19 Most Accessible Countries Americans Can Move to 2025

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Feeling burned out by work or stressed by the rising cost of living? Wondering if life really has to feel this stressful? You’re not alone—and you’re definitely not stuck.

More Americans than ever are exploring how to move abroad, whether to escape high costs, retire early, or work remotely. The question is always the same: Where can I actually relocate?

This guide covers 19 of the easiest countries Americans can move to, with visa tips, cost of living info, and insider advice from our family experiences living abroad and traveling extensively.

These 19 Countries Are the Best Places for Americans to Move

While some countries have complex visa rules and high income requirements, the destinations on this list offer simpler paths for relocation, including visa-free stays, digital nomad visas, or low-cost residency options.

Pro Tip: Join local expat Facebook groups—they’re often more helpful than official websites for visa advice, housing tips, and connecting with locals.

Best Places for Americans to Move in North America

1. Mexico – Easy Move Abroad from the USA

The first time our family visited Oaxaca, we were enchanted by the colorful streets, street food smells, and the festive energy of local markets. Life felt vibrant yet relaxed.  Some of our favorite parts of this remarkable country are the kindness of locals, family culture and incredible surf.  Moving to Mexico is possible!

Why it’s easy for Americans:

• 6-month visa-free stay
• Low cost of living
• Vibrant expat communities
• Multiple paths to residency

Tip: Explore beyond Cancun—Oaxaca, Sayulita, and San Miguel de Allende offer rich culture and a welcoming lifestyle.

Central America: Cheapest Countries to Move to from USA

2. Costa Rica – Expat-Friendly Relocation

Our kids still remember snorkeling with sea turtles near Tamarindo and hiking through Monteverde’s cloud forests. Costa Rica offered adventure and a family-friendly environment and an amazingly friendly culture for expats.  

Why it works:

• 90-day visa-free entry
• Pensionado o Rentista visas
• Affordable healthcare
• Eco-conscious lifestyle

Tip: Lesser-known towns offer charm and lower living costs.  Trust us on this…get off the beaten path for an amazing way of life and a shockingly low cost of living.  

3. Panama – Easy Move for Americans

We fell in love with Panama’s mountains and beaches on a family road trip. From weekend markets in Boquete to sunsets in Panama City, it’s a country that feels instantly accessible. Moving to Panama could be in your cards.

Why it’s accessible:

• 180-day visa-free entry for U.S. citizens
• Pensionado Visa with discounts on utilities, healthcare, and entertainment
• English widely spoken in expat hubs
• Low cost of living compared to the U.S.

Highlights:

• Modern infrastructure and banking
• Tropical beaches, mountains, and vibrant cities
• Supportive expat communities

Important: Long-term residency still requires proof of income and paperwork.

Best Places for Americans to Move to in South America

4. Colombia – Digital Nomad and Expat Hub

Medellín captured our hearts with its spring-like weather, lively street markets, and friendly locals. Salsa nights with the kids in tow made it feel adventurous and safe. Read up on what moving to Colombia is like.

Why it works:

• Digital nomad visa available
• Affordable living
• Friendly expat communities

Important: Safety and healthcare access vary; long-term visas require financial proof and Spanish documentation.

5. Uruguay – Safe and Stable Expat Destination

We loved riding bikes along Montevideo’s coast, stopping at cafés, and feeling completely at ease. Uruguay’s slower pace and stability are perfect for families.

Why it works:

• Straightforward residency options
• Coastal cities and beaches
• Excellent healthcare

6. Argentina – Affordable Lifestyle for Expats

From tango in Buenos Aires to hiking in Patagonia, Argentina offered our family culture, adventure, and affordability. Living there felt like stepping into a storybook.

Why it works:

• 90-day visa-free entry
• Low cost of living
• Digital nomad and retirement visas available

Important: Inflation and banking instability are considerations; visa extensions may require legal assistance.

7. Ecuador – Low-Cost Living for Americans

We spent a month exploring Quito’s markets and hiking nearby volcanoes. Ecuador was surprisingly easy for a family seeking adventure without breaking the bank.

Why it works:

• Multiple visa options
• Affordable housing & food
• Friendly culture and diverse landscapes

Important: Long-term residency requires documentation and proof of income. Spanish is needed outside tourist areas.

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8. Greece – Digital Nomad Friendly

Our family spent two months on Paros living like locals, exploring island tavernas, and soaking up the sun. Greece felt magical and doable.

Why it works:

• Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers
• Affordable off-season living
• Rich culture and island life

Important: Bureaucracy can be slow; digital nomad visa requires €3,500/month income.

9. Montenegro – Hidden European Gem

Kotor was one of our favorite stops. Medieval streets, dramatic mountains, and quiet fjords made it feel like a fairytale—perfect for family road trips.

Why it works:

• 90-day visa-free stay
• Temporary residency options
• Stunning scenery and calm lifestyle

10. Albania – Visa-Free European Living

Albania’s Albanian Riviera and mountains blew us away. The cost of living was so low we could truly relax and enjoy the slower pace with our kids.

Why it works:

• 1-year visa-free stay for Americans
• Low cost of living
• Beautiful beaches and mountains

11. Spain – Accessible Mediterranean Lifestyle

We loved sipping espresso in Valencia while our kids played in the plaza. Spain blends Mediterranean lifestyle with easy residency options.

Why it works:

• Non-lucrative and digital nomad visas
• Vibrant cities & slower-paced smaller towns
• Reasonable bureaucracy

Important: Digital nomad visa requires income above €2,760/month; Spanish bureaucracy can be slow.

12. Georgia (Country) – Low-Cost Expat Destination

Tbilisi’s cobblestone streets and vibrant food markets made us feel at home immediately. Georgia offers a year-long visa-free stay that’s perfect for testing life abroad.

Why it works:

• 1-year visa-free stay
• Affordable living
• Unique culture and friendly locals

Important: Long-term residency beyond one year requires planning.

13. Portugal – Retirement & Remote Work Friendly

Lisbon’s pastel-colored streets and seafood markets won our hearts. Portugal’s D7 visa make relocation realistic and smooth.

Why it works:

• D7 visa
• Affordable smaller towns & EU benefits
• English widely spoken, great food & culture

Important: Income proof required; bureaucratic delays are common.

14. Cyprus – Mediterranean Expat Favorite

Our family fell in love with Paphos’ beaches and Limassol’s charming old town. Cyprus felt safe, sunny, and incredibly accessible for Americans.

Why it works:

• 90-day visa-free entry for U.S. citizens
• Permanent residency through income or investment
• English widely spoken
• Affordable Mediterranean lifestyle

Important: Long-term residency may require financial proof and legal assistance.

Caribbean: Best Countries for Americans to Move to

15. Belize – Easy Caribbean Relocation

We loved waking up to lush green scenery in inland towns like Corozal. English-speaking Belize made it easy for our kids to adapt, and the expat community was welcoming.

Why it works:

• English-speaking
• Simple residency program
• Low living costs inland

Important: Monthly visa renewals required; healthcare outside cities is limited.

Southeast Asia: Best Countries to Move to from USA

16. Indonesia (Bali) – Paradise for Expats

Bali enchanted us with Ubud’s spiritual energy and Canggu’s surf-town buzz. Our family found a supportive nomad community and affordable lifestyle here.

Why it works:

• 30-day tourist visa or Social-Cultural Visa
• Fast internet & coworking spaces
• Affordable lifestyle and community

Important: Long-term visas require a local agent; residency can be complex.

17. Malaysia – Smooth Relocation & Low Cost of Living

Penang and Kuala Lumpur felt effortless to navigate, with English widely spoken. Our kids loved the beaches and food markets, and we felt at home immediately.

Why it works:

• DE Rantau visa for digital workers
• English widely spoken, high-quality healthcare
• Coastal & city options

18. Thailand – Teach, Work Remotely, or Relax

Bangkok’s street food, Chiang Mai’s coworking spaces, and island adventures made Thailand one of our most memorable family experiences abroad. Why not move to Thailand?

Why it works:

• Low cost of living
• Strong expat community
• Affordable healthcare

Oceania: The Best country to Move to as an American

19. New Zealand – Stunning Landscapes & Work-Life Balance

Our family couldn’t get enough of New Zealand’s mountains, beaches, and small towns. From hiking to exploring local towns, it felt like life at a slower, happier pace.

Why it works:

• Working Holiday Visa for under-30s
• Skilled migration & long-term visas
• Relaxed pace and welcoming locals

Important: Working Holiday spots are limited and age-restricted; long-term residency requires qualifications or sponsorship.