Marketwatch did an earlier bio on a Massachusetts schoolteacher who moved to Boquete, Panama and said it would be “insane” to live in the United States.
I’ve also retired to Boquete this year and there’s no way I could live independently in the U.S. on the $1500-$1600/mo income I have here. But I can live decently in Boquete on that cost using the same American currency.
The difference is health care costs, rent and food. I also sold my car in the States and get around on buses, taxis and catching rides. No insurance. No gas. No upkeep. Buses are $1.25 for “pensionados”. Taxi rides are $2-$5 each way. Most meals are $15 or less. Most rentals are all-bills-paid and furnished, including gas, electric, cable and wi-fi.
Obviously, the downside is a country like Spain or Panama could be overrun by socialists at any time. That’s what has happened to other retirement havens like Costa Rica and Ecuador. But, without Trump, the same would be happening in the U.S. and is happening in California.
If you decide not to expect to live “like an American”, you can really enjoy the calmer and happier life and lack of political correctness. Last month, the public schools were treated to a month-long, government-approved period of Bible lessons - try doing that in an American public school.
Do I miss some things from the States? Definitely. But this is an adventure for me and I am not just here for the economics but also to support a church with a heavy outreach presence.
Good for you OH. Good luck
Sounds good, as long as you remain healthy, mobile, and independent.