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Moving overseas advice
Best island to retire in 2026
Key takeaways
- The best islands to retire in 2026 are Viti Levu (Fiji), Efate (Vanuatu), Upolu (Samoa), Rarotonga (Cook Islands), Tongatapu (Tonga), Palawan (Philippines), Lombok (Indonesia), and Lifou (New Caledonia).
- The best Caribbean island to retire to in 2026 is St Kitts and Nevis, followed by the Bahamas, Antigua and Barbuda, the Cayman Islands, and Dominica.
- The best Hawaiian island to retire to in 2026 is Oahu, home to Honolulu, Kapolei, and Waipahu.
8 best islands to retire in 2026*
The best islands to retire are Viti Levu (Fiji), Efate (Vanuatu), Upolu (Samoa), Rarotonga (Cook Islands), Tongatapu (Tonga), Palawan (Philippines), Lombok (Indonesia), and Lifou (New Caledonia), according to Investopedia's 2026 report. The online financial education platform based its findings on cost of living, infrastructure, safety, ease of obtaining a long-term visa, and access to nature.
If you’re thinking of starting your golden years with a move abroad, here’s some more information about each of these dream destinations:
1. Viti Levu, Fiji
Retirees can enjoy a classic South Pacific lifestyle brimming with spectacular beaches and world-class golf courses. A couple can live comfortably on around US$2,600 (€2,237/£1,931) per month.
Population: 740,000
Land area: 4,011 mi² (10,389 km²)
Avg. monthly costs for one: US$1,500 (€1,299/£1,121)
Avg. monthly rent: US$897 (€776/£670)
Healthcare: two-tier, public and private
Climate: warm, tropical marine climate
Visa: expats aged 45 and older can opt for the Residence Permit on Assured Income visa. You must have private health insurance and a minimum of FJ$100,000 (US$ 45,400/€39,053) in a local bank account.
2. Efate, Vanuatu
A stunning paradise for retirees looking for a mix of colourful local culture in Vanuatu's capital city, Port Vila, and seclusion in spots like Havannah Harbour. Efate is exceptionally tax-friendly with zero personal income, wealth, or capital gains tax.
Population: 66,000
Land area: 347 mi² (899 km²)
Avg. monthly costs for one: US$1,540 (€1,332/£1,150)
Avg. monthly rent: US$1,552 (€1,342/£1,159)
Healthcare: two-tier, public and private
Climate: sub-tropical climate
Visa: retirees over 50 can apply for Vanuatu's Retiree Visa. It costs VUV309,000 (US$2,629/€2,262), lasts 10 years, and excludes employment or business activities.
3. Upolu, Samoa
A traditional culture centred on a 3,000-year-old communal, family-first social system called Fa'a Samoa (the Samoan Way). Daily necessities are cheap if you live simply, though land must be leased rather than bought.
Population: 145,000
Land area: 434 mi² (1,125 km²)
Avg. monthly costs for one: US$1,744 (€1,509/£1,303)
Avg. monthly rent: US$1,576 (€1,363/£1,177)
Healthcare: publicly funded, tax-based universal healthcare
Climate: warm and humid equatorial climate
Visa: Samoa does not offer a dedicated retirement visa. Retirees must instead qualify for residency through investment or family ties.
4. Rarotonga, Cook Islands
A highly explorable island (the perimeter is fully drivable in 45 minutes) with a Kiwi-influenced lifestyle. It is particularly appealing to retirees thanks to its relaxed pace of life and access to good healthcare without the crowds and high costs found in larger destinations.
Population: 10,898
Land area: 26 mi² (67 km²)
Avg. monthly costs for one: US$1,723 (€1,490/£1,287)
Avg. monthly rent: US$641 (€554/£479)
Healthcare: public healthcare system
Climate: tropical, but moderated by trade winds
Visa: the Cook Islands offer a dedicated Retiree Visa and Permit that grants a one-year stay, renewable indefinitely.
5. Tongatapu, Tonga
An uncommercialised kingdom free of massive resorts, ideal for retirees who want to enjoy a simple life. Expats are drawn to the island for its incredible affordability and the opportunity to escape the stress of big city living.
Population: 4,611
Land area: 101 mi² (260 km²)
Avg. monthly costs for one: US$939 (€812/£701)
Avg. monthly rent: US$831 (€719/£620)
Healthcare: publicly funded, tax-financed healthcare
Climate: tropical rainforest climate
Visa: Tonga's Assured Income Visa allows retirees to stay for renewable 2-year periods, provided they show an overseas income of at least TOP10,000 (US$4,152/€3,568) per year.
6. Palawan, Philippines
Palawan delivers jaw-dropping limestone landscapes, hidden lagoons, and a laid-back tropical lifestyle. Daily essentials, local groceries, and dining out are inexpensive compared to Western standards.
Population: 968,795
Land area: 5,656 mi² (14,650 km²)
Avg. monthly costs for one: US$516 (€446/£386)
Avg. monthly rent: US$657 (€568/£491)
Healthcare: mixed public-private healthcare system
Climate: tropical maritime climate
Visa: the Philippines' Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV) is for expats 35 and older who are physically healthy and can meet the required bank deposit or investment criteria.
7. Lombok, Indonesia
Widely considered "Bali's quieter sibling," Lombok boasts pristine, untouched beaches, excellent surf spots, and a calm, tranquil environment without the heavy congestion. Plus, the cost of living is around 40% cheaper than in Bali!
Population: 3,168,692
Land area: 1,763 mi² (4,566 km²)
Avg. monthly costs for one: US$407 (€352/£304)
Avg. monthly rent: US$500 (€432/£373)
Healthcare: dual-track healthcare system
Climate: wet-dry tropical climate
Visa: Indonesia's Retirement KITAS E33F requires a stable passive income of at least US$3,000 (€2,578/£2,232) per month and a rental agreement, as outright foreign land ownership is restricted.
8. Lifou, New Caledonia
A fascinating, semi-francophone territory that blends traditional Kanak culture with French infrastructure, accents and bakeries, set against a UNESCO World Heritage-listed coral lagoon.
Population: 9,195
Land area: 466 mi² (1,146 km²)
Avg. monthly costs for one: US$988 (€854/£737)
Avg. monthly rent: US$916 (€792/£684)
Healthcare: hybrid public and private healthcare
Climate: tropical oceanic climate
Visa: as an overseas territory of France, European Union (EU) citizens have a much simpler path to residency. Non-EU citizens can apply for a Long-Stay visa and demonstrate substantial independent financial means.
*figures accurate as of 2026
Sources: numbeo.com, wise.com, intrepidtravel.com
Best Greek island to retire
The best Greek island to retire on is Crete, according to International Living Magazine. The ancient country's biggest island attracts thousands of retirees each year thanks to a relaxed pace of life, endless natural beauty, and captivating historical sites. Pensioners also enjoy easily accessible golden beaches, scenic mountain vistas, and a healthy culinary tradition, all of which are perfect for a vibrant and long life.
Living in the Caribbean offers retirees warm weather, clear beaches, and a relaxed lifestyle.
Best Caribbean island to retire
The best Caribbean island to retire to in 2026 is St Kitts and Nevis, followed by the Bahamas, Antigua and Barbuda, the Cayman Islands, and Dominica, according to Global Citizen Solutions. Living in the Caribbean offers retirees warm weather, clear beaches, and a relaxed lifestyle.
1. St Kitts and Nevis
St. Kitts and Nevis offers retirees a peaceful, scenic place to spend their golden years, along with an established Citizenship-by-Investment program. The island features historic sites, pristine beaches, elite golf courses, and marinas. The livelier dining scene on St. Kitts balances the slower, quieter pace of Nevis. Popular outdoor activities include sailing, rainforest hiking, and exploring colonial-era estates.
2. The Bahamas
Just a short flight from Florida, the Bahamas is an ever-popular retirement destination for Westerners. It features a massive expat community, familiar amenities, and truly breathtaking beauty. Its crystal-clear turquoise waters and sunny weather create an upscale atmosphere. Outdoor activities favoured by retirees include boating, fishing, golfing, and snorkelling.
3. Antigua and Barbuda
Retirees in Antigua and Barbuda enjoy a relaxed maritime culture with over 300 stunning beaches, an ever-expanding expat network, and zero taxes on personal income, including wealth and capital gains. Outdoor activities favoured by older residents include sailing, snorkelling, tennis, and beachcombing.
4. The Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands suits retirees who can afford a luxury lifestyle with world-class infrastructure. It features top-tier medical facilities, impeccably maintained neighbourhoods, and high safety standards. Popular outdoor activities include scuba diving, golfing, boating, and fine dining.
5. Dominica
Expat retirees head to Dominica for its holistic and wellness-focused lifestyle and rugged natural beauty. The "Nature Island" features a very affordable cost of living, lush rainforests, and a community-oriented culture. Popular outdoor activities include hiking, whale watching, exploring hot springs, and diving.
Best Hawaiian island to retire
The best Hawaiian island to retire to in 2026 is Oahu, which features the cities of Honolulu, Kapolei, and Waipahu, according to a study by US News and World Report. The well-respected American media company based its findings on a weighted system of six indexes: Quality of Life, Value, Health Care Quality, Retiree Taxes, Senior Population/Migration and Job Market, and a survey of 3,500 people over 45.
Known as "The Gathering Place," Oahu stands out as a premier US retirement destination by combining the convenience of top-tier infrastructure, reliable public transit, and premier healthcare systems with an active outdoor lifestyle and a glorious year-round tropical climate.
1. Honolulu
Hawaii's capital is a bustling urban centre that provides retirees with access to world-class medical facilities, such as the Queen's Medical Centre. An extensive, senior-friendly public transit system eliminates the need to drive. Additionally, the city boasts diverse restaurants and cafes, theatres, and social clubs for seniors seeking an active lifestyle.
2. Kapolei
Planners designed Kapolei with accessibility in mind; its modern, flat, and spacious infrastructure suits those with mobility considerations. Retirees can enjoy a quieter, suburban atmosphere compared to Honolulu, with championship golf courses and beautifully manicured walking paths located safely away from congested tourist spots.
3. Waipahu
Waipahu's strong, family-oriented neighbourhoods attract expat retirees from around the world. The town provides excellent proximity to popular outdoor recreation, such as the Pearl Harbor bike paths, without the premium coastal price tag, and senior community centres with cultural and regional programs tailored to local heritage.
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