The 10 Best Countries for Americans to Retire in 2026: GCS Retirement Index for US Citizens

3. Costa Rica  

• Why retire in Costa Rica? Costa Rica has a significantly cheaper healthcare system than the US, with costs ranging from 40% to 80% lower. Additionally, the country has a far more tranquil pace of life thanks to the “Pura Vida” lifestyle.  
• Estimated monthly cost of living for a couple: $2,500–$3,000.
• Best visa options for US retirees:  The Costa Rica Investor Visa, also known as the Costa Rica Golden Visa. 
• Healthcare access: The Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS) is the public healthcare system that provides for citizens and residents. There are also low-cost private health insurance options available. 
• Tax Treatment for U.S. Citizens: The US and Costa Rica do not have a tax treaty. However, the country has a territorial tax system and does not tax foreign retirement income.  

Among the most biodiverse countries in Latin America, Costa Rica stands out for its eye-catching natural beauty. It has over 800 miles of beaches and more than 160 protected areas, creating the perfect setting for living outdoors.

Costa Rica is also ideal for Americans who want to protect their retirement income abroad. The country ranks first for tax optimization in the GCS Retirement Index for US Citizens, thanks to its territorial tax system, which means foreign income, such as US Social Security, pensions, and investments, is not taxed locally. Its low 0.25% property tax also makes homeownership more manageable for retirees planning a long-term move.

The significantly lower cost of living when compared to the US will also help you to get more for your money and enjoy an affordable lifestyle. For comparison, a one-bedroom apartment in Costa Rica costs around $912.98, and a single person can live on $1,600 to $2,200 per month.

The public system managed by the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS) provides universal healthcare to all legal residents. Expats also opt for private care in Costa Rica due to shorter wait times and affordable prices ranging from $50 to $250+ per month. Many doctors are bilingual, which reduces friction for English speakers. 

Located in Central America, Costa Rica is a top retirement destination for Americans who want to stay close to the US. Flights from Miami to San José take around 2h50, and from Los Angeles around 5h46.

Retirees can move to Costa Rica through the Costa Rica Investor Visa, which requires a minimum investment of $150,000 in the country’s economic and social development.  

4. Uruguay 

• Why retire in Uruguay? Uruguay combines political stability, favorable taxes, and a high quality of life. It also has a temperate climate, with four mild seasons and more than 2,900 hours of sunshine per year.
• Estimated monthly cost of living for a couple: $2,500–$3,000.
• Best visa options for US retirees: The Independent Means Visa, which requires a stable income of around $1,500 per month. 
• Healthcare access: The Administración de los Servicios de Salud del Estado (ASSE) is the public system. It provides high-quality healthcare to all residents. There are also affordable private health insurance options available for $160 to $400 per month.
• Tax Treatment for U.S. Citizens: The US and Uruguay do not have a tax treaty. But, due to the territorial tax system, your foreign-sourced income will not be taxed for the first 10 years. 

Often called the “Switzerland of South America”, Uruguay is known for its political stability, low crime rates, and peaceful way of life. Located just above Argentina, the country scores fifth on the GCS Retirement Index for US Citizens for quality of life, demonstrating its suitability for American retirees.

Another benefit of Uruguay is the tax environment, ranking second in the Retirement Index. The country exempts foreign-sourced income from local tax for the first 10 years. Additionally, there is no tax on dividends or interest that are earned overseas.

Most expats in Uruguay settle in Montevideo. As the country’s capital and main cultural center, it has the widest choice of restaurants, healthcare services, and international schools.

Retirees who want a quieter coastal lifestyle can look east to Punta del Este or José Ignacio. Punta del Este has a more polished resort feel, while José Ignacio is smaller and more secluded. Both are strong options for Americans who want beach living without giving up safety, comfort, and quality of life.

Retiring in Uruguay is possible through the Uruguay Independent Means Visa. The program requires a stable, passive, monthly income of $1,500. The visa can lead to permanent residence and Uruguayan citizenship after three years for married couples and five years for single applicants.  

Uruguay has an American population of over 3,000 with vibrant expat communities, particularly in the major cities. Montevideo is the main hub for immigration, with coastal towns like Punta del Este being popular for retirees.  

5. Mexico 

• Why retire in Mexico? To live abroad while staying close to the US, with shared time zones, direct flights, and established American expat communities. It also offers lower living costs and access to quality healthcare.  
• Estimated monthly cost of living for a couple: $2,400–$4,000.
• Best visa options for US retirees: The Permanent Resident Visa, which requires a minimum monthly net income of $7,400 per month, or a minimum balance of $298,000 in personal savings/investments.
• Healthcare access: Universal healthcare at low or no cost provided by the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS). Low-cost private health insurance options are available for $80 to $300 per month
• Tax Treatment for U.S. Citizens: The US and Mexico have a tax treaty to help avoid double taxation.

Mexico gives US nationals something few destinations can: retirement abroad without being far from home. Because it shares a border with the US, retirees can visit family, return for urgent matters, or spend holidays back home without long overseas flights.

That proximity also makes the move feel easier. With shared time zones, frequent direct flights, and large American expat communities, Mexico lets retirees enjoy a lower-cost international lifestyle while staying closely connected to the people and routines they know.

Another drawcard for US retirees is Mexico’s universal public healthcare system, operated through the IMSS. The country is home to prestigious hospitals, such as the internationally accredited Hospital Médica Sur, which has been named the best in the country for six consecutive years. These facilities support Mexico’s fifth position on the Retirement Index.  

There’s also the cost of living, which is around 50% to 70% less than in the US, depending on location and lifestyle. Living in San Miguel de Allende, one of Mexico’s most expensive cities, costs $3000 to $4000 a month for a couple. A more affordable location, like Lake Chapala (Ajijic), is between $1,500 and $2,500 for a couple.

To qualify for permanent residency in Mexico, you will need to demonstrate a minimum monthly net income of $7,400 per month, or hold a minimum balance of $298,000 in personal savings/investments.

6. New Zealand

• Why retire in New Zealand? To live in an English-speaking country with a safer, calmer daily life than in the US. It combines strong migrant acceptance, ranks second in the Global Peace Index, and provides an exceptional quality of life.
• Estimated monthly cost of living for a couple: $2,400–$3,000.
• Best visa options for US retirees: The New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa, which has a starting cost of ~$3 million. 
• Healthcare access: New Zealand has public healthcare for citizens and permanent residents. The country also has private options available at $180 and $400 per month.
• Tax Treatment for U.S. Citizens: The US and New Zealand have a double taxation agreement.

New Zealand ranks first in both migrant acceptance and English proficiency in the GCS Retirement Index for US Citizens

While Americans won’t face a language barrier, they will notice a different way of life. New Zealand has cleaner air, less crowded cities, a more relaxed culture, and much lower crime rates, recording five times fewer intentional homicides and 13 times fewer firearm-related murders per capita than the United States.

New Zealand’s geography makes outdoor living part of everyday life. Retirees have easy access to beaches, forests, mountains, and lakes, giving them more opportunities to stay active and spend time in nature.

The weather is another advantage. New Zealand’s major population centers mainly sit on the coast, meaning that the weather is mild for much of the year. Some coastal areas like Nelson, Marlborough, and Bay of Plenty can experience as many as 2,700 hours of sun a year.

Retiring in New Zealand is possible thanks to the New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa. The program has a starting cost of NZD 5 million (~$3 million), and allows US investors to get immediate permanent residence in New Zealand with citizenship by naturalization available after five years.

7. Italy 

• Why retire in Italy? To exchange a fast-paced routine for a lifestyle centered on culture, excellent healthcare, and everyday experiences. Combined with favorable tax incentives and clear residency pathways, it remains one of Europe’s most rewarding retirement destinations.
• Estimated monthly cost of living for a couple: $2,500–$3,500.
• Best visa options for US retirees: The Elective Residency Visa Italy, and the Italian Investor Visa. 
• Healthcare access: Italy has universal healthcare through the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN) that applies to all residents. Private plans are also available for between $200 and $400 per month, per person.
• Tax Treatment for U.S. Citizens: The US and Italy have a treaty to avoid double taxation.

Retirement in Italy is about enjoying everyday life. Whether it’s walking through historic city centers, shopping at local markets, or having lunch in a family-run restaurant, life revolves around culture, food, and community.

Italy’s slower pace of life, especially outside of major cities, is reflected in a life expectancy of 83.92 years, one of the highest in the European Union,

Italy is also a top choice among retirees seeking a pleasant climate, as the country experiences 2,200 to 2,400 hours of sunlight per year. 

Another reason Americans retire in Italy is the cost of living, 11.7% lower than in the US. A single person can live comfortably on €1,500–€2,500 per month outside the major cities, and the SSN provides low-cost, universal healthcare to residents of Italy.

The financial optimization can go further thanks to Italy Flat Tax Regime, which allows retirees to benefit from a 7% flat tax and high-net-worth individuals to enjoy a flat tax of € 300,000 on foreign income. 

US nationals have two main pathways to retire in Italy. The first is the Elective Residency Visa, which requires passive income of at least €38,000 per year for a married couple. There’s also the Italy Golden Visa, which requires an investment of at least €250,000. Both visas lead to permanent residency after five years and Italian citizenship after 10.

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8. Canada 

• Why retire in Canada? To stay close to family in the US while enjoying a safer lifestyle, universal healthcare, and easy access to nature. Its large American expat communities also make the transition smoother, helping new retirees settle in more quickly. 
• Estimated monthly cost of living for a couple: $3,000–$5,000.
• Best visa options for US retirees: There is no retirement visa for Canada, and expats will need to qualify through the Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs. 
• Healthcare access: Canada has universal healthcare for its citizens and permanent residents. Private health insurance is available for $75 to $200 per month.
• Tax Treatment for U.S. Citizens: The US and Canada have a tax treaty to prevent double taxation.  

Canada is an immigrant-friendly nation, with large expat communities in cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. In 2024, there were over 200,000 US citizens living there, according to World Population Review. This gives new retirees access to established communities, making it easier to build friendships, find practical advice, and settle into daily life.

Proximity is another factor. Flights take around 1h40 from New York to Toronto, 3h05 from Los Angeles to Vancouver, and 4h40 from Chicago to Vancouver.

And even though the US and Canada share a border, daily life in Canada can feel more secure and socially protected. The country ranks 14th in the 2025 Global Peace Index due to its lower rates of violent crime, and it has stronger public services than many Americans are used to.

The Canadian public healthcare system is another highlight. Also known as Medicare, the system is universal and provides services to citizens and permanent residents. Each province or territory administers its own care based on federal standards. On average, the system will cover about 70% of the costs.  

Canada is ideal for retirees who enjoy spending time outdoors. The country is home to over 30 national parks, including the Rocky Mountains, and thousands of lakes, making it easy to stay active throughout retirement.

9. Ireland  

• Why retire in Ireland? To settle in an English-speaking country while enjoying the benefits of living in Europe. It pairs excellent healthcare and a high level of safety.
• Estimated monthly cost of living for a couple: $3,000–$5,000.
• Best visa options for US retirees: The Retirement Visa, also called Stamp 0, requires a yearly income of €50,000 (~$59,000) per person. 
• Healthcare access: Ireland has both public and private healthcare options, with those over 70 receiving Medical Cards, enabling free access to certain care. 
• Tax Treatment for U.S. Citizens: The US and Ireland have a tax treaty to avoid double taxation.  

Ireland allows American retirees to enjoy life in Europe without having to learn a new language. This makes everyday tasks easier while still providing access to Europe’s culture, travel opportunities, and slower pace of life.

Apart from the lack of a language barrier, Ireland’s appeal to Americans is safety. The country is known for its extremely low rates of violent crime, strict gun control laws, and high levels of personal security. In addition, the nation is not involved in any local or international conflicts.  

Ireland also has one of the best healthcare in Europe. The Health Service Executive (HSE) provides universal healthcare in Ireland to both citizens and residents. About 40% of the population is on Medical Cards, including those over 70, which provide free GP visits, prescriptions, and hospital care. Private options are also available with an average annual cost of $1,650 to $2,600.  

The country has a Retirement Visa, which allows those with an annual income of €50,000 to acquire residence in Ireland. Many Americans can also get Irish citizenship if they have a parent or grandparent born in Ireland. With an Irish passport, they can live, work, and study not only in Ireland but also in any other EU member state.

10. France  

• Why retire in France? France is a strong choice for Americans who value high-quality healthcare and want to spend retirement exploring one of Europe’s most culturally diverse countries.
• Estimated monthly cost of living for a couple: $4,000 to $5,500.
• Best visa options for US retirees: The Long-Stay Visitor Visa is available for retirees requiring a foreign monthly income of around $1,700. 
• Healthcare access: France has universal healthcare for all legal residents through PUMA.
• Tax Treatment for U.S. Citizens: The US and France have a tax treaty that prevents double taxation.  

France is an excellent retirement destination for Americans who don’t want to compromise on healthcare. The country has one of the world’s best healthcare systems, the Protection Universelle Maladie (PUMa), which is largely publicly funded and covers 96% of the population. The system includes a range of services, such as maternity care, mental health services, and long-term care. 

Private health insurance is also available, and it costs an average of $175 to $200 per month.

Healthcare is only part of France’s appeal. France offers one of the richest cultural lifestyles in the world. Whether retiring in Provence, the French Riviera, Normandy, or a historic village in the Loire Valley, retirees have easy access to renowned cuisine, wine regions, museums, castles, and centuries of history that become part of everyday life.

To move to France from the US, retirees can apply for the Long-Stay Visitor Visa. The program enables those with a foreign income of around $1,700 to live in the country for a year. This can be extended through the acquisition of a residence permit.