Are You Ready to Retire? Consider These Top 5 Destinations in 2024
Are you dreaming of retirement and searching for the best place to call home? If you’re looking ahead to 2024, International Living’s Annual Global Retirement Index is your ultimate guide to global hotspots that promise a rich—and budget-friendly—lifestyle in your golden years.
From Costa Rica’s pura vida vibes and Portugal’s mild winters to Mexico’s low cost of living and Panama’s low tax rates, the 2024 Annual Global Retirement Index contains crucial information and insights from their scouts on what life is really like on the ground in the destinations it considers.
Let’s take a closer look at the top five picks for the best places to retire in 2024:
#1 Costa Rica: Home to the World’s Blue Zones and the Happiest Country
At the top of the list, Costa Rica ranks number one in the Annual Global Retirement Index for 2024. This beloved Central American destination is well-known for its tropical beaches, stunning waterfalls, and eternal spring-like weather in the Central Valley.
It also happens to be home to one of the world’s Blue Zones. Plus it has been designated as one of the planet’s happiest countries. And spending a few months there—or longer—may make you feel the same.
Costa Rica earns the number one spot for its fantastic climate, strong healthcare system, and fantastic accessibility for legal residents.
#2 Portugal: Mild Winters, Healthcare System, and Accessible Visas
Portugal stands proud in the number two spot in the 2024 Annual Global Retirement Index. This country has been having its moment as of late, garnering many awards and accolades for being one of the best places to retire.
The mild winter weather, accessibility of visas, and advanced healthcare system make this destination especially appealing for retirees. Beyond these points, Portugal offers an unparalleled vibrant culture and history, attractive culture, amazing cuisine, stunning natural landscapes, and a friendly local community – perfect for settling down!
# 3 Mexico: Low Cost of Living and Plenty of Opportunities
Unsurprisingly, Mexico snags the number three spot on the list. You’re likely familiar with the abundance of activities and experiences waiting for visitors in Mexico, from adventure sports to ancient ruins.
But the country is also quite budget-friendly for retirees. In Mexico, you can find cost of living that is much lower than what you’d find in the US and enjoy a jam-packed social calendar with plenty of entertainment opportunities for all ages.
Plus, Mexico is within driving distance for North American retirees, which makes it a great place to visit if you need to take care of business back home.
# 4 Panama: The Crossroads of the Americas with Low Tax Rates
Panama is a great destination for retirement for 2024 for a variety of reasons.
This country has what many consider to be the best healthcare system in Latin America and surprisingly low taxes. Plus, the climate here is such a great mix of tropical and temperate that Panama is said to be the “Crossroads of the Americas.”
From the sprawling malls dotting the capital city to the tropical paradises scattered throughout the country, there’s no shortage of activities and opportunities to explore in Panama.
# 5 Spain: Attractive Visas, Beautiful Climate, and Tons of Cultural Attractions
Rounding out the top five places to retire in 2024 is Spain. This destination has long been a popular spot for retirees and potential immigrants alike thanks to its attractive visas, temperate climate, and cultural attractions.
The culture, gastronomy and art scene are flourishing in the capital city of Madrid while the charming Andalucía region offers plenty of sunshine, year-round beach days, and scenic mountain vistas. Plus, the people of Spain tend to be welcoming and warm—making it an especially inviting option for expats and retirees.
Discover More Retirement Destinations with the 2024 Annual Global Retirement Index
Whether you’re considering Costa Rica, Portugal, Mexico, Panama, or Spain, there are plenty of amazing places to start planning for retirement in 2024.
For more information on some of the best places to retire in the world, check out the 2024 Annual Global Retirement Index for more information and reliable insights.
From scouting reports and advice from experts to costs, climates, visas, and much more, it’s the ultimate resource for planning your retirement.