Gemini is Google’s in-house AI assistant and since it serves the world’s largest search engine, it gets quite a workout.
Since the Social Security Administration (SSA) reports that the average retiree receives $1,955.48 in monthly benefits, I couldn’t help but wonder if there were places that made it possible to retire on Social Security alone, even though the program was never meant to be a sole source of income.
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It started by lowering expectations with its opening sentence. “Retiring on $2,000 a month is a significant challenge,” Gemini wrote. However, Gemini found a silver lining. “It is possible with careful planning and by choosing a location with a low cost of living,” the chatbot wrote.
Below are a few places where the artificial intelligence (AI) said you can retire on $2,000 a month.
If You’re Able and Willing, Say Goodbye to the US
Unsurprisingly, the world’s wealthiest country is not a particularly cheap place to live. “Your options will depend heavily on whether you are willing to retire abroad or prefer to stay in the United States,” Gemini explained. “Many people find that their retirement income stretches much further in other countries. The cost of housing, food and healthcare can be significantly lower than in the U.S.”
It recommended the following countries for their low living costs, robust health care systems, beautiful scenery, fine weather, stable democracies, generous pension visas, use of the U.S. dollar or some combination of them all.
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- Portugal
- Mexico
- Costa Rica
- Thailand
- Panama
- Ecuador
Gemini reminded anyone considering an international retirement to research visa requirements, healthcare access and the local expat community.
Staying Stateside? Find Inexpensive Cities in Low-Cost States
Next, Gemini advised retirees on a $2,000 monthly budget who won’t or can’t live abroad to temper their expectations, expect limited options and concentrate their search on the South and Midwest, where housing and living costs tend to be lower than the national average.
It identified several cities in six states, in particular.
Iowa
- Waterloo
- Dubuque
- Coralville
Illinois
- Freeport
- Ottawa
Kansas
- Hutchinson
- Wichita
Texas
- El Paso
- College Station
Ohio
- Parma Heights
- Willoughby Hills
- North Royalton
Pennsylvania
- Uniontown
- Pittsburgh
You’ll Have To Be Thrifty Regardless of Your Location
Whether you land in Portugal or the Cleveland suburbs, Gemini reminded retirees that a $2,000 monthly budget requires you to be very disciplined with your finances.
It recommended strict budgeting, downsizing to smaller, more affordable housing and choosing public transportation over vehicle ownership.
No, Gemini cannot help you pack — but it can help you strategize for smart, cost-effective moving. All you have to do is ask.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: I Asked Gemini Where To Retire on $2K a Month: Here’s What It Said
