16 Best Countries for Retirement Abroad: 2023

Related: 12 Cheapest Countries for a Comfortable Retirement: 2022

Americans thinking about spending their retirement abroad must not only decide which country will best meet their needs and desires, but also focus on practical considerations, such as costs, health care and safety. International Living's just-released 2023 Annual Global Retirement Index is designed to serve as a tool for those thinking of relocating overseas. It is informed by opinions and real-life experiences compiled by the publisher's sources. The index does not purport to be based on scientific output; rather, it is constructed out of on-the-ground information interpreted through the experience and opinions of sources who live in the places where they gather intelligence. In the three decades since its inception, the index has expanded to include a wide variety of destinations where retirees can live a healthier and happier life, on less money and with many benefits, according to IL. For the 2023 index, IL ranked and scored each of the 16 countries across seven categories and scored them on a scale of 1 to 100: Housing: Value of real estate and how easy it is to buy or rent Visa/benefits: Ease of getting permanent residence; benefits and discounts for retirees Cost of living: Experts on the ground filled out a comprehensive monthly budget Affinity rating (a new category): Both readers and experts indicated each country's desirability as a place to retire Development/governance: Extent to which each country respects personal freedom, keeps bureaucracy to a minimum and offers a stable, safe environment Climate: Factors in things like rainfall, temperature and humidity Health care: Experts assessed prices of various procedures, availability of common medications and need for a prescription to refill See the gallery for International Living's 16 best places to retire in 2023.