The practical framework
Retirement relocation decisions should include healthcare access, taxes on retirement income, home maintenance, climate risk, transportation, family proximity, and long-term support. Cheap housing is not enough.
Consider aging-in-place logistics. Walkability, single-level housing, medical access, airport access, and community support may matter more over time than a small monthly savings estimate.
Run a five-year scenario. Include home repairs, insurance increases, travel to family, healthcare changes, and the possibility of needing more help later.
What to do next
Run your numbers through the tools, then replace assumptions with quotes. The goal is not to predict every dollar perfectly; it is to find the expensive surprises before they become commitments.