If you’re one of the millions of people considering moving abroad, it’s important to know where you can live comfortably.
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According to Gallup, record numbers of Americans are moving or wanting to move overseas. A surprising poll shows that about 1 in 5 people say they want to live permanently in another country, including 17% of Americans over 55. One of the many reasons they want to immigrate is the desire to find a place where they can live comfortably with only Social Security benefits.
The question is whether it is possible.
Can I live on social security alone in a foreign country?
If you dream of moving abroad to further expand your Social Security benefits, it’s important to know that it’s possible as long as you’re willing to adapt to your new way of life.
In 2026, the average monthly Social Security benefit will be $2,071, and benefits for high-income earners will reach $4,152 at full retirement age (FRA). If you wait until age 70 to claim benefits, your monthly payments could reach $5,181.
where possible
It is easier to do the calculations if you have family in another country and plan to live together. If you’re starting a solo business and will be covering all of your bills yourself, you’ll need to do a little digging to understand where it works. Here are three examples of places overseas where you might be able to survive on Social Security benefits alone.
Panama: In cities like Boquete, Pedasi, Santa Fe, and Panama City, it’s possible to live comfortably for as little as $1,500 to $2,000 per month. If you have more money to spend each month, you can splurge on things like dining out, local entertainment, a weekend at the beach, or a gym membership.
Belize: Is your dream to live somewhere with access to rainforests, ruins, rivers, and coral reefs? Belize could be perfect for you. Couples can get by on less than $2,000 per month if they plan to live simply and utilize local resources.
Portugal: If you’re looking for a quiet lifestyle and want to live in a small town in Portugal, you can live comfortably for about $1,600 to $2,200 per month, including rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, and eating out. If you want to visit Portugal’s larger cities, you’ll typically need to budget between $2,200 and $3,700 per month.
Other potential options include Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Mexico, Panama, Bulgaria and Albania. In Ecuador, Colombia, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica, it is possible to survive on Social Security benefits alone.
have to do homework
When considering moving abroad, take the time to learn all you can about the places that appeal to you most. If possible, spend some time in the country to get a feel for whether it’s right for you. Learn how much a visa to the country costs and what it takes to obtain citizenship.
Finally, make sure you’re on the list of countries outside the United States where you can continue to receive Social Security benefits. Fortunately, almost all countries are on the approved list.
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