"But whittling down a retirement city requires careful consideration. While Asian capitals like Bangkok or Manila remain vastly cheaper than American ones, smaller cities off the tourist radar are often the smarter choice when it comes to affordable retirement destinations. Guided by official embassy websites, official tourism boards, retirement program information, and insights from expats who have made the move, here are the best affordable Asian cities to retire in."
"Packed with culture and coastlines, Malaysia makes the cut as one of Asia's best retirement destinations. Penang has become a popular choice for foreign retirees looking to while away their days at a slower pace than Kuala Lumpur offers. The state consists of two parts: the mainland along Malaysia's western coast and, across the water, Penang Island - which houses the state capital George Town and connects to the mainland via two bridges."
"Penang has plenty of appealing qualities for foreign retirees, starting with its affordability. Malaysia's National Property Information Centre reported prices of detached housing in Penang averaging $246,500 (997,086 Malaysian ringgit) in the first quarter of 2025 - vastly more affordable than new homes in the U.S. which average $499,000 to $518,000 according to Trading Economics. This bodes well for retirees entering the country through the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) visa progr"
Retirees are considering Southeast Asian cities for warm weather, low cost of living, healthcare access, and high quality of life. Smaller cities off the major tourist routes often provide smarter, more affordable retirement options than larger capitals. Countries receiving interest include Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Cambodia. Penang, Malaysia, combines culture, coastline, and slower pace, with a state layout of mainland and Penang Island anchored by George Town. Detached housing in Penang averaged $246,500 in Q1 2025, substantially lower than U.S. new-home averages, supporting long-stay options like the MM2H visa.
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