Malaysia has been named the 8th best place in the world to retire in 2024 by International Living‘s latest Annual Global Retirement Index.
The only Asian nation to make it to the top 10 list, the Index lauded Malaysia as a “Southeast Asian gem seamlessly intertwines affordability, cultural diversity and awe-inspiring natural beauty”.
First-world amenities at a fraction of the cost
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In a feature piece regarding Malaysia by Keith Hockton elaborating on our country’s 8th position in the rankings, he asserted how our country managed to capture the attention of expatriates globally thanks to our unique blend of “first-world amenities at a mere fraction of the cost”.
Hockton said that one of the primary factors drawing expatriates to our country is the substantially lower cost of living, with the price of housing, transportation, food and entertainment being one-third to one-fifth on average of the costs in the West.
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He further asserted that Malaysia presents an intriguing prospect for those seeking a more relaxed, exotic existence away from the hustle and bustle of North America, Europe or Australia.
Besides that, Hockton also praised the Malaysian people as the “most hospitable in Asia”, whereby locals exude a sense of warmth and community that he claims to be unparalleled anywhere else in the continent.
Malaysia is the only Asian country in the top 10 list
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Interestingly, Malaysia is the only Asian nation in the 2024 Annual Global Retirement Index and placed higher than France and Colombia on the list.
The Central American nation of Costa Rica tops the list, with Portugal, Mexico, Panama and Spain making up the top 5.
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Here’s the top 10 list of best places to retire in 2024 according to the Index:
- Costa Rica
- Portugal
- Mexico
- Panama
- Spain
- Ecuador
- Greece
- Malaysia
- France
- Colombia
International Living’s Annual Global Retirement Index
Dubbed the “most comprehensive and in-depth survey of its kind”, the Annual Global Retirement Index by global lifestyle magazine International Living is based on hundreds of opinions and real-life experiences compiled by the publication’s trusted sources regarding the best retirement destinations in the globe.
International Living clarifies that the Index isn’t meant to be a scientific output but is designed to be a useful tool for people, constructed out of real-world, on-the-ground information interpreted through a lens of well-informed experience and opinion.
So, what do you guys think of Malaysia’s placement in the ranking? Do you agree with the Index?
Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
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