Retirees Seek Affordable U.S. and International Destinations

Rising costs are pushing retirees and remote workers to seek more affordable domestic and international places to live, with some lists showing comfortable living on about $1,500 a month or even under $1,000 in select countries. European cities popular with retirees include Alicante, Brno and Kalamata for their beaches, low rents and accessible services. In the U.S., affordable seaside towns such as Fort Walton Beach, Myrtle Beach and Sunset Beach offer lower-than-average living costs plus healthcare access and recreation, while inland cities including Mesquite, Nevada and Toledo, Ohio provide four-season living and lower rents but can require tradeoffs like smaller housing or greater distance from major hospitals. Remote-work initiatives and municipal relocation programs — from Tulsa Remote’s $10,000 incentive to counties offering several thousand dollars or free land — are actively courting new residents and reshaping migration patterns. For those willing to move abroad, destinations like Bali can reduce total monthly costs well below U.S. averages, showing that location choice and lifestyle adjustments can make a comfortable retirement achievable on a tight budget.