23 Best Countries for Expats: Best Place for Americans to Move 2024

The Best Place to Live in 2025

1. Portugal

Portugal is located on the westernmost point of the European continent and on the west coast of the Iberian Peninsula, bordered by Spain on the east and the Atlantic Ocean on the west. Portugal has a rich culture and heritage, a mild climate, a growing economy and amazing gastronomy.

👍🏻 Pros:

• Overall affordability
• Large expat population
• Safety and low crime
• Mild climate

👎🏻 Cons:

• Language barrier
• Increasing housing costs
• Bureaucracy
• Adjusting to infrastructure

2. Mexico

Located in the south of North America, Mexico is the third largest country in South America. It has large bustling cities, as well as smaller charming mountain and ocean towns. With a diverse natural environment and proximity to the United States, Mexico is a popular country of choice for many expats.

👍🏻 Pros:

• Proximity to United States
• Large expat population
• Diverse natural beauty
• Overall affordability

👎🏻 Cons:

• Language barrier
• Political instability
• Bureaucracy
• Adjusting to infrastructure

3. Thailand

Thailand is a vibrant and spirited country located in the heart of Southeast Asia. It is famous for its stunning beaches, lush jungles and bustling cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai.

👍🏻 Pros:

• Affordable cost of living
• Friendly locals
• Large expat community
• Nice climate and beautiful landscapes

👎🏻 Cons:

• Language and cultural barrier
• Extreme weather including high humidity and rain
• Traffic and smog in larger cities
• Low education standards

4. Panama

Panama is a beautiful Central American country, rich with terrain that includes both mountains and beaches. You have the best of modern infrastructure alongside the ability to explore the natural world without sacrificing affordability.

👍🏻 Pros:

• Low crime rate
• Affordable cost of living with strong tourism industry
• Tropical climate
• Excellent healthcare system

👎🏻 Cons:

• Language barrier
• Government bureaucracy issues
• Traffic congestion in popular areas
• Potential for seasonal flooding

5. Spain

Located on the Iberian Peninsula in close proximity to Portugal, you will fall in love with the beauty and rich cultural history of Spain. Expats love the slower way of life and natural diversity including beautiful beaches, warmer wine regions and Mediterranean islands.

👍🏻 Pros:

• Large expat community
• Plenty of opportunities for cultural exploration
• Proximity to other European countries for travel
• Low cost of living

👎🏻 Cons:

• Lack of job opportunities • Language barrier
• Bureaucracy
• Higher taxes than some European countries

6. Malaysia

Malaysia is a bustling city in Southeast Asia, known for its stunning scenery on the beaches and rainforests. There is also a strong cultural element to explore here, as Malaysia is rich in Chinese, European, and Indian influences.

👍🏻 Pros:

• Extremely affordable with an excellent lifestyle
• Excellent infrastructure (including internet access for work opportunities)
• Lower crime rates
• Minimal language barrier

👎🏻 Cons:

• Lots of heavy rainfall in the summer months
• Litter and debris on the beaches around port cities
• Expensive for imported items
• Moderate air pollution

7. Costa Rica

Sandwiched between the Caribbean and the Pacific Oceans, Costa Rica is a vibrant country for expats to explore. Costa Rica has beautiful rainforests and natural exploration is at its very best, complete with a thriving wildlife population in protected jungle areas.

👍🏻 Pros:

• Ideal climate year-round
• National parks and many outdoor activities
• Low cost of living
• Large expat communities

👎🏻 Cons:

• Lack of infrastructure with frequent power outages and slow internet
• Inconsistent healthcare availability
• Language barrier
• Frustratingly slow bureaucracy

8. Bahrain

Bahrain is a small Arab archipelago located in West Asia, a world apart from the continent across the Persian Gulf but close enough for plenty of travel opportunities. Enjoy the island lifestyle with over 30 small islands making up this beautiful country.

👍🏻 Pros:

• Low crime rate
• Affordable cost of living
• Beautiful, warm climate year-round
• English is widely used

👎🏻 Cons:

• Lack of housing options
• Difficult to drive and lack of public transportation
• High cost for utilities and living expenses
• Expensive travel costs

9. Philippines

Located just off the coast of Vietnam, many expats enjoy the tropical way of life on the islands of the Philippines. There is plenty to explore if you love white, sandy beaches and coastal areas with crystal clear waters.

👍🏻 Pros:

• Friendly locals who speak English
• Abundance of fresh food and delicious local fare
• Low cost of living
• Robust public transportation system

👎🏻 Cons:

• Reduced access to quality healthcare
• Natural disasters due to volcano activity and earthquakes
• Crowded cities
• Higher crime rates

10. Taiwan

If you want to live close to travel opportunities all over Asia, then Taiwan may be the right fit for your expat lifestyle. Its proximity to China, Japan, and the Philippines is a highlight as is the gorgeous waters of the Pacific Ocean surrounding the island.

👍🏻 Pros:

• Excellent public transportation system
• Lack of crime
• Thriving nightlife and lots of things to do and see
• Friendly locals

👎🏻 Cons:

• Language barrier
• Complicated paperwork required for visas (but manageable)
• Extreme weather with typhoons and flooding
• Crowded cities

11. United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates gives you flexibility, as it is composed of seven different emirates that border Saudi Arabia and Oman. It’s a stunning country with robust economic growth due to its oil exports, making it very similar to Western countries.

👍🏻 Pros:

• Lots of activities and nightlife to explore
• Lower tax rates than man countries (this appeals to many expats)
• Opportunities for business growth and high income rates
• Large expat community

👎🏻 Cons:

• Extremely hot weather
• Conservative country with strict religious rules
• Initial cost of paying for rent in full for the year (in some locations)
• Difficult to drive on city streets

12. Singapore

One of the smaller island countries, Singapore might be the right move for expats looking for a greener and very orderly place to live. The city-state is one of the smallest countries in the world and sits on the straits of the Indian Ocean and South China Sea.

👍🏻 Pros:

• Low crime rates
• High standard of living with a thriving economy
• Clean city with green living standards
• Proximity to major travel hubs around Asia

👎🏻 Cons:

• Higher cost of living
• Hot and humid climate
• Expensive food costs, especially for Western fare
• Lack of nightlife and cultural opportunities

13. Indonesia

Indonesia is another collection of islands that are nestled between the Indian and Pacific Oceans, creating a stunning haven of waterfront cities. It consists of more than 17,000 islands, all of which are rich in Southeast Asian culture.

👍🏻 Pros:

• Thriving expat community
• Great healthcare opportunities
• Cheap foods and low cost of living (with the exception of imported goods)
• Great nightlife

👎🏻 Cons:

• Expensive to live in expat areas and cramped apartments
• Lack of sanitation
• Lots of traffic congestion in large cities
• Adjustments required for its conservative culture

14. Sweden

If you want to live in a Scandinavian country with coastal appeal, Sweden should be on your list of expat locations. It has everything you could want: coastal islands, lakes, forests, and even mountains. Plus, you’ll find it has a thriving economy and lots of opportunities for expats.

👍🏻 Pros:

• Extremely low crime rates
• Emphasis on work-life balance for happier citizens
• Limited air pollution and more green living
• Extensive and affordable healthcare

👎🏻 Cons:

• May have a language barrier in some areas
• Long winter seasons with cold weather
• High cost of living
• Difficult to connect with locals

16. France

For many people, moving to France is a dream come true. It’s known as the country of love with a thriving arts and cultural scene and some of the best food in the world. There are larger cities like Paris and Marseille that appeal to expats, as well as lovely smaller towns on the coast and in the mountainous regions as well.

👍🏻 Pros:

• Well-known for work- life balance with shorter workweeks
• High quality, affordable healthcare
• Thriving expat community
• Easy to travel the rest of Europe

👎🏻 Cons:

• Extremely high tax rates
• Language barrier
• High air pollution, particularly in summer months
• Slow bureaucracy

17. Vietnam

You get it all when you move to Vietnam: stunning beaches, access to beautiful rivers, and big cities. It’s an affordable place to live in the Asia Pacific and is a dream destination for many expats.

👍🏻 Pros:

• Easy to travel to all other parts of Southeast Asia
• Bustling economic opportunities and abundant jobs
• Beautiful weather year-round
• Abundance of cultural activities and things to do

👎🏻 Cons:

• Some crime in larger cities
• Very difficult to learn the language
• Air pollution in major cities
• Heavy traffic

18. Australia

Australia is the largest country in Oceania and is the sixth largest nation in the world. You will have plenty of opportunities for exploration in both the stunning open plains and the coastal areas of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Expats love the quality of life and friendly people.

👍🏻 Pros:

• Pristine beaches and national parks
• Warm weather and wonderful climate year-round
• Access to quality public and private healthcare
• City transportation systems

👎🏻 Cons:

• High cost of living, particularly in major metropolises
• Expensive to travel off the continent
• Harder to obtain a work permit or visa
• More remote than many other countries

19. Canada

If you don’t want to venture too far from the United States, you might want to consider moving north to Canada. Its wide land mass allows you to choose what sort of climate you want to live in and gives you access to a wide variety of cities to choose from.

👍🏻 Pros:

• Strong economy
• Friendly people and a welcoming atmosphere for expats
• Quality universal healthcare system
• Low crime rates

👎🏻 Cons:

• High cost of living and taxes
• Harsh and lengthy winters in some locations
• Language barrier in some areas
• Competitive job markets

20. New Zealand

Located just off the coast of Australia in the middle of the South Pacific Ocean, New Zealand is home to wonderful scenery and immense natural beauty. It has a thriving expat community and for good reason. It’s great for cultural and natural exploration and boasts plenty of things to do for non-locals.

👍🏻 Pros:

• Low crime rates for expats and foreigners
• Government-subsidized healthcare
• The slow pace of life for a more relaxed atmosphere
• Easy to travel and obtain a work visa

👎🏻 Cons:

• More extreme climate conditions
• High cost of living
• Difficulty and length of travel back to the United States
• Fewer work opportunities than in some countries

21. Germany

Germany has it all for expats who want to move to a thriving country with a robust population of people from all over the world. It’s one of the most populated countries in Europe, and many expats call this nation home so you’ll fit right in.

👍🏻 Pros:

• Cool climate with very few rainy days
• Lower VAT than other European countries for more affordability
• Affordable healthcare
• English spoken throughout the country

👎🏻 Cons:

• High cost of living
• May be at risk for more petty crime as a foreigner
• Hard to connect with locals
• Limited dietary options

22. Japan

Japan is a popular destination for expats due to its proximity to Thailand, China, and South Korea. For those who are interested in exploring the East Asian region, Japan should be at the top of your list of potential destinations. Japan also offers a one of a kind culture with a rich history.

👍🏻 Pros:

• Extensive public transportation systems
• Cleanliness even in major cities
• Healthcare for long-term residents
• Incredible shopping and access to amenities

👎🏻 Cons:

• Difficult to learn the language
• Crowded cities
• Higher cost of living
• Smaller spaces than Western accommodations

23. United Kingdom

The United Kingdom gives you many options for where you want to live: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland
all offer beautiful and slightly different cultures. Sitting in the northwestern part of the European continent, you will find that travel to other countries is one of the many benefits of UK living.

👍🏻 Pros:

• Access to an abundance of • cultural activities
• Comprehensive free • healthcare for residents
• Easy to connect with an • expat community
• No language barrier

👎🏻 Cons:

• Long winters with minimal sunshine
• Expensive to purchase property
• Cars required for many outings where public transportation doesn’t reach
• Less work-life balance

24. Italy

Situated along the coastline of the Mediterranean Sea, Italy is the central hub of cultural monuments and events in the Western hemisphere. You will find that it is home not only to stunning views but also plenty of places with rich history.

👍🏻 Pros:

• Gorgeous weather year-round
• World-class food and wine
• Robust healthcare system for residents
• Friendly and very social locals

👎🏻 Cons:

• Language barrier
• Higher cost of living in major cities
• Air pollution in major cities
• Grimier cities than many European countries

25. Netherlands

Most people know the Netherlands for their scenic tulip fields during the warmer months, but there is more here than mere beauty. The Netherlands is home to a cultural treasure trove of museums, art galleries, and more. It is a progressive and orderly nation that many expats love.

👍🏻 Pros:

• Friendly, welcoming locals
• Better sense of work-life balance
• Minimal language barriers
• Excellent public transportation system

👎🏻 Cons:

• Higher taxes than many countries
• Minimal housing accommodations available
• Expensive healthcare system • Severe rush hour traffic

26. Ireland

Ireland is the second largest island in Western Europe, often referred to as the Emerald Isle. It is perhaps best known for its greenery and scenery including rocky cliffs along the coastline. Ireland has a charming culture and a rich history and well built infrastructure.

👍🏻 Pros:

• Central to other European countries for easy travel
• Lots of small towns and cities for more affordable cost of living
• Low crime rates
• Beautiful natural settings

👎🏻 Cons:

• Unpredictable wet weather
• High cost of living in major cities
• Traffic and congestion
• Minimal job opportunities in smaller cities

27. Norway

Another Scandinavian country that expats may consider is Norway, best known for its coastal fjords alongside soaring mountains and glacial regions. Norway is a haven for travelers who want to explore outdoor activities and take advantage of the scenery.

👍🏻 Pros:

• Abundance of outdoor activities like fishing and hiking
• Free university for legal residents
• Cleanliness
• Less of a language barrier

👎🏻 Cons:

• Challenging weather with lots of rain and wind
• Higher cost of living, especially for housing
• Long wait times for healthcare and specialist visits
• Difficult to learn native language and integrate to social circles

28. Denmark

Want to live in one of the happiest places on Earth? Denmark should make your shortlist of places to live as an expat, according to the UN World Happiness Report. Located just a short distance from Germany, Sweden, and Norway, this small country is convenient for those who wish to do some traveling.

👍🏻 Pros:

• Excellent public healthcare system
• Extremely low crime rates
• Subsidized childcare for both expats and residents
• Work-life balance

👎🏻 Cons:

• Very high taxes to subsidize government services
• May be hard to make friends due to cultural differences
• Language barrier
• Short days with rainy, cold weather

29. Bermuda

Move to a tropical oasis in Bermuda with pink sand beaches and clear waters along the North Atlantic coast. With both British and American influences, expats will feel right at home in this country.

👍🏻 Pros:

• Favorable tax policies
• Great place to work as a digital nomad in international affairs
• High quality healthcare
• Interesting fusion of American, British, African, and Portuguese cultures

👎🏻 Cons:

• Limited job market for employees who aren’t digital nomads
• High cost of living
• Less developed infrastructure
• Prone to extreme weather conditions including hurricanes

30. Croatia

Take advantage of the proximity to both Central and Southern Europe with the small country of Croatia. It’s just a hop, skip, and a jump to visit Italy, Austria, Serbia, and more. If you want a relaxed way of life with gorgeous surroundings, this should make your list of places to move.

👍🏻 Pros:

• Very friendly and accommodating locals
• Beautiful weather year-round in the Mediterranean
• Access to lots of outdoor activities
• Ease of travel to the rest of Europe

👎🏻 Cons:

• High taxes and cost of living compared to other countries
• Lengthy bureaucracy for visas and other necessary transactions
• Language barrier
  Limited public transportation