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This Country Was Just Named the Best Place to Retire for Its Cost of Living, Safety, and Sunny Weather

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Tuesday, September 2nd 2025 at 13:00 GMT by Travel + Leisure
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Spain Tops Hoxton Wealth’s List of Best Retirement Destinations for 2025

In a highly‑anticipated release that has retirees and expatriates buzzing, Spain was named the world’s best retirement destination by the Hoxton Wealth Group, a global wealth‑management firm that evaluates countries based on a comprehensive set of criteria tailored to the needs of high‑net‑worth individuals. The report, released in early September, places Spain at the pinnacle of a competitive field that included Portugal, Italy, Greece, and several other Mediterranean and European hotspots. The ranking reflects a blend of Spain’s sunny climate, affordable cost of living, world‑class healthcare, and vibrant social scene—all factors that align with the preferences of modern retirees who seek a balance of comfort, culture, and community.

The Methodology Behind the Ranking

Hoxton Wealth’s methodology is a rigorous, data‑driven process that incorporates objective metrics and qualitative insights. The firm’s analysis covers six key pillars that retirees typically prioritize:

1. Climate & Geography – Sunny, mild weather and varied landscapes.
2. Healthcare – Availability and quality of medical services, including specialist care and hospitals.
3. Cost of Living & Property – Affordability of housing, utilities, and daily expenses.
4. Safety & Stability – Low crime rates and political stability.
5. Community & Culture – Expat networks, language accessibility, and cultural offerings.
6. Financial & Tax Infrastructure – Tax incentives for foreign retirees and ease of managing wealth.

Using this framework, the team gathered data from public sources, international indexes, and interviews with expats and local experts. The final ranking was determined by weighting each pillar according to how often it was cited by retirees in a 2024 global survey conducted by Hoxton Wealth.

Spain’s Key Strengths

1. Climate and Geography
Spain’s Mediterranean coast provides a climate that many retirees consider “ideal” – mild winters, warm summers, and over 300 days of sunshine per year. The country’s diverse geography means retirees can choose between the sun‑kissed beaches of Costa del Sol, the artistic flair of Barcelona, the historic charm of Seville, or the peaceful countryside of Castilla‑La Mancha. According to the report, 78% of surveyed retirees rated Spain’s climate as “excellent,” a top percentage among all countries studied.

2. Healthcare System
Spain’s public healthcare system, Sistema Nacional de Salud (SNS), consistently ranks among the best in the world for accessibility, quality, and cost. Expatriates are entitled to the same services as Spanish citizens once they register with a local health center. The report notes that private insurance premiums in Spain are roughly 25% lower than in the United States for comparable coverage. Many retirees also benefit from Spain’s “Golden Visa” program, which offers residency permits to investors, simplifying the process of accessing medical care abroad.

3. Cost of Living & Real Estate
While Madrid and Barcelona can be pricey, many coastal and rural areas offer significantly lower costs. The report points out that a modest two‑bedroom apartment in a smaller city like Zaragoza or Granada can be purchased for less than €200,000—well below the U.S. median. Everyday expenses, such as groceries, utilities, and dining out, are also considerably cheaper than in most North American and northern European destinations.

4. Safety & Stability
Spain’s crime rate is among the lowest in Europe, and the country’s political climate remains stable. Retirees cited low crime rates and a strong sense of community as major reasons for choosing Spain. The country’s public transportation network, especially the high‑speed AVE trains, also provides a sense of safety and convenience for those who travel often.

5. Community & Culture
The expatriate community in Spain is large and well‑established, with a wide range of social clubs, language courses, and cultural events that cater to foreigners. Many retirees highlighted the friendly local population, the abundance of English‑speaking professionals, and the presence of international schools as key factors that help them feel at home. Spanish culture—ranging from flamenco and tapas to festivals like La Tomatina—offers an engaging lifestyle for retirees who want to immerse themselves in a vibrant society.

6. Financial & Tax Infrastructure
Spain offers several tax incentives for retirees, especially for those who invest in real estate or open local bank accounts. The country’s “Non‑Habitual Resident” (NHR) scheme, introduced in 2014, provides a flat 24% tax rate on foreign income for a decade and exempts many types of pensions. The report notes that 65% of retirees in the survey found Spain’s tax regime to be “very advantageous.”

Voices from the Field

The article included quotes from both Spanish officials and expatriates. Maria Lopez, a spokesperson for Spain’s Ministry of Tourism, said, “We’re proud to welcome retirees from around the world. Our diverse regions, strong healthcare, and welcoming culture make Spain the ideal destination for those seeking a comfortable and rewarding retirement.” Meanwhile, 58‑year‑old David Kim, an American who relocated to Costa del Sol two years ago, noted that “the combination of affordable housing, quality medical care, and the ease of getting a residency permit was the decisive factor that made me choose Spain over Portugal or Italy.”

Comparisons with Other Top Destinations

While Spain leads the list, the report also highlighted the strengths of other countries. Portugal, for instance, offers a similar Mediterranean climate but with lower property taxes. Italy, known for its culinary delights and cultural heritage, scored highly on the “culture” pillar but was lower in “cost of living.” Greece, with its rich history, also ranks highly but is more affected by economic fluctuations. The article’s accompanying infographic illustrates how each country performed across the six pillars, allowing prospective retirees to compare Spain’s strengths to those of its competitors.

What This Means for Potential Retirees

For those contemplating a move abroad, Spain’s ranking provides a data‑backed endorsement of its suitability as a retirement haven. The combination of a predictable, moderate climate, robust public health system, affordable cost of living, and welcoming community means that retirees can focus on enjoying life rather than worrying about logistics.

In addition to the core report, Hoxton Wealth released a supplemental guide—“Living the Spanish Way: A Retiree’s Handbook”—which offers practical advice on finding property, opening bank accounts, and navigating Spanish bureaucracy. Interested readers can find the guide on Hoxton Wealth’s website, linked in the original article under the “Further Reading” section.

Conclusion

Spain’s top spot in Hoxton Wealth’s retirement destination rankings underscores a growing trend: retirees are looking beyond traditional destinations to find places that offer a high quality of life at a reasonable cost. Spain’s blend of sunshine, culture, safety, and accessibility appears to hit the sweet spot for many retirees seeking both comfort and adventure. As the retiree population continues to grow globally, Spain’s appeal is set to rise even further, making it a compelling option for anyone considering a second chapter in a vibrant, welcoming country.