- Spain is officially the country Brits want to spend retirement in the most
- Spain has an average monthly search volume of 1,050 relating to places to retire
- Australia and Portugal rank second and third, respectively, as preferred retirement spots
Ready to retire? You’re not alone – thousands of Brits are dreaming of sunnier destinations to kickstart their next chapter. New research reveals the top 10 countries they’re most eager to move to, with Spain taking the top spot.
A new study by Insurance Hero, life insurance experts, analysed the average monthly Google search volume for terms related to retiring abroad, such as ‘retire in Spain’ and ‘how to retire in Australia’. The countries with the highest search volumes are the top destinations Brits are most interested in for retirement.
The Top 10 Countries Brits Want To Retire In
| Rank | Country | Average monthly search volume |
| 1 | Spain | 1,050 |
| 2 | Australia | 700 |
| 3 | Portugal | 591 |
| 4 | Thailand | 453 |
| 5 | Canada | 438 |
| 6 | France | 416 |
| 7 | India | 264 |
| 8 | New Zealand | 252 |
| 9 | Italy | 241 |
| 10 | Greece | 173 |
Topping off the list of the countries Brits want to spend their retirement in is Spain, with an average monthly search volume of 1,050. There are plenty of places in Spain that are perfect for retirement, including Alicante which sits on the Costa Blanca; the city has excellent cost of living while also providing plenty of sunshine, with temperatures sitting at around 16C in winter while reaching over 40C in summer.
Coming in just below Spain is Australia, with 700 average monthly searches. The weather in Australia is certainly a big attraction to the country; in a city like Sydney you can still expect a temperature of around 17C in the coldest winter months, so it’s certainly the place to retire if you like to embrace the outdoors.
Taking the third spot is Portugal, with an average of 591 monthly searches. The Algarve in particular is a relaxing region that boasts many beaches and fantastic restaurants to try, and it has also been recognised as one of the most affordable options for retirees in Europe.
With 453 average monthly searches for combined terms, Thailand is in fourth place. Chiang Mai, in the northern region, offers breathtaking scenery with many mountains and country roads for peaceful living. Alternatively, Koh Samui is a beautiful island boasting white beaches with a strong sense of community, so it’s the perfect place to retire if you’re keen on a tropical environment.
Canada takes the fifth spot, with an average of 438 searches each month from Brits. Not only is it known to be one of the safest countries in the world due to the low crime rate, but there are plenty of amazing places to choose from. Vancouver has many opportunities for hikers, including High Note Trail which offers eye-catching views of Cheakamus Lake and Black Tusk – so if you enjoy being active, this is the perfect choice. Plus, the city is known for providing excellent healthcare.
With 416 average monthly searches, ranking in sixth place is France. While France has many areas great for retirement, Lyon specifically is known as the culinary capital and therefore makes a fantastic place for those who enjoy spending their free time dining out.
Seventh on the list is India. India is followed closely by New Zealand in eighth place and Italy in ninth. Greece rounds out the top 10 list of the countries Brits are most keen to retire in.
Steve Case of Insurance Hero commented on the findings: “Retirement marks an important stage in life, and it’s clear from these findings that many Brits are looking to move to places that offer a great quality of life. Spain’s mix of great weather and affordability makes it a top choice, but destinations like Australia and Portugal also offer fantastic lifestyles.
“This study highlights just how many Brits are considering moving abroad for a better quality of life in their retirement.”
