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Retirement - 7 min read
The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports that Australians are retiring later than they originally planned. With longer life expectancies, it makes sense to save for a few extra years if your health permits. And for many, delayed retirement is all the sweeter when you can relocate to somewhere you’ve always dreamed of living.
Fortunately, you don’t have to be a millionaire to move to a destination with attractive amenities, lovely weather and vibrant communities. In this article, we look at the top 8 places for Australians to retire comfortably. Which locations catch your fancy?
With its ancient cobblestone lanes, sunny castles, and breathtaking beaches, Portugal has a surprisingly low cost of living. Housing in Lisbon and some of the resort towns such as Cascais can be pricey, but if you travel just half an hour from the city centres, you’ll find affordable rates.
Because of this, expats have flocked to Portugal in recent years, creating a vibrant international community. Along the southern coast, in places like Algarve, seniors have created communities of welcoming expats. Note that the government offers a “Golden Visa,” a fast-track to EU citizenship, to those who purchase a property for 500,000 or more.
Healthcare is always a concern for seniors, and in Italy, you can get all the healthcare you need for just $500 per year. Depending on where you live, Italy can be surprisingly affordable in other ways as well.
International Living writer Valerie Fortney-Schneider bought a 300-year-old home in the south of Basilicata for around $47,200. And the food, culture, and laid-back lifestyle are the perfect antidotes to a career full of deadlines and demands.
With no shortage of dazzling places to explore, Cambodia is a popular destination for Aussies to retire. Not only can you scoop up a bargain-priced property, but you’ll love the friendly culture and delicious foods.
Australian expats also appreciate the low-cost services they rarely used back home. For instance, for less than $20 per month, you can have your clothing professionally washed and ironed. Combine these services with gorgeous sites like the Angkor ruins at Siem Reap, and you’ve got a dream retirement.
Known for its drop-dead beaches and delicious food, the Philippines has become extremely popular with retirees looking for an affordable, warm place to live. Aussies retiring in the Philippines find a welcoming culture and many fellow expats.
Pensions that don’t stretch far in Sydney seem to go a long way in Cebu. If you’d like to elevate your standard of living, consider retiring in the Philippines.
Long loved by Aussies, Bali is a tropical paradise, perfect for retirees who love the sand and sea. Spacious villas in coastal towns cost much less than you might expect, and the general cost of living appeals to budget-conscious seniors.
You’ll need to maintain third-party health insurance in Indonesia. Still, most expats find adequate cover for around $800 per year.
How affordable is Vietnam? Sydney native Gary Stapleton lives in Da Nang for just $1,100 per month. That sum includes his rent ($470), transportation, utilities, food, clothing and entertainment.
If you love the big city, consider retiring in Ho Chi Minh City/Saigon, with over 8.5 million residents. Its direct flights to Australia make it easy to fly home for family events, and you’ll be close to the most high-tech medical facilities in the country.
If you prefer the quiet life, consider Nha Trang, a favourite beachside location with stunning views, a lively ex-pat community and affordable accommodation.
Looking for the most bang for your retirement buck? Consider Malaysia. You’ll get world-class healthcare, and you can see a specialist without an appointment for as little as $28. It’s the same with dentists.
Being near the equator, Malaysia is hot and humid most of the time with periods of heavy rain. Locals generally welcome expats, and since most Malaysians speak English fluently, you’ll quickly integrate into your local community.
In smaller villages along the coast, it’s possible to find affordable furnished housing within a five-minute walk from the beach. Food is inexpensive and accessible, and healthcare runs about $20 for doctor visits and $40 for the dentist.
You won’t feel lonely at home either. There are already massive numbers of retired Aussie expats living in Thailand. You can find Aussie communities in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hua Hin, Phuket and Koh Samui, among others. Whether you live in Thailand part-time or all year round, you’ll save money on the low cost of living.
To learn more about retiring overseas, or to discuss your retirement planning, set up a consultation with one of our wealth advisors. We can answer questions about taxes, superannuation, pensions, and more. We look forward to talking with you soon!
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