Thread: looking to move somewhere in 1 year for retirement

i first begin looking at thailand because i have been there a few times and loved the people and the cost of living is very low. i have since began looking at panama after reading a few books and seeing it too has a very low cost of living. i was looking at las tablas but after reading some of the threads it is not all some of the books say it is. what other towns are nice in panama close to a beach but still have say around 50,000 people and still be low cost, is this just a dream??

Originally Posted by mrwong

i first begin looking at thailand because i have been there a few times and loved the people and the cost of living is very low. i have since began looking at panama after reading a few books and seeing it too has a very low cost of living. i was looking at las tablas but after reading some of the threads it is not all some of the books say it is. what other towns are nice in panama close to a beach but still have say around 50,000 people and still be low cost, is this just a dream??

50,000 people and close to a beach that you can swim at ? David. is about the only choice I know off as the ocean around the city are not clean enough to go in

Originally Posted by mrwong

i first begin looking at thailand because i have been there a few times and loved the people and the cost of living is very low. i have since began looking at panama after reading a few books and seeing it too has a very low cost of living. i was looking at las tablas but after reading some of the threads it is not all some of the books say it is. what other towns are nice in panama close to a beach but still have say around 50,000 people and still be low cost, is this just a dream??

If you like thailand stick with that! I live here now since last xmas and have spent time in thailand and have to say panama doesnt even come close! Thailand is cheaper, prettier, safer etc.

If you have no young children, Thailand would be much better! Beautiful people and land, more food options.

Originally Posted by Panama Dreamer

If you have no young children, Thailand would be much better! Beautiful people and land, more food options.

Why would having young children make any difference between choosing panama or thailand?

The international fees for schooling is much more expensive when compared to Panama.

Originally Posted by Panama Dreamer

The international fees for schooling is much more expensive when compared to Panama.

Yes i have heard the same although i have heard it is pretty insane here as well. On the other hand in thailand you would probably make this money back with truly low cost of living. Housing, electricity, and most especially food is really way cheaper there! Besides it is a way nicer place to live and that is also worth something. Not to mention the safety. Which is even more important WITH kids.

Yes housing and food is much cheaper in Thailand. My husband and I have traveled there many years ago and loved that holiday. We are still sticking to Panama for close proximity to family tides in Canada. Perhaps we will move there after the kids are done their schooling in Panama, when there will only be two of us. So many places to see, not enough time and funds!

Originally Posted by Panama Dreamer

Yes housing and food is much cheaper in Thailand. My husband and I have traveled there many years ago and loved that holiday. We are still sticking to Panama for close proximity to family tides in Canada. Perhaps we will move there after the kids are done their schooling in Panama, when there will only be two of us. So many places to see, not enough time and funds!

Yes i love the place too! Especially the whole food culture i really miss here in panama. I think i'll eventually move there or one of the neighboring countries as well.

Thailand and Panama are two entirely different experiences. If you already like Thailand then go for it! Panama is not a bad place to live. However there are other options that offer a better quality of life with better climate, culture, art, food, nightlife, etc.