Greece has been ranked the world’s best retirement destination for 2026, taking the top spot in International Living’s Global Retirement Index as rising costs push retirees to seek cheaper options abroad.
The annual index evaluates countries across cost of living, healthcare, visas, climate and integration. International Living said Greece’s climb reflects “a shift in Europe’s retirement landscape,” as Portugal and Spain become more expensive and visa rules tighten.
Jennifer Stevens, executive editor, said Greece now offers “a beautiful, welcoming and affordable European base with accessible residency options and a lifestyle that feels rich in every sense.”
Retirees look to Greece’s residency scheme
Greece scored highly on healthcare, climate and housing, and offers one of Europe’s most accessible residency schemes. Its Golden Visa requires a minimum real-estate investment of €250,000 ($290,000).
Patricia Mahan and Dan Matarazzo, a U.S. couple who bought a $150,000 home on Crete in 2023, said lower costs and access to medical care, markets and an airport influenced their choice. “We wanted village life, but near amenities,” Mahan said.
Panama, Costa Rica and Portugal follow
Panama ranked second overall, boosted by its long-running “Pensionado Program,” which offers discounts of 15–50% on services ranging from entertainment to medical bills. International Living said healthcare costs can be up to 10 times lower than in the United States.
Costa Rica topped the climate category and was praised for its environmental protections, renewable power and high longevity rates in its “blue zone” region of Nicoya.
Portugal remained strong on healthcare and governance, though Lisbon ended Golden Visa access for property investors. Retirees still commonly use the D7 “passive income” visa, which requires proof of income as low as $1,011 per month.
Mexico, Italy, France and Spain in the top tier
Mexico drew high scores for infrastructure, low living costs and an “easy path to residency.” International Living estimates as many as one million U.S. and Canadian citizens live there.
Italy performed strongly on healthcare and integration. France received the index’s highest healthcare score—97 out of 100—although domestic debates continue over whether foreign pensioners should pay more toward coverage.
Spain ranked highly for its health system and integration, though rising costs weakened its score on affordability. U.S. retirees living in Catalonia told CNN they paid nothing out-of-pocket for recent surgery under the public system.
Thailand and Malaysia round out the list
Thailand scored among the top countries for cost of living and climate. Retirees interviewed by CNN described the country as affordable and “very safe,” with straightforward visa pathways through marriage or retirement programs.
Malaysia was praised for low living costs, modern infrastructure and its long-running “Malaysia My Second Home” (MM2H) residency scheme, despite weaker scores on integration.
International Living’s 2026 index draws on recent data and assessments from more than 200 correspondents and expats worldwide.