How does RetireMapper calculate my results?

Every country in our database is scored across 58 metrics covering safety, healthcare, governance, cost of living, housing, environment, and more. As you move through the wizard, your slider settings act as weights — the more importance you assign to a metric, the more it influences a country's final match score. Countries are then ranked from highest to lowest match and displayed on the map and results list in real time.

Your budget is applied as a filter: countries estimated to cost more than your budget are shown separately at the bottom of the results, dimmed but not hidden.

Where does the data come from?

All metrics are drawn from internationally recognised sources, including the UN, World Bank, WHO, UNODC, Gallup World Poll, Institute for Economics and Peace, Transparency International, and others. Each metric in the wizard includes a source citation. Data is periodically reviewed and updated. Because international indices are published on varying schedules, some figures may be one to three years old at any given time.

How many countries are included?

RetireMapper currently covers 127 countries across all inhabited continents. Countries were selected to provide broad geographic diversity while ensuring sufficient data quality across all 58 metrics. We continue to expand coverage as data becomes available.

Are the wizard and map free to use?

Yes — the interactive wizard and live map are completely free. You can explore all 127 countries, adjust every slider, and see real-time rankings at no cost. A fee of $24.95 applies only if you choose to generate the full written report at the end of the wizard.

What does the report include?

The report is a personalised PDF-ready document, typically around 400 pages, generated based on your exact wizard settings. It includes:

Full detailed profiles for your top 50 matching countries — including an overview, category score breakdown, budget analysis, language profile, top cities, key facts, and curated resource links
Summary profiles for lower-ranked countries
A full country index with anchor navigation

The report is accessible via a private link for 90 days after generation.

How do I save my report as a PDF?

Your report page includes a "Save as PDF" button with step-by-step instructions for both Windows and Mac. In short: use your browser's print function (Ctrl+P on Windows, ⌘+P on Mac) and select "Save as PDF" as the destination. We recommend enabling "Background graphics" in the print dialog for the best visual result.

Are my wizard answers saved?

Yes. Your answers are automatically saved in your browser as you go — you can close the tab, come back later, and pick up exactly where you left off. Note that answers are stored locally in your browser only; they are not linked to any account and will be lost if you clear your browser data or switch to a different device or browser. Occasional critical version releases may cause unavoidable loss of stored data, but we will always try to minimize the impacts.

How accurate are the cost-of-living estimates?

Budget estimates are based on aggregated cost-of-living indices and are intended as broad indicators rather than precise figures. They represent a reasonable monthly living cost for a single person in a mid-range lifestyle — not luxurious, not budget-backpacker. Actual costs vary significantly by city, neighbourhood, lifestyle, and individual spending habits. We recommend using the estimates as a starting point and researching specific destinations more deeply before making any decisions.

What do the HIGH and LOW slider descriptions mean?

Each metric slider includes a description explaining what a high or low setting means in practice. Setting a slider high means that metric carries more weight in your results — countries that perform well on it will score higher. Setting it low (or to zero) means the metric has little or no influence on your ranking. The HIGH and LOW notes in each step explain the real-world implications of your choice. You can also disable individual sliders to have no impact on the recommendations.

Can I generate more than one report?

Yes. Each report is generated fresh from your current wizard settings. If you adjust your preferences and generate again, you'll receive a new report. Each report is independently accessible via its own private link for 90 days.

I found an error in a country's data. How do I report it?

Please use the Contact page and select "Data Issue" from the category dropdown. Include the country name, the metric you believe is incorrect, and any source you can point us to. We review all submissions and update data as needed.

Is RetireMapper a financial or legal advisor?

No. RetireMapper is an informational tool to help you explore and compare potential retirement destinations. Nothing on this site constitutes financial, legal, tax, immigration, or investment advice. Always consult qualified professionals before making any decisions about relocating or retiring abroad. See our Legal & Disclaimer page for full details.