The cheapest places to retire, compared

Comanche, Texas: about $1,000–$1,200

A $400 lot or cabin with utilities and Wi-Fi included, and pets are OK. Add about $600 to $800 for food, gas, phone and extras. Good for warm weather, quiet nature, staying near family in the US, and faith community.

Durrës, Albania: about $1,000–$1,200

A $500 room, about a 20-minute walk to the beach, plus an estimated $500 to $700 for living. Good for beach lovers who are happy abroad.

Yunnan, China: about $1,100–$1,250

$900 a month with 3 meals a day, in six cities, hosted by our partner 大莫旅居. Only about $200 to $350 extra, since meals are included.

Chiang Mai, Thailand: about $900–$1,500

A benchmark estimate, not a home we host: a typical one-bedroom of $400 to $700 plus $500 to $800 for living. For comparison, our benchmark ranges for Tampa and Phoenix are well above $2,000 a month in total.

All figures are estimates and our asking prices may change. Your real costs depend on how you live, so treat this as a starting point.

How to pick the right cheap place

A low price is only a good deal if the place matches what you need. In the calculator you can choose must-haves like warm weather, beach, quiet nature, city access, near family in the US, abroad OK, faith community and medical access. Places that match more of your choices rise to the top of your results.

If you want a big city or Florida beaches, our $1,000 rooms in Boston and in Sarasota near Siesta Key cost more but may still beat your current rent. The results chart puts your current housing cost next to every option so the difference is easy to see.