Discover Your Post-Retirement Paradise! An In-Depth Analysis of the Top 10 Most Livable Countries

1. An Era Where "Retirement Abroad" Becomes a Reality

The Brazilian economic media "InfoMoney" covered the 2026 edition of the "Annual Global Retirement Index" published annually by the magazine International Living, essentially a ranking of "countries easy to live in during retirement."InfoMoney

Globally, the average lifespan has increased by about 20 years compared to the 1950s, leading to what is now called the era of living to 100.InfoMoney 

As a result, "retirement" is no longer just the remaining years of life; it is becoming a second long phase where one should redesign "where and how to live."

In this context, moving to a country with a mild climate, affordable living costs, and well-established healthcare—so-called "retirement abroad"—is increasingly being discussed not just as a romantic notion for the wealthy but as a realistic option.

2. Inside the Ranking: Evaluation Criteria Are Not Just About "Affordability"

International Living's index scores various items to determine the overall ranking as follows.International Living

• Cost of living

• Healthcare quality and access

• Housing and real estate

• Ease of obtaining visas and permanent residency

• Climate

• Governance, safety, and infrastructure

• Ease of integration into local society

In other words, it's not simply about "a country is good because it's cheap."

The index comprehensively covers elements that matter for long-term stays, such as a reliable healthcare system for the elderly, visa hurdles, and political and social stability.

Here are the top 10 for the 2026 edition.InfoMoney

1. Greece

2. Panama

3. Costa Rica

4. Portugal

5. Mexico

6. Italy

7. France

8. Spain

9. Thailand

10. Malaysia

It's striking how Southern Europe, Central America, and Southeast Asia are evenly represented.

3. The Strengths of Greece, the First-Time No. 1

The main feature of the ranking is Greece, which has taken the top spot for the first time.New York Post

(1) Mediterranean Climate and "Cost-Effective Daily Life"

Greece is attractive for its sunny weather, with more than 300 days of sunshine, and its warm Mediterranean climate.
Rent and dining costs are more affordable compared to major Western European cities, and in some cases, living expenses along the Aegean coast can be comparable to or even lower than those in regional Japanese cities, depending on conditions.New York Post

(2) Flexible Visa System

Additionally, Greece offers several residency options, such as the "Golden Visa," which allows long-term stays based on certain real estate investments, and a visa for "financially independent persons" who can prove they can support themselves.InfoMoney

In recent years, as Portugal and Spain have tightened their Golden Visa conditions and property prices and living costs have risen, many analyses suggest that attention is shifting to Greece as a result.eKathimerini

(3) Healthcare and Diet

In terms of healthcare, there is a good balance between public and private medical institutions, and more retirees from Western countries are using private hospitals with private insurance.New York Post

The Mediterranean diet, centered on olive oil, seafood, and vegetables, is considered healthy, with the evaluation that "it's easier to maintain health through daily meals before needing medical expenses."

4. The "Selling Points" of Each Country

The InfoMoney article succinctly introduces the strengths of each of the top 10. Let's break it down from a Japanese perspective.InfoMoney

• Panama (2nd)
  Panama is known for its good balance of cost and climate, and its "Pensionado Program" offers discounts for retirees, such as on movie tickets, transportation, and airfare, clearly showing a welcoming stance towards pensioners.InfoMoney

• Costa Rica (3rd)
  About a quarter of Costa Rica's area is protected forest, and it is known for its eco-friendly stance, with nearly all its electricity coming from renewable energy. Its warm and comfortable climate attracts those who want to "live slowly in nature."InfoMoney

• Portugal (4th), Spain (8th), France (7th), Italy (6th)
  These countries are generally highly rated for healthcare and infrastructure, providing a great sense of security for long-term residents. France, in particular, receives top marks for its comprehensive public healthcare.InfoMoney

• Mexico (5th)
  Mexico is relatively affordable, and in some cities, infrastructure such as high-speed internet and highways is well-developed. Its proximity to the United States makes it popular among retirees from North America.InfoMoney

• Thailand (9th) and Malaysia (10th)
  Southeast Asian countries stand out for their low healthcare costs and living expenses. Thailand has internationally acclaimed private hospitals in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, while Malaysia is praised for its healthcare, food, and multicultural living environment in places like Penang.InfoMoney

Looking at it this way, it's clear that rather than having a "strongest" country, each has its unique "selling points."

5. What Are People Saying on Social Media?

This ranking has been widely covered by Greek media and news sites in various countries and is a hot topic on social media.The Economic Times

While it's not possible to verify each post, looking at reports and comment sections reveals some common "patterns."

(1) Voices of Aspiration and Empathy

• "Just once, I'd like to have those white houses as my morning walk route."

• "If I can live looking at the Aegean Sea on my pension, no wonder it's number one."

With picturesque countries like Greece, Portugal, and Spain ranking high, on Instagram and TikTok, there are many short videos of beautiful seas and towns with comments like "I want to retire here someday..."

(2) Realistic Critiques

On the other hand, platforms like X (formerly Twitter) show more sober reactions.

• "Visiting as a tourist and actually living there are different matters."

• "I'm curious if the ranking considers local languages, healthcare systems, and taxes properly."

Especially with news that Portugal and Spain are tightening visa conditions, there are voices questioning how the ranking views the impact of such policy changes, given Greece's top position.The Sun

(3) Voices of Personalization

Interestingly, from users in countries like Japan and Brazil, where populations are aging,

• "I'd like a calculation of how realistically I can live in the top 10 with my country's pension level."

• "I want the actual state of medical and nursing care services included in the ranking."

Such practical comments are increasing.
This suggests a growing trend of considering overseas relocation not just as a "dream retirement abroad" but as a "retirement life defense strategy."

6. A Checklist to Avoid Taking the Ranking at Face Value

If you're considering this ranking as an option for your own retirement, what should you be mindful of? Here, let's organize perspectives to use the ranking as a "starting point" rather than a "destination."

##HTML_TAG_