Are you tired of working in America? Here’s how to prepare for retirement within 5 years — especially if you plan to escape overseas

For example, if you move to a country where basic expenses are 30% lower, you could theoretically retire with a nest egg that’s 30% smaller. If that sounds appealing, here’s how you can start preparing over the next five years for a comfortable retirement abroad.

Calculate your income needs

The median retired household income in the U.S. is $54,710, according to the Census Bureau. Meanwhile, a Northwestern Mutual survey cites that most Americans believe they need $1.26 million to retire comfortably.

You probably already have a rough idea of how much income and savings you’ll need to retire. But if you're considering retiring abroad, you’ll need to dig deeper with research and expert advice.

For example, the cost of living in Lisbon, Portugal, is 47.4% lower than in New York City, and rent in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, is 81.2% lower than it is in Miami, according to Numbeo.

Understanding these cost differences can help you more accurately estimate how much you’ll need — and how far your money will go — when planning retirement in another country.

Determine your healthcare options

It’s no surprise that healthcare systems around the world can differ significantly from the U.S. system.

In France, for example, retirees can access the public healthcare system after just three months of residency, according to AXA Global.

Malaysia offers a two-tiered system, giving retirees the choice between government-run facilities and government-subsidized private clinics — both of which are accessible to expats and generally more affordable than U.S. healthcare, according to SmartAsset.