Retirement is no longer only about staying close to home. Many Americans are exploring international retirement destinations that stretch their dollars further, offer rich cultural experiences, and provide a high quality of life in beautiful settings.
International Living’s 2026 Annual Global Retirement Index, one of the most referenced guides for expats, evaluates dozens of countries across cost of living, healthcare, climate, housing, visas, and lifestyle to determine the most compelling places for retirement abroad.
Based on this index, here are the top international retirement destinations for Americans planning their golden years overseas.
1. Greece: Affordability & Lifestyle Appeal
Greece takes the #1 spot, beating long-time favorites, because of its affordability and appealing lifestyle.
With Mediterranean climate, welcoming culture, and cost of living roughly half that of the U.S., many retirees find daily life much more relaxed and considerably less costly.
Greece scores high in the healthcare category, with private plans costing significantly less than in the U.S., and the country’s Golden Visa and Financially Independent Person permits.
2. Panama: Retiree-Friendly Policies
Often at the top of retirement rankings, International Living ranks Panama near the summit thanks to its Pensionado Visa, widely regarded as one of the most retiree-friendly policies in the world.
This visa offers benefits such as discounts on healthcare, entertainment, travel, and utilities, making it financially attractive for many U.S. retirees.
Panama has modern infrastructure, English-friendly services, and warm tropical weather, that contributes to its popularity among those craving to retire abroad.
3. Costa Rica: Community, Healthcare, & Nature
Costa Rica’s quality healthcare, political stability, gorgeous nature, and friendly visa policies places it high on the list in 3rd.
Costa Rica also has well-established expat communities meaning support networks already exist for newcomers, smoothing transitions and making it easy to meet other expats.
4. Portugal: High-Quality Healthcare & Cost of Living
Portugal often leads in European retirement recommendations due to its mild climate, high-quality healthcare, and low cost of living when compared to other Western European options.
Portugal remains a top retirement spot in the region and is loved for its safety, easy-to-navigate residency processes, and quality of life. Retirees also appreciate Portugal’s gentle pace of life, excellent food, and beach access all within a compact, travel-friendly country.
5. Mexico: Low Cost of Living & Weather
Mexico is a favorite for early retirees because of its closeness to the U.S., low cost of living, and a range of climates and lifestyles, like the highland colonial city of San Miguel de Allende and coastal locations like Puerto Vallarta.
Because of its affordable healthcare, easy to access retirement visas, and expat communities, Mexico typically ranks as one of the top places for U.S. citizens to retire.
6. Italy: Culture, History, and Lifestyle
Italy’s historic cities, scenic countryside, and slower pace of life continue to be a favorite of retirees who prefer culture and value.
While living costs varies by region, retirees often find that small towns and southern areas offer the best affordability, paired with lifestyle benefits like walkable communities and mouthwatering food.
7. France: Healthcare & Quality of Life
France is noted in the 2026 index for its world-class healthcare system and quality of life. Even though costs in major cities can be higher than in other destinations on this list, regions outside of Paris and the Côte d’Azur offer retirees good value.
Access to France’s public healthcare system, combined with reliable transportation and everyday services, remains a significant factor in its appeal to retirees considering long-term residency.
8. Spain: Culture, Healthcare, Affordability
Spain has cultural richness, healthcare excellence, affordable coastal or inland living, and LGBTQ-friendliness making it another strong European contender for retirees.
Cities like Valencia and Málaga offer warm weather, good public transport, and access to healthcare, benefits retirees often cite as significant advantages.
As AARP notes in its coverage of affordable retirement abroad, Spanish cities offer “white-sand beaches, Old World cities, and famed wine regions where you can live on the cheap.”
9. Thailand: Culture, Cost of Living, & Weather
For retirees drawn to Asian culture, low living costs, and tropical weather, International Living ranks Thailand among the best places to retire.
With private healthcare significantly cheaper than in the U.S. and a variety of visa options, Thailand offers retirees both economic and lifestyle benefits.
Expats often highlight the country’s vibrant atmosphere, welcoming communities, and delicious cuisine as key factors in making it one of the most affordable and rewarding places to retire abroad.
10. Malaysia: Affordability, Healthcare, & English-Friendly
Malaysia wraps up the list, offering U.S. retirees affordability, modern healthcare, and an English-friendly environment.
Its Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program has made residency easier for retirees, attracting a broad range of expat lifestyles from beach living to cosmopolitan city life.
Alexandrea Sumuel Groves is a Travel Journalist, Yahoo! Creator, MSN Partner, a member of both the Society of Professional Journalists and North American Travel Journalists Association, and the founder of Wander Worthy. She covers vacation destinations, travel news, and tourism trends.