Estonia Emerges as Top Global Retirement Destination in New Study

A recent study has ranked Estonia as the world’s best place to retire, surpassing 136 other countries in a comprehensive analysis conducted by life insurance experts, Everly Life. The evaluation considered six critical factors, including cost of living, healthcare quality, safety, air quality, the percentage of the elderly population, and the availability of retirement visas.

According to Mariah Bliss, spokesperson for Everly Life, the choice of retirement location plays a crucial role in financial planning. “When we talk to clients about retirement planning, location often becomes the wild card that can make or break their financial strategy,” Bliss noted. The findings indicate that a country’s affordability must be balanced with essential services such as healthcare and safety to ensure a secure retirement.

Estonia: A Balanced Choice for Retirees

Estonia topped the list with an impressive index score of 79.41. The Baltic nation combines a reasonable cost of living (index of 55.9) with strong healthcare (index of 77.7) and notable safety levels (index of 76.5). With a population where 20.91% are elderly, Estonia demonstrates a commitment to creating a retirement-friendly environment. Additionally, its air quality is commendable, reflected by a low pollution index of just 4.6.

Bliss remarked, “Estonia represents the sweet spot many retirees are seeking. You’re getting Northern European healthcare standards and safety without the crushing costs of places like Switzerland or Denmark.” The country’s digital infrastructure and innovative e-residency program further enhance its appeal, particularly for tech-savvy retirees looking to maintain global connectivity while enjoying a serene lifestyle.

Norway and Portugal Follow Suit

Claiming the second spot is Norway, with an index score of 77.30. While the cost of living is notably high (index of 78.9), Norway compensates with exceptional healthcare (highest rating of 83) and solid safety standards (index of 67.2).

Following closely in third place is Portugal, which achieved an index score of 77.10. Known for its compelling value proposition, Portugal features the lowest cost of living index among the top ten countries at 45.8, along with strong healthcare (index of 77.4) and respectable safety levels (index of 67.6). Notably, Portugal boasts the highest percentage of elderly residents at 24.11%, fostering established infrastructure and communities that cater to retirees.

The study also highlighted other notable countries in the top rankings, including Spain (index of 74.49), Australia (index of 71.74), and Canada (index of 71.51). Latvia, Hungary, Malta, and Italy also appeared in the top ten, underscoring a variety of appealing options for those considering retirement abroad.

As more individuals plan for their retirement years, the importance of choosing the right location remains paramount. The findings from Everly Life illustrate that combining affordability with quality healthcare and safety can significantly enhance the retirement experience.