Australia Tops Global List For American Retirees

For many Americans, the dream of a comfortable and enriching retirement is as strong as ever, but the path to achieving it is evolving. Recent reports from a range of financial analysts and lifestyle experts reveal a shifting landscape, both within the United States and abroad, as retirees weigh factors such as affordability, healthcare access, lifestyle, and even international adventure in their search for the perfect place to spend their golden years.

Within the United States, the state of Wisconsin has emerged as a standout contender for retirees seeking a balance of cost, quality of life, and healthcare. According to a comprehensive report released by WalletHub on January 26, 2026, Wisconsin was ranked the 11th best state to retire in for the year, based on an evaluation of affordability, quality of life, and health care. The report, as cited by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, used 46 distinct metrics to arrive at its rankings, ultimately awarding Wisconsin a total score of 56.05. While the state’s affordability rank came in at 24, its quality of life and health care rankings were more impressive at 9 and 18, respectively.

The average retirement age in Wisconsin is 64 years old, and, according to a September 2024 study from GOBankingRates.com, a retiree would need to have saved approximately $825,531.30 to live comfortably in the state, given the average annual cost of living of $55,158.37. While that sum may seem daunting, Wisconsin’s overall ranking suggests that retirees get significant value for their money, particularly when it comes to lifestyle and access to care. The state’s place among the top 15—alongside Wyoming, Florida, and Colorado, among others—reflects a growing appreciation for its blend of Midwestern charm, robust healthcare infrastructure, and manageable expenses.

But the search for the ideal retirement destination is not limited to state lines. In Texas, a recent evaluation by Retirement Living took a close look at 31 cities, focusing on how far retirees’ dollars can stretch and how easily they can access healthcare. The report, published around February 4, 2026, found that Pasadena, Texas, stood out for several reasons. The median rent in Pasadena is $1,308 per month, well below the Texas state median of $1,866. This lower cost of living can make a significant difference for retirees on a fixed income.

Economist Vance Ginn, commenting on the findings, told local media, "Good to see there are places people can still get ahead—especially those looking to retire. A lower cost of living allows them to pay for other things, spend time with grandkids, and enjoy entertainment compared to other inflated cost of living places in many other areas across Texas."

Healthcare access in Pasadena is another standout feature. The city boasts 281 primary care physicians per 1,000 seniors, compared to a statewide average of just 5.9 per 1,000. This ratio suggests that retirees in Pasadena can look forward to shorter wait times and fewer barriers when seeking medical care. "That’s very helpful for those who want to live healthy—in case there’s a fall—that they can be seen right away," Ginn added. The city’s abundance of parks also offers ample opportunity for seniors to stay active, with Ginn noting, "You need to keep moving and walking (as we age) so it’s great Pasadena offers so many places to do that."

Safety, always a concern for older adults, was another factor considered in the Retirement Living report. Pasadena ranked 25th overall for safety, with 6.2 violent crimes and 28.2 property crimes per 1,000 residents. While Ginn acknowledged there is room for improvement, he emphasized that the city’s other advantages make it a compelling choice: "It could still improve given the ranking it has, but considering the other opportunities that are available in Pasadena—it highlights the success many seniors can have for retiring." Notably, the top two Texas cities for retirement were Wichita Falls in first place and Carrollton in second, but Pasadena’s blend of affordability, healthcare, and recreation puts it firmly on the map for those looking to retire in the Lone Star State.

Yet, for some Americans, the ultimate retirement dream lies even farther afield. According to a new analysis by Hoxton Wealth, shared with Travel + Leisure on February 5, 2026, Australia has been named the top destination in the world for Americans hoping to retire overseas. This ranking was based on a thorough assessment of cost of living, property ownership, lifestyle, health care, visa access, and more. Chris Ball, CEO of Hoxton Wealth, explained the methodology: "This research was undertaken to assess which retirement destinations truly remain attractive and viable for US citizens today. We’ve taken a structured and comparative approach to evaluate the traditional favorites that have historically drawn the largest numbers of American retirees as well as a series of emerging destinations ... that are becoming increasingly viable for today’s globally minded retiree."

Australia’s appeal is multifaceted. The country offers "exceptional quality of life, safety, and health care, with some cost and distance trade-offs," according to the report. It also scored the highest for language and integration, alongside New Zealand, Singapore, and the United Kingdom, making it a particularly welcoming environment for Americans. The vast country boasts everything from the sun-soaked beaches and sub-tropical climate of Queensland’s Gold Coast to the wineries and oyster farms of Tasmania, not to mention the vibrant culture of Sydney.

Portugal took the number two spot in Hoxton Wealth’s global ranking, praised for its safety, favorable visa access, tax advantages, and affordability. The report highlighted Portugal as one of Western Europe’s most affordable countries for retirees. New Zealand, Singapore, and Spain rounded out the top five destinations, each offering a unique blend of lifestyle, healthcare, and integration opportunities.

Ball offered practical advice for retirees weighing their options: "US retirees must choose between the 'institutional strength' of a market like Australia and the 'affordability and access' of places like Portugal." He added, "For a US retiree, the decisive factor is whether they prioritize a familiar, top-tier institutional environment like Australia or a more budget-friendly European base with exceptional visa and historical tax advantages like Portugal."

As the retirement landscape continues to shift, Americans are faced with a wealth of choices—each with its own blend of pros and cons. Whether seeking the comfort of home in Wisconsin, the value and accessibility of Pasadena, Texas, or the adventure of starting anew in Australia or Portugal, today’s retirees have more options than ever. The key, experts agree, is to weigh personal priorities—be it cost, healthcare, lifestyle, or the thrill of new horizons—and plan accordingly, ensuring that the golden years truly shine wherever they may be spent.