i thought this was interesting: Code: http://finance.yahoo.com/retirement/article/112534/places-retire-under-500-month-usnews?mod=retire-planning
I just spent 6 months with my fiancee in Bogota, Colombia. Out of all the places I've been; Bogota was the worst. I heard Medellin was supposed to be much nicer but never got the chance to go. I did travel up north to the coastline by Santa Marta and it was absolutely beautiful. Thailand is very nice, but just like China you won't live for under $500 a month unless you eat/live like a local. Guangdong Province in China is doable on $500 a month outside the major cities. In the smaller cities you can find nice modern homes for around $300 USD a month, the extra $200 can easily cover monthly expense on food and utilities for a childless couple. It's a shame Russia is so expensive. Moscow and St. Petersburg are two of my favorite places, unfortunately the living expense is sky high when it comes to housing. I plan on settling down in China permanently to start a family soon. The opportunities in China are endless, and the low cost of living allows for some very relaxed living. Pulling in $1000 USD a month with IM as your only source of income, can cover your living expense for an entire family. If you enjoy living out of the big cities (I grew up in NYC so I'm tired of large cities) and in a smaller town where things are much more relaxed; it's the place to be in my opinion.
yes, i met many expat english teachers in south america who were recruited to china, they're willing to give you a standard of living that just cant be compared with. i dont think i could do china myself, but i can do latin america just fine. well i hope you enjoy china though, ive never been there.
