Retirement is a major life stage that everyone should prepare for, no matter how long or short their career has been. The city and country you live in can significantly impact your lifestyle during retirement. A new study by Audley Villages shows that being prepared early makes a huge difference. The city most prepared and metrics like government pension initiatives and health grade help gauge readiness in OECD countries. Factors such as retirement age, average life expectancy, and local infrastructure vary around the world.

The study reveals Spain is the country where citizens are most prepared for retirement. Spain holds the first place with a second longest retirement of 22 years, and the average youngest retirement ages is 61 years. Life expectancy is nearly 84 years, and Spain ranks in the top 10 for pensions. The average pension covers 83.4% of pre-retirement earnings, and it boasts the highest health grade, low health risks, and access to clean water. Malnutrition and common causes of death are carefully monitored, ensuring retirees are looked after as they grow older.

Greece, in second place, has the second lowest retirement age of 60, with about 22 years of retirement living. Financial aid may be lower, with pensions at 51.1%, but the low cost of living and highest number of GPs per 1,000 population make it appealing. Austria, third placed, offers the fourth highest pension offering, covering 89.9% of an individual’s pre-retirement earnings, and average retirement lasts nearly 20 years. These countries are generally prepared, considering farewell working days, country overall ranking, average retirement age, average life expectancy, pension percentage, average annual investment rates of return, retirement savings plans, health grade, and number of doctors.

Vienna is the city second most prepared for retirement. In Vienna, a city highly ranked for retirement, citizens enjoy cheaper property prices and a better savings regime. Madrid often holds the crown for retirees, but Vienna comes in second place after Athens in Greece. Other cities like Bratislava, Slovakia, and Mexico City rank lower, with lowest life expectancies around 78 years and smallest retirement communities of about 40,677 residents. In Vienna, citizens 65+ number over 2,929,678, and the average length of retirement is influenced by household disposable income, property price per square metre, three-course meal, and fitness club monthly fee. Cities such as Rome, Luxembourg City, Amsterdam, Brussels, Lisbon, and Paris also attract retirees with varying retirement age, average annual salary, and savings rates.

Financial preparation is another key metric. Individuals are most financially prepared for retirement in Luxembourg. Luxembourg ranks highest for financially prepared citizens, combining average yearly income, personal pension, pre-retirement earnings, disposable income, and savings. With annual investment rates of return and robust retirement savings plans, 90.1% of retirees are secure. Many own property, maintaining equity and a cash influx for comfort. Switzerland ranks ninth for best saving habits among OECD countries, while Hungary, in fourth place, has highest percentage of citizens staying in their own homes, creating reassurance and financial comfort while heading into retirement.

Many American retirees choose retiring overseas to stretch their dollar. Popular top retirement spots around the world offer desirable lifestyle, climates, cultural offerings, and destination appeal. Sites like International Living.com evaluate eight categories including real estate, special retirement benefits, cost of living, ease of integration, entertainment, amenities, health care, retirement infrastructure, climate, utilities, groceries, cable TV, housekeepers, and rentals.

Age-restricted retirement communities provide residential community, housing complex, and older adults with the ability to care for themselves or receive support from home care agencies. Activities, socialization opportunities, and shared amenities encourage engagement. Options include assisted living communities, memory care, daily services, seniors apartments, condominiums, dining, housekeeping, nursing, wellness, locked buildings, secured buildings, congregate housing, shared meals, and continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs). Other models like elder cohousing, senior cohousing, and individually owned housing units with common areas foster a strong sense of community. Independent senior living communities or leisure communities provide lifestyle-oriented options for active adults, while mobile homes, RVs, and subsidized housing cater to lower-income retirees, especially in warm climates like Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, and Texas.

Portugal ranks number one for retirees seeking dual citizenship, a European country, and the D7 Visa. Stable passive income and security allow retirees and international citizens to build a real life in a new country. Over 20–30 years, the institutional framework provides a reliable retirement plan. Mauritius, an eastern African country, is number two, offering residence permits, minimum monthly income, and family-friendly eligibility. Spain is number three, using a non-lucrative visa (NLV) for non-EU citizens, with worldwide tax system, inheritance considerations, and a pathway to citizenship. Uruguay ranks number four, with stable passive income, foreign income benefits, and dual citizenship options.

Lifestyle and cost of living remain critical. Countries like Malaysia (Penang), Thailand, Spain (Málaga, Madrid), France, Italy, Mexico, Portugal, Costa Rica, and Panama offer heritage, affordability, expat communities, healthcare access, and local culture that enhance quality of life. Monthly costs vary, such as rent, utilities, groceries, and healthcare. Learning local language, like Spanish, improves connection and understanding. Locations with 300 days of sunshine, vibrant culture, outdoor activities, and friendly expat communities attract long-term retirees seeking balance between financial security and lifestyle enjoyment.

As for experience advising clients on retirement property investment, the most successful retirees blend asset diversification, coastal retreats, and serene environments. Countries like Portugal, Costa Rica, and Spain offer excellent international property investment opportunities, with supportive expat communities and robust infrastructure. Working with trusted partners like Propuno ensures a smooth transition into overseas retirement, navigating complex local regulations, and making the process rewarding. With careful planning, retirees can choose where to invest, enjoy sunshine, new cultures, and secure long-term stability for both lifestyle and finances.

The study shows that Spain is the country where citizens are most prepared for retirement. Spain, taking the first place, has the second longest retirement of 22 years and an average youngest retirement age of 61 years. With a life expectancy of nearly 84 years, Spain also ranks in the top 10 countries for pensions. The average pension replaces 83.4% of pre-retirement earnings. In addition, Spain receives the highest health grade, with low health risks, access to clean water, and low malnutrition, ensuring retirees are well looked after as they grow older.

Greece, in second place, has the second lowest retirement age of 60, offering about 22 years of retirement living. Although financial aid is lower, with pensions covering only 51.1% of pre-retirement earnings, the low cost of living and highest number of GPs per 1,000 population make it a strong choice for retirees. Meanwhile, Austria, the third placed country, provides the fourth highest pension offering, replacing 89.9% of an individual’s pre-retirement earnings. The average retirement lasts nearly 20 years, reflecting the country’s focus on long-term preparedness. Countries like Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Belgium, Norway, France, Portugal, Slovenia, Finland, Australia, Germany, Canada, Iceland, Denmark, Ireland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Poland, United Kingdom, Israel, Estonia, New Zealand, United States, Japan, Lithuania, Chile, Mexico, Latvia, South Korea, Colombia, and Slovakia also show varying levels of preparation, measured by rankings, percentages, average retirement age, pension percentages, retirement savings plans, and health grade.

here are the more details about Investment For Retirement Planning Around the World

Spain: Leading the Way

Spain not only leads in pensions and health, but its cities, especially Málaga and Madrid, are attractive for retirees seeking retirement property investment. Spain’s average life expectancy of nearly 84 years gives retirees a long period to enjoy their lifestyle. The cost of living is reasonable, and property prices for apartments and villas are attractive for both locals and international buyers. Spanish non-lucrative visas (NLV) allow non-EU citizens to live in Spain without work, provided they have a stable income of €2,400 per month. Visa processing takes roughly three months, and after 10 years, residents can apply for Spanish citizenship, offering long-term security.

Vienna and City-Level Metrics

Vienna is the city second most prepared for retirement, just behind Madrid. It offers retirees cheaper property prices and a better savings regime. The city-specific metrics highlight disposable income, property price per square metre, fitness club fees, and three-course meal costs. In Vienna, the largest population of over 65s reaches 2,929,678, with smaller communities like Bratislava and Mexico City ranking lower. Average retirement age and life expectancy in these cities provide a realistic picture for planning. Cities like Athens, Rome, Luxembourg City, Amsterdam, Brussels, Lisbon, Paris, Oslo, Sydney, Ljubljana, Helsinki, Berlin, Copenhagen, Reykjavik, Toronto, Budapest, Prague, Dublin, Stockholm, Bern, Ankara, Jerusalem, Tallinn, Warsaw, London, Wellington, Tokyo, Santiago, Vilnius, and Washington offer a wide range of retirement options, with varying property prices, salaries, and savings rates.

Luxembourg: Financial Security First

Individuals are most financially prepared for retirement in Luxembourg. Luxembourg ranks high for financially prepared retirees, with strong average yearly income, personal pensions, pre-retirement earnings, disposable income, and savings. Around 90.1% of retirees are secure, many owning property, which provides equity and a steady cash influx. Switzerland, in ninth place, demonstrates some of the best saving habits in OECD countries, with annual investment rates of return of 16.17% and strong retirement savings plans.

Popular Retiring Overseas

Many American retirees choose retiring overseas to stretch their dollar. Popular top retirement spots offer desirable lifestyles, climates, cultural offerings, and high-quality destinations. International Living.com ranks countries in eight categories: real estate, special retirement benefits, cost of living, ease of integration, entertainment, amenities, health care, retirement infrastructure, climate, utilities, groceries, cable TV, housekeepers, and rentals.

Retirement Communities and CCRCs

Long-standing communities like Ryderwood, Washington (1923), Senior Estates Inc, Del Webb Sun City Arizona (1960), and The Villages Florida (2011) provide structured financial security and government-subsidized housing. Continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) offer a continuum of services for health needs, social needs, and peace of mind. Couples and individuals can access independent living, assisted living, and 24-hour nursing care. Fees vary: entrance fees range $238,000–$270,000 with monthly payments between $2,000–$8,200, sometimes covered by insurance, government plans, or out-of-pocket. Options like Life Care, Modified, and Pay as you go ensure flexibility, with minor 3–6% annual increases.

International Examples: Denmark, Portugal, and Mauritius

Denmark has pioneered intergenerational cohousing, age-specific models, studio residencies, and home health aides. Such models focus on physical ability, social engagement, and participatory neighborhood design. Online resources like Wikipedia provide guidance on United States retirement visas, emphasizing affordable living, laid-back lifestyle, and expat integration.

Portugal ranks number one for retirees seeking dual citizenship, with options like the D7 visa. Retirees benefit from stable passive income, strong institutional frameworks, and safe retirement environments over the next 20–30 years. Mauritius, number two, offers residence permits with minimum monthly income, family-friendly provisions, and tax advantages. Spain, number three, provides non-lucrative visas and a pathway to citizenship in 10 years, while Uruguay, number four, offers easy dual citizenship, stable passive income, and favorable taxes.

Lifestyle and Cost of Living Insights

Countries like Malaysia (Penang), Thailand, Spain (Málaga, Madrid), France, Italy, Mexico, Portugal, Costa Rica, and Panama offer a balance of heritage, affordability, expat communities, and healthcare access. Monthly expenses include rent, utilities, groceries, and healthcare, with property prices ranging widely. Learning the local language, like Spanish, enhances connection and understanding. Expats enjoy strong community networks, friendly neighborhoods, and leisure activities

Personal Insights and Property Investment Tips

From my personal experience helping clients with retirement property investment, the most successful retirees combine asset diversification, coastal retreats, and serene villa environments. Countries like Portugal, Costa Rica, and Spain provide excellent international property investment opportunities, with supportive expat communities and robust local infrastructure. Working with trusted partners like Propuno ensures smooth navigation of complex local regulations and a rewarding process, allowing retirees to focus on enjoying sunshine, new cultures, and long-term financial stability.

Understanding Retirement Preparedness

Planning for retirement is essential to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle. No matter your career, it is important to prepare and feel prepared. The city and country you choose can greatly impact your retirement age and quality of life. A new study by Audley Villages evaluated 37 OECD countries and capital cities, measuring metrics like government pension initiatives and health grade. Retirement planning varies widely around the world, depending on policies, healthcare, and economic factors.

The study reveals Spain is the country where citizens are most prepared for retirement. Spain takes first place with the second longest retirement of 22 years, average youngest retirement ages of 61 years, and a life expectancy of nearly 84 years. It ranks in the top 10 for pensions, offering an average pension covering 83.4% of pre-retirement earnings. Spain has the highest health grade, clean water, and minimal malnutrition. Common causes of death are monitored, and retirees are looked after as they grow older.

Greece holds second place, with the second lowest retirement age of 60, offering 22 years of retirement living. Financial aid is lower, with a pension covering 51.1%, but low cost of living and the highest number of GPs per 1,000 population make it attractive. Austria, third placed, provides the fourth highest pension offering at 89.9% of an individual’s pre-retirement earnings, with average retirement nearly 20 years. Farewell working days, overall ranking, average life expectancy, pension percentage, average annual investment rates of return, retirement savings plans, health grade, and number of doctors are other key metrics. Countries like Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Belgium, Norway, France, Portugal, Slovenia, Finland, Australia, Germany, Canada, Iceland, Denmark, Ireland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Poland, United Kingdom, Israel, Estonia, New Zealand, United States, Japan, Lithuania, Chile, Mexico, Latvia, South Korea, Colombia, and Slovakia also appear in the rankings.

Cities That Are Retirement-Friendly

Vienna is the city second most prepared for retirement. Vienna offers cheaper property prices and a better savings regime than other cities like Madrid, which still holds the crown for retirees. Athens, Bratislava, Mexico City, and Rome are evaluated using city specific metrics including disposable income, savings, household disposable income, property price per square metre, three course meal, and fitness club monthly fee.

Financially Prepared Individuals

Individuals are most financially prepared for retirement in Luxembourg. In Luxembourg, retirees enjoy the third highest average yearly income of $73,910, with 90.1% financially secure. Metrics include personal pension, pre-retirement earnings, disposable income, savings, annual investment rates of return, and retirement savings plans. Citizens who own property and plan ahead can enjoy a long, comfortable retirement.

Retiring Overseas

For many American retirees, retiring overseas is a chance to stretch their dollar and enjoy top retirement spots around the world. International evaluations like International Living.com rank countries in eight categories: real estate, special retirement benefits, cost of living, ease of integration, entertainment, amenities, health care, and retirement infrastructure.

Age-restricted or age-qualified residential communities provide housing complexes, assisted living communities, memory care, and daily services for older adults. Amenities include apartment, condominium, activities, dining, housekeeping, nursing, wellness, locked building, secured building, congregate housing, shared meals, continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), elder cohousing, senior cohousing, individually owned housing units, common area, common house, independent senior living communities, independent living communities, and lifestyle-oriented communities (LORCs). Options like mobile homes, RVs, and subsidized housing cater to lower income retirees in warm climates including Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, and Texas.

Retirement Visas and Global Opportunities

Portugal, number one, provides dual citizenship, D7 Visa, and residency visa for retirees seeking stable passive income. Applicants must demonstrate €870 per month income, with processing times up to 12 months, and may live at least 5 years before applying for permanent citizenship.

Mauritius, number two, allows residence permits with minimum monthly income of $1,500, family-friendly options, and dual citizenship after six years. Spain, number three, issues Spanish non-lucrative visas (NLV) for non-EU citizens, requiring €2,400 per month, three months visa processing, and 10-year pathway to citizenship. Uruguay, number four, requires $2,000 stable passive income per month, processing in one month, with dual citizenship after 5 years.

Global Retirement Property Investment

Retirement property investment has grown over 15% globally. Expats seeking coastal villas, serene retreats, or colonial cities combine asset diversification with lifestyle enhancement. Countries like Portugal, Costa Rica, Spain, Italy, Mexico, and Mauritius offer international property investment opportunities. Working with trusted partners like Propuno helps navigate the market, invest safely, and maximize ROI.

Conclusion

To prepare for retirement, it is important to consider your career length, savings, and investments. The choice of city and country plays a key role in shaping your lifestyle during retirement. Factors like retirement age, healthcare, housing, and community support all influence how comfortable and fulfilling your retirement will be. Planning early ensures you can enjoy a secure, active, and enjoyable life after work.