“Which countries have the best, and worst, living standards?” asks The Economist.
For answers they went to “The Human Development Index (HDI), produced by the UN, tracks progress in life expectancy, education and income. After GDP it is one of the most widely used measures of development.”
Leading countries in Latin America:
1- Chile
2- Argentina
3- Uruguay
4- Panama (number one in Central America on this index and number one on IL’s Annual Global Retirement Index)
5- Costa Rica
https://www.economist.com/graphic-detail/2025/05/06/which-countries-have-the-best-and-worst-living-standards
For a long time we at International Living have known that the standard of living for North American transplants to these countries was extremely high. A “developing” country can still have top tier hospitals, great shopping, an abundance of amazing food… all the things we look for in a comfortable, modern retirement destination.
Yes, a move abroad can feel scary… but once you come and see what life is really like here… well let’s just say, there are a bunch of us who came and never left!
You really can have a better, more comfortable life… less stress, less worries…
Keep dreaming, keep reading, and we’ll see you out there soon!
~IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch
