Malaysia has been listed as one of the best retirement havens in the world, thanks to its affordability, ease of communication, and transport and healthcare infrastructure.

Retirement magazine International Living praised Malaysia's "excellent” roads and internet facilities, particularly in Penang and the capital city of Kuala Lumpur.

It quoted retiree Keith Hockton, who said a couple could live comfortably in Penang for US$1,450 (about RM6,190) a month.

Hockton, who lives with his wife Lisa in a three-bedroom, two-bathroom, 2,195-square-foot apartment five minutes from George Town, said he pays US$700 for rent each month.

Cheaper places are also available for as low as US$300 a month for a three-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment, he added.

Meanwhile, expat Chad Merchant who lives in Kuala Lumpur said a couple could live comfortably on US$1,500 a month, and "extravagantly” on US$2,500 a month, including rent.

"Monthly utility bills under US$50 for a couple are common. Water bills are laughably cheap, typically less than US$3 a month" he was quoted as saying.

Merchant also praised the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), which he said provided affordable connections to other areas in the region such as Phuket or Bangkok.

And, of course, food plays a vital role as well, with local delicacies available for under US$2 per person and meals in restaurants going for US$10 or less.

Besides Malaysia, the report also listed countries such as Mexico, Vietnam, Colombia and Peru.