2025’s Best Places in the World to Retire
Heavy recent interest in moving abroad leads International Living to accelerate the release of its popular Annual Global Retirement Index
A remarkable surge in interest in moving overseas post-election has led International Living to release its Annual Global Retirement Index for 2025 about a month earlier than usual.
The new 2025 rankings of the top destinations for retirees worldwide was released on Thanksgiving this year, as opposed to its traditional release on New Year’s Day.
In the wake of the Nov. 5 U.S. election, International Living reported experiencing a remarkable surge in website traffic, with views on pages like “How to Move Out of the US” skyrocketing by 778%, a 764% increase on the “Move to Costa Rica” page and “Move to Panama” increasing by 528% from Nov. 6-8 compared to the previous few days. As uncertainty looms, IL said in a press release many are actively exploring life abroad as a viable alternative, as evidenced by the spike in page views reflecting a growing demand for actionable guidance on relocating overseas.
“These figures highlight a clear trend: Americans aren’t just daydreaming—they’re taking concrete steps to research life abroad,” said Jennifer Stevens, Executive Editor at International Living. “Whether they’re drawn by the promise of a lower cost of living, better healthcare, worry about the social environment at home, or the chance for a fresh start, more people than ever are seriously considering the benefits of living internationally.”
The Index helps retirees identify destinations where their dollar stretches further, offering great value in real estate, living costs, and quality of life.
“Our goal is to empower retirees to make informed decisions about their best options abroad right now. Stevens said. “This year’s Index showcases safe, welcoming, good-value places where retirees can live better for less—while enjoying an adventure and finding like-minded community in surrounds that suit them.”
The Index evaluates destinations across seven key categories, including healthcare, housing, cost of living, and ease of integration into local society. It is informed by the insights of on-the-ground correspondents and the lived experiences of expats who call these countries home.
So, according to IL’s brand new 2025 rankings, where’s the best place overseas for Americans to retire? It’s Panama, returning to the top position it last held in 2022, and jumping up from fourth in the 2024 rankings. Click to the next page for more on what made Panama the top choice for 2025, and the following pages for details about the rest of the top 10.
NEXT PAGE: Why Panama Stands Out
