The annual ranking for 2026 has placed Greece first globally among the best countries to live in, ahead of traditional competitors like Portugal and Spain.
This marks the first time Greece has topped the Global Retirement Index since its launch 35 years ago.
This report comes at a sensitive time, as a study revealed that 66% of Americans are now more inclined to consider the option of moving to live outside the United States.
This trend is attributed to key factors including the rising cost of living, exhaustion from the political climate, and the desire to pursue a simpler and healthier lifestyle.
The index, which is no longer limited to retirees but has become a reference for young people and remote workers, is based on a comprehensive assessment of several pivotal criteria. These include the cost of living, covering daily rents, healthcare and infrastructure, visa systems and ease of social integration, as well as climate and lifestyle.
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The ranking emphasizes its reliance on field reports from expatriates actually living in these countries, giving it credibility beyond dry statistical data or AI-generated content.
Notable Improvement in Economic Situation
Greece’s rocket-like rise to the top was bolstered by several positive factors converging at once. The report points to a notable improvement in the country’s economic situation, alongside the availability of modern healthcare at a much lower cost than in countries like the United States. Most importantly, the cost of living in Greece has remained lower than in most Western European countries.
Expatriates can live comfortably in Greece on a monthly income ranging between $2,500 and $3,200, including rent.
The flexible residency systems adopted by the Greek government, particularly the updated “Golden Visa” and residency visas for financially independent individuals and remote workers, have also contributed to strengthening Greece’s position as a preferred destination for relocation.
Although Portugal and Spain remain within the top ten, the report indicated that the increasing rise in real estate and rental prices in both, along with recent changes in visa and tax policies, has led to a decline in their rankings. Greece has been described as currently representing the “new Portugal” in terms of value and ease of transition.
The 2026 ranking confirms the appeal of the Old Continent, with European countries dominating the top ten spots, including five nations: Greece, Portugal, Italy, France, and Spain.
Greece
Greece is a southeastern European country widely regarded as the cradle of Western civilization, being the birthplace of democracy, philosophy, and the Olympic Games. Its rich history spans from the advanced Minoan and Mycenaean civilizations to the influential Classical Greek city-states and later incorporation into the Roman and Byzantine Empires. The country is famed for its numerous archaeological sites, such as the Acropolis in Athens, and its profound cultural legacy in art, literature, and science.
Portugal
Portugal is a country in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula, with a rich history as a global maritime power during the Age of Discoveries in the 15th and 16th centuries. Its cultural identity is deeply shaped by this era of exploration, visible in historic sites like the Belém Tower in Lisbon and the port wine region of the Douro Valley.
Spain
Spain is a country in southwestern Europe with a rich and complex history shaped by successive influences, including Roman rule, Islamic Al-Andalus, and the unification of the Catholic kingdoms in the late 15th century. Its cultural heritage is globally renowned, from historic landmarks like the Alhambra and Sagrada Família to traditions such as flamenco and regional festivals.
United States
The United States is a federal republic founded in 1776 after declaring independence from Great Britain, with its modern government established by the Constitution in 1789. Its history encompasses westward expansion, the Civil War, industrialization, and its emergence as a global superpower in the 20th century. The nation is defined by its diverse population, democratic ideals, and significant cultural and economic influence worldwide.
Italy
Italy is a country in Southern Europe with a rich cultural history that dates back to the ancient Roman Empire, which was a foundational civilization for Western law, government, and engineering. It later became the epicenter of the Renaissance, producing unparalleled contributions to art, science, and architecture. Today, it is renowned for its historic cities, artistic masterpieces, and profound global influence on cuisine, fashion, and design.
France
France is a Western European nation with a rich history dating back to ancient Gaul, later shaped by Roman conquest, the rise of the monarchy, and the influential French Revolution of 1789. It is globally renowned for its cultural contributions in art, philosophy, cuisine, and fashion, and is home to iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Palace of Versailles.
