Westminster, Colorado, is the most affordable and safest large city, with a five-year income change of 58% — the second highest in our study. Following closely are Surprise, Arizona; Thornton, Colorado; and Arvada, Colorado, each experiencing over 35% income growth and mortgage costs below 26% of household income.
Iceland consistently ranks as the safest country in the world, and its safety is rooted in various factors. The country experiences exceptionally low crime rates and has no standing army, relying instead on a small, well-trained police force that is typically unarmed.
Retiring abroad on $1,000 per month doesn't mean sacrificing quality of life. Many countries offer excellent health care, infrastructure and amenities at a fraction of the cost compared to the U.S. The cheapest places to retire abroad include Panama, the Philippines, Portugal, Malaysia, Mexico, Thailand and Vietnam.
Vermont is the safest state in the U.S. due to its neighborhood security, financial health and road safety, according to WalletHub. Nearly 77% of Vermont's residents feel safe in their communities, the second-highest percentage in the country.
While the United States has lower homicide rates than most developing and undeveloped countries globally, it still has a higher homicide rate than Europe as a whole. The overall homicide rate in Europe dropped from 7.8 per 100,000 people in 2000 to 2.4 per 100,000 people in 2020.
Switzerland Is the Best Country for 2024
The European nation retained the top spot while the United States achieved its highest ranking ever.
For those who wish to retire to safe havens that offer cheap living expenses, some of the cheapest and safest countries to retire to include Indonesia, Ghana, Romania, North Macedonia, and Vietnam.
South Burlington, the second largest city in Vermont, ranked first overall as the safest city in America. It has one of the lowest pedestrian fatality rates in the nation and one of the highest number of EMTs and paramedics per capita, according to WalletHub.
What is the least expensive country to live in? The cheapest places to live are Pakistan, Egypt, Nepal, Bhutan, and Burundi. In these states, a person needs less than $430 per month to live comfortably.
Iceland has ranked as the world's safest country, according to the 2022 GPI, maintaining its position for over a decade. The Economist Intelligence Unit's Safe Cities Index evaluates urban centers on digital security, health security, infrastructure, and personal safety.
Italy has a lower overall crime rate than the US. The Global Peace Index ranks Italy significantly higher than the USA in terms of safety.
1. New Mexico. New Mexico consistently ranks high in violent crime rates, with incidents such as aggravated assault, robbery, and rape being prevalent. The state has a violent crime rate of 780 per 100,000 residents, significantly higher than the national average.
– Maine is the most peaceful state in the U.S. for the 11th year in a row, Louisiana is the least peaceful. The Northeast continues to be the most peaceful region with three of the five most peaceful states. The South is once again the least peaceful region in America, with four of the five least peaceful states.
Canada. Canada continues to be a top destination for Americans looking to move abroad, thanks to its proximity to the U.S., high quality of life and welcoming immigration policies. The country is known for its universal healthcare system, diverse cities and natural landscapes.
1. Switzerland. At the forefront of global freedom stands Switzerland, a haven of liberty in Europe. Nestled amid the majestic Alps and serene lakes, this diminutive nation champions freedom like no other.