Spending most of our lives working long hours at jobs that drain us of all the energy we have left and therefore prevent us from enjoying the fruits of our labor at the end of the day. This is probably the situation in which many of us find ourselves. It is therefore understandable that we want to find a way to be able to make the most of our last years. And the best way to do that is to find somewhere nice and peaceful but above all not expensive so you can enjoy your retirement.
27. Muscat, Oman
Estimated monthly budget need: $1,000 to $1,200*.
Extreme annual high and low temperatures (F): 109° / 60°.
On the northwest coast of Oman which is the capital of the country, Muscat has been welcoming expatriates for decades. In fact, it is probably the friendliest city for expats in the Gulf region. Thanks to the low cost of living, delicious cuisine and a climate of over 60° all year round, it is also a wonderful place to rest at night.
One of the benefits of retiring to a place like Muscat is that there are plenty of local markets where you can do most (if not all) of your shopping. Be careful, most of the clothes you will find will not look anything like those found at American Eagle Outfitters but they will be much more adapted to the heat of the Gulf.
39. Tunis, Tunisia
Estimated monthly budget requirement: $1,000*.
Extreme annual high and low temperatures (F): 93° /67°.
Of all the governorates of Tunisia, Tunis is the most populated and yet the smallest. Over a million people live there and the entire region covers 134 square miles. Tunis is a favorite of history buffs as it was one of the sites of the reign of the ancient Phoenician civilization thousands of years ago.
Before retiring there, you should know that Tunis has strict laws that might be unfamiliar to those coming from America. It is a Muslim country and the constitution states that its national religion is Islam, so you should know what the country’s rules, culture and customs are before you go. Really, that’s good advice no matter where you retire.
45. Qatar
Estimated monthly budget need: $4,000 to $5,000*.
Extreme annual high and low temperatures (F): 106° /58°.
The cost of living in Qatar is certainly a little more expensive than in many places and rents are 5% more expensive than in the United States. However, given that this Arab country is synonymous with luxury, this is not surprising. Qatar is a peninsula of 2.88 million people and it is known for its ultra-modern architecture, futuristic skyscrapers and Islamic art museum.
The UN has classified Qatar as a country of “Very High Human Development” and if you want to retire in style and luxury, you can do so here. The high-income economy is backed by the world’s third largest oil and natural gas reserves and this tech-savvy city is straight out of a sci-fi movie.
49. Kuwait City, Kuwait
Estimated monthly budget need: $1,000-1,500*.
Extreme annual high and low temperatures (F): 114° /55°.
Theater-loving retirees will love Kuwait City. The capital of Kuwait, this Gulf city nation is known for its home theater. In fact, Kuwait is the only Arab culture in the Persian Gulf that has a theatrical tradition and Kuwait City is its heart. The theatrical movement is a huge part of Kuwaiti cultural life.
Another highlight of Kuwait City is Souk Al-Mubrakiya, a huge craft and food market. The cost of living in Kuwait is cheap and your monthly expenses in the country are around $1,000 to $1,500 per month which makes it one of the most affordable places on this list.
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