International Living’s just-released global retirement index for 2025 focuses on the top countries for those interested in living out their retirement years abroad.
The index is based on the opinions and real-life experiences of correspondents who live in those places. According to IL, they are independent people embedded in their communities. They are not beholden to real estate agents, tourism boards or relocation services.
“Our goal is to empower retirees to make informed decisions about their best options abroad right now,” Jennifer Stevens, IL’s executive editor, said in a statement. “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 2025 index ranked 20 countries based on scores of 1 to 100 across these categories:
- Housing: Ease of buying real estate and value for a foreign homeowner, and rental values
- Cost of living: Correspondents tailor information to the needs and wants of expat retirees. The lower the cost of living, the higher the score
- Health care: The score is based on both cost and quality
- Visa/benefits: Ease of obtaining a visa and becoming a permanent resident; benefits and discounts for retirees
- Affinity rating: Readers indicate where they want to retire, and correspondents say whether they would like to move there
- Climate: A country’s score is based on how many climate options it offers
- Development/governance: The score factors in stability of the political environment, how well infrastructure is maintained and efficiency of the banking system
See the gallery for the top 10 countries on IL’s 2025 index.
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