10 Best Countries for a Comfortable Retirement Life

A recent U.S. News & World Report ranked the best countries for a comfortable retirement based on an international survey of nearly 17,000 people and 5,900 respondents in their 40s and older.

89 countries were ranked based on the following seven attributes:

1. Affordable price
2. favorable tax environment
3. friendly
4. where i will live
5. Pleasant climate
6. Respect property rights
7. Complete public health system

While Florida and Delaware are frequently ranked as the best states to retire in, in other surveys conducted by services like Bankrate, the U.S. doesn’t make the top 10 at all. Countries such as the Dominican Republic.

For the second year in a row, Switzerland ranks as the best country for a comfortable retirement. It ranked second for business friendliness and third for quality of life.

Switzerland’s biggest draws to retirees are its healthcare system and low taxes, but the country is also one of the most expensive to retire in. According to Numbeo, the cost of living in Switzerland is 60.5% higher on average than in the United States, and rent is 18.2% higher on average.

This European country offers a Category D long-term residence visa, and a retiree will need more than $3,500 per month to live comfortably. In a big city, a retired couple can expect to pay $4,000 a month in rent, utilities, food and medical expenses, according to Smartasset.

Although Switzerland is about the size of New Jersey, it is one of the richest countries in the world. Switzerland has no official language, but most people speak Swiss, German, French and Italian.

Switzerland continues to remain neutral in conflicts around the world and is not a member of the European Union.

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

New Zealand ranks second among the best countries for a comfortable retirement, moving up two places from last year.

The country offers a temporary retirement visitor visa for people aged 66 and older.

To take advantage of this two-year visa, participants need to have NZ$750,000 or US$460,299 to invest in New Zealand. In addition, visa holders must have an additional NZ$500,000 or NZ$306,866 for living expenses and an annual income of NZ$60,000 or NZ$36,824.

New Zealand’s retirement visa does not allow working in the country, but applicants interested in finding work have the option. The Parent Resident Retirement Visa has different financial requirements, the biggest difference being that applicants must prove they have an adult child who is a New Zealand citizen or resident.

According to Numbeo, the cost of living in New Zealand is on average 5.5% lower than in the United States, while rents are on average 36.2% lower.

According to Smartasset, New Zealand residents enjoy subsidized or free health care.

New Zealand is famous for its natural beauty and diverse landscapes. The country was the primary setting for many films, including The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogy.

Fans of Tolkien’s books and Peter Jackson’s iconic films can visit the Hobbiton movie set in Matamata, about two hours’ drive south of Auckland.

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