2026’s Dream Retirement Spot: Sri Lanka Leads the Way

Sri Lanka has been named the world’s top destination for foreign retirees in 2026, offering a luxurious lifestyle at an affordable cost, according to the latest Annual Global Retirement Index by International Living, a leading travel and lifestyle publication.

The report emphasizes that Sri Lanka provides an ideal setting for retirees to enjoy comfort and a high quality of life while keeping expenses low. A typical retiree can cover essentials—such as housing, food, utilities, transportation, and leisure activities—on a monthly budget of around $1,000.

Sri Lanka’s ranking is credited to its breathtaking landscapes, well-equipped private healthcare, and cost-effective, convenient local transport.

Trailing Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Thailand secured second and third places, with estimated monthly retirement costs of approximately $1,800 and $2,000, respectively.