Interest in retiring abroad rising
According to a 2025 Harris Poll, 44% of Americans say they have seriously considered retiring abroad, with 14% reporting that they’re actively planning or contemplating a move overseas within the next two years.
The poll found about half of Americans considering retirement abroad cite wanting to have a lower cost of living as their top reason. Political dissatisfaction and desire for better healthcare are other major factors driving Americans to retire overseas.
The number of Americans retiring outside the United States has continued to grow in recent years. The Social Security Administration (SSA) reports 760,000 retirees outside of the United States receive Social Security benefits each year. That total is up from 431,000 in 2019.
Many of these retirees (38%) relocated to Europe. Among top retirement locations in Europe, 25,000 beneficiaries were living in the United Kingdom, more than 23,000 in Germany, 19,000 in Poland, about 16,000 in Italy, 13,000 in Greece, nearly 12,000 in France, and 10,000 in Portugal.
In addition, more than 55,000 retirees were living in Japan, another 71,000 in Canada, 33,000 in Mexico, and nearly 19,000 across Central America and the Caribbean.
Balance a key to Global Retirement Index
Now in its 35th year, International Living’s Global Retirement Index remains a benchmark for those exploring life abroad.
“The Index isn’t about naming the cheapest place in the world,” Stevens said. “It’s about balance. Greece takes the top spot this year because it offers that rare mix of attainable comfort, rich culture, and everyday ease. It’s a place where your money stretches, and your days feel full.”
Overall, European destinations made a strong showing in 2026, with Greece, Portugal, Italy, France, and Spain all ranking in the Top 10—a sign that Europe remains an increasingly attractive option for value-conscious retirees.
The complete 2026 InternationalLiving.com Annual Global Retirement Index, including more information on the winner and the other nine countries that made it into the top 10, as well as the individual rankings in all seven categories for all 24 countries included, can be found at: The World’s Best Places to Retire in 2026.
SEE ALSO:
• 2025’s Best Places in the World to Retire
• Midwest Tops Charts in U.S. News 2026 ‘Best Places to Retire’
• 6 ‘Up-and-Coming’ Retirement Destinations for 2025
Veteran financial services industry journalist Brian Anderson joined 401(k) Specialist as Managing Editor in January 2019. He has led editorial content for a variety of well-known properties including Insurance Forums, Life Insurance Selling, National Underwriter Life & Health, and Senior Market Advisor. He has always maintained a focus on providing readers with timely, useful information intended to help them build their business.
