Lightfoot,
We have lived for extended period in both Chapala, Mexico and Thailand.
In Thailand, basically, using Bangkok as a mid point, things get less expensive in the north, and more so in the south. The beaches are south and Phuket ( Pooh - Ket ) is one of the more expensive places to go. However, if you go in off season, there are bargains to be had. Usually we go there as a break for some beach time or for body surfing in the off season. During this period the waves are larger, but it is the rainy season.
For long term we prefer the northern city of Chiang Mai. Our website
www.RetireEarlyLifestyle.com has a load of information on this area. Internet can cost 30 cents an hour or more, using cyber cafés, which are everywhere. Food, if you eat a lot of Thai food can be cheap, but if you want western food it can get expensive.
Housing/rent, obviously depends on you, but most expats spend $200-400 per month.
Overall $2000.00 per month is very doable.
That said…Thailand is going through some changes and we have been noticing prices rising along with the Baht/Dollar exchange rate not moving in our favor. Still it’s a great place to be.
Chapala, Mexico too can be wonderful. Again, prices in Mexico have been raising for a few years now, and real-estate can be California prices. But I know many expats who rent furnished homes with pools for $500.00 US. Internet there is around $30.00 per month, or the cyber cafes are about 1 Dollar per hour. There are some newer internet providers moving in so perhaps prices will come down a bit or the service will be better.
IMO, Chapala offers a great lifestyle and value, though a little more pricey than Thailand.
Billy
RetireEarlyLifestyle.com