Isaan is the cheapest region in ALL of Thailand to retire.
However, that does not mean it is free.
The main cost to retire in Thailand is the VISA.
Retirement visa means parking 800,000 thb (US $25,000) in a Thai Bank account each year.
That is not cheap and many may reach retirement age without having US $25,000 available.
A Marriage VISA (Married to a Thai Lady) is 400,000 thb (US $12,500) in a Thai Bank account each year.
For those that are under the age of 55 and not married to a Thai, there are other VISA options.
The 5 year DTV visa requires showing 500,000 thb (US $15,625) in a bank account, though the money does not need to be in a Thai bank account.
There is the Elite VISA, the bottom bronze level is US $20,000 and the price goes up from there.
If you plan to rent a place, first month, last month and a security deposit is often required.
However, in Isaan, most places for rent will not require any deposits.
A good used car can cost US $12,500
Brand new Honda motorbike US $1,800
Health insurance is anyone’s guess, however be advised many/most existing conditions from your home country will NOT be covered.
Gas is quite expensive in Thailand.
Diesel is over US $6 a gallon, when you figure out the cost (sold in Thailand by the liter) times 4.
Add in the airfare/travel costs to move here.
The reality is that you have to have some money saved to be able to move here legally.
With the current gov’t crackdown, I do not advocate paying an agent and going in violation of the legal rules to live here.