another option. When we take a closer look at the prices, we will see that the cost of rent and property as well as food, is one of the lowest not only in Asia but in the world.
- Bhutan is an isolated country
- This small country has diverse climate
- It’s an excellent place for those who are looking for low cost of living, great nature and spiritual peace
Cost of living in Bhutan
Meal for two people in a decent restaurant: 8.8 Euros
Renting a one-bedroom apartment in the center of the capital city: 82 Euros
Internet (per month): 25 Euros
Wine (1 liter): 25 Euros
Milk (1 liter): 0.8 Euros
