The Asian Countries Where Retirement Costs Less Than $1,500 Monthly
- Japan is the best place to retire in Asia, offering one of the highest quality of life on the continent and strong healthcare.
- East Asia stands out as the best region in Asia to retire, with five countries ranking among the highest for their comfort and residents’ well-being.
- Hong Kong has the highest life expectancy, with people living an average of 85.8 years.
Asia is home to the fastest-aging population in the world, with one in four people expected to be over 60 by 2050. A new study by a moneylender company in Singapore set out to identify the best places to retire in Asia by analyzing three key factors: financial affordability, well-being, and overall quality of life.
To determine financial affordability, the study looked at the average monthly cost of living, rent for a one-bedroom home, the pension replacement rate, and the share of each country’s GDP spent on pensions. Well-being was assessed through healthcare quality, levels of pollution, and climate conditions. Quality of life was evaluated using a safety index, a quality of life index, the proportion of the population aged 65 and above, and life expectancy. These factors were combined into a single “retirement score,” allowing the study to rank Asian countries from most to least favorable for retirement.
Here is the summary of the findings:
| Country | Life Expectancy | Safety Index | Quality of Life Index | Health Care Index | Total Monthly Expences | Retirement Score |
| Japan | 85.0 | 77.1 | 185.2 | 80.20 | $1,444 | 100 |
| Taiwan | 80.9 | 82.9 | 160.7 | 87.00 | $1,368 | 98 |
| Oman | 80.5 | $81 | 215 | 63.30 | $1,270 | 83 |
| China | 78.4 | 76.0 | 121.4 | 68.70 | $913 | 79 |
| South Korea | 84.5 | 75.1 | 147.7 | 82.80 | $1,669 | 59 |
| Singapore | 84.0 | 77.4 | 152.8 | 71.80 | $3,766 | 57 |
| United Arab Emirates | 83.2 | 84.5 | 177.0 | 70.70 | $2,498 | 48 |
| Thailand | 76.8 | 62.7 | 106.2 | 77.30 | $1,006 | 38 |
| Qatar | 82.7 | $85 | 189 | 73.50 | $2,090 | 36 |
| Hong Kong | 85.8 | $79 | 139 | 66.50 | $3,055 | 34 |
You can find the full research findings by following this link.
Japan is the best place to retire in Asia, earning a perfect retirement score of 100. People here live an average of 85 years, the second longest in the ranking. The country is also the most prepared for an older population, as nearly 30% of residents are over 65. Retirees benefit from some of the cleanest air, the best climate, and a strong sense of safety, which together give Japan a quality of life index of 185.
Taiwan lands in second place with a retirement score of 98. Around 18% of its population is over 65, and older residents enjoy the best healthcare, topping the ranking with a score of 87, higher than Japan. The government also sets aside 8% of GDP for pensions, which is additionally reflected in the average life expectancy of 80.
Oman holds third place as the best place to retire in Asia, scoring 83. It stands out for having the highest quality of life at 215, 25 points higher than any other country in the ranking. This is reflected in Oman’s safety score of 81, as well as its status as having the second-cleanest air, thanks to low pollution. Oman is also among the most financially secure options for the elderly, with average monthly expenses of just $1.2K.
China takes fourth place with a retirement score of 79. Here, people can retire earlier than in most other countries: men at 60 and women at 55. Life after work is also budget-friendly, with monthly expenses averaging just USD 913, nearly USD 500 less than in Japan. Retirees can expect a life expectancy of 78.4 years, while the quality of life score stands at 121.
South Korea rounds out the top five best places to retire in Asia, earning a retirement score of 59. Life expectancy is among the highest here, averaging 84.5 years, six years longer than in China. Retirement age matches China’s, with men retiring at 60 and women at 55, while the living costs remain low, with rent averaging 387USD a month. South Korea also invests 8% of its GDP into pensions, helping ensure a quality of life of 147.
Singapore comes in sixth place, with a retirement score of 57. Around 14% of its population is over 65, similar to Taiwan and China. The country benefits from the cleanest air among all countries, with a pollution index of just 32. Medical care is highly accessible, scoring 71.8 on the healthcare index, nearly 10 points higher than Oman, which contributes to Singapore’s overall quality of life score of 152.
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The United Arab Emirates ranks seventh, with a retirement score of 48. It is the second Middle Eastern country in the ranking and, like Oman, dedicates 8% of its GDP to citizens’ pensions. While often seen as a luxurious destination, the cost of living is affordable at just $1K per month, lower than in Singapore. The UAE also offers retirees a very safe environment, scoring 84.5 on the security index, the second highest in the top 10.
Thailand sits in eighth place, earning a score of 38. The country is similarly adapted to an aging population as China, with 15% of its residents over 65. Elderly care is a priority, with a healthcare score of 77, over ten points higher than in Oman. Retirees also benefit from the second-lowest monthly living costs, with a one-bedroom apartment at 278USD and other expenses bringing the total to around $1K, nearly $2K less than in Singapore.
Qatar places ninth, with a retirement score of 36. Qatar stands out for having the highest quality of life, scoring 189, almost 90 points higher than Thailand. It has a life expectancy of 82.7 years, supported by a healthcare index of 66.5. Following the pattern of its Gulf neighbors, Qatar allocates 8% of its GDP to pensions and ranks as the safest country on the list.
Hong Kong finishes off the list of the best places to retire in Asia, with a retirement score of 34. About a quarter of its population is over 65, enjoying the highest life expectancy on the list at 85.8 years. The city also benefits from a pleasant climate and high safety, scoring 79 on the safety index.
A spokesperson from the moneylender company in Singapore commented, “Retirement is about more than just financial security; it’s about living in a place that supports health, safety, and overall well-being. Countries that invest in healthcare, pensions, and clean, safe environments help ensure that older adults can enjoy not just longer lives, but better ones. It’s no surprise that many retirees are even looking abroad for these conditions, with surveys showing nearly one in five Americans would consider retiring overseas.”