Best Countries To Retire: Top 10 For Safety And Comfort

9th March 2026

Where you live affects your quality of life in many ways. The cost of living, public safety, access to nature, and everyday surroundings all play a role in how comfortable life feels. Retirement is often a good time to rethink where you want to live and what kind of lifestyle you want in the years ahead. Moving to another country can feel like a big step at first, but many retirees find that it allows them to enjoy a safer and more comfortable life. In this article, we look at some of the best countries to retire in, using available data and the experiences of people who have already retired abroad.

Best countries to retire: top 10 destinations for safety, comfort, and affordability

If you are about to retire or have recently retired, this can be a good time to rethink where and how you want to live. Instead of staying in the same place by default, many people choose this moment to move to a country that better fits their needs and lifestyle. The countries listed below were selected based on cost of living data from Numbeo, public safety rankings from the Global Peace Index, and healthcare accessibility measured by the CEOWORLD Health Care Index. While objective data formed the foundation of our list, we also considered the experiences of retirees by reviewing forums and first-hand feedback from people who have already made the move.

Portugal

• Cost of living for one (based on Numbeo 2026.02.): 670.3 €
• Global Peace Index: 1.371 (7th place)
• CEOWORLD Health Care Index: 51.99

Portugal tends to work well for retirees who want a warm climate but still expect European standards in healthcare and infrastructure. Public hospitals are widely used, although waiting times can be longer outside private care, which some retirees factor into their decision. Daily life is laid-back in smaller cities, where shops, services, and healthcare are usually within a short distance. The main drawback is rising housing costs in popular coastal areas, especially where foreign demand has increased.

Spain

• Cost of living for one (based on Numbeo 2026.02.): 711.6 €
• Global Peace Index: 1.578 (25th place)
• CEOWORLD Health Care Index: 48.13

If improving your Spanish is something you have thought about for retirement, Spain naturally becomes an option worth considering. The country attracts retirees who want reliable healthcare and good public transport without needing to rely on a car. Many people settle in medium-sized cities where costs remain more reasonable than in major tourist areas, while still having access to good services. The climate supports an active lifestyle, although summer heat in southern regions can be difficult for some older residents, and administrative processes can sometimes take longer than expected when relocating.

Hungary

• Cost of living for one (based on Numbeo 2026.02.): 666.13 €
• Global Peace Index: 1.500 (17th place)
• CEOWORLD Health Care Index: 41.97

Hungary is not usually the first country retirees consider, but a closer look at costs, safety, and everyday practicality often changes that perception. Living expenses remain lower than in much of Western Europe, while Budapest offers reliable public transport and a compact layout that makes daily life manageable without a car. Private healthcare is widely used by foreigners and remains relatively affordable, which is an important factor for long-term planning. Hungary also offers a golden visa program, making relocation possible even for retirees who are not European Union citizens, although language can still be a challenge outside larger cities.

Italy

• Cost of living for one (based on Numbeo 2026.02.): 884.2 €
• Global Peace Index: 1.662 (33th place)
• CEOWORLD Health Care Index: 49.58

While the cost of living can be somewhat higher, especially in Northern Italy, many retirees still choose the country for its everyday quality of life and strong local culture. Smaller towns offer a slower pace, where daily routines often revolve around local shops, markets, and community life. Healthcare quality is generally good, although it can vary by region, with northern areas typically offering more consistent services. Bureaucracy and slower administrative processes remain common challenges and are worth considering before relocating.

Austria

• Cost of living for one (based on Numbeo 2026.02.): 1,062.7 €
• Global Peace Index: 1.294 (4th place)
• CEOWORLD Health Care Index: 54.86

Austria is not the cheapest option on the list, but it remains more affordable than many parts of North America and some Western European countries. It is often chosen by retirees who value safety, well-organized public services, and consistently high healthcare standards. Public transport is reliable, which makes daily life easier for those who prefer not to drive, and cities are generally clean and easy to navigate. The main drawback is that everyday expenses are higher than in many neighboring countries.

Slovenia

• Cost of living for one (based on Numbeo 2026.02.): 809.3 €
• Global Peace Index: 1.409 (9th place)
• CEOWORLD Health Care Index: 45.29

If you are looking for a country with one of the highest levels of public safety in Europe, Slovenia is often worth considering. It appeals to retirees who prefer quieter surroundings while still remaining within easy reach of Central European cities. The country is small, which makes travel and everyday administration simpler, and access to nature is one of its main advantages, especially for those who prefer outdoor activities over city life. The smaller expat community can mean that integration takes more time, particularly outside larger towns.

France

• Cost of living for one (based on Numbeo 2026.02.): 930.9 €
• Global Peace Index: 1.967 (74th place)
• CEOWORLD Health Care Index: 48.27

While France has higher living costs and lower public safety levels than some other European countries on this list, it remains a common choice because of its healthcare system and the overall quality of public services. Many retirees choose smaller towns or rural areas, where housing is more affordable and daily life feels less crowded than in large cities. Food culture and local markets remain part of everyday routines, which many people value after retirement.

Thailand

• Cost of living for one (based on Numbeo 2026.02.): 529,14 €
• Global Peace Index: 2.017 (86th place):
• CEOWORLD Health Care Index: 33.01

If you are looking for one of the best countries to retire on a budget, Thailand is often part of the conversation. It is frequently chosen by retirees who want to reduce living expenses while still maintaining a comfortable lifestyle. Private hospitals in major cities offer high-quality care at relatively low cost, which is an important factor for older residents. Everyday services, housing, and food remain affordable, although the tropical climate and distance from family in Europe or North America can be challenges for some retirees.

Malaysia

• Cost of living for one (based on Numbeo 2026.02.): 460,48 €
• Global Peace Index: 1.469 (13th place)
• CEOWORLD Health Care Index: 32.52

Lower living costs are one of the main reasons retirees look at Malaysia. Daily expenses, housing, and services remain affordable, while larger cities still offer modern infrastructure and private healthcare options. Healthcare standards are generally lower than in Western countries, but private care is accessible and commonly used by foreigners. English is widely spoken, which makes everyday life and administration easier, although the hot and humid climate year-round is not comfortable for everyone.

Costa Rica

• Cost of living for one (based on Numbeo 2026.02.): 750,88 €
• Global Peace Index: 1.843 (54th place)
• CEOWORLD Health Care Index: 39.85

Costa Rica attracts retirees who want a slower lifestyle and easy access to nature. Healthcare is accessible in main population centers, and there is a well-established foreign retiree community. Many people choose it for the climate and outdoor lifestyle rather than urban convenience. Infrastructure outside major areas can be less developed, which is worth considering for long-term living.

FAQ

What are the best countries in Europe for retirees?

The best countries to retire in Europe depend on individual needs, but Portugal, Spain, Austria, Italy, and Hungary are commonly chosen for their balance of safety, healthcare access, and overall quality of life.

What are the cheapest countries in Europe for retirees?

Hungary is often considered one of the cheapest countries to live in Europe for retirees, as daily expenses and housing costs remain relatively low compared to most Western European countries.

What are the cheapest countries to retire in globally?

Thailand and Malaysia are among the cheapest countries for retirement, offering significantly lower living costs while still providing comfortable living conditions.

What are the best countries for UK citizens to retire in?

Spain, Portugal, Hungary, and France remain among the best retirement countries for UK citizens due to proximity, climate, and established British expat communities.

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