Despite states like Florida and Delaware often being considered the “best” places to retire, on an international level, the United States isn’t the top choice for many retirees to settle down, according to a recent report from U.S. News and World Report.
About 89 countries were ranked based on the following seven attributes:
- Affordable
- Favorable tax environment
- Friendly
- A place I would live
- Pleasant climate
- Respect property rights
- Well-developed public health system
The ranking was also determined by an international survey of nearly 17,000 people and a subset of 5,900 respondents in their mid-40s or older.
These are the top 10 best countries for a comfortable retirement.
- Switzerland
- New Zealand
- Portugal
- Australia
- Spain
- Canada
- Denmark
- Netherlands
- Sweden
- Luxembourg
The United States ranked 30th on the list.
Retirement can be expensive in the U.S., depending on where the retirees live. A study from Go Banking Rates, released last October, breaks down how much a retiree would need to comfortably retire in the country.
For example, in California, retirees would need $90,399 annually to live comfortably during retirement. That figure increases to $121,228 if that individual settles in Hawaii.
Mississippi required the least amount of money to enjoy a comfortable retirement, with the total cost of over $55,000.
Iran was ranked as the worst place to retire.
The complete report can be viewed here.