The Best Retirement Destination for 2026? It’s complicated!

International Living has rated Greece the overall best retirement destination in 2026 in its 35th Annual Global Retirement Index. The report scores each country across a range of categories, including housing, cost of living, and healthcare, before assigning an overall ranking.

Global retirement rankings are based on broad assumptions and while they can be a helpful starting point, offering insight into popular destinations and broad lifestyle indicators, they rarely reflect the full financial picture.

For anyone considering an overseas move, personalised financial planning is far more important than where a country sits in an index. Looking beyond surface-level comparisons allows you to assess the practical realities that will shape your long-term financial security and quality of life.

With this in mind, the following list highlights the key factors to consider in determining whether a potential retirement destination aligns with your overall financial plan.

1. Understanding The Real Cost Of Living

Cost of living is often a headline factor in retirement rankings, but averages can be misleading. Expenses vary significantly between cities, regions, and lifestyles. Don’t forget that private healthcare, imported goods, and frequent travel can quickly increase spending.

It is also important to consider inflation and currency movements. A country that seems affordable today may become more expensive over time, particularly if your retirement income is paid in a different currency. Effective wealth management focuses on long-term affordability rather than short-term comparisons.

2. Tax Implications For Global Retirees 

Tax treatment is rarely captured accurately in global rankings, yet it can have a major impact on retirement income. Your tax position will depend on residency rules, visa status, and the source of your income. Pensions, investment income, and property income may all be taxed differently once you relocate.

Double taxation agreements can help, but they are complex and vary by country. Understanding how they apply to your situation is essential to avoid unexpected tax liabilities and to support efficient investment management in retirement.

3. Healthcare Access and Medical Insurance Planning

Unfortunately, most of us require additional healthcare as we age. Healthcare quality and accessibility differ widely across retirement destinations, and even within countries. Public healthcare may be restricted for non-citizens or long-term residents, so the affordability of private healthcare and the cost of medical insurance are key considerations for retiring expatriates thinking of moving abroad.

Planning for medical insurance, rising premiums with age and potential long-term care costs is a critical part of financial planning. These costs are often underestimated in retirement rankings but can significantly affect long-term financial security.

4. Managing Income and Currency Risk

Many retirees abroad rely on income from pensions, investments or rental properties based in another country. This creates currency exposure, meaning exchange rate movements can affect your spending power.

A well-structured approach to wealth creation and income planning can help reduce reliance on a single currency. Diversifying assets and income sources can provide greater stability throughout retirement, regardless of market or currency fluctuations.

5. Inheritance and Estate Planning Across Jurisdictions

Inheritance planning becomes more complex when retiring overseas. Different countries apply different rules to wills, probate, and inheritance tax. In some cases, local laws may override your personal wishes, particularly where forced heirship rules apply.

Regularly reviewing wills, estate structures, and beneficiary arrangements helps protect your wealth and ensures it is passed on as intended. This is a key aspect of wealth protection that is rarely reflected in global rankings.

6. Residency Rules and Financial Implications

Visa and residency requirements can carry financial obligations such as minimum income thresholds, property ownership rules o,r mandatory health insurance. These requirements may change over time, potentially affecting your ability to remain in your chosen destination.

Planning with flexibility and keeping options open allows your retirement strategy to adapt if regulations or personal circumstances change.

Global retirement rankings can provide inspiration, but they should never replace personalised financial planning. Understanding tax, healthcare, cost of living, income planning, and inheritance considerations is essential before making a long-term commitment.

Taking advice from a professional with cross-border expertise can help you assess whether a destination truly supports your retirement goals and ensure your finances are structured to support a secure and sustainable life abroad.

If you’re thinking of retiring abroad, speak to us to make sure that no nasty financial surprises turn your dream retirement into a nightmare.