Lower living costs, decreased taxes, a more easygoing and healthier lifestyle, and affordable quality health care options.

We don’t know, but, after more than three decades of experience considering the whole world in this context, we have some good ideas about where makes sense generally for a high quality of retirement life… where probably doesn’t… and why.

It is in that spirit that, each year, that we publish the Overseas Retirement Index. A concise guide to the best places to retire…

Here are some of the top locations to consider when searching for the best places to retire in 2024.

1. Spain
2. Portugal
3. Mexico
4. Greece
5. Panama
6. France
7. Montenegro
8. Belize
9. Thailand
10. Colombia

In the category of crime and safety, it’s no surprise that Portugal is at the top of nearly everyone’s list.

Most of the index havens are safer than the United States…

• 1 out of 12 index countries ranked higher than Canada (#11) in the 2023 Global Peace Index.

• Almost every haven (9 out of 12) ranked higher than the United States.

This is the probably the most frequently asked question we get, year-in and year-out.

As ever, the answer is “it depends on you”. To find out, imagine your ideal lifestyle and make a list of what you want from your new life.

Then look at the numbers in that context. Where will your budget allow you to buy the lifestyle you’re looking for?

The important thing to remember when thinking about your retirement is, don’t compromise.

Don’t tell yourself you can live without the things you love. And, if the place you had in mind doesn’t fit with your ideal lifestyle, keep looking.

Be honest with yourself and move for the right reasons to a place where you will be happy.

Both Spain and Greece are excellent choices when looking for a safe and affordable place to retire.

Also, Spain offers a high standard of living and, of course, it’s also a safe country. We recommend Valencia, where the average cost of living is 49% cheaper than the cost of living in the United States.

For instance, Portugal is also a good option – it has a low cost of living and a high standard of living. It’s also a safe country, and it has a variety of cultural attractions to offer retirees.