Wondering Where in the World to Retire? There's an Index for That.

Choosing where to retire is no longer a question of what American city or region has the most to offer. Retirement has now taken a global bent. There are plenty of international options for lifestyle, economy, cultural compatibility, etc. that makes the prospect of retirement more exciting than ever. Here are the top 10 offshore destinations for retirees in 2026 and why they are so appealing.

FROM CONDE NAST TRAVELER / BY CAITLIN MORTON

These are the best places in the world to retire in 2026, considering healthcare, cost of living, and more.

Whether you picture your golden years on a Caribbean coast or hidden away in a European village, retiring abroad is undeniably appealing. While the United States boasts plenty of wonderful spots to plant new roots, moving overseas often unlocks lower living expenses, high-quality healthcare, and highly attractive tax incentives—alongside those aforementioned coastlines.

If you’re ready to make the leap to another country, the big question is: Where? To jumpstart your search, take a look at International Living’s 2026 Retirement Index, a comprehensive annual ranking of places where a couple can live comfortably on as low as $2,000 per month.

Now in its 35th year, the Retirement Index gathers insights from hundreds of on-the-ground editors and correspondents around the world. Beyond anecdotal evidence, the countries are scored across seven categories: Housing, Visas & Benefits, Cost of Living, Healthcare, Development & Governance, Climate (higher score = more varied climate), and something called an Affinity Rating—basically a mini happiness index measuring how easily expats can build a thriving social life. The goal is to identify locations where you can stretch your dollars, prioritize your health, and immerse yourself in a new culture while maintaining a sense of comfort and familiarity.

The top 10 countries for 2026 are a mix of cultural hubs in Europe and outdoor havens in Central and South America—ones you really shouldn’t wait until retirement to consider. The list may look familiar, though the no. 1 spot has changed for the first time in six years. (More on that later.)

Without further ado, here are the best places to retire around the world.

10. Malaysia

Malaysia sure knows how to pack a punch: Split by the South China Sea, it’s like two countries in one—Peninsular Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo—surrounded by more than 800 islands. The natural beauty is spectacular, and major cities like Kuala Lumpur and George Town ensure you’ll never be too far from modern amenities.

The Malaysia-based editors at International Living raved about the low cost of living, citing friendly locals, safety, affordable housing (the editor who wrote this year’s report rents a four-bedroom apartment in Tanjung Bungah for around $900 USD per month), and delicious street food as added perks.

Travel-loving retirees will love to hear that the country is a convenient jumping-off point to many other Asian nations, including Thailand, India, and the Philippines. You can even drive from Johor Bahru to Singapore in under an hour.

Cost of living: Though Penang is one of Malaysia’s most desirable slices of land, the island state remains surprisingly affordable. For a price of $750 to $1,000 per month, you can rent a three- to four-bedroom apartment overlooking the ocean; stray away from the beach, and those rent prices drop to around $600. According to International Living, an absolute top-tier, ultra-modern apartment in Kuala Lumpur would cost $2,000/month—that same quality of unit would cost closer to $25,000/month in New York City. (Sob.)

Overall, you can expect to live on $2,500 per month in Malaysia.

Healthcare: Malaysia has a two-tier healthcare system (government-run universal healthcare and private healthcare), but most expats choose to either pay out of pocket for routine visits or take out a private policy for more serious health issues. Basic insurance policies round out at about $400 per year, while a doctor visit sans insurance typically costs only $15.

Visa requirements: Malaysia has a points-based system for granting expats permanent residency, but many retirees are more interested in the country’s MM2H (Malaysia My 2nd Home) program—one of the most interesting and alluring residency permits out there. It was previously only eligible for expats aged 50 and older, but since mid-2024, it’s been extended to anyone 25+ years old.

The program grants expats a 10-year renewable multiple-entry visa, plus the ability to purchase property and bring along any children under the age of 21. To qualify for the MM2H permit, you must purchase real estate for at least MYR600,000 (roughly $151,800), and pay a $150,000 (minimum) fee.

9. Thailand

Some people may want to stay relatively close to the US when they retire, perhaps sticking to similar time zones or prioritizing places with nonstop flights for family visits. But then there are those who really want to get away. Enter Thailand. The Southeast Asian country is by no means an easy hop from home, but therein lies its appeal—well, that plus incredible cities, kind people, and some of the best beaches in the entire world.

Bangkok is a lively option for retirees wanting to speed up, not slow down, their pace after moving abroad. The city’s culinary scene needs hardly any introduction (Michelin-starred street food!), nor does its abundance of museums and temples. Chiang Mai is a nice option for city amenities with slightly more laid-back vibes. But really, you’ll feel right at home no matter where you decide to live. Per the Thailand-based editor at International Living, “As an older expat, I appreciate the fact that Thai society places a tremendous amount of emphasis on watching out for me and making my life easy.”

Cost of living: You can get a lot for little in Thailand—just under $2,000 per month overall. Of course, that depends on the type of housing you want. Three-bedroom homes in the suburbs of Chiang Mai start as low as $600 a month (or $300 for a studio right in town), while one-bedroom, beach-adjacent houses in Koh Samui cost around $1,200. On the very top end of the price spectrum are luxurious Bangkok condos—the kind with infinity pools and sky decks—which start at around $3,000 a month. But with $12 internet bills and inexpensive groceries, you’ll still be able to pinch pennies without even trying.

Healthcare: The quality of Thailand’s hospitals rivals (and often exceeds) anything you’ll find in North America, and you can often walk in to see specialists without even booking an appointment. Expats don’t qualify for public health insurance, so many either pay out of pocket or opt for accident insurance only.

Visa requirements: Thailand has two long-term visa options: The Non-Immigrant “O-A” Visa lets you stay in the country for up to one year, with a possible one-year extension; and the Non-Immigrant “O-X” Visa is good for five years, with a possible five-year extension. For O-A, you must have 800,000 Baht (approximately $24,650) in your bank account, or a monthly income of at least 65,000 Baht ($2,000). For O-X, you’ll need 1.8 million Baht ($55,460) in your account and an annual income of 1.2 million Baht ($36,970). Both visas are only available for non-working people aged 50 and over.

8. Spain

It’s never too late to improve your quality of life, and that’s pretty much a guarantee if you retire in Spain. The country offers a wonderful climate, high mental and physical well-being among citizens, and a way of life that values good food and leisure (hello, siestas). Towns along the Mediterranean coast offer 300-plus days of annual sunshine, ensuring you won’t have to spend your retirement years shoveling snow or waiting out the cold indoors.

Aside from great food and great weather, Spain also has plenty of cultural offerings. You truly can’t beat the architecture in Barcelona, the shopping in Madrid, the museums in Valencia, and the flamenco shows in Andalusia. Add to that some great healthcare, dependable infrastructure, and an abundance of English speakers, and you have yourself an extremely comfortable retirement destination.

Cost of living: The cost of living in Spain is lower than most expect. A couple can live very well in a mid-size city for around $2,800 per month. That number goes up in Madrid and Barcelona, but down in smaller regional towns.

Healthcare: Long-term visa applicants must show proof of health insurance (covering a full year) to qualify. You have dozens of options to choose from, but you can expect rates around $100 per month for a healthy person in their early 60s—and that covers everything with no deductible or co-pay, including lab work and dental.

Visa requirements: The non-working residence visa is the most common option for retirees. Applicants must prove they have enough money to cover living expenses for their entire first year, whether that’s upfront or through monthly income. That amount must equal at least 400% of Spain’s Public Income Indicator for Multiple Effects (IPREM). In 2026, the IPREM is €600/month, or €7,200/year; so 400% of that equals €28,800 (approximately $33,520). All info and paperwork can be found on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website.

7. France

You’ve probably dreamt of living in France at some point in your life, and retirement is as good an opportunity as any. There is world-class culture and nature at every turn, from the glitzy beach towns of the Côte d’Azur to the sunflower fields of the Dordogne. And while living in the center of Paris may not be a cost-efficient option, there are surprisingly affordable (and just as charming) locations elsewhere in the country.

Montpellier is the fastest-growing metropolitan area in France, with tons of theaters, restaurants, and modern apartments starting at $160,000. The southern city is also about a 30-minute shuttle ride away from the Mediterranean Sea. There’s also something to be said for settling down in one of the country’s many charming small towns, like hilltop Rocamadour or canal-lined Colmar.

Cost of living: Avoid the Riviera and center of Paris, and you can often buy or rent French properties for 34% less on average than comparable homes in the US. If you rent an apartment for $1,200 (which is doable), your monthly budget can easily be capped at $2,600.

Healthcare: France’s healthcare system is often cited as one of the best in the world. Care is modern and reliable, and the costs are fixed by the government and cannot be increased by providers. You can enroll in the system after three months of residence, and you can expect to pay about $9 out of pocket for a standard doctor’s visit after reimbursement.

Visa requirements: The most popular visa option for retirees is the visa de long séjour (long-term visa), which grants stays between 90 days and one year; after renewing, you’ll get a residence card. Requirements for long-term visas include proof that your annual income equals €17,317.39 (a hyper-specific number that’s the exact equivalent of France’s net yearly minimum wage) and proof of health insurance covering your entire stay.

6. Italy

Do we really need to sell you on the idea of retiring in Italy? The country offers something for every type of retiree—busy cities for culture and excitement, rural areas for scenic landscapes and small-town charm, and pretty much everything in between. The lifestyle is famously community-oriented. Family is everything, but that extends out to local festivals and hours-long meals centered around good food and good company.

The Italian housing market and visa applications can sometimes be tricky, but moving here is worth any effort. It’s still easier to relocate here than to many other countries—and those countries don’t even have Alpine ski resorts or Mediterranean coastlines.

Cost of living: Italy has such a cosmopolitan reputation, it’s hard to believe that living here costs at least one-third of what you’d spend staying in the US. Outside of major cities, couples can live very comfortably for under $3,500 a month. International Living’s Italian correspondent rents a one-bedroom apartment in Palermo with multiple balconies and a full kitchen for $925/month. An abundance of train routes and public transportation options helps cut down on travel expenses.

Healthcare: Italy has around 53 doctors per 10,000 people—one of the highest ratios in the world, per the World Health Organization. Expats can get access to that abundance of healthcare for a relatively low cost. Private insurance doesn’t get much higher than $2,600 annually for a family of four, and you’ll qualify for free healthcare once you become a resident or citizen.

Visa requirements: Retirees can apply for an elective residency visa, designed for people planning to permanently move to Italy without working. The minimum financial requirement is an annual passive income of €31,000 (approximately $35,000) for individuals. You must also provide a registered lease or deed for property in Italy. After securing the visa, you can then apply for permanent residence after five years, and Italian citizenship after 10 years.

5. Mexico

Mexico is a convenient choice for American retirees, but the country offers far more perks than its geographic proximity. You can easily find high-speed internet and cell service, good highways, reliable electricity, and familiar stores and restaurants alongside local gems. And thanks to a huge expat community (more than one million Americans live there at least part of the year), you can get around easily while still gaining Spanish language proficiency.

Despite all the familiarity, Mexico still has incredible landscapes and a distinct culture that makes it a fun place to call home. You can learn all about the local holidays and traditions, then visit one of the country’s many beach towns to while away your afternoons along white sands and turquoise waters.

Cost of living: Condos with ocean views in Puerto Vallarta cost around $120,000 to purchase, or $600/month to rent. Even apartments within a five-minute walk of the beach in Playa del Carmen can cost as low as $1,000/month. Per International Living’s Mexico editor: “I live comfortably on $1,200 a month and like a king on $3,000.” That general price range includes rent, utilities, food, entertainment, healthcare, and transportation.

Healthcare: Unemployed residents can enroll in the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS) healthcare system, which costs about $96 per month for someone in their 60s. Once you pay your premium, pretty much all treatments and medications are covered.

Visa requirements: To qualify for a permanent residence visa, you must earn a monthly income or pension of at least $3,737.95, or prove your bank account and assets have a balance of at least $62,232.50. You can apply at your nearest Mexican consulate.

4. Portugal

Whether you prefer rugged Atlantic beaches or cobblestoned cities, Portugal is the place. The European country benefits from a glorious Mediterranean climate, with local seafood, olive oil, and wine to match. Residents get to enjoy a laid-back environment with all the amenities, like high-speed internet and reliable airports and public transportation.

Cities like Lisbon and Porto are cultural hot spots, with enough museums, concert halls, and trendy cafes to last a lifetime. But there are tons of other charming towns and natural wonderlands a quick train ride away—think the vineyards of the Douro Valley, the rocky beaches of the Algarve, and the large English-speaking expat community of Cascais.

Cost of living: Portugal is one of Western Europe’s most affordable countries. A couple can live comfortably for $2,500 to $3,000 a month outside of the major cities.

Healthcare: Once you obtain your Portuguese ID number and residence permit and register with the National Health Service, you can access the state medical system—copays under this system are extremely low, usually no more than a few euros per visit. You can also opt for private insurance; a couple in their 60s can expect to pay €300 ($350) a month, which covers both people.

Visa requirements: One of the most popular options for retirees is the Golden Visa, which was introduced in 2012 to attract foreign nationals. To qualify, you must be 18 years old with a clean criminal history, and you must invest €500,000 ($582,150) into a Portuguese private equity or venture capital fund. Another option is to apply for the Portugal D7 Visa (aka Passive Income Visa), which allows non-EU citizens to live in the country if they have a passive income of €920 ($1,071) per month.

3. Costa Rica

The natural beauty of Costa Rica is no secret, with beaches, cloud forests, and coffee farms filling its relatively small area. The country has been extremely popular with expats for the past 40+ years, so you can easily find established communities of English-speaking peers (though you should definitely learn Spanish if you’re considering a permanent move).

Costa Rica’s famous pura vida lifestyle encourages people to relax, get outdoors, and stop sweating the small stuff. It’s easy to get back to the fast pace in the States, however, with numerous airlines flying out of the international airports in San José (SJO) and Guanacaste (LIR).

Cost of living: Couples can live comfortably off $2,500 a month in Costa Rica. That includes all costs: housing and utilities, transportation, healthcare, utilities, groceries, and dining out.

Healthcare: Once you become a legal resident, you must pay monthly into the universal medicine program (typically 6-11% of your income), which then grants you unlimited access to government-operated hospitals and clinics; you can then add on a private policy to use other medical facilities. You can also pay out of pocket, with visits costing around $60 for a regular doctor’s visit and $90 for a specialist.

Visa requirements: There is no age requirement for the Pensioner Visa, but you must have a monthly pension of $1,000. You must apply in person at the Immigration Office of Costa Rica in San José.

2. Panama

Panama often appears at the top of these types of “best places to retire” lists—in fact, it occupied the no. 1 spot in the Retirement Index for six years before being usurped by another country this year. (Scroll down if you simply can’t wait to find out.) The country is perfectly perched between North and South America, just a three-hour flight away from Miami. It offers both Pacific and Caribbean beaches, and coastal towns like Coronado have established expat communities that are thriving and welcoming.

The Panama Pensionado (or Panama Retirement) visa is one of the most attractive in the world, offering steep discounts on everything from airfare to theater performances. The expat communities here aren’t quite as established as in Costa Rica, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing—you can still find thousands of fellow expats, and they tend to live among the locals as opposed to separate enclaves.

Cost of living: A retired couple can live very well in Panama City for less than $3,000 a month (including rent), while a single person could retire almost anywhere in Panama for $1,700 a month—though, of course, something closer to $2,000 or $3,000 would be extremely comfortable.

Healthcare: There are many excellent hospitals and clinics around the country, including the Johns Hopkins International-affiliated Hospital Punta Pacifica. All pensioners and senior citizens are also entitled to discounts on prescription medications, eye exams, and hospital stays.

Visa requirements: You must be 18 years old, have a minimum monthly pension of $1,000, and apply in person through a Panamanian attorney. You can find full details on the Embassy of Panama website.

1. Greece

Greece is a country people dream about their whole lives, so choosing it as a retirement destination is a no-brainer (especially now that it’s sitting at the very top of the Retirement Index). The capital city of Athens has experienced a renaissance in its arts and culture scene, while the islands continue to epitomize Mediterranean bliss.

And while we probably don’t need to convince you to spend your retirement years on a sunny isle, it’s worth pointing out the country’s abundance of expat communities and language centers, both of which will help you assimilate easily into your new way of life. The fact that housing prices are much lower than those in the US certainly doesn’t hurt. Fun fact (er, sad fact?): The cost of living in NYC, including rent, is currently 160% higher than in Athens.

Cost of living: Greece is by no means the cheapest country in Europe, but the prices are still very doable, especially compared to most of the United States. As with any country, the cost of housing varies from region to region: In Athens, two-bedroom condos cost around $1,200 per month to rent, or $295,000 to buy. Those prices drop to $860/$250,000 on Crete, and $860/$160,000 in Nafplio, a coastal town located in the Peloponnese. Pinch some pennies, and a couple can live comfortably for under $2,000 a month in Greece.

Healthcare: In Greece, most visas require proof of a low-cost insurance plan called residence permit insurance, which has an annual premium of around €150-€350 from a major company like Cigna. You can purchase more extensive private insurance or simply pay out of pocket for medical visits—both options are vastly cheaper than anything in the US. (And emergency room visits are free!)

Visa requirements: Greece is another country with a Golden Visa option, which grants five-year permanent residency to anyone investing €800,000 ( approximately $931,440 in Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, and most other Greek Isles; or €400,000 (approximately $465,720) in all other areas of Greece. As long as you keep your investment standing, you can renew your residency after five years and apply for citizenship after seven years.