This is a hypothetical, illustrative case study built from the ranges in our cost-of-living guide — not a real client's finances. It's meant to show how the numbers add up in practice for a comfortable, not extravagant, retirement.
Meet "Robert and Linda" — a fictional retired couple in their late 60s, living in a comfortable two-bedroom condominium in Chiang Mai, eating out a few times a week, with a standard international health insurance plan.
Illustrative Monthly Breakdown
- Housing (2BR condo, rent): ~$900
- Food & dining (mix of cooking and eating out): ~$650
- Health insurance for two: ~$550
- Transportation (motorbike + occasional taxi): ~$200
- Utilities (A/C used regularly): ~$200
- Leisure (golf, spa, occasional travel): ~$450
Illustrative monthly total: roughly $2,950 for two people.
What Would Change This
A villa instead of a condo, a more comprehensive insurance plan, more frequent international dining, or regular travel would push this figure up. Conversely, a smaller condo, mostly local food, and a simpler lifestyle could bring a couple's budget closer to $1,800–$2,200 per month.
Try the interactive calculator to build your own estimate.
Open the Budget CalculatorFigures are illustrative planning estimates in USD, not a quote or a real client's actual expenses, and will vary based on your specific choices and exchange rates.