Retiring in the USA gives you access to healthcare, modern and reliable infrastructure, and overall stability. Cities like Los Angeles are an attractive option to retirees who want reliable healthcare, but also access to international airports, and a diverse community. On the other hand, some may choose a quieter city with lower costs and a simpler and slower pace of life.

A lot of retirees are spending their time traveling, and use the U.S. residence as a ‘base’ in between longer travels. Wherever you choose to retire, staying inside the U.S. helps US citizen retirees avoid visa and tax complications.

Now that we’ve decided that we’re retiring home in our country, it’s time to check how much all of this costs.

Why? Well, retirement can be quite expensive.

Retirement Costs: LA vs. Nashville vs. Austin

Cost of living for retirees can vary depending on where you choose to settle.

Los Angeles is ranked high among the most expensive cities to retire in. LA has high apartment rents, prices of assisted living, and skilled nursing are above the national average, but it is still an attractive retirement destination for some. Los Angeles has top-class medical centers, the best specialists, and international airports, so for those that have a higher budget is one of the top options.

Nashville offers a middle ground for people who are looking for quality care but want a little bit more relaxed pace of life. Prices of assisted living and nursing costs are lower than in Los Angeles, but still above the average.

And, since the cost of living is lower than in LA, it frees up more of your budget for other things – traveling, enjoying local culture, other activities, etc.

Utah ranked 5th among states with the lowest costs of assisted living, making Salt Lake City the most affordable of the three. Also, average apartment rents are lower, making independent living more accessible. The city offers safe neighborhoods, an outdoor lifestyle, and a strong community, making it a great option for retirement.

Planning for Long-Term Care While Traveling

Even if you’re planning to spend your retirement traveling the world, you need to have a reliable plan for long-term care when you’re back home. Although many retirees are still healthy and independent, they want to make plans for when their needs change in the future.

The most common options are:

• Independent Living Communities: Popular among active seniors who want a social lifestyle and minimal maintenance.
• Assisted Living: Option for people who need help with daily activities but still want some independence.
• Nursing homes: They provide full-time medical care and support for those with more serious health needs.
• Continuing Care Retirement Communities: CCRCs offer to move between levels of care as your situation changes. It’s independent, assisted living, and nursing care all in one place.

Keep in mind that demand for these services is often high, and waiting lists for good nursing homes can be for months. So start planning early!

Legal Support and Elder Care Rights

Most people expect high standards when it comes to long-term care, but we hear more and more that those standards aren’t always met. If you or your family has concerns about care quality, safety, or mistreatment, get some legal advice.

For example, if you’re retiring in Los Angeles and you’re planning on moving into a nursing home or care center, it’s best to reach out for nursing home legal help in LA to protect your rights. The same applies if you’re already there and you’re experiencing any abuse or neglect.

Also, a lot of retirees update or create a power of attorney, healthcare directives, or living wills so that family members can make medical or financial decisions, just in case, while they’re abroad.

Tips for Blending Retirement and Travel

• Keep a home base: It’s good to have a small condo or a safe, familiar place to return between travels.
• Try ‘slow travel’: Plan longer stays when traveling instead of quick vacations. It can save you money, and you can experience living like a local.
• Plan your budget: It’s advised to set aside 5-10% of your annual income for travel costs.
• Invest in travel health insurance: Most U.S. health insurance and Medicare don’t cover medical emergencies abroad.
• Have digital documents: Keep digital copies of important travel documents, medical records, emergency contacts, and similar.
• Join travel groups: There are a lot of retiree travel groups in the U.S. that offer lower prices, company, and a great experience.
• Pack a medical alert device: For frequent senior travelers, it’s useful to pack a small portable device with GPS and fall detection to keep you safer.

Conclusion

Retirement should be all about you and how you want to spend this new chapter of your life. Invest some time in researching living options, comparing costs, and lifestyles of different cities, and pick your home base.

And if you plan right, you can have security at home and freedom to travel and explore.

Safe travels, and happy retirement!