United States Fell in Global Retirement Rankings
The U.S. dropped to 24th place in the 2026 Natixis Global Retirement Index amid rising healthcare costs.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Retirement Planning
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The United States has fallen to 24th place out of 44 countries in the 2026 Natixis Global Retirement Index, a three-spot decline from the previous year. As retirement challenges mount, approximately 90 percent of prospective retirees surveyed expressed an interest in moving to Europe.
Why it matters
Inflation, widening income inequality, and high healthcare spending contribute to the declining U.S. ranking. Retirees are increasingly looking abroad for better access to care and freedom of movement.
U.S. retirees currently spend 29 percent of their Social Security income and 12 percent of their total income on healthcare costs. Projections indicate that Social Security payments could face a 22 percent decline by 2032.
The players
Natixis
This global asset management firm publishes the annual Global Retirement Index to evaluate retirement security across advanced economies.
Social Security Administration
This United States federal agency manages the pension and disability insurance programs for millions of American retirees.
Economic Innovation Group
This bipartisan public policy organization focuses on economic growth and the structural challenges facing the United States.
The details
The index evaluates countries based on health, quality of life, material well-being, and finances, with Norway taking the top spot and India ranking lowest. Currently, over 700,000 Americans receive Social Security benefits while living abroad, a figure that has grown by 60 percent over the last 20 years.
Timeline
In 2006, the number of Americans receiving Social Security benefits abroad was significantly lower than current levels.
The U.S. held 14th place in the retirement index during 2015.
A Boston College study regarding health expenditures was released in February 2026.
The Economic Innovation Group published a report on U.S. systems in September 2026.
Social Security payments are predicted to fall by 22 percent in 2032.
Market Dynamics
This trend of Americans retiring abroad reflects a structural departure from traditional domestic retirement models under the Social Security Act of 1935. As fiscal pressures mount, the growing reliance on international relocation mirrors a shift in how retirees manage long-term financial security.
The potential 22 percent decline in Social Security payments by 2032 suggests that retail investors should prioritize personal savings and healthcare cost planning. Investors may need to reallocate portfolios to account for higher medical expenditures and the possibility of relocation expenses.
The takeaway
Rising healthcare costs and economic pressures are pushing more Americans to consider retiring in countries with better social safety nets. Prospective retirees should conduct thorough research on foreign healthcare access and tax implications before planning a move abroad.
Further reading
For more information on managing long-term financial goals, visit our Retirement Planning section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Independent.
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