Veteran Culture

The Top 10 Countries Abroad to Live as a U.S. Military Veteran

BY Benjamin Reed

On a 100 percent VA disability check, I learned that living overseas turns $3,800 into freedom, community, and purpose in a way the States makes you pay extra for.

The author in beautiful, bright, blue Bali. Image Credit: Ben Reed

As a service-connected disabled veteran, I’ve spent most of my adult life overseas. The truth is simple: life is better abroad if you are on a fixed income. Maybe you want to escape cold winters without paying Florida prices, or maybe you miss the sense of motion that came with deployment; the airports, languages, and constant adaptation.

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From 2006 to 2008, I was stationed in Germany. Then came Iraq. During mid-tour leave, I went to the beaches of Crimea—then part of Ukraine—and saw how far a few hundred dollars went. That trip changed me. Once I got back to Fort Bliss, I was already planning my move overseas. Private contracting followed, and for most of the last twenty years, I’ve lived outside the United States.

I love my country, but until I get rich from writing or something else, I’ll share what I’ve learned about living well on a fixed income abroad. This list ranks the best places for veterans living off a 100% VA disability rating (about $3,800 a month), single and ready for a new chapter. Even better if you’re also collecting Social Security Disability insurance (which you can, as a 100% disabled veteran) or you have a pension or other forms of passive income.

10. Brazil

Brazil offers the best of South America: rainforest, rivers, snow in the south, and beaches that stretch for miles. Urban centers like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo carry real risk with theft and corruption, but the south is safer, especially Florianópolis, where the surf and weather feel like coastal South Carolina.

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Learning Portuguese is essential; only about five percent of Brazilians speak English. But once you learn the basics, it’s an easy place to make friends. Brazilians are outgoing and supportive, and their lifestyle has a rhythm Americans understand. Rio is my favorite city in the world, full of energy and contradiction, but it’s not for beginners.

9. Panama

I haven’t lived there, but Panama stands out for practicality. It’s one of the few Latin American nations where Americans can own firearms, import household goods tax-free, and qualify for long-term retirement visas.

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The currency is the U.S. dollar, the beaches are good, and Panama City offers excellent flight connections to the Americas. It’s not the cheapest option, but it’s stable, warm, and built with expats in mind. For veterans who want order and convenience, Panama is worth serious consideration.

8. The Philippines

If you want English-speaking locals, tropical islands, and an American footprint that never faded, the Philippines delivers. It’s also the only country outside the United States with an official VA office, meaning veterans can get help with claims and medical treatment for service-connected conditions.

There are over 7,000 islands to choose from. Cebu and Dumaguete have large veteran communities, while Palawan remains pristine. Visas are easy to obtain, especially for retirees. It’s one of the most welcoming places in Asia for Americans.

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El Nido, Philippines
El Nido, Philippines. Image Credit: Kimkim.com

7. Georgia (the country)

Georgia, tucked between the Black Sea and the Caucasus Mountains, is one of the best value destinations on the planet. Americans can stay visa-free for an entire year, rent modern apartments in Tbilisi for under $700, and live well on half a disability check.

Georgian food and wine are exceptional, and the people are proud but generous once you earn their trust. It’s not tropical, but for mountain lovers and history buffs, Georgia offers culture, safety, and a thriving expat scene.

6. Bali, Indonesia Bali is a veteran’s reset button. The island blends spirituality, surf, and jungle life at a pace that’s hard to match. You’ll find established expat hubs in Canggu and Ubud where living costs can stay under $2,000 a month. If you surf, it’s world-class year-round. If not, there’s still yoga, hiking, and community everywhere. The north side of Bali is quieter and cheaper, with fewer tourists and more local charm. Just stay clear of trouble—drug laws are harsh and strictly enforced. 5. Costa Rica Costa Rica is safe, democratic, and environmentally protected. It’s not cheap, but the trade-off is peace of mind. The country has some of the best fishing in the world and remains one of the few places where rainforest meets the sea without feeling remote or isolated. The healthcare system is among the best in Latin America, and crime rates are low. For veterans who want a balanced life surrounded by nature, Costa Rica offers stability and purpose in equal measure. 4. Southern Europe Portugal, Spain, Greece, and Italy all offer Western infrastructure, the rule of law, and excellent healthcare. If you ever face a legal issue—rightly or wrongly—you’ll be in countries where due process actually exists, which only matters until it matters. Portugal stands out for its moderate cost of living, easy residency visas, and status as one of the world’s “Blue Zones,” where people live longer and healthier lives. Spain’s southern coast, Greece’s islands, and Italy’s small towns combine culture, community, and food that make every day feel earned rather than rushed. 3. Eastern Europe If you prefer grit to beaches, Eastern Europe delivers. I lived in Poland for several months and found it modern, safe, and affordable. Most locals under 35 speak English, and there’s deep respect for military service. Slovakia’s mountain towns are picture-perfect. The Czech Republic’s Prague is one of Europe’s most beautiful capitals. Down south, Croatia’s beaches rival Italy’s for half the price. Before the war, Ukraine offered some of my best memories. Eastern Europe isn’t for everyone, but it rewards curiosity, resilience, and independence. 2. Mexico For proximity, variety, and value, Mexico nearly takes the top spot. From Baja to Mérida, you’ll find a broad variety of climates. Avoid Tulum; it’s overpriced and overcrowded. Instead, look at Guadalajara, Puebla, Oaxaca, or Lake Chapala—places with culture, safety, and authenticity. Residency visas are easy, healthcare is affordable, and if you ever need to head home, it’s a quick flight or even a drive. For many veterans, Mexico offers the best blend of comfort and adventure anywhere south of the border. 1. Thailand Thailand sits at the top for a reason. I’ve spent four years here—mostly in Phuket, but also in Bangkok and Koh Phangan—and it’s the best quality of life I’ve found on a veteran’s budget. Phuket is fitness heaven: gyms, beaches, fishing, and clean eating all within reach. Bangkok is a modern metropolis that hums with energy, while Koh Phangan offers quiet, jungle-covered hills and a slower pace or some of the wildest parties you can imagine. Thai healthcare is excellent and affordable, and the visa process is straightforward if you stay organized. Thailand is more than cheap living; it’s a country that rewards discipline, curiosity, and self-reliance. For veterans rebuilding purpose after service, it’s the ultimate second deployment—this time on your own terms. Final Thoughts Veterans don’t retire; they redeploy. Living abroad on a fixed income isn’t about running away. It’s about taking back control of time, cost, and peace. With the right mindset, $3,800 a month can buy something that’s rare back home: freedom without debt and the space to start fresh. If you’re interested in seeing my transnational veteran lifestyle, check out my Instagram @Benjamin_Based – I regularly update my adventures.  
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