A global retirement index has ranked Sri Lanka number one for affordability, placing the island ahead of popular expat hotspots in Asia and beyond.
Sri Lanka has been named the world’s most affordable retirement destination for expatriates in the 2026 International Living Annual Global Retirement Index, a respected global benchmark that evaluates retirement destinations based on real world data and expat experiences.
According to the 35th edition of the index, Greece has been ranked the best overall retirement destination in the world, assessed across key categories such as cost of living, healthcare quality, climate, infrastructure and accommodation options. However, when it comes to affordability for retirees, Sri Lanka has taken the top spot globally.
Sri Lanka secured the number one ranking in the Affordability for Retirees category with an impressive score of 98 points. It was followed closely by Vietnam with 97 points and Thailand with 96 points, while Bali in Indonesia and Malaysia also featured prominently on the list.
Several factors contributed to Sri Lanka’s strong performance in the retirement affordability rankings. The low cost of food and beverages, reasonably priced public and private transportation, and access to high quality yet affordable healthcare services in Colombo were highlighted as major advantages. These elements combine to offer retirees a comfortable lifestyle at significantly lower living costs compared to Western nations.
Sri Lanka has also been recognized as one of the easiest and most cost effective countries in Asia to obtain a retirement visa, further enhancing its appeal among global retirees seeking long term residency options.
“With 13 UNESCO World Heritage sites, beautiful beaches, a vibrant culture and very low prices, Sri Lanka is a place where you can live a high quality lifestyle without spending a lot,” International Living stated in its report.
The International Living magazine, with over four decades of expertise, compiles its Global Retirement Index annually using insights from expatriates and detailed on the ground research worldwide.
