where to live

Rosarito, bleccchhh
Ensenada, bleccchh

Uruguay might be a solution if you economize, Nicaragua could also work.

agree # 10

...i've seen places where people get by on a grand a month....albeit very very frugaly

..cambodia is probably one of the best places right now

The problem with many of the really low cost countries is the infrastructure or lack of it. The idea of living in a shack on the beach under the swaying palm sounds good if you say it fast but then reality steps up. The primary issue becomes medical care and insurance usually.

wayworn...the op is a usa citizen...with a total budget of $18K a year he has probably an even greater medical care & insurance problem in his own country

...he would do better to look at a good 3rd world option...he doesn't have to settle for sudan

..having said that though medical & inflation are the most serious topics for retiring...

Exactamundo germuno. What worked at 65 may well not continue to work at 85 and although there have been all kinds of advances in medical science, no one can tell you for sure that you will die soon enough to not have to worry about it.

I have a neighbour who is having his 85th birthday in a month. He and his wife are still travelling several times a year, all over the world, but not on $15k a year obviously.

The problem with a good third world option is that no one can tell you whether it will continue to be a good option but then life is a beach and then you die. Or something like that.

ironic that you might be afraid you will live too long wayworn...reason i put off drawing state pension at the risk of leaving too much money on the table...but the bet was hedged with the statistical fact that my squeeze/beneficiary will be around collecting it.

...sort of like buying life insurance which most of the time is a waste other than a way of avoiding taxes...compliments of the insurance lobby of course

Not many residents in 'First World' countries are likely to enjoy living in 'Third World' countries. The number of persons willing to chuck it all for a new life in a new country with a new language are relatively few - those who last beyond the first couple of years of relocation, that is.

Photos of Chicago: click here

Particularly those that have to live on a very low income such as $15k. They can't afford to insulate themselves from the downside as well.

As"longford " alluded to, you can/could live in Mexico. One advantage to Mexico is that if you need to go home in a hurry that is easily done. You will NOT be able to do it in places such as Puerto Vallarta or similar tourist traps.
For instance I rent a nice little 2 bedroom house for $400.00 a month.

I do not know about any other countries other than the US and Mexico, but as a non-citizen you can only live there for up to 180 days, then you MUST leave.

Quite possibly other countries have similar restrictions for non-residents.

There are 2 other locations where there is a large North American population, San Miguel de Allende and Chapala/Ajijic, where it would be doubtful to live on such a restricted annual monetary allotment. But there are many other locations where it is possible. I knew a Vietnam war vet who lived in a small town, La Manzanilla on the Pacific ocean, on US$ 500.00 a month. But he did not live a very luxurious lifestyle he rented a tiny Palapa for $ 75.00 a month, a lot of his meals were fish he caught himself.

Good luck