Phuket among top 3 destinations for retiring expats, says Forbes

The average U.S. Social Security check is US$2,005/month (≈HK$15,700) – not nearly enough for U.S. living, where retirees spend ~US$5,000 (≈HK$39,200) monthly. But in destinations like Phuket (Thailand), Mendoza (Argentina), and Santa Marta (Colombia), expats in Asia (and globally for that matter!) can live well, invest in property, and build long-term intergenerational wealth for their families, on that same budget.

The Retirement Income Gap

Let’s look at the numbers. In the U.S., for example:

• Average U.S. Social Security check (June 2025): US$2,005.05 (≈THB 72,400 / HK$15,700 / S$2,700)

• Average U.S. retired household spend: ~US$5,000/month (≈HK$39,200)

• Shortfall: ~US$3,000/month (≈HK$23,500)

While these numbers are specific to Americans, they represent a common theme for those looking to “live rich” on their retirement funds while growing wealth at the same time. For expats in Singapore, Hong Kong, and across the region, this also underscores the importance of global diversification.

Courtesy of U.S. Social Security Administration, Bureau of Labor Statistics

What are Forbes’ top destinations for retirees?

• Phuket, Thailand: Tropical Lifestyle at a Fraction of the Cost

  • Rent: from US$500/month (≈THB 18,000 / HK$3,900 / S$670)

  • Healthcare: International-standard care at Bangkok Phuket Hospital & Phuket International Hospital

  • Visa: Non-Immigrant O-A Retirement Visa — age 50+, proof of US$2,000/month (≈THB 72,400) income, valid health insurance

  • Lifestyle: Beaches, golf, padel, wellness, thriving expat community of 100,000+

  👉 Phuket International Airport (HKT) offers direct flights to 56 destinations via 50 airlines – perfect for those seeking affordability without cutting ties to the region.

• Mendoza, Argentina: Wine Country Living on US$2,000

  • Rent: US$400–US$1,000 (≈ARS 370,000–925,000 / HK$3,100–7,800 / S$520–1,300)

  • Visa: Pensionado Visa – proof of income ~US$1,400/month (≈HK$11,000 / S$1,900). Citizenship possible in just 2 years.

  • Lifestyle: Vineyards, skiing, tango, mountain adventures, strong café culture

  👉 For globally-minded investors, Mendoza offers one of the lowest-entry property markets in the Americas, with high quality of life at low cost.

• Santa Marta, Colombia: Caribbean Charm, Big Value

  • Rent: from US$400/month (≈COP 1.6M / HK$3,100 / S$520)

  • Healthcare: Colombia’s system outranks both U.S. and Canada in WHO rankings

  • Visa: Pensionado Visa – minimum US$1,000/month (≈COP 4M / HK$7,800 / S$1,300) pension income

  • Lifestyle: Caribbean beaches, Spanish-colonial charm, new condo developments, marina lifestyle

  👉 Santa Marta is attractive to expats looking for Caribbean lifestyle combined with long-term property potential at emerging-market entry prices.

Why Global Real Estate Investment Matters for Expats

For many, buying overseas property is about more than lifestyle. It’s about:

• Diversification outside local real estate markets

• Passive rental income in hard currencies (USD, GBP, AUD)

• Hedging inflation with assets in multiple economies

• Intergenerational wealth – properties that can be passed on to children

Investments in Thailand, the UK, and Australia are especially popular among expats, combining lifestyle appeal with long-term growth potential.

Conclusion

Living on US$2,000/month may feel impossible in the U.S., but for expats, it’s a ticket to beachfront living in Phuket, vineyard afternoons in Mendoza, or Caribbean sunsets in Santa Marta.

And beyond lifestyle, strategic property investment in these markets is a path to lasting prosperity and security for future generations.