The search for a more affordable and higher-quality life after retirement is leading an increasing number of Americans outside the United States, with Greece among the countries highlighted by Forbes for 2026.

The American magazine presents 96 destinations in 24 countries and five continents, assessing not only the cost of living, but also the cost of healthcare, taxation, safety, political stability, opportunities for long-term residency, travel connections to the United States, language, as well as each country’s exposure to climate change and natural disasters.

According to figures cited by Forbes, at the end of 2024 approximately 712,000 American retirees were receiving Social Security benefits while living outside the United States, an increase of 20% over a period of 13 years.

One of the main reasons is the lower cost of living. In several countries, housing, everyday expenses, and healthcare services cost significantly less compared with the United States.

What Forbes Says About Greece

Greece occupies a prominent place on the list, with Forbes describing it as an “ancient cultural gem in the sun-drenched Mediterranean.” The four Greek destinations it recommends to American retirees are Athens, Corfu, Kalamata, and Thessaloniki.

One of the country’s most important advantages, according to the article, is the cost of living. Forbes describes it as significantly lower than the U.S. average, noting that in most parts of Greece—and particularly outside Athens—it can be one-third or more lower.

There is, however, one area in which the American financial magazine identifies increased risk: climate change and natural disasters. Greece’s exposure to phenomena such as wildfires is characterized as significant and is a factor that prospective residents are advised to take into account when choosing an area.

Adonis Georgiadis’s Post

The magazine’s article prompted a reaction from the Minister of Health, Adonis Georgiadis, who shared the relevant excerpt concerning Greece.

“A feature on Greece by one of the biggest magazines and websites on the planet, Forbes, and look at what it says about our Healthcare System… Happy Assumption Day, my friends, far away from the misery and complaining they want to impose on us,” the Minister of Health wrote.

Healthcare, Safety, and Everyday Life

The assessment is also positive in the area of healthcare. The magazine describes healthcare services in Greece as good and affordable, while noting, however, that American retirees require private health insurance.

Regarding safety, the article records a low rate of serious crime.

The 24 Countries and Areas Highlighted by Forbes

The list of the best destinations for retirement abroad in 2026 includes:

– Albania: Tirana, Durrës, Sarandë, Vlorë

– Argentina: Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Mendoza, Rosario

– Austria: Vienna, Graz, Innsbruck, Salzburg

– Belize: Ambergris Caye, Corozal, Caye Caulker, Placencia

– Canada: Calgary, Moncton, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Victoria

– Colombia: Bogotá, Cartagena, Medellín, Pereira

– Costa Rica: San José, Central Valley, Atenas, Santa Cruz

– Cyprus: Limassol, Paphos, Pyrgos, Larnaca

– France: Paris, Lyon, Nice, Pau

– Greece: Athens, Corfu, Kalamata, Thessaloniki

– Ireland: Dublin, Cork, Killarney, Waterford

– Italy: Florence, Bologna, Marche, Lombardy

– Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur, George Town, Ipoh, Malacca

– Malta: Valletta, Gozo, St. Paul’s Bay, Qawra

– Mauritius: Port Louis, Grand Baie, Flic-en-Flac, Tamarin

– Mexico: Mérida, Oaxaca, Puerto Vallarta, San Miguel de Allende

– Montenegro: Podgorica, Bar, Perast, Tivat

– Panama: Panama City, Boquete, Coronado, David

– Portugal: Lisbon, Algarve, Cascais, Porto

– Slovenia: Ljubljana, Bled, Piran, Celje

– Spain: Barcelona, Bilbao, Canary Islands, Seville

– Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui, Phuket

– Uruguay: Montevideo, Atlántida, Colonia, Punta del Este

– Vietnam: Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An