I sold everything. The furniture, the car and decades of accumulated stuff were all hauled away by strangers. Then I bought a one-way ticket to Italy. It was the most stressful thing I’ve ever done, but also the best.

Dealing with Italian visa paperwork, bureaucracy, and permits almost made me give up. Buying a medieval farmhouse in a country where I hardly spoke the language was scary, and I’m still learning as I go. But now, more than a year later, I live in Italy full-time. I’m still a bit surprised it all worked out.

Honestly, saving for retirement in America started to seem impossible. I never thought about Europe until it stopped feeling like something out of a movie and started to seem like a real escape plan.

I know I’m not the only one thinking this way. These days, more Americans are making concrete plans to move abroad rather than just dreaming about it. With housing prices rising, healthcare getting more expensive and worries about savings, many families are looking beyond the U.S. They’re searching for a place where a modest income goes further, healthcare doesn’t break the bank and retirement can finally feel the way they imagined.

A new report from Global Citizen Solutions lists the top 10 countries for Americans thinking about moving abroad in 2026. Mediterranean favorites like Spain, Portugal, Italy and Greece lead the way, while Mexico and Canada are also popular choices. Each country offers something different, whether it’s lower living costs, good healthcare, tax benefits, easy residency options, English-speaking communities or a more relaxed lifestyle.

Another new report from the insurance company William Russell names Panama as the best place for people looking for financial freedom. It also points out some less expected options like Bahrain, the UAE and Qatar. Although the two reports use different methodologies, both look at things like housing costs, living expenses, healthcare and quality of life.

Before you make any big plans, there are some important things to remember. Most U.S. citizens must still file federal taxes on worldwide income regardless of where they live. Income from Social Security, pensions and rental properties can make things even more complicated. Getting a visa can also be difficult. Retirement and passive-income visas often require proof of steady income, private health insurance or a certain amount of money in the bank.

I spoke with Laura Madrid Sartoretto, lead researcher at the Global Intelligence Unit for Global Citizen Solutions. She told me, “For Americans thinking about moving abroad, Europe and Latin America really are where the conversation is right now. Many people are drawn to the slower pace of life. Portugal and Spain are popular because of their excellent healthcare, both public and private, and because pensions stretch further there. Italy, Greece, and Malta offer appealing tax benefits for retirees living across borders. And European destinations overall are known for their security and stability.”

Latin America offers a different experience. Sartoretto explained, “Uruguay stands out as Latin America’s safest destination and, along with Panama, doesn’t tax foreign-sourced income. Mexico keeps drawing Americans with its lower cost of living and the protection of a U.S. tax treaty. These countries all offer clear residency options, a more affordable cost of living, and a strong quality of life.”

The rankings, visa information and cost-of-living estimates here are based on Global Citizen Solutions' 2026 analysis for Americans considering a move abroad. Visa rules, taxes and income requirements can change often. Since eligibility varies for each person, it is a good idea to check the latest information with official government sources or a qualified advisor before making any decisions.

1. Spain

Best for: Culture, healthcare and a lively European lifestyle

Spain is a top choice for people leaving the U.S., thanks to its strong culture, social services, and good infrastructure. Families and remote workers often rate it highly. Spain is also ranked third in the world on the Global Retirement Index and first on the Digital Nomad Index by the Global Intelligence Unit.

The main ways to get residency in Spain are the Digital Nomad Visa, which needs a monthly income of about $3,000, and the Non-Lucrative Visa for retirees or people with passive income. Residents can also take advantage of the Beckham Law, which limits taxes to 24% for the first six years. This makes Spain a great option for high-earning US individuals. A single person usually needs a budget of $2,000 to $2,800 per month to cover living expenses.

2. Portugal

Best for: Easy entry into Europe for remote workers

Portugal has for years been one of the best choices for U.S. citizens. It ranks as the 7th safest country in the world on the Global Peace Index and is a favorite among digital nomads. If you move there, you’ll find friendly expat communities in cities like Lisbon, Porto, and Madeira, along with reliable internet and a relaxed coastal lifestyle.

If you live in Portugal, you can expect to spend around $1,600 to $2,400 each month as a single person. Portugal, like Greece, is open to people from different backgrounds. To get the Golden Visa, you need to invest at least $232,100. The D8 Digital Nomad Visa requires a monthly income of about $3,969. For retirees, the D7 Passive Income Visa works well if you have at least $11,419 in yearly income.

The report also ranks Portugal as the second-best country for retirement. On average, living costs in Portugal are 39% lower than in the US, and rent is 54% lower. Portugal changes its eligibility requirements and sometimes the application process every year. Make sure you are checking the most recent information.

3. Canada

Best for: Families who want familiarity, proximity and strong public services

Canada is often the easiest country for Americans to move to because both countries share the same language, are close geographically, and have similar professional standards. Most people immigrate through the Work Visa Canada or Express Entry system. These programs give preference to younger applicants who have advanced education and specialized skills, especially in healthcare and technology.

Although the Canada Start-Up Visa program will no longer accept new applicants in 2026, there are still other options for people who want to move to certain areas, like British Columbia or Nova Scotia. Canada also offers the quickest path to citizenship among these countries. Residents can apply for a passport just three years after getting permanent residency.

Since Bill C-3 took effect in December 2025, Americans who have a Canadian-born parent or grandparent might already qualify for Canadian citizenship by descent. There is no need for investment, a points system, or a nomination. If you have Canadian family roots, it is a good idea to check your eligibility before trying other options.

4. St. Kitts and Nevis

Best for: Seeking a second passport, tax advantages and a Caribbean base

St. Kitts and Nevis is a popular option for those who want fast asset protection and more freedom to travel. Through its Citizenship by Investment program, you can get a passport in about six months by making a $250,000 non-refundable donation or investing at least $325,000 in approved real estate.

There are also strong tax benefits, since there are no personal income, capital gains, inheritance, or wealth taxes. Life here moves at a slower pace, but the infrastructure is not as developed as in Europe or Canada. Living costs for one person are around $1,500 to $2,300 per month, so it is a more affordable choice for a Caribbean base.

5. Malta

Best for: Families who want an English-speaking life inside the EU with tax benefits

Malta may be small, but it is a strong EU country and a great choice for families looking to settle long-term. With the Malta Permanent Residence Program (MPRP), you can include up to four generations, like grandparents, parents, and children, all in one application. The total cost is about $170,000, which covers real estate, government fees, and a donation to an NGO. If you are a remote worker, the Malta Nomad Residence Permit is easy to apply for and only requires a monthly income of $4,000.

Malta is an English-speaking country and is quickly becoming a center for online tech industries. Malta also offers a tax-friendly system. If you use the Malta Global Residence Program, you pay a flat 15% tax on any income you bring into the country. Income you keep outside Malta is usually not taxed locally.

6. Cyprus

Best for: Investors and business owners looking for tax benefits

Cyprus is a popular destination for people who want to lower their taxes and enjoy a business-friendly setting. To qualify for the Golden Visa, you need to buy a new home worth at least €300,000 and prove you have €50,000 in yearly foreign income. The country’s Non-Domicile Regime lets new residents avoid paying tax on dividends and interest for up to 17 years. Cyprus may be an island, but it has good English-language schools and is close to Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Living costs are also quite reasonable, with a single person usually spending between $1,800 and $2,600 per month.

7. New Zealand

Best for: Families who want safety, nature and an English-speaking lifestyle

New Zealand is a great choice if you enjoy spending time outdoors and want a safe place to raise a family. It’s also a good option for families and investors who want to move easily to an English-speaking country with excellent healthcare.

Living in New Zealand costs more than in many other places, with a single person spending about $2,600 to $3,800 per month and a family of four spending $5,800 to $7,500 per month. New residents can get a four-year tax break on most foreign income. Most Americans move using Skilled Migrant visas, or the New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa, which offers a quicker path to residency if you invest between NZD $5 million and $10 million.

8. Italy

Best for: Retirees who want beauty, culture, food and a slower rhythm

Italy is a great choice if you’re looking for a relaxed lifestyle with plenty of variety and some tax perks. If you have a high net worth, you can use the Italian Flat Tax regime. This lets you pay a flat tax of €300,000 per year on all your foreign income, and each family member adds an extra €50,000.

Italy offers several visa options to fit different budgets. The Digital Nomad Visa requires you to earn about €28,000 a year and show you are a highly skilled professional. If you plan to retire, the Elective Residency Visa asks for at least €32,000 in passive income each year and does not let you work. There is also the Golden Visa, which is a good choice for investors interested in innovation. Living costs are reasonable too, a single person usually spends between $2,000 and $3,000 per month, depending on the city.

You’ll need some patience to live in Italy. The bureaucracy can be tough, and the process is often confusing if you’re new. But if you’re open to adapting, learning some Italian, and getting used to the slow pace (piano, piano), retiring in Italy can be one of the most rewarding experiences in Europe. I know this from my own experience.

9. Greece

Best for: Remote workers who want affordable Mediterranean living

Many Americans choose Greece for its Mediterranean lifestyle and lower living costs. There are several visa options to fit different budgets, such as the Greece Golden Visa starting at €250,000 for property investments, the Greek Digital Nomad Visa, and the FIP visa, which requires a monthly income of at least €3,500. Bureaucracy can be frustrating with this process so make sure you have plenty of patience and time to wait for a result.

Living in Greece costs about $1,250 to $1,950 per month for one person, or $2,900 to $3,800 for a family. Housing is affordable, with one-bedroom apartments in mid-sized cities starting at around $450. Food is also less expensive, since local markets sell fresh products at prices often about 50% lower than in the US.

10. Mexico

Best for: Individuals who want lower costs while staying close to the U.S.

Mexico is a popular and accessible choice for Americans looking to move abroad. To get temporary residency, you usually need about $4,400 in monthly income or $74,000 in savings, and many Mexican consulates still offer same-day visa processing. If you want to stay near the US and lower your living expenses, Mexico is a strong option. Services like childcare, private healthcare, and home maintenance can cost up to 70% less than in the US.

After four years, you can apply for permanent residency. This status never expires and does not require you to meet any ongoing income or stay rules. Living costs are usually between $1,200 and $1,900 per month for one person, or $2,800 to $4,000 for a family.

Mexico stands out for Americans because everyday expenses and private healthcare are much more affordable. Its location next to the US also makes it easy for expats to visit family and friends. However, some parts of Mexico are best avoided. According to International Family Life, regions like Sinaloa, Guerrero, and certain areas of Tamaulipas have a more visible cartel presence and higher crime rates. Other places like Mérida, and San Miguel de Allende boast some of the lowest crime rates in Mexico.

The Great Escape For Retirees

For Americans getting close to retirement, the main question has changed. It’s not just about whether you’ve saved enough to quit working. Now, it’s about where your savings can really support the lifestyle you want.

Spain and Portugal are known for their comfortable retirement lifestyles. Mexico is close by and affordable. Greece and Italy have Mediterranean scenery and culture at prices many Americans can manage. Malta and Cyprus offer tax breaks and easier residency. Canada and New Zealand are safe, familiar, and have a high quality of life. St. Kitts and Nevis is unique, offering a second passport and a Caribbean home for retirees who can take advantage of it.

The best country for retirement isn’t always the cheapest or the one with the simplest visa process. It’s the place that matches the kind of life you want. Some Americans look for beaches and warm weather. Others want better healthcare, safer neighborhoods, a second passport, or a quieter life where their money goes further.

This isn’t just about moving away from America. It’s about finding a place where your next chapter feels more exciting, peaceful, and affordable than you expected. I found my new home in Italy, but others might find theirs in a different place. What matters most is doing your homework first. Talk to a tax advisor, an immigration lawyer, and a trusted local property expert before you make the move.

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