Paying for retirement is a daunting prospect for many workers who are now approaching the end of their careers. Longer life spans, money lost in the stock market plunge and fears about the efficacy of Social Security are enough to make anyone nervous.

One way many are stretching their retirement dollars is by leaving the U.S. to spend the golden years in a place that is less expensive. But selecting the right one can be tough. Every January, International Living magazine publishes its Global Retirement Index, which ranks the possibilities for those considering an expat life.

The magazine looks at eight areas to come up with its ranking: real estate, special benefits, cost of living, fitting in, entertainment and amenities, health, retirement infrastructure and climate.