Retiring in Southeast Asia: Real Numbers from 12 Retirees

We tracked down 12 retirees - ages 52 to 74 - across three countries and collected their real, unfiltered monthly numbers. No sponsored destinations, no paid placements.

Average monthly spend across all 12 retirees: $1,840. Average self-reported happiness score: 9.1 / 10. Average satisfaction vs. prior home country: 8.7 / 10.

Thailand - Chiang Mai & Phuket

Our four Thai-based retirees spent between $1,400 and $2,600/month. The Thailand Retirement Visa (Non-OA) requires 800,000 THB (~$22,000) in a Thai bank account or 65,000 THB/month in provable income.

Healthcare Reality

Private hospital care is world-class at a fraction of Western prices. Our interviewees averaged $80/month in healthcare costs including comprehensive private health insurance. Bumrungrad International Hospital is consistently rated among Asia's top hospitals.

• Monthly range: $1,400–$2,600
• Happiness score: 9.3 / 10
• Visa simplicity: Good - formal Non-OA retirement visa exists

Bali, Indonesia

Monthly costs averaged $2,100 with villa rent being the dominant expense. The scenery and lifestyle community are exceptional.

• Monthly range: $1,700–$2,800
• Visa simplicity: Moderate - requires sponsored ITAS or Second Home Visa
• Happiness score: 9.2 / 10

Vietnam

Our five Vietnamese-based retirees averaged $1,340/month - the lowest of any group. Vietnam has no dedicated retirement visa, so most use tourist visas with renewals - this carries some uncertainty.

• Monthly range: $1,000–$1,800
• Visa simplicity: Poor - no formal retirement visa
• Happiness score: 8.9 / 10

Our Recommendation

If legal simplicity matters: Thailand. If scenery and community are the priority: Bali. If pure cost minimisation is the goal: Vietnam - but factor in the visa uncertainty. All three beat any Western retirement option on cost, weather, and lifestyle.