10 Countries Where Expats Are Living Better, Spending Less & Actually Enjoying Life 2026
- docandbean
- May 18
- 8 min read
The Best Countries to Retire Abroad in 2026
One thing we’ve realized after moving abroad is that people are no longer just chasing retirement anymore. They’re chasing peace.
They want affordable healthcare. Lower stress. Better weather. Walkable lifestyles. More freedom with their money. And honestly… a chance to actually enjoy life again instead of constantly trying to survive financially.
That’s why more people than ever are seriously looking overseas.
According to the 2026 Annual Global Retirement Index, these are some of the top countries attracting retirees, expats, and financially independent people because they combine healthcare, affordability, residency pathways, and overall quality of life.
Greece
Greece ranked as one of the top overall destinations for retirees and expats in 2026, and honestly, it makes sense once you experience the lifestyle there.
The weather alone is enough to attract people. Over 300 sunny days a year, fresh Mediterranean food, coastal living, slower mornings, and a much more relaxed pace compared to what many Americans are used to.
But Greece is very regional, and each area offers something different.
Popular expat locations include:
Athens: Modern city living with hospitals, international airports, shopping, and nightlife
Crete: One of the most popular islands for retirees because of its affordability and year-round lifestyle
Rhodes: Beautiful coastal island life with a slower pace and strong tourism infrastructure
Thessaloniki: A less touristy northern city with lower costs and a more local Greek atmosphere
Peloponnese Region: Popular for quieter villages, coastal towns, and traditional Greek living
Living costs in Greece can vary depending on whether you choose a tourist-heavy island or a quieter mainland town. Many retirees find they can live comfortably between $1,500–$3,000 per month depending on lifestyle, housing choices, and location.
Greece has also become attractive because of residency programs like the Financially Independent Person Visa (FIP) and the Golden Visa program. Private healthcare in larger cities is modern and affordable compared to U.S. healthcare costs.
Panama
Panama continues to rank high because it offers one of the easiest transitions for Americans wanting to live abroad without feeling completely disconnected.
One major advantage is the Pensionado Visa, which offers retirees discounts on healthcare, transportation, entertainment, hotels, restaurants, and utilities.
Panama also uses the U.S. dollar, which removes a lot of stress for Americans worried about exchange rates or banking overseas.
Popular expat locations include:
Panama City: Modern skyline living with international hospitals, shopping malls, and strong infrastructure
Boquete: A cooler mountain town known for retirees, coffee farms, and slower living
Coronado: Beach-town living with golf communities and established expat populations
David: A quieter and more affordable city near healthcare and shopping
Bocas del Toro: Caribbean Island living popular with more adventurous expats
Living costs typically range between $1,500–$3,500 per month depending on lifestyle and housing. Mountain towns and smaller cities tend to be significantly cheaper than luxury areas in Panama City.
Panama is also tax-friendly for many retirees because foreign-earned income is generally not taxed locally.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica attracts people who want a lifestyle centered around nature, wellness, and simplicity.
The phrase “Pura Vida” really does shape the culture there. Life tends to move slower, people spend more time outdoors, and many expats say their stress levels drop dramatically after relocating.
Popular expat locations include:
Escazú: An upscale suburb near San José known for healthcare and modern conveniences
Atenas: Famous for its mild weather and peaceful retirement lifestyle
Tamarindo: Beach town popular with surfers, remote workers, and retirees
Manuel Antonio: Coastal jungle living with incredible scenery
Grecia: A quieter mountain town with cooler temperatures and lower costs
Living costs in Costa Rica usually range between $1,500–$3,500 monthly depending on whether you choose beach areas or inland mountain towns.
Tourist-heavy coastal regions tend to cost more.
Costa Rica’s healthcare system is highly respected throughout Latin America, and many retirees use a combination of public and private healthcare for extremely affordable care.
Portugal
Portugal became one of the most talked-about expat destinations in the world because it offers a smooth introduction to European living.
It consistently ranks high for safety, walkability, healthcare, and overall quality of life.
Popular expat locations include:
Lisbon: International city life with restaurants, coworking spaces, and large expat communities
Porto: More traditional and slightly more affordable than Lisbon
Algarve Region: Coastal retirement favorite known for beaches, golf, and warm weather
Braga: Lower-cost northern city attracting retirees and remote workers
Cascais: Upscale coastal living near Lisbon
Portugal’s cost of living has increased over the years because of popularity, especially in Lisbon and the Algarve. Still, many expats find smaller cities and towns significantly cheaper than major U.S. cities.
Most expats spend between $2,000–$4,000 monthly depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Portugal also offers excellent healthcare, modern infrastructure, and residency options that continue attracting retirees and financially independent individuals.
Mexico
Mexico remains one of the easiest and most practical choices for Americans wanting to move abroad.
The proximity to the U.S. gives many retirees peace of mind because flights home are often short and affordable.
Popular expat locations include:
Mexico City: Modern urban lifestyle with incredible food, culture, and healthcare
Mérida: Known for safety, colonial charm, and slower living
Puerto Vallarta: Beach-city lifestyle with strong expat communities
Lake Chapala: One of the largest American and Canadian retirement communities in Mexico
San Miguel de Allende: Popular for arts, culture, and beautiful colonial architecture
Living costs can range between $1,200–$3,500 monthly depending on city and lifestyle. Smaller inland cities tend to be much cheaper than beach destinations.
Mexico’s private healthcare system surprises many Americans because of how modern and affordable it can be. Residency options are also relatively straightforward for those meeting income or savings requirements.
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Italy
Italy is one of those places people dream about for a reason.
The food. The culture. The slower pace of life. Even simple things like walking to a café in the morning or shopping at local markets feel different there.
But Italy is also very regional, and where you choose to live can completely change your experience.
Popular expat locations include:
Rome: Best for people wanting history, international airports, major hospitals, and big-city energy
Milan: Italy’s business and financial hub with modern infrastructure and faster-paced living
Tuscany: Famous for countryside living, vineyards, small villages, and slower lifestyles
Sicily and Southern Italy: Lower-cost coastal regions with warmer weather and relaxed living
Lake Como and Northern Regions: Scenic and more upscale areas near Switzerland and Central Europe
Living costs vary dramatically depending on region. Southern Italy remains significantly cheaper than Milan or Rome, and many expats appreciate being able to choose between city life, countryside living, mountain towns, or Mediterranean coastal living.
Italy also offers a strong public healthcare system and an overall high quality of life.
The challenge? The bureaucracy.
A lot of expats say residency paperwork and government processes can take patience, but for many people, the lifestyle tradeoff is absolutely worth it.
France
France consistently ranks among the best healthcare systems in the world, and healthcare alone is one of the biggest reasons many retirees seriously consider it.
France offers a lifestyle that balances culture, infrastructure, food, transportation, and healthcare extremely well.
Popular expat locations include:
Paris: World-class city living with incredible transportation and healthcare
Nice and the French Riviera: Mediterranean coastal living with warmer weather
Lyon: Known for food culture and a more balanced pace than Paris
Bordeaux: Wine country lifestyle with historic charm
Normandy and Loire Valley: Lower-cost countryside living with quieter lifestyles
Living costs vary heavily depending on region. Paris can be expensive, while smaller towns and countryside areas are much more affordable.
Many retirees spend between $2,000–$4,500 monthly depending on housing and location.
France’s universal healthcare system remains one of the strongest globally, and many expats say daily life feels easier because of the infrastructure and public services.
Spain
Spain continues attracting retirees because it offers one of the best combinations of weather, healthcare, affordability, and relaxed living in Europe.
The Mediterranean lifestyle is a major draw for many people.
Popular expat locations include:
Valencia: One of the fastest-growing expat cities because of affordability and beach access
Málaga: Coastal city with strong retiree communities and warm weather
Alicante: Affordable Mediterranean retirement living
Barcelona: International city lifestyle with culture and walkability
Seville: Traditional Spanish living with lower costs and strong local culture
Living costs generally range between $1,800–$4,000 monthly depending on location and lifestyle. Coastal areas and Barcelona tend to cost more than inland cities.
Spain’s public healthcare system is highly respected, and many expats also use affordable private insurance plans.
Thailand
Thailand completely changed our lives, and honestly, we understand why so many people eventually stay longer than they originally planned.
One of the biggest things people notice here is lifestyle freedom. Daily life can feel easier financially while still offering modern conveniences, great healthcare, amazing food, and strong infrastructure in major cities.
Popular expat locations include:
Bangkok: Modern city living with luxury condos, transportation, hospitals, and endless food options
Chiang Mai: Slower mountain-city lifestyle popular with retirees and digital nomads
Hua Hin: Relaxed beach-town retirement destination with a quieter atmosphere
Pattaya and Jomtien: Affordable coastal living with large expat communities
Phuket: Island lifestyle with beaches, international schools, and luxury living options
Living costs can range anywhere from $1,200–$4,000 monthly depending on city and lifestyle. Many retirees live comfortably on far less than they would spend in the U.S.
Thailand’s private hospitals are one of the country’s biggest advantages.
Hospitals like Bumrungrad International Hospital and Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital are internationally recognized and attract medical tourists from around the world.
Malaysia
Malaysia remains one of the most underrated countries for expats despite offering an extremely high quality of life.
It combines modern infrastructure, English-speaking convenience, affordable luxury, and highly ranked healthcare.
Popular expat locations include:
Kuala Lumpur: Modern city lifestyle with luxury condos and excellent infrastructure
Penang: Food-focused island lifestyle popular with retirees
Johor Bahru: Growing city near Singapore with lower costs
Malacca: Historic coastal town with slower living
Kota Kinabalu: Nature-focused lifestyle near beaches and mountains
Living costs typically range between $1,500–$3,500 monthly depending on housing and lifestyle choices.
Many expats appreciate how easy daily life can feel in Malaysia because English is widely spoken, healthcare is modern and affordable, and infrastructure is very developed compared to many neighboring countries.
Final Thoughts
The reality is every country comes with tradeoffs.
Some have slower bureaucracy. Some have language barriers. Some are cheaper but less developed. Others offer incredible healthcare but higher housing costs.
That’s why we always tell people not to romanticize moving abroad based on social media alone.
Come visit first.
Stay longer than a vacation.
Walk neighborhoods.
Visit grocery stores.
Test the transportation.
See the hospitals.
Pay attention to how you actually feel there. Because moving abroad is not really about escaping life.
It’s about building one that finally feels sustainable, peaceful, and aligned with what you actually want. 🌍
If you’re seriously thinking about moving or retiring abroad and want real, honest information about visas, healthcare, cost of living, and daily life overseas, check out our YouTube channel, Doc and Bean YouTube Channel where we share our experience moving to Thailand and help others navigate life abroad with confidence.
If you’re thinking about moving to Thailand, here are 3 videos you should definitely check out to better understand the real cost of living, daily life, and what to expect before making the move.
GUIDES AVAILABLE!!
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