Which country has low enough cost of living for Americans on Social Security?

[Coyotl]

Are there any ex-pats out there who live on social security overseas? How's that working out?
I know a lot of people don't get the full $1200 a month. Where can one retire on $600 a month?

Receiving Social Security benefits when living overseas
http://ssa-custhelp.ssa.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/512/~/receiving-social-security-benefits-when-living-overseas

5 Places to Retire On Social Security Alone
http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/On-Retirement/2010/06/14/5-places-to-retire-on-social-security-alone

Retire overseas on $1,200 a month
http://money.msn.com/retirement-plan/retire-overseas-on-12k-a-month-weston.aspx?cp-documentid=6809719

[Oldfolkie]

1. I and wife have been retired in the Philippines.....

...since 2006. Soc Sec and a little this and that. Getting by fine, joined the national Special Resident Visa program. See Phil Retirement Authority on Net.
Advice. Get of the big city. Everything cheaper. If you are single and not a big spender,,,, you will be semi-fat.

[darkangel218]

8. Art Bell? is that you?

I'm only jk

[Sherman A1]

2. K&R

Thanks for posting.

[LeftInTX]

3. The Lake Chapala Mexico area caters to American retirees.

They even having Assisted Living and facilities that work with US insurance companies. Climate is very nice too. Plus you can drive there!

[LeftofObama]

4. Kick

I'm kind of curious myself.

[SoCalDem]

5. The problem happens when they have chronic health issues

It's fine to find a place with $300 a month rent, but if you cannot participate in their health care system..or they don't have one, you did not gain much.. medicare is not always applicable for expats.

Friends of ours retired to Mexico, but left their address as their son;s house & they return a few times a year to see the doctor..but they are not in ill health ....now..

[Douglas Carpenter]

6. I think the Philippines would be one of the best deals going - 'll probably retire there myself

But NOT in metro-Manila - it's too crowded, too crime ridden, and of course too expensive.

If you want to be near a sizable community of westerners - the Angeles City or Subic Bay area would offer that - although there is a lot sleaze in those former military towns. On the other hand there would be a lot more conveniences and it would be easier to find people who can give you some direction .

$600 per month is 24,000 pesos per month which is probably as much or more than most Filipino doctors or bank mangers make -outside of the most elite institutions.

If you do a google search on the subject of "retiring in the Philippines" you will find an endless amount of advice.

[Katashi_itto]

7. K&R

[Coyotl]

9. Thanks for the useful responses so far.

I'm most interested in Latin America because I'm Spanish fluent.