Humans are living longer than ever, nearly 20 years more on average compared to 1950, and millions are rethinking where to spend their later decades. With rising costs, shifting visa rules, and global lifestyles becoming easier to maintain abroad, retirees are now exploring countries that offer better healthcare, lower living costs, and a slower, richer way of life.

Every year, International Living releases its Global Retirement Index, evaluating countries across key categories:
cost of living, healthcare, housing, visas, climate, and ease of settling in.

For 2026, a brand-new No. 1 has emerged.

Greece Takes the Crown as the World’s Best Retirement Destination for 2026

Long famous for tourism, Greece is now dominating retirement rankings globally, and for very practical reasons.

According to International Living, Greece’s climb to No. 1 reflects a major shift in Europe:
countries like Portugal and Spain are getting pricier, tightening residency rules, and attracting overwhelming demand. Greece steps in with:

• one of Europe’s most accessible Golden Visas (from €250,000 property investment)
  
• an excellent climate with long summers and mild winters
  
• high-quality, affordable healthcare
  
• island and village communities ideal for slow, peaceful living
  

Take Patricia Mahan and Dan Matarazzo from the US, who purchased a two-bedroom home in Crete for $150,000. They chose Greece for its coastal lifestyle, medical access, fresh markets, and that rare blend of “simple life + modern comfort” that retirees crave.

The Top 10 Retirement Destinations for 2026 — And Why They’re Winning

Below is a refreshed breakdown of the International Living index, rewritten to highlight what modern retirees care most about: budgets, healthcare, visas, lifestyle quality, and long-term stability.

1. Greece — The New King of Retirement Living

Best for: Climate, healthcare quality, residency options, island lifestyle
The Golden Visa remains one of Europe’s easiest entry points, and everyday costs are lower than in Portugal or Spain’s hotspots. Retirees praise Greece for safety, friendliness, and the ability to live by the sea without burning through savings.

2. Panama — The World’s Best Retiree Perks

Panama stays unbeatable for retiree benefits, offering massive discounts through its famous Pensionado Program: 50% off entertainment, 30% off transport, 15% off medical bills, and more.
Healthcare rivals US standards at a fraction of the price (a $30,000 hospital stay in Miami can be $3,200 in Panama).

Add tropical rainforests, a vibrant capital, and over a dozen national parks, and it’s clear why Panama remains a long-time favorite.

3. Costa Rica — The Eco-Paradise With a Blue Zone Bonus

Costa Rica tops the climate category and leads in sustainability. With 25% of its land protected, 99% renewable energy use, and one of the world’s five Blue Zones, retirees choose it for longevity, wellness, and nature-driven living.

Many report improved health simply from living in Nicoya’s clean-air lifestyle.

4. Portugal — Europe’s Healthcare Powerhouse

Portugal remains a magnet thanks to:

• world-class public healthcare
  
• the popular D7 visa for passive income (from just €1,011/month)
  
• affordable smaller cities and villages
  
• a warm, easygoing lifestyle
  

Retirees often say costs outside Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve feel dramatically lower than US equivalents.

5. Mexico — North America’s Expat Capital

Nearly one million Americans and Canadians now live in Mexico.
Reasons are clear:
fast internet, great highways, modern services, a straightforward residency pathway, and healthcare at prices that shock US retirees.

Communities like Mazatlán, Puerto Vallarta, Mérida, and San Miguel de Allende are especially welcoming.

6. Italy — The Romantic Choice for Cultural Living

Italy scores high for ease of integration and community warmth.
Retirees value:

• historic towns
  
• strong healthcare
  
• deep cultural connection
  
• surprisingly affordable properties in rural regions
  

Small-town Italy still offers charming homes under €50,000—something unthinkable in most of Europe.

7. France — Exceptional Healthcare & World-Class Lifestyle

France’s universal healthcare system scores a near-perfect 97/100, the highest globally.
While reforms may adjust coverage for foreign retirees, France remains irresistible for those seeking:

• a temperate climate
  
• slow café culture
  
• art, food, and architecture everywhere
  

For many retirees, Paris and its smaller towns are a dream finally within reach.

8. Spain — Healthcare Strength and Warm Hospitality

Spain shines in healthcare (94/100) and ease of integration.
Its Non-Lucrative Visa allows foreigners to live in Spain without working — a simple pathway many North Americans choose.

Cities like Valencia, Málaga, and Seville offer exceptional retiree value without resort-town prices.

9. Thailand — One of the World’s Most Affordable Retiree Havens

Thailand ranks among the best for cost of living—only Vietnam and Sri Lanka score higher.
Retirees love its:

• calm coastal towns
  
• low-cost medical care
  
• warm weather
  
• safety and friendly locals
  

Marriage visas and retirement visas make long-term stays simple.

10. Malaysia — Modern, Multicultural, and Budget-Friendly

Malaysia offers a mix of tropical climate, low living costs, and the popular Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program.
Penang stands out for its food culture, multicultural heritage, and UNESCO-listed nature reserves.

Bonus Spotlight: Sri Lanka — A Rising Star for Long-Stay Living

Sri Lanka isn’t (yet) in the Top 10 of the Global Retirement Index — but it’s quickly gaining attention from long-stay travellers, digital nomads, and early retirees.

Why Sri Lanka is rising:

• One of the world’s lowest living costs
  
• High-ranking healthcare value for price
  
• Beautiful coastal and mountain towns ideal for long stays
  
• Friendly communities and laid-back lifestyle
  
• Increasing foreign interest in property and land
  

Retirees drawn to Thailand and Vietnam are now looking at Sri Lanka for its similar affordability paired with richer biodiversity, island variety, and calmer lifestyles.

And if you want local insights, property info, neighbourhood breakdowns, hidden-gem areas, and real cost-of-living research, check out:
https://wathupiti.lk/— Sri Lanka’s growing hub for real estate, lifestyle, and travel discoveries.