U.S. Retirement Ranking Has Dropped in Global Index
The U.S. fell to 24th place as retirees grapple with rising healthcare costs and falling benefit projections.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Retirement Planning
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The United States dropped to 24th out of 44 countries in the 2026 Natixis Global Retirement Index. This decline highlights growing challenges for domestic retirees, with 90 percent of prospective retirees in one survey expressing interest in moving abroad.
Why it matters
Rising inflation, high healthcare expenditures, and increasing income inequality have placed the U.S. behind nine European nations in the top 10 rankings. These pressures are prompting more Americans to look overseas for more stable financial and health outcomes.
The U.S. currently ranks 24th in global retirement security, while more than 700,000 Americans now receive Social Security benefits abroad, a 60 percent increase over the last 20 years. Retirees must also manage healthcare costs that consume 29 percent of their Social Security income.
The players
Natixis
An asset management firm that publishes annual global retirement rankings based on economic and health factors.
Social Security Administration
The federal agency that provides retirement and disability benefits, which are currently projected to face payment reductions.
The details
The Natixis index measures material well-being, finances, health, and quality of life across 44 countries. U.S. households currently face significant financial strain, with projections indicating a 22 percent decline in Social Security payments by 2032. Furthermore, the U.S. remains among the bottom quartile for healthcare scores, contributing to the trend of retirees moving to Europe.
Timeline
2006: The number of Americans receiving Social Security abroad was lower than today.
2015: The United States ranked 14th in the retirement index.
February 2026: A Boston College study on health expenditures was published.
September 2026: The Economic Innovation Group published a report on U.S. systems.
2032: A projected 22 percent decline in Social Security payments is anticipated.
Money Landscape
The United States has seen its global retirement ranking decline significantly from its 14th-place standing in 2015. This downward trend aligns with broader concerns regarding the 2032 projected Social Security payment reduction and rising relative healthcare costs for seniors.
Households should review their long-term retirement budgets to account for the projected 22 percent decline in Social Security payments by 2032. Consulting a professional can help you navigate how rising healthcare costs, which currently claim 12 percent of total income, might impact your retirement strategy.
The takeaway
The U.S. position in global retirement rankings has slipped, highlighting the urgent need for households to plan for reduced Social Security benefits. Review your current financial trajectory and discuss potential healthcare cost coverage with a qualified professional to prepare for these long-term fiscal shifts.
Further reading
For more on managing long-term financial stability, visit our guide on Retirement Planning.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Independent.
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