Remote work is one thing, but why not just quit that day job and moveto anisland that’s so cheap you don’t have to work and can spend your life on permanent vacation?Anew reportfrom International Living—a magazine and website devoted to good-valueliving, travel, investment and retirement abroad—shows that it might be possible.
International Living recentlyunveiled15 cheap islands around the world whereyou can retire early and live on as little as $1,200 a month. “The idea of an island escape comes wrapped up with romance and adventure, but people usually put the idea in the category of fantasy—something only the very wealthy could pull off,” says Jennifer Stevens, executive editor atInternationalLiving. “In truth, though, all kinds of good-value islands sit tucked into the world’s waters, and many of them offer a cost oflivingthat’s much lower than in the U.S.”
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So read on to find out about 15 places that will make your island dreams come true. We’ve listed the islands in order of cost, starting with the cheapest. One thing to keep in mind is that International Living has come up with these estimated monthly living expenses based on the cost for a couple; the cost for a single person will be about a quarter to a third less. And remember this: “There’s such a pent-up appetite for travel right now—and I think people are dreaming. But they should know: An island life really could be a reality—a lot more affordably than they probably realize,” says Stevens.
Phu Quoc, Vietnam
Phu Quocmay be the largest island inVietnam, but it’s an intimate place—not much bigger than the city of Chicago, with barely 100,000 full-time residents. Adventurous expats love it here, since more than half of the island has protected parks and reserves, plus at least 20 beaches. This is as cheap as it gets: “A meal for two at most local restaurants, including several dishes of fish, shrimp, crab, squid, shells, sides and beverages won’t cost more than $30,” says International Living. Add it all up—with rent—and a couple can live here on as little as $1,210 a month, according to International Living.
Off the coast of Panama is Isla Colon, which is one of the tiny islands in the Bocas Del Toro chain. On Isla Colon, you’ll find the dream Caribbean lifestyle, where International Living estimates that a couple could live comfortably for as little as $1,400 a month (or $1,200 if you’re single). “You’d belivinghand-to-mouth on that budget back home,” points out Stevens. “But here you could have a home a stone’s throw from the beach and spend your days fishing, sailing—yes,livingsimply—but in the sun and with a lot less stress.”
“The island ofPenang, off the coast ofMalaysia,has been a firm favorite among savvy expats for decades,” says International Living. If you’re a foodie, you’re in luck:A few years back, Lonely Planetcalled Penang the top foodie destination to visit in the world. Plus, its Southeast Asia location makes it easy to travel to places like Bali, Thailand, Vietnam andCambodia. A couple can live a luxurious life on a monthly budget starting at $1,500 a month, says International Living.
Caye Caulker, Belize
“Caye Caulker, a five-mile-long island off the coast of mainlandBelize, is a charming Caribbean island where ‘go slow’ is the motto,” says International Living. Expats love the nature, the water-related outdoor activities, as well as the abundant inspiration that attracts a lot of artists, photographers and writers. According to International Living, a couple can live comfortably here starting at $1,500 a month.
Thailand’s second largest island, Koh Samuiis a coveted expat destination, thanks to its countless choice of great spots to relax. “It is also fast becoming a golfer’s paradise,” says International Living. You’ll find stunning beaches, secluded bays, expansive junglesand cascading waterfalls. According to International Living, expat couples report living here for as little as $1,500 a month. Bump that up to $2,000 a month and you’ll be living like royalty.
Crete, Greece
Crete is the biggest island inGreeceand makes an excellent choice to live for many reasons: world-class beaches, seaside tavernas, a relaxed vibe and a good medical infrastructure. “The cost of living in Crete largely followsthecost of living in mainland Greeceand because Crete is so big, you’ll have lots of housing options,” says International Living. The cost for a couple to live here, according to International Living: as little as $1,800 a month.
Cozumel, Mexico
Surrounded by warm, clear Caribbean waters, the Mexican island ofCozumel is a well-established vacation destination—and a great spot to quit your job and live a dream life. “Cozumel offers good value for dollars spent, even when it comes to housing,” says International Living. The cost: less than $1,900 a month for a couple, says International Living.
Bali, Indonesia
“With so many beaches encompassing the coastline and with lush mountain ranges throughout its center, Bali has lured many an expat,” says International Living. The weather is warm and tropical, though it can be cooler in the mountains (and even the rainy season has many sunny days). Rent is cheap here: According to International Living, you can find a villa in a place like Ubud for $500 a month, and a couple can live well in most towns on Bali for $1,900 a month.
Isla Mujeres, Mexico
About eight miles fromCancún, Isla Mujeresis worlds away in spirit: Most people use golf carts to get around. “It’s no longer a hidden gem, but rather has grown into a mature destination where expats can enjoy an affordable island retirement in casual, Caribbean comfort,” says International Living. According to International Living, a single person can live here on as little as $1,700 a month, but a couple can get by on $2,000; raise it to $2,500 a month, and you’ll have a very nice life, indeed.
Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic
“If you love the idea of a fusion of Europe and the Caribbean then head for the northeast Samaná peninsula and check outLas Terrenas,” advises International Living. French expats originally discovered this island tropical paradise in the Dominican Republic, and you can still see that influence, with upscale restaurants and bakeries. International Living estimates that a couple can live here for around $2,000 a month.
Roatan, Honduras
Formerly a secret divers’ getaway,Roatanis now a livable island haven that’s popular with expats. Think white-sand beaches, rocky coves, colorful fishing villages and a mountainous jungly interior. It’sone of the most affordable places to live in the Caribbean: According to International Living, a couple could live well starting at $2,000 a month.
Mallorca, Spain
The Spanish island of Mallorca is ringed with marinas and natural rock-lined coves. “You’ll also find Roman ruins—evidence of its importance as an outpost of that empire,” says International Living. It’s got a year-round mild climate and a relatively affordable lifestyle. According to International Living, a couple can live well on $2,500 a month.
Malta
The tiny island nation ofMaltameasures just 122 square miles but as International Living points out, it has something for everyone—“from ancient walled cities and breathtaking coastal trails to countryside farmhouses and charming restaurants.” The weather is warm year-round, and U.S. dollars go surprisingly far, with couples living comfortably on $2,600 per month, says International Living. And guess what? If you want to try it on for size, Malta has a new program that will pay you to visit.
Set on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, Irelandis extremely alluring, given that it’s got such a laidback life and “in most towns and villages, you’re never too far from the ocean,” writes International Living. (It’s also one of the cheapest places to fly to in Europe right now, according to a new report.) The cost? International Living estimates that a couple could live quite comfortably on a budget of around $2,800 a month.
Ambergris Caye, Belize
Ambergris Caye is Belize’slargest island and it’s spectacularly beautiful, surrounded by stunning turquoise seascapes. It’s also not overly developed. According to International Living, a couple can enjoy a comfortable life in Ambergris Caye, including rent, starting at $2,950 per month. “If you own your own home on the island outright, then expats report it’s possible for a couple to live quite comfortably on less than $2,000 a month,” says International Living.
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Buying Property and Renting in the Caribbean islands
If you are looking for affordable property in the Caribbean islands, you should consider places like Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Aruba, Honduras, and Belize, as they offer some of the most economical real estate options for you to buy or rent.
Buying Property and Renting in the Caribbean islands
If you are looking for affordable property in the Caribbean islands, you should consider places like Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Aruba, Honduras, and Belize, as they offer some of the most economical real estate options for you to buy or rent.
Grenada has the lowest cost of living among the Caribbean countries that offer citizenship-by-investment programs to foreigners. A single resident of Grenada pays about $410 a month on rent and utilities. Above that, they spend $582 on average each month on everyday expenses.
Vanuatu is the cheapest Pacific Island destination for those who don't want to stray too far! Not wanting to stray too far? Vanuatu is great for its proximity to home and boasts affordable accommodation among the South Pacific Island destinations.
What is the safest tropical destination? St.Barts, Montserrat, Anguilla, the Cayman Islands, Saint Lucia, and the British Virgin Islands are some of the safest tropical destinations for travelers and digital nomads.
ECUADOR (tie) The low cost of living is the number one reason for many expats moving to Ecuador. It can be a tremendous advantage, particularly if you are on a fixed income. Rental prices are half the cost than in the U.S. or Europe, and often include furnishings.
Which Caribbean island is the safest to live in? Some of the safest islands to venture to in the Caribbean include Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla, The British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Martinique, Montserrat, and St Barts.
The Caribbean Sea has a host of islands that are adjacent to the Americas; it is full of nation states more or less developed. Haiti and Jamaica are the poorest nations in the Caribbean; the wealthiest are Trinidad and Tobago, The Bahamas, and Puerto Rico.
The cheapest Virgin Island to stay at is St.Thomas as it has the largest airport, most conveniences, public transit, and many options for stay. See our guide to where to stay on St. Thomas.
French Polynesia may be the safest place in Oceania
With tourist havens such as Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea, and Rangiroa, French Polynesia is known for its relaxed island life, stunning beaches, exotic marine life, and remarkable degree of safety.
The Dominican Republic is the most visited island in the Caribbean. With its seemingly endless white-sand beaches, the Dominican Republic is a popular getaway for tourists searching for an idyllic vacation, plenty of outdoor adventure, and a tinge of colonial history.
If you are an American citizen, retiring in the U.S. Virgin Islands is highly desirable, and achievable. As it is still considered to be on U.S. lands, the relocation process is extremely easy. Imagine taking the process of moving states, but ending up in this tropical paradise.
What is the safest place to live in the world? The safest place in the world is Iceland, which ranks number one on the 2022 Global Peace Index. Iceland, with a score of 1.107, has held this position on the GPI for over a decade.
St Kitts and Nevis is another smaller island nation that is seen as one of the safest in the Caribbean. It has a very low crime rate and visitors usually won't face any problems on their trip.
Lucia is arguably the most beautiful of all Caribbean Islands with its two UNESCO World Heritage designated Pitons standing proud. The Gros and Petit Pitons are two mountainous volcanic plugs that definitely contribute to the island's beauty.
Aruba. When travelers think of safe islands to visit during hurricane season, the “ABC Islands” of Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao often come to mind. Of the three, Aruba is the best option for points travelers.
The months of September to November can be a great time to plan a trip for folks looking for the cheapest time to go to the Caribbean. The month of September is the very peak of hurricane season, making it one of the best times to find low prices at some of the most desirable inclusive resorts.
What's the most affordable Hawaiian island to live on? The Big Island. With Hawaii's lowest average cost of living (according to MIT's Living Wage project), lowest fair market rents, and lowest typical yearly expenses, the Big Island can be the most economical island in Hawaii.
A family of four estimated monthly costs are 4,168.7$ (8,337.3Bds$) without rent.A single person estimated monthly costs are 1,135.9$ (2,271.8Bds$) without rent. Cost of living in Barbados is, on average, 17.8% higher than in United States. Rent in Barbados is, on average, 56.3% lower than in United States.
St John is the least populated and has the lowest crime rate in the US Virgin Islands. Therefore, St John is considered to be the safest US Virgin Islands territory.
These are 3 places to find unclaimed islands across the world: Lagoan Isles. Any Island in Mary Byrd Land. Islands that Appear and Disappear in the Pacific Ocean.
They'll go out of their way to help you without expecting anything in return, they'll greet you with the warmest 'hello' as you cross paths in the middle of the village, and they might even invite you for the Sunday afternoon feast with their extended family.
For those travelers, Saint Lucia might be the closest you can get to tropical island getaway that offers a similar (perhaps even better) experience as Hawaii.
Tuvalu stands out among other islands as it is the least visited country in the world. Yearly visitors only amount to less than 2,000 and many are from nearby countries which include Australia and New Zealand.
Both regions have an abundance of gorgeous beaches for every pace and preference, making it easy for beach lovers to find their ideal stretch of sand, no matter where they go. However, the waters in the Bahamas tend to be warmer, and there are more coral reefs and sandbars in the ocean surrounding Nassau.
There are no restrictions on foreign buyers acquiring real estate in the US Virgin Islands. Buying property in the US Virgin islands is a relatively simple process, which typically involves the following steps: Begin your property search. Find your perfect property and make an offer.
The USVI has its own income tax system based on the same laws and tax rates that apply in the United States. An important factor in USVI taxation is whether, during the entire tax year, you are a bona fide resident of the USVI.
Bulgaria is one of the safest and cheapest places to live in the world, especially in Europe. Europe can be quite expensive, but everything in Bulgaria is affordable. The capital city is a great place to start, and there are lots of fun things to do in Sofia.
Listed at number 115 on the GPI, Haiti is the most dangerous country in the Caribbean Islands as of 2022. What is this? By far the most dangerous threat to U.S. tourists is kidnapping for ransom. Reports of convoys being attacks, protests, and other violent events are also common in Haiti, as well as armed robberies.
1. Port Arthur, Texas. The cheapest beach town to live in the USA is Port Arthur, Texas. This beautiful city is home to roughly 56,000 people and is best known for its ideal location along the Gulf of Mexico.
Gulfport, Mississippi, is the most affordable town in which to buy a beach house. It is located about halfway between Mississippi's borders with Louisiana and Alabama and has 26 miles of beach on the Gulf of Mexico.
Possibly the cheapest English-speaking country to live in is South Africa. Not only can you get by without having to go to language school, but most South African cities also have a high standard of living, similar to Western cities, which will make the transition much easier.
Mexico. Just south of the United States of America border with warm weather, a wide variety of places to live, miles of coastline, and beautiful cities, Mexico, one of the cheapest countries to retire in, is a popular destination for retirees as well as vacationers.
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