Seniors in search of new and exciting adventures that take them far, far away from their former 9-to-5 work grind can retire somewhere else in the world, according to International Living, a magazine focused on retirement abroad.
But just because you dream of tropical breezes, crystal-clear waters and travels to exotic climes doesn’t mean you can afford them. Whether retiring in the United States or to a new country, seniors need to take careful account of their finances and their priorities.
With input from a global network of expats, International Living’s Annual Global Retirement Index is a comprehensive study of the most affordable international retirement destinations in the world that highlights countries where you can stretch your retirement savings further than you might in the U.S.A.
The magazine has ranked countries based on a range of metrics that are each scored from 0 to 100. The metrics include cost of housing, senior benefits or discounts, visa and residency requirements and how welcoming a country is to foreign residents, They also include a range of available entertainment and sightseeing opportunities, work opportunities, climate, the availability and cost of local doctors and hospitals where English is spoken, foreign governance, and cost of living. The average of all metrics is used to rank each country as a retirement destination.
Here, in ascending order, are International Living’s top 10 best places in the world to retire in 2020.
10. Vietnam
Despite a checkered history of civil war and colonial repression, this communist-controlled southeast Asian country has emerged as a safe and secure magnet for American expats. Vietnam earned a 92 in cost of living; 84 in healthcare; and 83 in entertainment. However, the hot and humid weather scored a so-so 60 in climate. Total Score: 76.
