George W. Bush was found to be the most expensive living ex-president. Americans shelled out over $1.3 million to cover his expenses in 2012 alone. The annual pension of the former U.S. president is equal to $200 thousand plus $96 thousand for a small office staff, flights, postage and other services. Moreover, he is paid a certain amount for transition expenses.
In 2012, a sum of million dollars was allocated for Bill Clinton. Its biggest part, namely $442 thousand, was spent on the rent of an office in New York.
George H.W. Bush is the third on the list of the U.S. most expensive ex-presidents costing American taxpayers $850 thousand, while Jimmy Carter is ranked fourth taking $500 thousand from the budget.
What is more, widows of former presidents are entitled to $20 thousand annually. However, the widow of Ronald Wilson Reagan, Nancy Reagan, refused to accept the lifetime pension in 2012. Still, she agreed to receive $14 thousand for postage.
Last but not least, expenses related to the Secret Service protection of former presidents and their families also matter. The Secret Service costs are kept low key; it is not a part of the official budget.
It should be said that the 2012 bill cutting the pensions of former presidents by $200 thousand was blocked by the U.S. Senate.