Live HERE Cheap With No Sacrifices in Quality of Living

I live in I live in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. I've Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. I've Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. I've built built built my whole life here. I tell my whole life here. I tell my whole life here. I tell people it's one of the people it's one of the people it's one of the best places on best places on best places on Earth for Earth for Earth for value for money value for money value for money . And when I . And when I . And when I was doing the testing was doing the testing was doing the testing for this video, my for this video, my for this video, my city got good city got good city got good scores, but ultimately didn't scores, but ultimately didn't scores, but ultimately didn't make it to number one. make it to number one. make it to number one. It wasn't the best It wasn't the best It wasn't the best place by some of place by some of place by some of the metrics the metrics the metrics I'm talking about, you know, the I'm talking about, you know, the I'm talking about, you know, the actual cost of actual cost of actual cost of living versus the living versus the living versus the quality of life. So quality of life. So quality of life. So here's the test I here's the test I here's the test I ran, two barriers. ran, two barriers. ran, two barriers. First: the entire month, First: the entire month, First: the entire month, rent, food, health rent, food, health rent, food, health insurance, visa, insurance, visa, insurance, visa, should cost should cost should cost less than the average less than the average less than the average social social social security check. So, security check. So, security check. So, roughly, let's call it roughly, let's call it roughly, let's call it about $2,000 a about $2,000 a about $2,000 a month. The next month. The next month. The next step, the second barrier: step, the second barrier: step, the second barrier: the city must score the city must score the city must score at least 120 points on the at least 120 points on the Numbeo quality of life index. This index Numbeo quality of life index. This index combines safety, combines safety, combines safety, healthcare, healthcare, healthcare, pollution, climate, pollution, climate, pollution, climate, traffic, and a few other traffic, and a few other traffic, and a few other things into one number. And things into one number. And things into one number. And 120 is the cutoff point where Numbeo 120 is the cutoff point where Numbeo 120 is the cutoff point where Numbeo stops calling stops calling stops calling a place "low" and a place "low" and a place "low" and starts calling starts calling starts calling it "moderate" or it "moderate" or it "moderate" or better. And, frankly better. And, frankly better. And, frankly , this is where my , this is where my , this is where my current place of current place of current place of residence, Saigon, residence, Saigon, residence, Saigon, Vietnam, falls short. Vietnam, falls short. Vietnam, falls short. Which is a little disappointing, Which is a little disappointing, Which is a little disappointing, but it's just but it's just but it's just reality. So, we will reality. So, we will reality. So, we will analyze analyze analyze this list together. We will this list together. We will this list together. We will explore new explore new explore new cities, new places together, cities, new places together, cities, new places together, right? Cheap is right? Cheap is right? Cheap is easy, any easy, any easy, any backpacker with a backpacker with a backpacker with a spreadsheet spreadsheet spreadsheet can find cheap. Cheap can find cheap. Cheap can find cheap. Cheap and good, affordable and and good, affordable and and good, affordable and high quality—that's the hard high quality—that's the hard high quality—that's the hard part. So I took part. So I took part. So I took nine cities in Asia nine cities in Asia nine cities in Asia where people actually where people actually where people actually move to move to move to retire, and I passed retire, and I passed retire, and I passed all nine of them by these all nine of them by these all nine of them by these measurable metrics measurable metrics . The cost calculation . The cost calculation is the same is the same is the same math I math I math I use in use in use in most of my most of my most of my videos: one person, videos: one person, videos: one person, one bedroom in the one bedroom in the one bedroom in the city center. Numbeo cost of living

city center. Numbeo cost of living city center. Numbeo cost of living excluding excluding excluding rent plus 15% rent plus 15% rent plus 15% because in the first year you won't be because in the first year you won't be shopping like a local and shopping like a local and you don't want to buy you don't want to buy you don't want to buy only the worst. 300 a only the worst. 300 a only the worst. 300 a month for private month for private month for private health insurance, health insurance, health insurance, which for some of you is a which for some of you is a which for some of you is a low price. 500 per low price. 500 per low price. 500 per year for a visa. The same year for a visa. The same year for a visa. The same model for every model for every model for every city, so that no one is city, so that no one is city, so that no one is singled out and we are not singled out and we are not singled out and we are not surprised by hidden surprised by hidden surprised by hidden costs. A few words costs. A few words costs. A few words about the quality score, about the quality score, about the quality score, because I will rely because I will rely because I will rely on it quite on it quite on it quite heavily. It's based on heavily. It's based on real real surveys, right? surveys, right? surveys, right? People who live in People who live in People who live in each city each city each city rate its rate its rate its safety, hospitals, and safety, hospitals, and safety, hospitals, and air. This is not an air. This is not an air. This is not an ideal indicator. I'll ideal indicator. I'll ideal indicator. I'll break it down a bit myself break it down a bit myself break it down a bit myself , but , but , but it's the same benchmark it's the same benchmark it's the same benchmark for every city, and for every city, and for every city, and it's the best it's the best it's the best free option out there free option out there . Why did I . Why did I . Why did I choose these nine choose these nine choose these nine cities? Well, these are the cities that keep popping up cities? Well, these are the cities that keep popping up in my in my comments. Three comments. Three comments. Three big capitals: Hanoi big capitals: Hanoi , Phnom Penh, Kuala , Phnom Penh, Kuala Lumpur, two big Lumpur, two big Lumpur, two big non-capital cities non-capital cities non-capital cities that are often visited by that are often visited by that are often visited by foreigners: Ho Chi Minh City, foreigners: Ho Chi Minh City, foreigners: Ho Chi Minh City, Cebu in the Philippines, and Cebu in the Philippines, and Cebu in the Philippines, and a bunch of places that a bunch of places that a bunch of places that I'm told people I'm told people I'm told people go to instead. go to instead. go to instead. Penang, Chiang Mai, Penang, Chiang Mai, Penang, Chiang Mai, Danang, and I also added a " Danang, and I also added a " dark horse" dark horse" dark horse" that no one talks about that no one talks about , because you have to score 10, , because you have to score 10, , because you have to score 10, right? Four were dropped from the right? Four were dropped from the right? Four were dropped from the list. I'll show them list. I'll show them list. I'll show them first because they're the ones first because they're the ones first because they're the ones most people most people most people recommend, but recommend, but recommend, but ultimately they didn't ultimately they didn't ultimately they didn't pass the screening pass the screening pass the screening criteria I criteria I criteria I developed for this developed for this developed for this video. Let's start with Cebu, video. Let's start with Cebu, video. Let's start with Cebu, Philippines. $1,480 Philippines. $1,480 Philippines. $1,480 per month, easily per month, easily per month, easily fits within the fits within the fits within the $2,000 limit. A $2,000 limit. A $2,000 limit. A one-bedroom one-bedroom one-bedroom apartment costs apartment costs apartment costs about 31,900 pesos, or about 31,900 pesos, or about 31,900 pesos, or $507. Quality of $507. Quality of $507. Quality of life, however, 69.

life, however, 69. life, however, 69. Pollution index 85, Pollution index 85, Pollution index 85, safety 51. The beaches that safety 51. The beaches that safety 51. The beaches that everyone imagines everyone imagines everyone imagines are an are an are an hour or more from the hour or more from the hour or more from the city. Where do city. Where do city. Where do these numbers come from? This is a these numbers come from? This is a these numbers come from? This is a failure, okay? failure, okay? failure, okay? Eliminated. Phnom Penh: 1688 Eliminated. Phnom Penh: 1688 Eliminated. Phnom Penh: 1688 per month, quality of per month, quality of per month, quality of life 72, life 72, life 72, healthcare 52, healthcare 52, healthcare 52, safety 51, safety 51, safety 51, pollution 77. It's getting pollution 77. It's getting pollution 77. It's getting much better. much better. much better. Cambodia has the easiest Cambodia has the easiest Cambodia has the easiest retirement visa in the retirement visa in the retirement visa in the region. People become region. People become region. People become obsessed with it. I obsessed with it. I obsessed with it. I made a whole video about made a whole video about made a whole video about how to save how to save how to save money there. It's trendy, money there. It's trendy, money there. It's trendy, but it doesn't pass the quality test but it doesn't pass the quality test but it doesn't pass the quality test . This is a failure. To be . This is a failure. To be . This is a failure. To be fair fair fair , my city— , my city— Ho Chi Minh City: 1,496 per month, Ho Chi Minh City: 1,496 per month, Ho Chi Minh City: 1,496 per month, quality of life 76, quality of life 76, quality of life 76, pollution index 92. pollution index 92. pollution index 92. That's worse than That's worse than That's worse than Chiang Mai, a city Chiang Mai, a city Chiang Mai, a city known for its known for its garbage burning season. garbage burning season. Healthcare has only 63 Healthcare has only 63 Healthcare has only 63 points. This is a failure. And points. This is a failure. And points. This is a failure. And Hanoi, the cheapest of Hanoi, the cheapest of Hanoi, the cheapest of all the all the all the cities tested, 1280 per month for cities tested, 1280 per month for cities tested, 1280 per month for everything. A one-room everything. A one-room everything. A one-room apartment for 10.8 apartment for 10.8 apartment for 10.8 million dong or million dong or million dong or a little over a little over a little over $400—415 bucks. $400—415 bucks. $400—415 bucks. Quality of life 90, Quality of life 90, Quality of life 90, pollution 89, pollution 89, pollution 89, healthcare only healthcare only healthcare only 57. It's a failure. It's out, 57. It's a failure. It's out, 57. It's a failure. It's out, right? So, the two right? So, the two right? So, the two largest cities in the largest cities in the largest cities in the country I love country I love country I love failed, and failed, and failed, and the cheapest city in the the cheapest city in the the cheapest city in the entire test also entire test also entire test also failed. And that, failed. And that, failed. And that, ultimately, is the main ultimately, is the main ultimately, is the main lesson I want lesson I want lesson I want to convey with this video.

to convey with this video. to convey with this video. The cheapest place The cheapest place The cheapest place is almost never the is almost never the is almost never the best. Only five best. Only five best. Only five cities actually cities actually cities actually pass both pass both pass both tests. Here they are. tests. Here they are. tests. Here they are. Let's start with the Let's start with the Let's start with the most expensive. Kuala most expensive. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: a Lumpur, Malaysia: a Lumpur, Malaysia: a city where I city where I city where I scouted locations, scouted locations, scouted locations, where I've been, and which I love where I've been, and which I love . I could totally . I could totally . I could totally imagine moving there imagine moving there imagine moving there when it's time to when it's time to when it's time to send my kids to send my kids to send my kids to high school, because the high school, because the high school, because the international international international education there is great. Kuala Lumpur education there is great. Kuala Lumpur education there is great. Kuala Lumpur costs about costs about costs about $1,639, a $1,639, a $1,639, a one-bedroom one-bedroom one-bedroom apartment in the center costs apartment in the center costs about 2,468 ringgit, about 2,468 ringgit, about 2,468 ringgit, or about or about or about $605. The condominiums there are $605. The condominiums there are $605. The condominiums there are incredibly affordable incredibly affordable incredibly affordable . . . Daily living, Daily living, Daily living, excluding excluding excluding rent, costs only 2,450 rent, costs only 2,450 rent, costs only 2,450 ringgit, or ringgit, or ringgit, or about $601. about $601. about $601. You add that up, 600, 600, that's You add that up, 600, 600, that's You add that up, 600, 600, that's the most reliable data on the most reliable data on the most reliable data on this list. About this list. About this list. About 1200 bucks, a bunch of 1200 bucks, a bunch of 1200 bucks, a bunch of contributors. Quality of contributors. Quality of contributors. Quality of life—137, a life—137, a life—137, a fantastic score. fantastic score. Ultimately, it's a great Ultimately, it's a great city for expats. city for expats. city for expats. Frankly, I Frankly, I Frankly, I think it's think it's think it's underrated, underrated, underrated, you know? Why you know? Why should Kuala Lumpur be on the should Kuala Lumpur be on the should Kuala Lumpur be on the list? Well, it's a great list? Well, it's a great list? Well, it's a great place for place for place for healthcare, score—70.

healthcare, score—70. Malaysia's private hospitals are among the Malaysia's private hospitals are among the best in the region, best in the region, best in the region, on par with Bangkok. on par with Bangkok. on par with Bangkok. People fly in from People fly in from People fly in from other countries other countries other countries specifically for specifically for specifically for treatment. treatment. treatment. English English English works almost everywhere. works almost everywhere. works almost everywhere. Road signs, doctors Road signs, doctors , government agencies, a , government agencies, a , government agencies, a salesperson at a salesperson at a salesperson at a mobile phone store, a mobile phone store, a mobile phone store, a taxi driver at the airport. taxi driver at the airport. taxi driver at the airport. For many For many For many retirees, this is retirees, this is retirees, this is worth more than worth more than worth more than any numbers I any numbers I any numbers I can put on the screen can put on the screen . And, frankly, . And, frankly, . And, frankly, KL is also the KL is also the KL is also the largest city on the largest city on the largest city on the list. If you want list. If you want list. If you want big city big city big city life, normal life, normal life, normal trains, trains, trains, world-class shopping malls world-class shopping malls world-class shopping malls , you know, tons of , you know, tons of , you know, tons of great restaurants, great restaurants, great restaurants, three different types of cuisine three different types of cuisine —it's all here. This is a —it's all here. This is a —it's all here. This is a large, large, large, multicultural, multicultural, multicultural, large-scale city. large-scale city. large-scale city. The trick in numbers: The trick in numbers: The trick in numbers: safety rating—41. This is safety rating—41. This is safety rating—41. This is the lowest score on the lowest score on the lowest score on the list by a wide the list by a wide the list by a wide margin. These are margin. These are margin. These are mostly petty mostly petty mostly petty thefts, thefts, thefts, bag snatching, and break-ins. bag snatching, and break-ins. bag snatching, and break-ins. Pollution—65, not Pollution—65, not Pollution—65, not very good. Beyond very good. Beyond very good. Beyond the numbers, the main the numbers, the main the numbers, the main problem is the visa. I'm problem is the visa. I'm problem is the visa. I'm sure many sure many sure many of you know, it can of you know, it can of you know, it can be a bit be a bit be a bit expensive, costly. expensive, costly. expensive, costly. Americans and Americans and Americans and Canadians receive 90 Canadians receive 90 Canadians receive 90 days of visa-free travel days of visa-free travel days of visa-free travel . After that, there is the . After that, there is the . After that, there is the long- long- long- stay program, MM2H. It has stay program, MM2H. It has stay program, MM2H. It has been heavily redesigned been heavily redesigned been heavily redesigned in the last two years in the last two years in the last two years after COVID. Now the levels after COVID. Now the levels after COVID. Now the levels require the purchase of require the purchase of require the purchase of real estate. You real estate. You real estate. You can't resell can't resell can't resell it for a it for a it for a decade. The path to decade. The path to decade. The path to permanent permanent permanent residence is closed, residence is closed, residence is closed, so you must so you must so you must apply through a apply through a apply through a licensed agent licensed agent . I don't indicate the . I don't indicate the . I don't indicate the deposit amount on the screen deposit amount on the screen deposit amount on the screen because different sources because different sources because different sources often give different often give different often give different figures. I can't figures. I can't figures. I can't reconcile this, but it's an reconcile this, but it's an reconcile this, but it's an expensive admission expensive admission expensive admission ticket. You ticket. You ticket. You can easily expect a can easily expect a can easily expect a six-figure sum in six-figure sum in six-figure sum in US dollars. Since January, US dollars. Since January, US dollars. Since January, foreign buyers foreign buyers foreign buyers have also paid a have also paid a have also paid a fixed stamp fixed stamp fixed stamp duty of 8%. So KL, yes, duty of 8%. So KL, yes, duty of 8%. So KL, yes, it's an absolutely wonderful it's an absolutely wonderful it's an absolutely wonderful place to live, but place to live, but place to live, but for many of you for many of you for many of you , it's probably a very difficult , it's probably a very difficult , it's probably a very difficult place to be permanently

place to be permanently place to be permanently . What a . What a . What a lot of people lot of people lot of people actually do is actually do is actually do is divide the year, right? divide the year, right? divide the year, right? They spend 90 days They spend 90 days They spend 90 days in Malaysia, then in in Malaysia, then in in Malaysia, then in Thailand or Vietnam, Thailand or Vietnam, Thailand or Vietnam, and then they return. and then they return. and then they return. It works. Many It works. Many It works. Many people have been doing this for people have been doing this for people have been doing this for years. It's like a cycle years. It's like a cycle years. It's like a cycle or a life hack from or a life hack from Southeast Asia, but it's a Southeast Asia, but it's a Southeast Asia, but it's a travel schedule, travel schedule, travel schedule, not a fixed, not a fixed, not a fixed, peaceful retirement. And peaceful retirement. And peaceful retirement. And every border is a every border is a every border is a small bet that small bet that you will eventually have to you will eventually have to you will eventually have to depend depend depend on the decisions of many on the decisions of many on the decisions of many countries. But the good countries. But the good countries. But the good news is hiding news is hiding news is hiding right here, isn't it? right here, isn't it? right here, isn't it? Malaysia has extended its Malaysia has extended its foreign-source income tax exemption for foreign-source income tax exemption for individuals for the individuals for the individuals for the next decade next decade . So, if you don't . So, if you don't . So, if you don't want to pay want to pay want to pay taxes and have taxes and have taxes and have investment income from home investment income from home , for many of you , for many of you , for many of you this is probably more important this is probably more important this is probably more important than visa issues. than visa issues. than visa issues. If you're a If you're a If you're a high-income retiree, you high-income retiree, you high-income retiree, you know, move outside of the know, move outside of the know, move outside of the city center and city center and city center and rent for a one-bedroom rent for a one-bedroom rent for a one-bedroom apartment drops to apartment drops to apartment drops to about about about $368 a month. $368 a month. $368 a month. Extremely affordable Extremely affordable . The cost of living is . The cost of living is . The cost of living is less than $1,400 per less than $1,400 per less than $1,400 per month. Number four, month. Number four, month. Number four, this is a surprise to this is a surprise to this is a surprise to some of you. I have a some of you. I have a some of you. I have a wonderful Irish wonderful Irish wonderful Irish friend who left friend who left friend who left Vietnam and moved Vietnam and moved Vietnam and moved here. This is Kaohsiung, here. This is Kaohsiung, here. This is Kaohsiung, Taiwan. A little further Taiwan. A little further Taiwan. A little further south than Taipei, south than Taipei, south than Taipei, but Taipei, Taiwan, but Taipei, Taiwan, but Taipei, Taiwan, of course, has great trains of course, has great trains . You can take a . You can take a . You can take a train and train and train and be in the south in 2 hours. I bet be in the south in 2 hours. I bet be in the south in 2 hours. I bet no one no one no one expected to see this expected to see this expected to see this city on the list, but here it is city on the list, but here it is city on the list, but here it is . Kaohsiung in . Kaohsiung in . Kaohsiung in southern Taiwan. So southern Taiwan. So southern Taiwan. So the cost of living the cost of living the cost of living is $1,600 is $1,600 is $1,600 a month and the a month and the a month and the rent prices are just ridiculous, rent prices are just ridiculous, rent prices are just ridiculous, you know? According to you know? According to you know? According to the data, a one-room the data, a one-room the data, a one-room apartment costs 12,900 apartment costs 12,900 apartment costs 12,900 Taiwan dollars, Taiwan dollars, Taiwan dollars, which is about 400 which is about 400 which is about 400 US dollars—cheaper US dollars—cheaper US dollars—cheaper than in central Hanoi, than in central Hanoi, than in central Hanoi, but my friend who but my friend who but my friend who lives there said that lives there said that lives there said that teachers find teachers find teachers find housing at housing at housing at incredible prices.

incredible prices. incredible prices. So what makes Kaohsiung So what makes Kaohsiung So what makes Kaohsiung expensive is everything expensive is everything expensive is everything else. Daily else. Daily else. Daily expenses expenses expenses excluding rent excluding rent excluding rent are around are around are around NT NT NT $23,000 or $23,000 or $23,000 or US$750, which is US$750, which is US$750, which is one of the highest one of the highest one of the highest on this on this on this list. But the quality of list. But the quality of list. But the quality of life is 155 points. So, life is 155 points. So, life is 155 points. So, you get an you get an you get an extremely high-quality extremely high-quality extremely high-quality place to live. It is a place to live. It is a place to live. It is a very Westernized very Westernized very Westernized city. There is a city. There is a city. There is a Japanese influence here. There Japanese influence here. There Japanese influence here. There is a Chinese influence here. The is a Chinese influence here. The is a Chinese influence here. The healthcare score healthcare score healthcare score is 89, the highest is 89, the highest is 89, the highest of all the cities I of all the cities I of all the cities I reviewed. The reviewed. The reviewed. The safety rating is 79, also safety rating is 79, also safety rating is 79, also one of the highest. So, one of the highest. So, one of the highest. So, you are completely you are completely you are completely safe, you are safe, you are safe, you are well taken care of. You can well taken care of. You can well taken care of. You can leave your phone on a leave your phone on a leave your phone on a table in a cafe and it will be table in a cafe and it will be table in a cafe and it will be there when there when there when you return. You you return. You you return. You can count can count can count on reliable, on reliable, on reliable, highly qualified highly qualified highly qualified doctors and services. doctors and services. doctors and services. But there is a downside—it's But there is a downside—it's But there is a downside—it's pollution. Kaohsiung is an pollution. Kaohsiung is an industrial port industrial port industrial port with heavy with heavy with heavy industry, an industry, an industry, an oil refinery oil refinery oil refinery , and the air quality , and the air quality reflects this. This is one reflects this. This is one of the biggest of the biggest of the biggest flaws in what is otherwise a flaws in what is otherwise a flaws in what is otherwise a very high very high very high rating. The situation beyond rating. The situation beyond rating. The situation beyond the numbers is the numbers is the numbers is more complicated. There more complicated. There more complicated. There is no retirement visa in Taiwan. is no retirement visa in Taiwan. is no retirement visa in Taiwan. So Americans and So Americans and So Americans and Canadians get 90 Canadians get 90 Canadians get 90 days of visa-free days of visa-free days of visa-free stay. They have a stay. They have a stay. They have a digital digital digital nomad visa that nomad visa that nomad visa that allows you to stay allows you to stay allows you to stay for a couple of years.

for a couple of years. for a couple of years. Otherwise, you Otherwise, you Otherwise, you need a job, need a job, need a job, business, family business, family business, family ties, or participation in ties, or participation in ties, or participation in one of the special one of the special one of the special programs for programs for programs for professionals. This professionals. This professionals. This is called a "gold is called a "gold is called a "gold card". Taiwan card". Taiwan card". Taiwan needs needs needs skilled skilled skilled workers, but it is workers, but it is workers, but it is not equipped for not equipped for not equipped for many retirees many retirees . On the other hand, . On the other hand, . On the other hand, the reward for the reward for the reward for getting there is getting there is getting there is real. Taiwan's real. Taiwan's real. Taiwan's public health public health public health insurance is famous for a insurance is famous for a insurance is famous for a reason. When you reason. When you reason. When you become a resident with a become a resident with a residence permit and live residence permit and live there long enough, there long enough, there long enough, you use the you use the you use the same system as everyone else, same system as everyone else, same system as everyone else, for a monthly fee that would make for a monthly fee that would make for a monthly fee that would make most most most Americans Americans Americans cry. This cry. This cry. This largely largely largely explains why the explains why the explains why the healthcare score healthcare score healthcare score is 89, is 89, is 89, but the key word here is but the key word here is "resident." You will not "resident." You will not "resident." You will not be eligible for this be eligible for this be eligible for this as a tourist, as a tourist, as a tourist, part- part- part- time worker, or someone who time worker, or someone who time worker, or someone who continually renews a 90- continually renews a 90- day stay. day stay. day stay. However, the rest of Kaohsiung is However, the rest of Kaohsiung is However, the rest of Kaohsiung is easy to love. It is easy to love. It is easy to love. It is one of the largest one of the largest one of the largest cities in Taiwan without the cities in Taiwan without the cities in Taiwan without the rental and housing prices like rental and housing prices like rental and housing prices like Taipei. There is a great Taipei. There is a great Taipei. There is a great metro, and the waterfront metro, and the waterfront metro, and the waterfront has been transformed into parks has been transformed into parks has been transformed into parks and art and art and art spaces. There is a spaces. There is a spaces. There is a baseball team there. baseball team there. baseball team there. There is a high-speed There is a high-speed There is a high-speed train to get to train to get to train to get to Taipei or Taipei or Taipei or travel around the rest of the travel around the rest of the travel around the rest of the island. There are island. There are island. There are bike paths bike paths bike paths and camping areas and camping areas . So, Kaohsiung, in my . So, Kaohsiung, in my . So, Kaohsiung, in my opinion, is the best- opinion, is the best- opinion, is the best- run city on the run city on the run city on the list, and at the same time list, and at the same time list, and at the same time the hardest for the hardest for the hardest for most of you to get to most of you to get to most of you to get to . But . But . But it's here because it it's here because it it's here because it meets both meets both meets both criteria, right?

criteria, right? criteria, right? If you can If you can If you can get there through get there through get there through work or family, work or family, work or family, it might be the it might be the it might be the best best best value city value city value city in Asia, in Asia, in Asia, which frankly which frankly which frankly no one mentions in these no one mentions in these no one mentions in these videos. One videos. One videos. One caveat: the caveat: the caveat: the cost of living data in cost of living data in cost of living data in Kaohsiung comes Kaohsiung comes Kaohsiung comes from only 26 from only 26 from only 26 respondents, so respondents, so respondents, so it's a bit more it's a bit more it's a bit more subjective and subjective and subjective and based more on based more on based more on hearsay than in cities with hearsay than in cities with huge huge expat populations. Okay, I have a expat populations. Okay, I have a expat populations. Okay, I have a confession to make about the confession to make about the confession to make about the next city. next city. next city. When I started writing When I started writing When I started writing the script, I thought the the script, I thought the the script, I thought the bronze level of the bronze level of the bronze level of the Thai Thai Thai Privilege program was an easy way Privilege program was an easy way Privilege program was an easy way to get to to get to to get to Chiang Mai. Although it was Chiang Mai. Although it was Chiang Mai. Although it was mocked mocked mocked compared to the O visa— compared to the O visa— 650,000 baht for 5 years—it 650,000 baht for 5 years—it 650,000 baht for 5 years—it was extremely was extremely was extremely easy if you had the easy if you had the easy if you had the money, but the bronze money, but the bronze money, but the bronze level closes on level closes on level closes on September 30th. September 30th. September 30th. No more paths through the No more paths through the No more paths through the Privilege program. This is Privilege program. This is Privilege program. This is effectively complete. effectively complete. effectively complete. So now the So now the So now the entry level entry level is gold, or you is gold, or you is gold, or you have to put have to put have to put all that money in a all that money in a all that money in a bank account bank account bank account and apply for an and apply for an and apply for an O-level retirement visa. In O-level retirement visa. In any case, the DTV visa any case, the DTV visa any case, the DTV visa has also become much more has also become much more has also become much more difficult. The situation difficult. The situation difficult. The situation in Thailand has become in Thailand has become in Thailand has become much much much more confusing, as more confusing, as more confusing, as the rules here have an the rules here have an the rules here have an expiration date, expiration date, expiration date, to be honest, like a to be honest, like a to be honest, like a ripe mango or a ripe mango or a ripe mango or a brown banana.

brown banana. brown banana. These things These things These things are constantly changing. If one are constantly changing. If one are constantly changing. If one of these cities is on your of these cities is on your of these cities is on your list, write list, write list, write the word " the word " news" in the comments. I will send news" in the comments. I will send news" in the comments. I will send you my you my newsletter. It's newsletter. It's free. It free. It free. It comes out weekly, and comes out weekly, and comes out weekly, and that's where I show that's where I show that's where I show all the updated all the updated all the updated information, new information, new information, new videos, etc. And if you videos, etc. And if you videos, etc. And if you need help with your need help with your need help with your own version of own version of own version of this process, this process, this process, the link to my site the link to my site the link to my site costoflivingabroad.com is in the description costoflivingabroad.com is in the description . That's where . That's where . That's where the plans and the plans and the plans and the opportunity to the opportunity to the opportunity to personally personally personally communicate with me live are located communicate with me live are located communicate with me live are located . There is also a . There is also a self- self- study membership if you study membership if you study membership if you want to do it all want to do it all want to do it all yourself with yourself with yourself with my courses, my courses, my courses, guides, etc. guides, etc. guides, etc. Number three, Chiang Mai, Number three, Chiang Mai, Number three, Chiang Mai, Thailand. This is a place Thailand. This is a place Thailand. This is a place I love. It's one of the I love. It's one of the I love. It's one of the nicest places nicest places nicest places in all of in all of Southeast Asia to Southeast Asia to Southeast Asia to visit for a visit for a visit for a few weeks or a few weeks or a few weeks or a month, and many month, and many month, and many people love people love people love living there. Chiang Mai costs living there. Chiang Mai costs living there. Chiang Mai costs around $1,450 per around $1,450 per around $1,450 per month, which is a very month, which is a very month, which is a very affordable cost of affordable cost of affordable cost of living in northern living in northern living in northern Thailand. A Thailand. A Thailand. A one-bedroom one-bedroom one-bedroom apartment costs apartment costs apartment costs about $480 about $480 about $480 . Daily . Daily . Daily living excluding living excluding living excluding rent, again, rent, again, rent, again, is around is around is around $548, which is very $548, which is very $548, which is very affordable. Quality of affordable. Quality of affordable. Quality of life—139 points, life—139 points, life—139 points, significantly higher than in significantly higher than in significantly higher than in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, or Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, or Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, or Da Nang. This is a fact, Da Nang. This is a fact, Da Nang. This is a fact, friends. So the friends. So the friends. So the healthcare score is 85, and healthcare score is 85, and healthcare score is 85, and that's the main reason that's the main reason that's the main reason why the hospitals there are why the hospitals there are why the hospitals there are better than anywhere else in better than anywhere else in better than anywhere else in Vietnam. Security—78, Vietnam. Security—78, Vietnam. Security—78, Chiang Mai Chiang Mai Chiang Mai has had a large retirement community for over 20 years has had a large retirement community for over 20 years , and it , and it shows. There are doctors, shows. There are doctors, shows. There are doctors, dentists, pickleball teams, carnivore groups dentists, pickleball teams, carnivore groups dentists, pickleball teams, carnivore groups , , , western breakfasts for western breakfasts for western breakfasts for everyone, a bunch of digital everyone, a bunch of digital everyone, a bunch of digital nomads, right?

nomads, right? nomads, right? But there are also numbers that But there are also numbers that But there are also numbers that make you think make you think . The pollution level is . The pollution level is -77, and everyone knows it -77, and everyone knows it -77, and everyone knows it peaks during the peaks during the peaks during the disgusting disgusting disgusting burning season, burning season, burning season, around February to around February to around February to April, when farmers April, when farmers April, when farmers clear their fields clear their fields clear their fields in northern Thailand in northern Thailand in northern Thailand by setting large by setting large by setting large bonfires. The smoke settles bonfires. The smoke settles bonfires. The smoke settles over the valley like a over the valley like a over the valley like a lid on a pot and lid on a pot and lid on a pot and stays there stays there stays there for weeks and sometimes for weeks and sometimes for weeks and sometimes months. Chiang Mai months. Chiang Mai months. Chiang Mai literally has literally has literally has some of the worst some of the worst some of the worst air quality in air quality in air quality in the world this season, so many the world this season, so many the world this season, so many long-term long-term long-term residents and residents and residents and digital nomads digital nomads digital nomads simply go simply go simply go somewhere else and then somewhere else and then somewhere else and then come back. So, come back. So, come back. So, the catch is not in the catch is not in the catch is not in the numbers, but in what I the numbers, but in what I the numbers, but in what I just mentioned: the visa just mentioned: the visa just mentioned: the visa has become more expensive and has become more expensive and has become more expensive and more complicated. more complicated. more complicated. The standard The standard The standard retirement path in retirement path in retirement path in Thailand is Thailand is Thailand is for people aged 50 and over for people aged 50 and over for people aged 50 and over . You need to . You need to . You need to have 800,000 baht in a have 800,000 baht in a have 800,000 baht in a Thai bank. That's Thai bank. That's Thai bank. That's about a little over about a little over about a little over 20 thousand 20 thousand 20 thousand dollars. 65,000 baht per dollars. 65,000 baht per dollars. 65,000 baht per month of month of month of verified verified verified income or a combination of income or a combination of income or a combination of both. both. both. Once you are approved, the Once you are approved, the Once you are approved, the 800,000 baht should 800,000 baht should 800,000 baht should sit there for 3 sit there for 3 sit there for 3 months. This money months. This money months. This money should be "laid aside." should be "laid aside." should be "laid aside." You know, you'll You know, you'll You know, you'll have to have to have to go there regularly and go there regularly and go there regularly and get checked. get checked. get checked. People pretend that People pretend that People pretend that getting this retirement getting this retirement getting this retirement visa in Thailand is visa in Thailand is visa in Thailand is incredibly easy, but incredibly easy, but incredibly easy, but from the outside it doesn't from the outside it doesn't from the outside it doesn't look like that at all. Whereas, look like that at all. Whereas, look like that at all. Whereas, of course, 50 bucks for 90 of course, 50 bucks for 90 of course, 50 bucks for 90 days in Vietnam—that's days in Vietnam—that's days in Vietnam—that's pretty, pretty, pretty, pretty, pretty, pretty, pretty easy. Okay, pretty easy. Okay, pretty easy. Okay, let's move on to the let's move on to the let's move on to the next short next short next short conversation. Good conversation. Good conversation. Good moments. Chiang Mai has the moments. Chiang Mai has the moments. Chiang Mai has the best retirement best retirement best retirement infrastructure on infrastructure on infrastructure on this list, in my this list, in my this list, in my opinion. It's just opinion. It's just opinion. It's just a little more expensive, right a little more expensive, right a little more expensive, right ? Thailand ? Thailand ? Thailand is constantly changing its entrance fee, and it is is constantly changing its entrance fee, and it is is constantly changing its entrance fee, and it is becoming becoming becoming harder and harder to get there.

harder and harder to get there. harder and harder to get there. Nevertheless, the people who Nevertheless, the people who Nevertheless, the people who already live there already live there already live there love it. love it. love it. Many of them have lived Many of them have lived Many of them have lived there for decades. there for decades. there for decades. Rent is a Rent is a Rent is a huge factor huge factor huge factor here. Outside the here. Outside the here. Outside the city center, you can find city center, you can find city center, you can find housing for about housing for about housing for about $290-300, right $290-300, right ? Your total ? Your total ? Your total monthly monthly monthly living expenses can living expenses can living expenses can drop to less than drop to less than drop to less than 1200. Most 1200. Most 1200. Most retirees settle retirees settle retirees settle a little further away from the a little further away from the a little further away from the old city or old city or old city or Nimman, which are Nimman, which are Nimman, which are more popular with more popular with more popular with digital nomads. digital nomads. digital nomads. Again, if you're Again, if you're Again, if you're concerned about concerned about concerned about air quality, a solution might air quality, a solution might air quality, a solution might be to live in Chiang Mai be to live in Chiang Mai be to live in Chiang Mai from October to January, from October to January, from October to January, then travel to then travel to then travel to Da Nang, Penang, Da Nang, Penang, Da Nang, Penang, return home to return home to return home to North America, or North America, or North America, or travel around Europe, or travel around Europe, or travel around Europe, or wherever. It wherever. It wherever. It costs you two rentals costs you two rentals costs you two rentals and travel, etc., and travel, etc., and travel, etc., but it saves your but it saves your but it saves your lungs. Okay, lungs. Okay, lungs. Okay, let's talk about number let's talk about number let's talk about number two. Danang, Vietnam. two. Danang, Vietnam. two. Danang, Vietnam. Many of you know Many of you know Many of you know me from when me from when me from when I lived there. This is the I lived there. This is the I lived there. This is the reason why many reason why many reason why many of you are thinking about of you are thinking about of you are thinking about Vietnam or these Vietnam or these Vietnam or these videos. And yes, it still videos. And yes, it still has the highest quality of has the highest quality of life in life in life in Vietnam by a wide margin. Cost of Vietnam by a wide margin. Cost of Vietnam by a wide margin. Cost of living: $1,387 per living: $1,387 per living: $1,387 per month. After Covid, it month. After Covid, it month. After Covid, it became more expensive here became more expensive here became more expensive here than it was before. I lived than it was before. I lived than it was before. I lived here for 2 years, so this is the here for 2 years, so this is the here for 2 years, so this is the only place on the list that only place on the list that I can I can I can speak from my speak from my speak from my own experience. I own experience. I own experience. I left because of family left because of family left because of family circumstances, not because of circumstances, not because of circumstances, not because of the cost or quality of the cost or quality of the cost or quality of life. If it weren't for that, I would life. If it weren't for that, I would life. If it weren't for that, I would probably still be there. A probably still be there. A probably still be there. A one-bedroom one-bedroom one-bedroom apartment will cost apartment will cost apartment will cost you around 13 or 14 you around 13 or 14 you around 13 or 14 million VND. Let million VND. Let million VND. Let 's call it about 's call it about 's call it about $525. Daily $525. Daily $525. Daily living, excluding living, excluding living, excluding rent, will cost rent, will cost rent, will cost approximately approximately approximately $450-500. This is $450-500. This is $450-500. This is the lowest daily the lowest daily the lowest daily cost on the list, cost on the list, cost on the list, right? Not counting right? Not counting right? Not counting housing. Housing prices housing. Housing prices housing. Housing prices are rising. The are rising. The are rising. The daily cost of daily cost of daily cost of living here is

living here is living here is the most affordable of all the the most affordable of all the the most affordable of all the places we places we places we talked about. What does it talked about. What does it talked about. What does it look like? This looks look like? This looks look like? This looks like lunch at a cheap like lunch at a cheap like lunch at a cheap restaurant for 50,000 restaurant for 50,000 restaurant for 50,000 dong or less than dong or less than dong or less than $2. You know, $2. You know, $2. You know, cappuccinos are easy cappuccinos are easy cappuccinos are easy to find for less than 50 to find for less than 50 to find for less than 50 grand, again, grand, again, grand, again, maybe $1.80. maybe $1.80. maybe $1.80. You can eat out You can eat out You can eat out every day in every day in every day in Da Nang and your Da Nang and your Da Nang and your food bill won't be food bill won't be food bill won't be like a like a like a week's worth of week's worth of week's worth of groceries at home, and that's groceries at home, and that's groceries at home, and that's not an not an not an exaggeration at all. exaggeration at all. exaggeration at all. The airport The airport The airport is located right in is located right in is located right in the middle of the city, it is the middle of the city, it is the middle of the city, it is very easy very easy very easy to get to, there are direct to get to, there are direct to get to, there are direct flights to Bangkok, flights to Bangkok, flights to Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul and Lumpur, Seoul and Lumpur, Seoul and back here, to back here, to back here, to Ho Chi Minh City. For Ho Chi Minh City. For Ho Chi Minh City. For a retiree who a retiree who a retiree who may one day may one day may one day need a hospital need a hospital need a hospital in Bangkok, or who in Bangkok, or who in Bangkok, or who wants to visit other wants to visit other wants to visit other clinics, or who is making clinics, or who is making clinics, or who is making visa trips while visa trips while visa trips while flying abroad. flying abroad. flying abroad. Quality of life—120. This Quality of life—120. This Quality of life—120. This crosses the threshold. crosses the threshold. crosses the threshold. Frankly, I Frankly, I Frankly, I still consider Da Nang still consider Da Nang still consider Da Nang one of the best one of the best one of the best options in the region options in the region options in the region for retirees. I for retirees. I for retirees. I conducted a billion conducted a billion conducted a billion interviews with expats there. interviews with expats there. interviews with expats there. The result speaks The result speaks The result speaks for itself. People for itself. People for itself. People like it. like it. like it. Pollution is only 50, Pollution is only 50, Pollution is only 50, which is a moderate level. which is a moderate level. which is a moderate level. This is the second cleanest This is the second cleanest This is the second cleanest air on the list. That's air on the list. That's air on the list. That's almost 40 points almost 40 points almost 40 points better than here in better than here in better than here in Saigon. Same Saigon. Same Saigon. Same country, same visa, country, same visa, country, same visa, but completely different but completely different but completely different lungs.

lungs. lungs. Security level—77. Except for Security level—77. Except for phone thefts, you never phone thefts, you never hear about it. hear about it. hear about it. Health care—82. I do Health care—82. I do Health care—82. I do n't believe it. This is higher n't believe it. This is higher n't believe it. This is higher than in Kuala Lumpur, and than in Kuala Lumpur, and than in Kuala Lumpur, and although Danang hospitals are although Danang hospitals are although Danang hospitals are good for day-to-day good for day-to-day good for day-to-day care, in serious care, in serious care, in serious cases people from cases people from cases people from Danang prefer to Danang prefer to Danang prefer to fly to Bangkok fly to Bangkok fly to Bangkok or even here, to or even here, to or even here, to Saigon. Data from Saigon. Data from Saigon. Data from contributors sometimes contributors sometimes contributors sometimes yields strange yields strange yields strange results. I don't know results. I don't know results. I don't know why the rating is so why the rating is so why the rating is so high. If I were high. If I were high. If I were objective, I would objective, I would objective, I would rate it as rate it as rate it as good, but not good, but not good, but not excellent. What is excellent. What is excellent. What is life like in Da Nang: It is a life like in Da Nang: It is a life like in Da Nang: It is a long city, with a beach long city, with a beach long city, with a beach and mountains along the edges like and mountains along the edges like and mountains along the edges like bookends. bookends. bookends. Hoi An, 40 minutes Hoi An, 40 minutes Hoi An, 40 minutes south, you know, the south, you know, the south, you know, the tourist area of tourist area of tourist area of Hoi An is full of Hoi An is full of Hoi An is full of backpackers, backpackers, backpackers, party people, and party people, and party people, and drunks. The Vietnamese drunks. The Vietnamese drunks. The Vietnamese city of Hoi An, that's city of Hoi An, that's city of Hoi An, that's where where where the prices in this the prices in this the prices in this video could come from, or it's video could come from, or it's video could come from, or it's just incredibly just incredibly just incredibly affordable if you go affordable if you go affordable if you go into the city itself. The into the city itself. The into the city itself. The rainy season on the rainy season on the rainy season on the central central central coast, from September coast, from September coast, from September to December, is a to December, is a to December, is a real real real challenge, very challenge, very challenge, very similar to Seattle or similar to Seattle or similar to Seattle or London—constant London—constant London—constant rain. It's not so rain. It's not so rain. It's not so tropical here. It tropical here. It tropical here. It 's cooler, quieter, there are 's cooler, quieter, there are 's cooler, quieter, there are fewer people on the streets fewer people on the streets fewer people on the streets . There . There . There are floods in places. are floods in places. are floods in places. Last October, Hoi An Last October, Hoi An Last October, Hoi An was under 5 meters of water was under 5 meters of water , the highest rainfall since , the highest rainfall since , the highest rainfall since 1960, similar to 1960, similar to 1960, similar to Bangkok last Bangkok last Bangkok last week.

week. week. In my experience, landlords in In my experience, landlords in In my experience, landlords in Da Nang are looking for Da Nang are looking for short-term short-term rental options more often than in rental options more often than in rental options more often than in Saigon, because a large Saigon, because a large Saigon, because a large part of the market part of the market part of the market is oriented towards is oriented towards is oriented towards tourists. So tourists. So tourists. So expect less expect less expect less maintenance, maintenance, maintenance, more more more owner absences, more owner absences, more owner absences, more surprises, less surprises, less surprises, less commitment, but it's commitment, but it's commitment, but it's also easier on also easier on also easier on you. The catch is that the you. The catch is that the you. The catch is that the external conditions in external conditions in external conditions in Vietnam remain Vietnam remain Vietnam remain the same, right? There the same, right? There is no retirement visa. You will is no retirement visa. You will use 90- use 90- day AE visas day AE visas day AE visas unless you enroll in an unless you enroll in an unless you enroll in an educational institution, educational institution, educational institution, open a business, open a business, open a business, or get married. This is or get married. This is or get married. This is probably the only thing that, probably the only thing that, in my opinion, in my opinion, in my opinion, ultimately keeps ultimately keeps ultimately keeps Da Nang from taking the Da Nang from taking the Da Nang from taking the top spot on this top spot on this top spot on this list. This is still a list. This is still a list. This is still a hassle for many hassle for many hassle for many people. I think that people. I think that people. I think that outside the city center you outside the city center you outside the city center you can easily can easily can easily find a place to rent find a place to rent find a place to rent for $350-400 now. That is for $350-400 now. That is , it is very, very, very , it is very, very, very , it is very, very, very accessible. By the way, accessible. By the way, accessible. By the way, thanks for watching, I thanks for watching, I thanks for watching, I appreciate it. I'm Evan A. You appreciate it. I'm Evan A. You appreciate it. I'm Evan A. You can subscribe, can subscribe, can subscribe, like, like, like, share, share, share, comment if comment if comment if you want to learn you want to learn you want to learn more about moving and more about moving and more about moving and living in living in Southeast Asia. Let us Southeast Asia. Let us Southeast Asia. Let us know in the comments know in the comments know in the comments which of these cities you like which of these cities you like which of these cities you like . But first, the . But first, the . But first, the quality of quality of quality of life index isn't life index isn't life index isn't just for you, just for you, just for you, right? The right? The right? The Numbeo Quality of Life Index includes a Numbeo Quality of Life Index includes a Numbeo Quality of Life Index includes a parameter such as parameter such as parameter such as purchasing purchasing purchasing power. It power. It power. It compares local compares local compares local salaries with local salaries with local salaries with local prices. This is one of the prices. This is one of the prices. This is one of the main reasons why main reasons why main reasons why Vietnam has a low Vietnam has a low Vietnam has a low score. The purchasing score. The purchasing score. The purchasing power of Da Nang power of Da Nang power of Da Nang is 36. Kuala is 36. Kuala Lumpur is 118. What does this Lumpur is 118. What does this Lumpur is 118. What does this mean? This means mean? This means mean? This means that locals that locals that locals earn little, earn little, earn little, right? But you don't right? But you don't right? But you don't get a get a get a Vietnamese salary, Vietnamese salary, Vietnamese salary, you come here you come here you come here with your own arbitration.

with your own arbitration. with your own arbitration. You bring your You bring your You bring your Social Social Social Security check. For Security check. For Security check. For a retiree, local a retiree, local a retiree, local purchasing purchasing purchasing power is almost power is almost power is almost irrelevant. And irrelevant. And irrelevant. And the test that takes it the test that takes it the test that takes it into account quietly punishes into account quietly punishes into account quietly punishes the cheapest countries for being the cheapest countries for being the cheapest countries for being so so so accessible to people accessible to people accessible to people who use who use who use geo-arbitrage. It's geo-arbitrage. It's geo-arbitrage. It's just a fact, do with it just a fact, do with it just a fact, do with it what you want. If you what you want. If you what you want. If you removed purchasing removed purchasing removed purchasing power, Da Nang would power, Da Nang would power, Da Nang would get a higher score, get a higher score, get a higher score, as would Saigon and Hanoi. as would Saigon and Hanoi. as would Saigon and Hanoi. They still wouldn't They still wouldn't They still wouldn't beat Penang beat Penang beat Penang in air quality, in air quality, in air quality, but the gap would be but the gap would be but the gap would be small. Oh, before I small. Oh, before I small. Oh, before I move on to move on to move on to number one, let me say this: number one, let me say this: number one, let me say this: there is no city on this list there is no city on this list there is no city on this list with cheap with cheap with cheap rent, great rent, great rent, great hospitals, clean hospitals, clean hospitals, clean air, and an easy air, and an easy air, and an easy retirement visa. If retirement visa. If retirement visa. If you find one, you find one, you find one, tell me and I'll tell me and I'll tell me and I'll make a video about it make a video about it . Just don't talk . Just don't talk . Just don't talk about "four-eyed" about "four-eyed" about "four-eyed" conversations ahead of time. conversations ahead of time. conversations ahead of time. Our number one is Our number one is Penang, Malaysia. This is Penang, Malaysia. This is Penang, Malaysia. This is one of my ideal one of my ideal one of my ideal places, you know, in the places, you know, in the places, you know, in the long long long term, when I'm term, when I'm term, when I'm ready to " ready to " hang up my boots hang up my boots hang up my boots " and " and " and do nothing, when my kids do nothing, when my kids do nothing, when my kids are grown and are grown and are grown and finished school, I'll finished school, I'll finished school, I'll go to Penang, go to Penang, go to Penang, Malaysia. I love Malaysia. I love Malaysia. I love this place. That's this place. That's this place. That's about $1,304 about $1,304 about $1,304 per month. One of per month. One of per month. One of the cheapest cities on the cheapest cities on the cheapest cities on the list, which also has the the list, which also has the the list, which also has the highest highest highest quality of life index. It quality of life index. It quality of life index. It wins on both wins on both wins on both counts, right? A counts, right? A counts, right? A one-bedroom one-bedroom one-bedroom apartment will cost apartment will cost apartment will cost you about you about you about $400 in the $400 in the $400 in the city center. This is a small city center. This is a small city center. This is a small town. Everyday town. Everyday town. Everyday life, by the way, it's life, by the way, it's life, by the way, it's called called called Georgetown.

Georgetown. Georgetown. Daily expenses Daily expenses Daily expenses without rent without rent without rent are about are about are about 2,100 ringgit, or 2,100 ringgit, or 2,100 ringgit, or about $520. about $520. about $520. Quality of Quality of Quality of life index—159. There is an life index—159. There is an life index—159. There is an incredible atmosphere here incredible atmosphere here . This is an island, Penang. . This is an island, Penang. . This is an island, Penang. It has its own It has its own It has its own international airport international airport , although it also has its own , although it also has its own , although it also has its own industry. And here industry. And here industry. And here is the old city in is the old city in is the old city in Georgetown. The Georgetown. The Georgetown. The pollution level is only 49 and a pollution level is only 49 and a pollution level is only 49 and a half. This is the half. This is the half. This is the cleanest air on the cleanest air on the cleanest air on the list. list. list. Health care—78. So Health care—78. So Health care—78. So Penang has been a Penang has been a Penang has been a medical medical medical tourism hub for years, with private tourism hub for years, with private tourism hub for years, with private hospitals where people hospitals where people hospitals where people fly in from China fly in from China fly in from China and other countries around the world. and other countries around the world. and other countries around the world. Safety is rated at Safety is rated at Safety is rated at 71 points. Georgetown itself 71 points. Georgetown itself 71 points. Georgetown itself is a is a is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as is UNESCO World Heritage Site, as is UNESCO World Heritage Site, as is Hoi An. This is a very beautiful Hoi An. This is a very beautiful Hoi An. This is a very beautiful place. Pastel-colored shophouses place. Pastel-colored shophouses , , you know, temples you know, temples you know, temples filled with incense, filled with incense, filled with incense, street art on the street art on the street art on the walls, bookstores, walls, bookstores, walls, bookstores, coffee shops, incredible coffee shops, incredible coffee shops, incredible street food. Char Kwei street food. Char Kwei street food. Char Kwei Teow, Nasi Goreng, home Teow, Nasi Goreng, home Teow, Nasi Goreng, home alone, English alone, English alone, English working, doctors, working, doctors, working, doctors, landlords, landlords, landlords, government agencies— government agencies— you'll be able to you'll be able to you'll be able to get by. That's get by. That's get by. That's why Malaysia why Malaysia why Malaysia ends up having two cities ends up having two cities ends up having two cities in the top five, in the top five, in the top five, right? Penang is next to right? Penang is next to right? Penang is next to Kuala Lumpur. It's the Kuala Lumpur. It's the Kuala Lumpur. It's the same country, the same same country, the same same country, the same visa, the same visa, the same visa, the same English, but English, but English, but $300 a month $300 a month $300 a month cheaper, a better cheaper, a better cheaper, a better cost of living with cost of living with cost of living with better better better air quality, and that's why air quality, and that's why air quality, and that's why it has a 22-point it has a 22-point it has a 22-point higher quality of higher quality of higher quality of life score. If you go life score. If you go life score. If you go outside of downtown outside of downtown outside of downtown Georgetown, a Georgetown, a Georgetown, a one-bedroom one-bedroom one-bedroom apartment will cost apartment will cost apartment will cost around $230. The around $230. The around $230. The total cost of total cost of total cost of your month of living your month of living your month of living comes down comes down comes down to about $1,170. This is an to about $1,170. This is an to about $1,170. This is an incredibly accessible, incredibly accessible, incredibly accessible, incredibly beautiful incredibly beautiful incredibly beautiful place. I did a ton of

place. I did a ton of place. I did a ton of research on research on research on him. I've been there him. I've been there him. I've been there several times. several times. several times. $1,170 in the city with the $1,170 in the city with the $1,170 in the city with the highest highest highest quality of life score I quality of life score I quality of life score I tested. And there is also tested. And there is also tested. And there is also cheaper Penang. cheaper Penang. cheaper Penang. Penang is an island, and the Penang is an island, and the Penang is an island, and the rest of it rest of it rest of it is located on the is located on the is located on the mainland across the bridge. mainland across the bridge. mainland across the bridge. So, So, Georgetown and beaches are located on the island. The Georgetown and beaches are located on the island. The mainland is mainland is mainland is simpler, quieter, and, simpler, quieter, and, simpler, quieter, and, frankly, even more frankly, even more frankly, even more accessible. And, as you accessible. And, as you accessible. And, as you will hear now, the will hear now, the will hear now, the property rules property rules property rules there are even more lenient. So there are even more lenient. So there are even more lenient. So if you want the if you want the if you want the Penang lifestyle at an even Penang lifestyle at an even Penang lifestyle at an even lower price, you lower price, you lower price, you live on the mainland and live on the mainland and live on the mainland and cross the bridge for cross the bridge for cross the bridge for dinner, dinner, dinner, entertainment, or entertainment, or anywhere else. Are there any pitfalls? anywhere else. Are there any pitfalls? anywhere else. Are there any pitfalls? Yes, there are two big ones. Yes, there are two big ones. First, there is little data First, there is little data . There aren't many . There aren't many . There aren't many people here providing people here providing people here providing information. The cost of information. The cost of information. The cost of living figures in living figures in living figures in Penang are based Penang are based Penang are based on data on data on data from approximately 25 people. That's from approximately 25 people. That's from approximately 25 people. That's enough to be enough to be enough to be useful, but useful, but useful, but not enough to not enough to not enough to bet on your bet on your bet on your retirement. You have to retirement. You have to retirement. You have to go and see, go and see, go and see, you have to you have to you have to explore explore explore the region yourself, just like anywhere else the region yourself, just like anywhere else the region yourself, just like anywhere else . . Secondly, it's still a Secondly, it's still a Secondly, it's still a Malaysian visa, just like Malaysian visa, just like Malaysian visa, just like in Kuala Lumpur, right in Kuala Lumpur, right ? 90 days of visa-free ? 90 days of visa-free ? 90 days of visa-free regime, then the regime, then the regime, then the MM2H program. You MM2H program. You MM2H program. You need a need a need a property purchase, a 10-year property purchase, a 10-year resale ban, with no path resale ban, with no path to permanent to permanent to permanent residency.

residency. residency. Penang Island has Penang Island has Penang Island has its own rules for its own rules for its own rules for foreign buyers: foreign buyers: foreign buyers: a minimum of one million a minimum of one million a minimum of one million ringgit for ringgit for ringgit for an apartment, three an apartment, three an apartment, three million for a house. million for a house. million for a house. On the On the On the mainland it can mainland it can mainland it can cost half that cost half that cost half that . Again, . Again, . Again, a little trick, a little trick, a little trick, right? So, Penang is the right? So, Penang is the right? So, Penang is the cheapest comfortable cheapest comfortable cheapest comfortable life in Asia on life in Asia on life in Asia on paper, but the entrance paper, but the entrance paper, but the entrance ticket for a long-term ticket for a long-term ticket for a long-term stay costs stay costs stay costs much more than much more than much more than rent, so you have to rent, so you have to rent, so you have to be very determined. be very determined. be very determined. You may You may You may need to have need to have need to have savings or savings or savings or sell your house sell your house sell your house or apartment in the States. or apartment in the States. or apartment in the States. Okay, let's quickly Okay, let's quickly Okay, let's quickly go through the top five go through the top five go through the top five . . . Kuala Lumpur, 1639, Kuala Lumpur, 1639, Kuala Lumpur, 1639, the best big the best big the best big city, city, city, English everywhere, but one English everywhere, but one English everywhere, but one of the lowest of the lowest of the lowest safety scores. safety scores. safety scores. Kaohsiung, Taiwan, 1613, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, 1613, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, 1613, best hospitals, best hospitals, best hospitals, safest streets safest streets , beautiful city, but , beautiful city, but , beautiful city, but ultimately, it's hard for ultimately, it's hard for ultimately, it's hard for most most most retirees to retirees to retirees to get there. get there. get there. Chiang Mai, 1452, Chiang Mai, 1452, Chiang Mai, 1452, the best the best the best infrastructure for infrastructure for infrastructure for retirees, but retirees, but retirees, but the season of burning the the season of burning the the season of burning the fields and very fields and very fields and very confusing, constantly confusing, constantly confusing, constantly changing visa changing visa changing visa rules that are becoming rules that are becoming rules that are becoming increasingly expensive. increasingly expensive. increasingly expensive. Da Nang, 1387, lowest Da Nang, 1387, lowest Da Nang, 1387, lowest daily cost of daily cost of daily cost of living, great living, great living, great air quality, beautiful beach, air quality, beautiful beach, air quality, beautiful beach, but of course, the problem but of course, the problem but of course, the problem with visa run- with visa run- trips in Vietnam. And trips in Vietnam. And trips in Vietnam. And number one—Penang, number one—Penang, number one—Penang, 1344, the most affordable and 1344, the most affordable and 1344, the most affordable and highest quality of highest quality of highest quality of life city on the list life city on the list . That's why it's in . That's why it's in . That's why it's in first place. Clean first place. Clean first place. Clean air, air, air, English, great food, and an English, great food, and an English, great food, and an entry threshold that, entry threshold that, entry threshold that, yes, costs a lot, yes, costs a lot, yes, costs a lot, but is probably but is probably but is probably worth it. Before we worth it. Before we worth it. Before we say goodbye, one say goodbye, one say goodbye, one honorable mention that honorable mention that honorable mention that failed to failed to failed to be tested.

be tested. be tested. Siem Reap in Cambodia Siem Reap in Cambodia Siem Reap in Cambodia comes out to around comes out to around comes out to around $1,110 per month in $1,110 per month in $1,110 per month in my my my savings video, which savings video, which savings video, which would make it would make it would make it the cheapest city on the the cheapest city on the the cheapest city on the list, but Numbeo list, but Numbeo list, but Numbeo simply doesn't have simply doesn't have simply doesn't have enough people or enough people or enough people or data to give it data to give it data to give it any kind of any kind of any kind of quality rating. So if you're quality rating. So if you're quality rating. So if you're looking and looking and looking and complaining about complaining about complaining about Siem Reap, go to Siem Reap, go to Siem Reap, go to Numbeo and enter the data, Numbeo and enter the data, Numbeo and enter the data, fill in the fields, they're fill in the fields, they're fill in the fields, they're all empty. If you're all empty. If you're all empty. If you're choosing between the five choosing between the five choosing between the five I just listed I just listed , choose the one , choose the one , choose the one you can't you can't you can't live without. Get on your feet, live without. Get on your feet, live without. Get on your feet, conduct reconnaissance conduct reconnaissance conduct reconnaissance on the spot. Hospitals, on the spot. Hospitals, on the spot. Hospitals, clean air, clean air, clean air, English, the lowest English, the lowest English, the lowest daily expenses— daily expenses— you know, all these cities: you know, all these cities: you know, all these cities: Penang, Danang, Kuala Penang, Danang, Kuala Lumpur, Kaohsiung, Lumpur, Kaohsiung, Lumpur, Kaohsiung, retirement visa, retirement visa, retirement visa, inability to buy inability to buy inability to buy real estate, you real estate, you real estate, you know, Chiang Mai with know, Chiang Mai with know, Chiang Mai with all that money all that money all that money sitting in the bank for the sitting in the bank for the sitting in the bank for the Thai visa. No Thai visa. No Thai visa. No city will win in city will win in city will win in all five categories all five categories . You have to choose what . You have to choose what wins out in what matters wins out in what matters wins out in what matters most to most to most to you, and accept that no matter you, and accept that no matter where you live, there where you live, there where you live, there will always be will always be will always be compromises, right? compromises, right? compromises, right? For couples with money, it For couples with money, it For couples with money, it gets even easier. gets even easier. gets even easier. Thank you very much for watching. I'm Thank you very much for watching. I'm Thank you very much for watching. I'm Evan A. You can Evan A. You can Evan A. You can write "news" in write "news" in write "news" in the comments below the comments below the comments below if you want a if you want a if you want a link to link to link to subscribe to my subscribe to my subscribe to my newsletter. It is published newsletter. It is published newsletter. It is published weekly for free.

weekly for free. weekly for free. You can You can You can use the use the use the link to link to link to costoflivingabroad.com in the description costoflivingabroad.com in the description costoflivingabroad.com in the description or pinned or pinned or pinned comment to comment to comment to contact me to contact me to contact me to plan your plan your plan your own own own personalized personalized personalized move to move to Southeast Asia, or you Southeast Asia, or you Southeast Asia, or you can check out can check out can check out more of my more of my more of my country lists here, or country lists here, or country lists here, or interviews with expats interviews with expats who have already who have already who have already settled in settled in settled in here. Thank you very much here. Thank you very much .