M'sia ranks top of 10 safest places to retire in Asia on under RM9,000 a month, says Nasdaq

In a recent article by US-based financial services corporation Nasdaq, Malaysia has been recognized as the number one choice for retirement in Asia. The country has been ranked first among ten safest places to retire for a monthly expenditure of less than US$2,000 (RM9,000).

Nasdaq curated the list by analyzing data from the United Nations Pacific-Asia Region Group, WorldPopulationReview’s gross domestic product (GDP) figures, cost of living data from Numbeo, and the Global Peace Index from the Institute for Economics and Peace Global Peace Index 2022 Report.

As a precursor, Nasdaq set a criterion that countries needed to have a global peace index of under 2.0 to qualify for the list.

Leading the pack is Malaysia with a global peace index of 1.471 and an average monthly cost of living of US$1,066 (RM4,825).

“Malaysia takes the number one spot with a cost of living index that is 22.9, and a GDP of US$481.9 trillion. With average monthly expenses at just over US$1,000, it’s an excellent place for retirees to consider,” stated Nasdaq.

The second spot on the list is occupied by Kuwait, boasting a global peace index of 1.739 and an average monthly cost of living of US$1,741. Although Kuwait’s cost of living index is not as low as some other countries on the list, its overall cost of living combined with a high global peace index score make it a great place for retirement.

Following Kuwait is Mongolia at number three, with a global peace index of 1.775 and an average monthly cost of living of US$940. Nasdaq highlighted that Mongolia’s cost of living index, tied for the lowest on the list with Indonesia at 20.2, along with its low GDP of US$21 trillion, contribute to its appeal for retirees.

Vietnam secures the fourth position with a global peace index of 1.786 and an average monthly cost of living of US$1,117. Indonesia trails at number five on the list, boasting a global peace index of 1.800 and an average monthly cost of living of US$940. Jordan occupies the sixth spot with a global peace index of 1.849 and an average monthly cost of living of US$1,331.

Continuing the list, Cambodia ranks seventh with a global peace index of 1.882 and an average monthly cost of living of US$1,387. Oman claims the eighth position with a global peace index of 1.889 and an average monthly cost of living of US$1,513. Cyprus takes the ninth spot with a global peace index of 1.903 and an average monthly cost of living of US$1,964. Lastly, Nepal secures the tenth position with a global peace index of 1.947 and an average monthly cost of living of US$684.

According to Bernama, Nasdaq’s findings indicate that Malaysia offers a secure and affordable retirement destination, making it highly favorable for retirees.