“NRI retirees have been stretching their social security benefits by migrating to countries such as Thailand, Portugal, Greece, and even India. India, ranked as one of the most popular overseas retirement destinations, is increasingly preferred by expat retirees for its affordable cost of living, diverse culture, efficient healthcare, natural beauty, and spirituality and wellness.”
A substantial portion of prospective retirees, approximately 27% in the USA, have faced challenges in accumulating savings for their retirement years. The total retirement wealth for late boomers, on average, is $299,703 only, while the average amount for a comfortable retirement in the USA has risen to a whopping $1.8 million.
Consequently, retirees have been stretching their social security benefits by migrating to countries such as Thailand, Portugal, Greece, and even India. India, ranked as one of the most popular overseas retirement destinations, is increasingly preferred by expat retirees for its affordable cost of living, diverse culture, efficient healthcare, natural beauty, and spirituality and wellness, reportedfinance.yahoo.com.
For those considering retiring in India, they might be inclined to ask: how much is enough?! According to Nomad List, a comfortable retirement in India can cost a single retiree around $950 per month. There are many places that retirees can opt to settle in. However, choosing from the best places to retire in India for retirees largely depends on their individual preferences and lifestyle choices.
While Mumbai, Hyderabad, Goa, and Delhi are only a few of the many places that retirees can choose from, many retirees prefer cities and towns that offer them the best climate. As such, some of the best places to live in India climate-wise include Nainital, Bengaluru, and Goa.
The report from finance.yahoo.com lists out 16 of the best places to retire in India. In order to compile the list of best places to retire in India, the report mentions of having taken a look at 10 sources as well as forums like Quora and Reddit to determine what expat retirees consider the best places.
While Mumbai, Hyderabad, Goa, and Delhi are only a few of the many places that retirees can choose from, many retirees prefer cities and towns that offer them the best climate. As such, some of the best places to live in India climate-wise include Nainital, Bengaluru, and Goa.
- Puducherry
Formerly known as Pondicherry, Puducherry is one of the top retirement destinations in India owing to its cultural diversity, captivating beaches, and cheap cost of living. The city offers a calm and serene environment for retirees, unlike the hustle and bustle urban life usually offers. The French colonial architecture remains, and retirees love exploring the tree-lined streets, French cafes, and colorful buildings. The coastal climate means temperatures remain mild throughout the year, offering plentiful activities. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment here can vary from $150-$350, while total cost of living averages around $600.
- Kasauli
Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayan mountains, Kasauli is a charming hill station brimming with natural beauty. The Shivalik range, the pine forests and lush green landscapes are the perfect backdrop for retirees to spend their golden years. Climate remains moderately pleasant throughout the year, with cool summers and cold winters. The town has basic healthcare facilities, whereas specialized care is accessible in the nearby city of Chandigarh. The total cost of living for a single expat retiree in Kasauli is approximately $700 to $1,000 monthly, depending on lifestyle choices and housing preferences.
- Delhi
India’s capital city, Delhi, is another one of the popular retirement places in India. Expat retirees often prefer this city as it offers world-class amenities that they need, such as healthcare. The city is steeped in history and culture, with many sites, museums, and cultural events to explore. The cuisine in Delhi is unimaginably diverse, the transportation network extensive, and great many shopping options. While the cost of living for a single expat retiree can vary based on needs and lifestyle choices, it is $713 per month on average.
- Bengaluru
Enjoying a vibrant cultural scene, excellent healthcare facilities, and a pleasant climate, Bengaluru is one of the top retirement havens in India. The city’s cosmopolitan culture has much to offer retirees in terms of music, theater, and even arts. The city is also beautiful, with many parks and gardens. Moreover, there is a sizable expat community here to socialize with. To retire in Bengaluru, a single expat retiree would require $629 on average, with $228 spent on rent.
- Ahmedabad
Another one of the best Indian cities to retire to is Ahmedabad. The city has well-established hospitals and medical facilities, and many come here for medical tourism. The city is also culturally rich, offers delectable street food, and boasts a diverse climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters. The cost of living for a single expat retiree is $1,017, of which $586 is usually spent on rent.
- Bhubaneswar
Another appealing retirement destination in India is Bhubaneswar. Home to a rich cultural heritage, modern healthcare facilities, and prestigious educational institutions, retirees will find settling here to be a breeze. The climate is tropical and pleasant, and the city is close to the Puri beach and the Chilika Lake, where retirees can enjoy a coastal getaway. The cost of living for a single expat retiree in the city is $475 on average, with $96 per month spent on rent.
- Mumbai
Mumbai can be a dream retirement destination in India for expat retirees. The dynamic metropolis is home to world-class healthcare, a beautiful coast, and many parks and green spaces. The public transportation system is extensive, so retirees can easily travel within the city. There is also an active expatriate community, so retirees can connect with others and feel at home. The cost of living for a single expat retiree is $950 on average, with $510 spent on rent.
- Dharamshala
Dharamshala, the winter capital of Himachal Pradesh, is famous amongst expat retirees owing to its majestic Dhauladhar mountain range, lush greenery, and pleasant climate. The town is culturally diverse and is home to a significant Tibetan population influencing the culture here. It is also a spiritual and wellness hub. The Dalai Lama temple and similar Tibetan monasteries have earned the nickname “Little Lhasa.” The cost of living here for a single expat retiree may range from $800 to $1,500 per month.
- Goa
Situated on the western coast of India, Goa is a popular tourist destination in India. It doubles as one of India’s best places to retire due to its attractive beaches, tropical climate, and lush landscapes. The pace of life is laid-back here, and the expat community has been increasing over the years. On average, a single expat retiree would require $1,024 monthly to retire here, with $791 spent on rent.
- Jaipur
The “Pink City” of Jaipur maintains its pink allure to this day, reinstating its commitment to history and culture. Retirees appreciate the cultural exploration they are offered and marvel at the architectural wonders of Rajhastan’s past. Jaipur is also considered a shopper’s paradise, and traditional Rajasthani jewelry and clothing are its highlights. The cost of living for a single expat retiree is $536 a month, with $118 spent on rent.
- Mysore
Also known as a Pensioner’s Paradise, Mysore is a wonderful retirement destination in India. The city is bursting with parks and lush gardens, and the nearby Chamundi Hill provides a scenic view to retirees. The climate is pleasant and moderate here, and healthcare facilities are well-established. It is also quite affordable to live in, with a single expat retiree requiring $556 a month to live here.
- Dehradun
Dehradun, located in North India, checks all the boxes regarding climate, natural beauty, peace, and healthcare. Seniors will love to live here in the foothills of the Himalayas, discovering its unique history and culture along the way. It’s also safer than other cities and towns, and there is a growing expatriate community as well. Retiring here will cost an estimated $300-$500 per month.
- Rishikesh
Nestled in the Himalayan foothills beside the Ganges river, Rishikesh is known as the “Yoga Capital of the World.” Numerous ashrams and yoga centers can be found in the city, and retirees love to retire here for their well-being. The climate is temperate here, with warm summers and cool winters. A single expat retiree would require an average of $578 to retire here.
- Coimbatore
Because of its pleasant and moderate climate, well-established healthcare facilities, and cultural diversity, Coimbatore is an appealing retirement destination in India. To retire here, an expat retiree would require an average of $623 monthly, with $148 spent on rent. The city has an active expatriate community, with various social clubs to participate in.
- Pune
Known as Oxford of the East, Pune can be another interesting place to retire in India. It is home to some of the finest educational institutions, and retirees may engage in lifelong learning here. Moreover, the city is culturally rich, offers top-notch medical facilities, and boasts an affordable cost of living. A retiree can comfortably live on $500 per month here.
- Chandigarh
Chandigarh is a senior citizen’s haven as it is one of the first planned cities in India. Well-planned layout and infrastructure are aesthetically pleasing for retirees. The city is also considered safe, and excellent healthcare facilities are available. The climate is relatively mild, and the cost of living is moderate. It costs an average of $623 per month for a single expat retiree to live here.
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