The world is full of diverse forms of happiness. There’s the happiness that comes from spending time with loved ones, accomplishment, freedom, a healthy life—the list goes on. After working day in and day out to create a lifestyle you deserve, retirement is the ultimate time to fully embrace happiness. As you begin your search for somewhere to live throughout your retirement, check out this list of some of the best places to retire abroad. We include information about what makes them a great option for happy living such as cost of living, safety, and their score on the World Happiness Report (WHR). Read on for important information!
Canada
WHR Rating: 9 out of 156
Canada has steadily become an amazing country for American expats. It’s close enough to home, similar in culture, and absolutely breathtaking. You’ll find a slightly better quality of life and a touch of the idolized European flare. The Global Retirement Index (GRI) places them ninth in the world, with an improvement in finances, quality of life, and health—all higher than the United States. There are areas to live for utter repose and cities that will bring a pep to your step; it’s all up to you.
Costa Rica
WHR Rating: 12 out of 156
There are numerous benefits to retiring in Costa Rica, especially when you look at their stunning real estate and enriching cultural experiences. It’s a safe and stable country with a prosperous economy that’s also striving to go green. They’re making leaps and bounds toward a quality of life many other Central American countries want to have. Not to mention, the people care for one another and live a supportive, joyful lifestyle.
Mexico
WHR Rating: 23 out of 156
It may not be the highest on this list, but it’s a terrific score nonetheless. Americans have been retiring in Mexico for years, and for good reason. The friendly and relaxing lifestyle draws people in, and the beautiful nature and cost of living convince them to stay. Mexico has something for everyone: fertile farmlands, warm oceans, majestic mountains, small towns, big cities, and more. People love the culture, the healthcare, and the connection to home.
Switzerland
WHR Rating: 6 out of 156
The highest on this list from the Happiness Report, Switzerland gives the best of both worlds—happiness and a reasonable cost of living. A lot of the others at the top of the WHR are wonderful countries, but none are close to the top of the list when it comes to retirement. Switzerland is an exception and takes third in quality of life, fifth in finances, and seventh in health. They have a retirement residency program perfect for expats, and if you want to be happy in all senses of the word, Switzerland is a great place to go.
Austria
WHR Rating: 10 out of 156
Austria has a pretty high cost of living, but that’s more than made up for in the fact that it’s in the top ten of happiest countries. It has excellent healthcare, and quality of life. The financial aspect of retiring in Austria tends to significantly weigh the country down on the GRI, but it’s still in the top 15. If you can afford it, you won’t regret moving to a central location in the country, the enriching culture, and the genuine happiness found around every corner.
