@jstert
I'm sure the BITOG crowd would want to know which good-great country had the best value in homes and general cost of living???
thanks but a tough question.
how to first qualify for the appropriate residence visa is a better question actually. living permanently in/out on a tourist visa is a fool’s errand and generally illegal. the less western the country the more dire the circumstances if caught.
how one fits into local culture is second: language, food, habits, beliefs, family/friends/relationships, personal security, ability to enjoy your free time hobbies, kids’ school (if applicable, and a huge issue).
a modestly middle class, north american style, home near some civilization will be expensive, even in much of usa and canada, haha. my quick thoughts? a provincial capital in the phillipines could be ok: english-speaking, cheaper, safe, clean, quick flight out, kinda familiar culture to north americans, ok hospital. an ok, private, affordable pre-high school is doable for kids.
for me, i would live in japan in a heartbeat for half the year but in a small apartment out in a suburb. great public transport, no need for a car. i have the language and know the culture ok as i lived there for 11 years. any asian wife will be happy there too, western wife i’m unsure.
there are expat enclaves in mexico that i read about but i don’t know the spanish world at all, and such a place is marked with a bullseye for robbers and scammers imho.
i don’t mean to be negative, just realistic. with the internet, healthy physical shape, portable medical insurance, steady income stream, a cash cushion to pick up and go if necessary, an open/curious mind, a spouse (if present) who is fully on board, life overseas today has many advantages of a “kindler/gentler” north america. however living overseas as a desperate escape is likely to be frustrating imho.
