9 Affordable Cities In Asia For Retirement Travel

Summary

This video script offers an insightful guide to nine affordable cities in Asia that are perfect for budget-conscious travelers. Starting with Saigon, Vietnam, known for its wide range of budget options from $1,000 to $3,000 a month, the video highlights the city's ability to cater to various lifestyles without breaking the bank. Bangkok, Thailand, is noted for its slightly higher cost but still offers spectacular views and affordable living. Other cities mentioned include Kuala Lumpur, with its inexpensive rides and housing, Sandai, Japan, benefiting from favorable currency exchange rates, Ubud in Bali for its luxurious yet affordable accommodations, Hanoi for its even lower costs than Saigon, Osaka for its reasonable living expenses outside of housing, and the beach towns of Jomtien and Wangat in Thailand, offering a laid-back atmosphere and stunning beachfront properties. The video provides a comprehensive look at how each destination can be enjoyed while staying within a budget, making it an invaluable resource for those seeking affordable travel experiences in Asia.

Takeaways

• 🌆 Saigon, Vietnam is one of the most affordable big cities in Asia, with a monthly budget ranging from $1,000 to $3,000, offering a wide range of experiences without breaking the bank.
• 🏙️ High-rise apartments with amenities like infinity pools in Saigon can still fit within a reasonable budget, making it an attractive destination for those who enjoy city living.
• ✈️ Bangkok, Thailand is slightly more expensive than Saigon but offers spectacular views and is very accessible, with cheap transportation options.
• 🍔 Food delivery in Asia's big cities is notably inexpensive, with Koal Poor, India, being exceptionally cheap even for American brands.
• 🏡 Accommodations in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia are also inexpensive, with the added benefit of cheap transportation due to local subsidies on gasoline.
• 🍣 Sandai, Japan offers surprisingly affordable food and housing options, with the current yen to USD conversion rates making it even more budget-friendly for US travelers.
• 🏖️ Ubud, Bali, Indonesia is a favorite for a relaxing getaway with affordable villa stays and very cheap food, despite being one of the more expensive places in Bali.
• 🇻🇳 Hanoi, Vietnam in the north is even cheaper than Saigon, offering a wide variety of cuisines and a friendly, service-oriented environment.
• 🏙️ Osaka, Japan provides reasonable housing options and inexpensive living costs once you get past the initial accommodation costs.
• 🏊‍♂️ Jomtien Beach, Thailand is one of the cheapest beach towns in the world with luxurious accommodations available at a fraction of the cost.
• 🌴 Wangjati Beach, Thailand is a secluded and laid-back location with beautiful, affordable condos right on the beach, ideal for those looking to disconnect.

Q & A

Which city in Asia is mentioned as one of the most affordable big cities and a favorite of the speaker?

Saigon, Vietnam is mentioned as one of the most affordable big cities and a favorite of the speaker.

What is the estimated monthly budget range for living in Saigon, according to the video?

The estimated monthly budget range for living in Saigon is from $1,000 to $3,000.

What type of accommodation does the speaker prefer when staying in Saigon?

The speaker prefers a high-rise apartment with an infinity swimming pool, two bedrooms, and their own ovens when staying in Saigon.

How does the speaker describe the cost of living in Bangkok compared to Saigon?

The speaker describes Bangkok as a little more expensive than Saigon, with a monthly budget unlikely to be less than a thousand dollars unless one is living very frugally.

What is special about the food delivery costs in Koal poor?

The food delivery costs in Koal poor are described as the cheapest in all of Asia, with even American brands being incredibly affordable.

What is the speaker's budget for their stay in Saigon and Bangkok?

The speaker's budget for their stay in Saigon and Bangkok is $4,000 a month.

Why is the cost of transportation particularly low in Kuala Lumpur?

The cost of transportation in Kuala Lumpur is low due to capped gasoline prices and subsidies, according to locals mentioned in the video.

How does the speaker describe the affordability of food and housing in Sandai, Japan?

The speaker describes food and housing in Sandai, Japan, as very inexpensive, with the cost of food at American chains and local restaurants being surprisingly affordable and housing being reasonable due to the low Yen to US Dollar conversion rate.

What is the approximate monthly cost of an apartment in Bangkok that the speaker stayed in?

The speaker stayed in an apartment in Bangkok that cost about $1,200 for the month.

What is the speaker's opinion on the cost of living in Ubud, Bali, Indonesia?

The speaker finds Ubud in Bali, Indonesia to be very affordable, with the option to stay in a villa with a pool or a resort at the beach without breaking the budget.

How does the speaker describe the cost of living in Hanoi, Vietnam compared to Saigon?

The speaker describes Hanoi as even more inexpensive than Saigon, with lower prices in housing due to fewer Western tourists.

What is the speaker's experience with the cost of living in Osaka, Japan, as opposed to Tokyo?

The speaker found Osaka to be more affordable than Tokyo, especially in terms of housing, with everything else being very inexpensive once the cost of housing is covered.