Money - Is the Grass Really Greener?

It's no surprise that the cost of living crisis has many retirees considering an overseas move. It’s true that significant price increases have also hit developing nations, making housing, food and transport a lot more costly than pre-pandemic. Despite this, some countries still offer better bang for the buck and - sometimes - a more peaceful and dignified existence for retirees.

The cost of living is impacting people all around the world, and unless you're in the highest income bracket, you're probably searching for solutions. Strangely, housing (everyone's biggest expense) isn't even included in government calculations, which makes official Cost of Living figures misleading.

War, climate change, voluntary migrations, displacement, and housing shortages mean that finding an affordable home to rent or buy has become a serious challenge for many. Thankfully, there are some places where housing prices are actually decreasing or where abandoned homes can be bought at low costs.

Below is a helpful website that lets you compare the cost of living for where you are currently residing, with a location that you're considering relocating to. Although the information is based on historical data (meaning prices have already increased), it still provides an invaluable snapshot of budget-requirements in potential places you might want to call home.

https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/

Don’t forget though that financial wellbeing is only one consideration when looking to relocate. You will also want to research factors such crime rates, medical facility standards, taxation, and housing availability; to name just a few. Good luck!