Every hard working professional is looking to retire one day somewhere warm and accommodating. However, with the way the economy has been unravelling, it seems like a comfortable and leisurely 60’s may not be as feasible as one would hope. But then again, it’s all a question of location, isn’t it? Obviously, the cost of living in the United States is different from that of Asia. So if you retire in India or some other tropical countries near the Pacific as opposed to Florida or California, you’d be able to avail of a lot more for the amount of money you actually collect.

Now, you may think you are compromising the quality of life you are to experience upon retirement by entertaining such an option. But it’s actually the other way around. See, India today is no longer a third world country, but an evolving one, with a global stance and an emphasis on infrastructure development, especially in the field of communication, medication, transportation and entertainment. It boasts of a colourful and exciting social environment as well as a stable political scene and a temperate climate. There are also a number of English-speaking citizens in the area, as well as expats, so foreigners don’t have to feel too out of place. And in a sense, it is not that different from any other first world country because it has all the facilities one would need to enjoy his existence and take care of his health.

In addition, when you retire in India, you don’t even have to bother with increasing service and commodity fees because the exchange rate between dollars and rupees is high enough to support any hankering. On average, a charmed life in Bangalore, Delhi or Mumbai would cost Rs. 20,000 to 50,000, which is equivalent to $360 to $900 per month. This is something feasible even if you are a teacher bound to live off of a $60,000 yearly pension.

Moreover, you also don’t have to worry about the applicability of your social security benefits (Medicare, etc.) because there are already existing rules in the country regarding the set up. For instance, any US citizen retiring in the country will be eligible for social security retirement perks provided they have worked for a minimum of 10 years and made the necessary contributions. The monthly payments they are to receive will be deposited directly to their account and taxed in the same way it would be had it been retrieved in America so they are not going to miss out on federal responsibilities and benefits as well.

It’s probably a treat for you to know that aside from lavish resorts and amazing tourist sites, India also hosts plenty of good retirement homes, where you can finally settle down after you’ve lived out your bucket list. Areas like Chennai, New Delhi, Pune, Mumbai and Bangalore are currently witnessing major investments in medical care to ensure that the aged population of the nation, whether local or foreign, are well take cared of.  Of course, there are downsides to living in India like the culture and religious intolerance. But the cost of living and the luxuries that go along with it should be more than enough to compensate.