The 20 Best Places To Retire In The World

Health: 8.1/10
Finances: 6.5/10
Quality of life: 8.0/10
Material well-being: 6.8/10

The U.S. placed 19th out of the 150 nations analyzed for the second year in a row, though it scored higher year over year in all four broad categories. Despite ranking sixth highest in per capita income and first in per capita health care expenditures, the U.S. ranks 33rd for life expectancy and relatively low (81st) for income inequality.

Health: 8.1/10
Finances: 5.8/10
Quality of life: 8.7/10
Material well-being: 7.2/10

The U.K. hopped two places this year and managed to improve its quality of life despite experiencing its wettest January since 1766, thanks to massive flooding in the Thames Valley west of London.

Health: 7.7/10
Finances: 6.8/10
Quality of life: 7.1/10
Material well-being: 8.3/10

The Republic of Korea was one of the most impressive performers this year, jumping 10 slots to break into the top 20. Perhaps that's why legendary figure skater Kim Yu-na has decided to retire in Seoul — at age 23.

Health: 8.3/10
Finances: 6.3/10
Quality of life: 7.6/10
Material well-being: 8.0/10

Despite recent increases in the cost of consumer items, Prague remains fairly inexpensive compared to most European cities. Its architectural and natural beauty attract more than half of its population each year in visitors.

Health: 8.8/10
Finances: 6.1/10
Quality of life: 8.5/10
Material well-being: 7.4/10

For those in need of a good health care system, look no further than France, whose socialized system — while controversial in the States — was rated No. 1 by the World Health Organization in overall quality and affordability of care.

Health: 7.9/10
Finances: 6.9/10
Quality of life: 8.3/10
Material well-being: 7.6/10

With its laid back culture and high quality of life, Canada is a great place to live out your golden years and maybe catch a few hockey games.

Health: 8.6/10
Finances: 5.6/10
Quality of life: 8.3/10
Material well-being: 8.6/10

With its low unemployment rate, 20+ national parks, and an incredibly good work/life balance, the Netherlands was also ranked as the "happiest" country in the world by the OECD in 2011.

Health: 8.6/10
Finances: 6.2/10
Quality of life: 8.1/10
Material well-being: 8.2/10

Along with its famously delicious waffles, Belgium's health care system ranks just behind France's. Belgium's economy is also on the mend following the euro crisis, expanding in the fourth quarter of 2013 at its fastest pace in almost three years.

Health: 8.5/10
Finances: 6.0/10
Quality of life: 8.5/10
Material well-being: 8.3/10

Icelanders have the strongest sense of community on the OECD life index, perhaps because they number just over 320,000. During the economic meltdown in 2008, Iceland's politicians decided to let its major banks fail, allowing it to continue social support programs that shielded Icelanders from the worst of the crisis.

Health: 8.5/10
Finances: 5.9/10
Quality of life: 8.0/10
Material well-being: 8.9/10

Though it improved in health and quality of life metrics, Luxembourg took a deep dive in the financial category this year, knocking it from the third spot on the list. While the economy is growing, Luxembourg's projected rise in aging-related expenditure remains one of the highest in Europe.

Health: 7.9/10
Finances: 7.2/10
Quality of life: 8.7/10
Material well-being: 7.5/10

New Zealand zoomed up the chart to break into the top 10 this year. With its beautiful and dramatic landscape, New Zealand appeals to active retirees looking for a health-conscious and outdoorsy community.

Health: 8.2/10
Finances: 6.8/10
Quality of life: 8.3/10
Material well-being: 8.1/10

This nation of 5 million ranks 1st on the OECD education index and 7th in overall life satisfaction. For retirees looking to get away from loud noise, however, it might not be such a great spot: Finland has the most heavy metal bands per capita.

Health: 8.8/10
Finances: 6.3/10
Quality of life: 8.5/10
Material well-being: 8.2/10

The economic powerhouse of Europe, Germany is a great place to live if you're looking for cheaper rent than in the U.S. It's also tied with France in access to quality health services for retirees.

Health: 8.3/10
Finances: 6.4/10
Quality of life: 8.7/10
Material well-being: 8.3/10

Denmark performs exceptionally well in measures of well-being, ranks No. 1 on the OECD's work-life balance index, and is consistently labeled one of the happiest places on earth.

Health: 8.4/10
Finances: 7.4/10
Quality of life: 8.2/10
Material well-being: 7.8/10

Australia is the highest-ranked non-European country on the list and is first overall in the finances category, thanks to a growing economy and extremely low levels of unemployment. It tops the OECD's civic engagement list and is considered the second healthiest nation behind its neighbor New Zealand.

Health: 8.3/10
Finances: 6.8/10
Quality of life: 8.7/10
Material well-being: 8.2/10

The cost of living in Stockholm is comparable to San Francisco. In other words, it's very high. But if you're environmentally conscious and eager to be in nature, there are few cities that have as much access to green spaces as Stockholm. The city was the inaugural winner of the European Union's Green Capital award in 2010 after it successfully cut its green house gas emissions by 25% since 1990.

Health: 9.0/10
Finances: 6.3/10
Quality of life: 8.6/10
Material well-being: 8.9/10

Once again, Vienna was ranked as the No. 1 city with the highest quality of life, thanks to its excellent public transportation system and high culture. Austria overall has boasted the highest ranking in the Natixis health category for two years running.

Health: 8.6/10
Finances: 6.6/10
Quality of life: 8.9/10
Material well-being: 9.7/10

It's no wonder why Norway scores head and shoulders above the other countries on material wellbeing: the population-to-oil-reserve ratio in this northern nation would make any Texas tycoon weep. When it comes to wealth, health, and happiness, this northern country comes out ahead.

Health: 8.6/10
Finances: 7.1/10
Quality of life: 9.5/10
Material well-being: 8.7/10

Swapping places with Norway this year, Switzerland lands the top ranking thanks to its incredibly high quality of life. If you're a golfer, hiker, skier, or hang glider, the Swiss Alps might be the perfect place to spend your final years.

See the 10 best places to retire in the U.S.>