Looking for the best countries to live in? You’re not alone. According to a new International Living survey, 66% of Americans say current conditions in the U.S. have made them more likely to move abroad sooner rather than later.
“The main motivators are rising living costs, political fatigue and a desire for a simpler, healthier, more connected daily life,” Jennifer Stevens, executive editor at International Living, told me in an interview. “Many also want greater control over their future through second residencies or a plan B.”
But the big question isn’t whether to go, it’s where to go. And that’s where International Living’s new 2026 Global Retirement Index comes in. Now in its 35th year, the report taps into expats to help rank the world’s best destinations for a fulfilling life overseas, based on everything from cost of living and healthcare to climate, visas and ease of fitting into local life.
Despite the name, the Global Retirement Index has become just as relevant to younger Americans looking for a different pace of life, especially remote workers, corporate employees with flexible schedules and families.
“While the Index is designed with retirees in mind, the categories we evaluate—healthcare, cost of living, infrastructure, climate and visas—are just as useful for younger people who are still working,” says Stevens.
Another thing that sets the Global Retirement Index apart is its methodology. The report doesn’t rely solely on aggregated statistics or online sentiment. Instead, it blends data with real-world reporting from expats living in each destination.
“Our Index is designed to be useful in the real world,” says Stevens. “It’s built on a combination of statistics and lived experience, with significant input from folks on the ground in the places they’re reporting on. So we’re not taking crowd-sourced data or AI-generated commentary.”
International Living’s correspondents provide housing costs based on real listings in neighborhoods where expats actually live. Healthcare assessments include quality, cost and access to specialists. Cost-of-living questionnaires track everything from utilities and groceries to dining out and flights home. The Index also evaluates residency pathways, infrastructure, climate and an affinity rating that measures how easy it is for newcomers to feel at home.
The World’s Best Country To Live
So what is the world’s best country to live? This year brings a major shake-up at the top of the list. For the first time ever, Greece has taken the No. 1 spot on International Living’s list, edging out longtime European favorites like Portugal and Spain. Compare this year’s results to last year’s list.
Greece has long been the stuff of daydreams with its gorgeous islands and whitewashed villages. What’s changed is that it’s now one of the most practical places to build a life abroad. According to Stevens, Greece reached the top of the 2026 Index because several strengths aligned at once: an improved economy, excellent but still well-priced healthcare, accessible residency options and a cost of living that continues to undercut much of Western Europe.
“Our correspondents report a noticeable sweet spot moment: modern infrastructure and stability without the price inflation seen in other Mediterranean hubs,” says Stevens.
International Living’s correspondents report that expats can live comfortably on $2,500 to $3,200 a month, including rent. Seaside homes can rent in the $600 to $1,000 range. Everyday pleasures are still accessible: Dinner for two with wine can come in under $30 in many spots.
On the practical side, the country shines in categories that matter to Americans. Healthcare is modern and good, and Greece offers it at a fraction of U.S. costs, with many English-speaking doctors and strong private options.
Residency is easier. The country’s visa system has become one of the most accessible in Europe. A revamped Golden Visa includes a €250,000 path for certain restoration and conversion projects, plus a Financially Independent Person visa and a digital nomad visa for people who are still working.
“The final differentiator is timing,” says Stevens. “Greece is at a moment when its quality of life is rising faster than its cost of living. Portugal and Spain have already had their surge; Greece is experiencing it now. For anyone seeking both comfort and value, that makes a meaningful difference in this year’s results.”
How Greece Edged Out Portugal And Spain
In previous years, countries like Portugal and Spain dominated the top of the Index. They’re still strong performers: Both land in the top 10 for 2026. But the affordability gap has widened.
“In Portugal and Spain, international demand has kept pressure on rental and real estate markets,” says Stevens. “In popular areas—from Lisbon and Porto to parts of the Algarve, and from Andalusia to the Costa Blanca—prices have risen year over year. These countries continue to offer high-quality healthcare, strong infrastructure and enviable climates, but the affordability gap between them and Greece widened in 2026.”
Policy changes have played a role, too. Portugal ended its Golden Visa for residential real estate and phased out its Non-Habitual Resident tax regime, which had been a major draw for foreigners. Spain still offers good visa options, but the systems tend to be more bureaucratic and often come with higher financial thresholds than Greece.
Greece moved in the opposite direction, clarifying and expanding its options. “Greece introduced clearer, more flexible routes for foreign residents, including its revamped Golden Visa with a €250,000 path for certain restoration and conversion projects—which makes it much more accessible than any other similar program—and its Financially Independent Person visa,” says Stevens. “These programs have earned Greece a reputation—especially among IL readers and correspondents—as the new Portugal in terms of ease and value.”
Why Europe Dominates The 2026 List
This year’s Index has a distinctly European flavor. Greece (No. 1), Portugal (No. 4), Italy (No. 6), France (No. 7) and Spain (No. 8) all appear in the top 10. “Europe’s strong showing on our Index reflects a combination of stability, safety, and everyday value,” says Stevens. “High-quality healthcare, walkable towns, reliable public services and clear residency pathways all contribute. For Americans weighing life abroad, Europe provides a blend of culture, comfort and predictable systems, often at a lower cost than at home.”
Still, she points out that price alone rarely seals the deal. “Affordability is the entry point, but it’s rarely the deciding factor,” says Stevens. In International Living’s reporting this year, healthcare access, safety, sense of community, climate and overall quality of life won out. More reasons: “Many of the top-ranked destinations offer a slower pace, strong social connections, and an outdoor-oriented lifestyle: elements that make a place feel livable long-term,” says Stevens.
Moving Abroad Thoughtfully
One important caveat: Not every community welcomes an influx of foreign residents. In some countries, locals have raised concerns about gentrification and the impact of expat demand on housing markets and daily life.
International Living acknowledges those tensions and encourages readers to approach relocation thoughtfully. First and foremost, make an effort to learn the language. “Sure, lots of people speak English around the world, and that’s certainly the case in most places International Living recommends, but it’s such a sign of respect when you simply try,” says Stevens.
She also notes that expats should remain aware of the broader dynamics and thoughtful about how they show up. “Pay your housekeeper a living wage, eat at the local spots, frequent family-run businesses,” she says. “And, I would say: Don’t live in the most touristed areas, find a base in a neighborhood where the costs are lower and you can more easily become part of the fabric of your new home.”
Now read on for the list of the 10 best places to live in 2026, according to International Living.
Ranked: The 10 Best Countries To Live In
1. Greece
Life here is slow and easy in this year’s overall winner, Greece. The International Living report showcases Leena Horner, an expat who left her medical career in Colorado and now lives a leisurely life in Corfu, Greece. “The pace of life here is relaxed, yet it is far from dull. It is consistent, communal, balanced and unexpectedly rich,” Horner writes in the report. “When I think back to our life in Boulder—the long winters, the high cost of living, the constant busyness—it feels like a distant memory.”
Add in 300-plus days of sunshine a year, 227 inhabited islands and a deep sense of community, and it’s easy to see why Greece surged to number one.
2. Panama
Panama, which won last year, comes in second on the list. Infrastructure is strong and healthcare is excellent, especially in Panama City. The country has a famous Pensionado program that offers retirees big discounts on everything from medical bills and utilities to airfare and entertainment.
But there are perks for any age, according to International Living correspondent Jess Ramesch, who used to live in Oregon and settled in Panama after testing out Caribbean islands and Europe. “From the Friendly Nations Visa to a new telework plan for digital nomads, there are a variety of options,” Ramesch writes in the report.
3. Costa Rica
Costa Rica continues to deliver on its “pura vida” promise, with jungles, beaches, volcano views, bird-filled forests and a laid-back culture that prioritizes wellbeing. The national healthcare system is affordable, private care is also reasonably priced and many expats report feeling healthier and more active after moving. There are also multiple residency routes for people with pensions, savings or investments.
For IL correspondent Bekah Bottone, the move was about finding a lifestyle that matched her dreams and she values the small moments that remind her why she chose Costa Rica: “Life slows down, and nature reminds me to breathe every morning,” she writes in the report.
4. Portugal
Portugal is one of Europe’s most appealing countries for expats. Costs have risen in the most popular areas, which nudged Portugal down the Index this year, but it remains a strong contender thanks to excellent healthcare, walkable cities and the still-accessible D7 passive income visa.
The report showcases Kimberly Anne, a California native who relocated to Portugal solo in 2022, sight unseen. “What continually strikes me about life here is the effortless warmth of the people—a genuine kindness that translates into a deep sense of safety,” she writes in the report. Another perk: “Portugal offers a day-to-day quality of life that’s hard to match.”
5. Mexico
According to International Living, Mexico has the largest North American expat population anywhere on Earth. In Mexico, healthcare is high-quality and far less expensive than in the U.S., and many expats live comfortably on modest budgets, especially outside major resort zones. Established expat communities and relatively straightforward residency options (including paths straight to permanent residency for some) add to its appeal.
“With its healthier lifestyle, vibrant culture, affordable healthcare and large expat community, Mexico will always be one of the best places to live,” writes IL correspondent Bel Woodhouse, who moved to Cozumel nine years ago. Another perk: Despite rising prices in some hotspots, “Mexico offers a quality of life that’s hard to beat on a modest budget.”
6. Italy
The allure of Italy is timeless: food, wine, history and the dolce vita pace of life. While big cities and iconic regions can be pricey, many smaller towns and lesser-known regions still offer surprisingly affordable housing and a slower, more traditional rhythm. There are also various programs designed to repopulate rural or historic areas, paying people to move there or offering ultra-cheap homes. The public healthcare system is a major plus.
This year’s report features full-time traveler Cindy Sheahan, who has lived everywhere from Umbrian hill towns to Palermo, Sicily. “Italians are friendly and eager to help. Speaking some basic Italian opens doors—literally and figuratively,” she writes. “Before moving, you’ll want to research visas, talk to a tax expert and start learning the language. Italy’s bureaucracy can test your patience, but this is la dolce vita after all.”
7. France
France is a favorite for expats who prize cuisine and culture in equal measure. Healthcare is among the best in the world, and many smaller cities and rural areas offer better value than you might expect. According to International Living, Southwestern France is emerging as a retirement sweet spot, with mountain views, Atlantic beaches within reach and historic towns where everyday life feels like a movie set.
Southern California native Tuula Rampont, a correspondent who has lived in the south of France since 2010, calls life here “a dream come true.” She says all the cliché images of café au laits and croissants along cobblestoned streets are true, but even better: “My life in France is more affordable than back home—and, above all, healthy and inclusive.”
8. Spain
According to International Living, Spain combines an appealing Mediterranean lifestyle with solid infrastructure and excellent healthcare. Popular cities and coasts have seen prices rise, especially in tourist-heavy spots, but inland and secondary cities often remain affordable. For many Americans, Spain hits the right note between liveliness, culture and climate, even if the cost gap with Greece has widened.
This year’s report features Cepee Tabibian, who I have profiled in this column. She moved from Texas to Spain a decade ago and now runs a community-based business, She Hit Refresh, that teaches other women how to move abroad. “I traded hustle and bustle for an unhurried life,” she writes. “I’ve built the life I dreamed of, one that feels lighter, safer and brings me peace. And it’s one I can enjoy for a fraction of what it would cost me to live in the U.S.”
9. Thailand
Thailand is a perennial favorite for its ultra-low cost of living, tropical climate and mix of beach towns, islands and bustling cities. According to International Living, healthcare is excellent and widely known for its value, particularly in major urban centers. For retirees and remote workers alike, Thailand offers an appealing blend of modern convenience and everyday adventure.
“In Thailand, I revel in the pleasure of living my life free of unnecessary noise, red tape and hassle,” writes longtime expat Bart Walters, who has lived across Thailand for 25 years. “When people ask, ‘What’s it like to live over there?’ I can answer in one word: easy. My life runs on simplicity.”
10. Malaysia
Malaysia rounds out the top 10, offering a welcoming, multicultural society, modern infrastructure and attractive costs for housing, food and healthcare. English is widely spoken in many areas, and long-stay visa options make it a strong contender for people looking for an affordable, comfortable base in Southeast Asia.
This year’s report features IL’s Malaysia correspondent Keith Hockton, who has lived in the country for 12 years. “Penang’s not loud or showy. It doesn’t try to sell you a dream. It simply offers a way of life that feels steady and generous,” he writes. “People ask me why I stayed. My answer is always the same. This place gives more than it takes. In a world that asks for too much, that kind of balance is rare, and it’s worth everything.”
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