In 2025, almost a quarter of seniors in the U.S. wanted to delay their planned retirement, a 14% increase from 2024, according to a report by insurance company F&G. The change mainly reflects a growing concern about "overall financial retirement readiness," the company explained. However, there may be another way to get to retirement on time: Moving to a more affordable location.
In December, International Living revealed its list of the cheapest places to retire in 2026, which the publication explained allows expats to retire "without compromising on comfort or lifestyle."
The list came together after International Living reviewed "real-world monthly budgets" and firsthand accounts of daily life from its global network of expats, and presented detailed breakdowns to "help you imagine just how far your money can go in these vibrant, welcoming communities."
After looking at the data, it named Sri Lanka the No. 1 most affordable place to move this year.
This Is the Safest Place to Retire in 2026
"Sri Lanka is the cheapest place I know of in Asia, and also one of the most beautiful," expat Roland Dalton shared in the results. "My wife and I have lived extravagantly well here on $2,200 a month. That includes a villa by the beach, travelling across the island, dining out most of the time, traditional massages, attending sports events, spa treatments for my wife, and socialising with friends."
As Dalton broke down, their villa, which includes a garden and a plunge pool, costs $385 a month, plus $50 in utilities. For dining out, he said he usually pays around $50 for a two-person, three-course meal with drinks. "One of our favourite beachside seafood feasts—lobster, crab, prawns, fish, and oysters for two—costs just $35."
Dining in is affordable too. Dalton reported that local markets offer the best savings: a fresh fish for two people costs about $3.50, and a pineapple is just $0.20. Transportation is another big cost saver: a two-hour train ride goes for $1, and a three-mile tuk-tuk ride costs about $2.
One of the most important factors for retiring abroad is access to quality, affordable healthcare, which Dalton explained is abundant in the capital. "Healthcare in Colombo’s private hospitals is solid, with modern facilities. Medical care outside the capital is more basic but serviceable. A big bonus: Sri Lanka has one of the easiest and cheapest retirement visa requirements in Asia."
Other top spots joining Sri Lanka are Vietnam at No. 2, followed by Thailand (No. 3), Bali (No. 4), and Malaysia (No. 5).
Find out all the perks offered in each destination at internationalliving.com.
-Travel + Leisure
In December, International Living revealed its list of the cheapest places to retire in 2026, which the publication explained allows expats to retire "without compromising on comfort or lifestyle."
The list came together after International Living reviewed "real-world monthly budgets" and firsthand accounts of daily life from its global network of expats, and presented detailed breakdowns to "help you imagine just how far your money can go in these vibrant, welcoming communities."
After looking at the data, it named Sri Lanka the No. 1 most affordable place to move this year.
This Is the Safest Place to Retire in 2026
"Sri Lanka is the cheapest place I know of in Asia, and also one of the most beautiful," expat Roland Dalton shared in the results. "My wife and I have lived extravagantly well here on $2,200 a month. That includes a villa by the beach, travelling across the island, dining out most of the time, traditional massages, attending sports events, spa treatments for my wife, and socialising with friends."
As Dalton broke down, their villa, which includes a garden and a plunge pool, costs $385 a month, plus $50 in utilities. For dining out, he said he usually pays around $50 for a two-person, three-course meal with drinks. "One of our favourite beachside seafood feasts—lobster, crab, prawns, fish, and oysters for two—costs just $35."
Dining in is affordable too. Dalton reported that local markets offer the best savings: a fresh fish for two people costs about $3.50, and a pineapple is just $0.20. Transportation is another big cost saver: a two-hour train ride goes for $1, and a three-mile tuk-tuk ride costs about $2.
One of the most important factors for retiring abroad is access to quality, affordable healthcare, which Dalton explained is abundant in the capital. "Healthcare in Colombo’s private hospitals is solid, with modern facilities. Medical care outside the capital is more basic but serviceable. A big bonus: Sri Lanka has one of the easiest and cheapest retirement visa requirements in Asia."
Other top spots joining Sri Lanka are Vietnam at No. 2, followed by Thailand (No. 3), Bali (No. 4), and Malaysia (No. 5).
Find out all the perks offered in each destination at internationalliving.com.
-Travel + Leisure
