Top 10 Global Destinations for a Comfortable Retirement According to U.S. News & World Report – Switzerland on the Top

A recent international survey conducted by U.S. News & World Report, gathering responses from nearly 17,000 individuals, including 5,900 aged 45 and older, has revealed the best countries for a comfortable retirement. The survey assessed 89 countries based on several key factors: affordability, tax environment, friendliness, desirability as a place to live, climate, respect for property rights, and the strength of public healthcare systems.

While states like Florida and Delaware are often highlighted in U.S. retirement surveys from services such as Bankrate, the United States didn’t secure a spot in the global top 10. Instead, the U.S. ranked 30th, trailing behind countries like Mexico, Malaysia, and the Dominican Republic.

Switzerland Leads as the Best Retirement Destination

For the second consecutive year, Switzerland has claimed the title of the best country for a comfortable retirement. It also ranks highly in other areas, coming second for business-friendliness and third for overall quality of life. A key appeal for retirees in Switzerland is its robust healthcare system and low taxes, though the country’s high cost of living remains a factor to consider. According to Numbeo, living costs in Switzerland are approximately 60.5% higher than in the United States, with rent being about 18.2% more expensive.

Switzerland offers a type D visa for long-term residency, but retirees should budget carefully, as a single person would need over $3,500 per month to live comfortably. In larger cities, a retired couple can expect monthly costs of around $4,000 for rent, utilities, food, and healthcare, as reported by Smartasset. Despite its small size, Switzerland is one of the world’s wealthiest nations and remains neutral in global conflicts. It is also not a member of the European Union. The country’s linguistic diversity includes Swiss, German, French, and Italian.

The Top 10 Countries for a Comfortable Retirement

1. 1. 1. Switzerland
      2. New Zealand
      3. Portugal
      4. Australia
      5. Spain
      6. Canada
      7. Denmark
      8. Netherlands
      9. Sweden
      10. Luxembourg

New Zealand follows closely behind Switzerland, ranking second, two spots higher than last year. It offers a temporary retirement visitor visa for individuals aged 66 and older. To qualify for this two-year visa, applicants must invest approximately $460,000 USD and have an additional $306,866 USD in savings, along with an annual income of roughly $36,824 USD.

Although New Zealand’s retirement visa prohibits employment, another option, the Parent Resident Retirement visa, allows applicants to seek work if they have an adult child who is a New Zealand citizen or resident. Numbeo reports that the cost of living in New Zealand is about 5.5% lower than in the U.S., while rent is, on average, 36.2% cheaper. Residents also benefit from subsidized or free healthcare, making the country an appealing choice for retirees, according to Smartasset.

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