What if retiring comfortably didn’t require winning the lottery—just a willingness to look beyond your backyard?
That’s the provocative idea behind the 2026 Global Retirement Index from International Living. Each year, the report ranks the best places in the world to retire based on cost of living, healthcare, visas, lifestyle, and more. And according to Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens, this year’s biggest surprise may also be its biggest opportunity.
Let’s unpack the key insights shaping where (and how) Americans are retiring abroad.
Listen to the full podcast conversation with Jennifer here: Best Places to Retire Overseas in 2026
Greece: The New Star of Europe
The headline change in this year’s index? Greece has surged to the top.
“There’s a little bit of a chess game,” Stevens explains. “Something goes up, something else needs to come down.” Portugal, long a retirement powerhouse, made changes to its Golden Visa and tax incentives, making it “less convenient for Americans to retire there.” Meanwhile, Greece has quietly strengthened its economy and improved its appeal.
What makes Greece so compelling right now is timing. Stevens calls it “a bit of a sweet spot.” Perception still lags reality. “It is a place that has really a robust economy right now,” she says—something many Americans may not realize after years of headlines about debt crises.
The numbers are striking. You can live well in Greece for $2,500 to $3,000 a month. Renovated ocean-view homes can start around €160,000. Apartments can be found for under €40,000. “Dinner with two could cost you €30,” Stevens notes.
Beyond affordability, there’s lifestyle. Greece offers a slower pace, welcoming communities, excellent healthcare (depending on location), and that iconic Mediterranean climate. Stevens believes prices will rise as word spreads. For now, she says, “there’s a little opportunity there.”
Living Large on a Small Budget
For many Americans—especially those in high-cost states like California or New York—retiring abroad isn’t about luxury. It’s about breathing room.
Stevens shares the story of a colleague who sold his California home and moved to Mexico. He and his wife now live comfortably on one Social Security check. “They are living large on one of their Social Security checks,” she says, traveling frequently and even investing abroad.
If maximizing dollars is your priority, Southeast Asia dominates. Sri Lanka tops the cost-of-living category this year. “On about $2,200 a month all in… you could have a villa with a pool by the beach,” Stevens says. Eat out whenever you want. Enjoy a high quality of life at a fraction of U.S. costs.
Vietnam is another standout. Their correspondent there lives on $1,800 a month in Social Security but only spends about $1,000. And she’s not scraping by. She enjoys massages, pedicures, and a comfortable furnished apartment with security.
For those wanting to stay closer to home, Ecuador, Panama, Mexico, and Costa Rica offer comfortable lifestyles under $3,000 a month. Considering the average U.S. retiree household spends about $4,500 monthly, that’s a meaningful difference.
Healthcare That Won’t Break the Bank
Healthcare anxiety is often the biggest barrier to retiring abroad. Stevens is quick to reassure.
France wins this year’s healthcare category. After three months of residency, you can access the national system. A doctor’s visit costs about $30, with 70% reimbursed. Chronic illnesses are covered at 100%.
One correspondent in France pays about $120 a month for supplemental coverage for her family of three. When she gave birth, she “never saw a hospital bill.”
But you don’t have to move to Europe for quality care. Panama stands out in the Americas. With internationally affiliated hospitals and U.S.-trained doctors, many American retirees report excellent care at far lower costs.
Even if taxes are higher in Europe, Stevens points out that you often get more in return. Lower healthcare costs and strong public services can offset the difference.
Visas, Golden Visas, and Playing by the Rules
Retiring abroad isn’t as simple as showing up with a suitcase. But it’s often easier than people assume.
If you’re not planning to work, many countries simply require proof of income. Panama’s popular pensionado visa, for example, requires showing modest monthly income and basic documentation. In return, retirees receive perks like airfare discounts and prescription savings.
Golden visas—residency through investment—remain especially attractive in Europe. Portugal scaled back its real estate option, but Greece still offers one starting at €250,000. That can put you on a path toward EU citizenship after several years.
Still, Stevens warns against improvising. Some retirees arrive first and try to sort out paperwork later. “It’s so much easier to do if you start it in the U.S.,” she says. Using a local attorney can prevent costly headaches.
Community, Language, and the Human Factor
Politics and immigration debates may dominate headlines, but Stevens hasn’t seen widespread pushback against American retirees.
“We are able to separate what a government is doing from what the individual in front of you is doing,” she says. Most recommended destinations already have vibrant expat communities.
That said, integration matters. Learning the local language—even imperfectly—can transform the experience. “You don’t have to become fully fluent,” she says, “but when you speak at least a little bit of the local language, it is the door that swings open to your neighbors.”
She recommends choosing locations with established expat networks, especially for first-time movers. A couple in rural Greece, for example, loved the beauty but struggled with loneliness due to limited community ties.
The happiest retirees abroad often share certain traits. They’re curious. Adventurous. Open to change. As Stevens puts it, people who move abroad “tend to be adventuresome… curious about the world.”
Try Before You Buy
One of Stevens’ strongest pieces of advice? Rent first.
Even if you’re certain about a town, neighborhoods can vary dramatically. A vibrant tourist center might be charming for a week—but exhausting full-time. Renting for six months can help you discover where you truly fit.
“There’s no one perfect place for everybody,” Stevens says. But “there is a perfect place for you.”
A Bigger World, Within Reach
Perhaps the most empowering message from this year’s index is that retirement abroad isn’t all-or-nothing. You can go part-time. Buy a second home. Start a small business. Or simply stretch your savings further.
As Stevens reflects, the quality of life in many countries is “slow, it’s easy, it’s friendly. It’s not so frenetic as it is here in the States.”
For retirees willing to explore, the world isn’t just open—it may be more affordable, welcoming, and rewarding than they ever imagined.
Listen to this full interview: Best Places to Retire Overseas in 2026
Read the report: Best Places to Retire in 2026: The Annual Global Retirement Index
At Financial Sense® Wealth Management, we specialize in serving high net worth individuals to achieve their financial goals through tailored portfolio strategies and expert guidance. Reach out today at (888) 486-3939 or click here to get in touch.
The views and opinions expressed in this interview are solely those of the interviewee(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions of Financial Sense Wealth Management.
Content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, legal, or other advice.
The discussion of macroeconomic trends, geopolitical developments, and asset classes is general in nature and may not be appropriate for all investors. Investors should consider their individual financial circumstances, investment objectives, and risk tolerance and consult with a financial, tax, or legal professional before making any investment decisions.
Investing involves risk, including the loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions that may not materialize and are subject to risks and uncertainties.
Any mention of specific securities or investment strategies is not an endorsement or recommendation.
Advisory services offered through Financial Sense® Advisors, Inc., a registered investment adviser. Securities offered through Financial Sense® Securities, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. DBA Financial Sense® Wealth Management.