Many factors go into deciding where to live abroad, from cost of living and quality of life to safety, culture, healthcare, and education. With so many priorities to balance, the “best” destination often depends on what you want from your life overseas.
With that in mind, we’ve highlighted the 10 best places for Americans to live abroad, based on cost of living, healthcare quality, safety, access to culture and green spaces, LGBTQ+ friendliness, family-friendliness, and internet speed.
Why More Americans Are Moving Abroad
More Americans than ever are choosing to live overseas. According to recent estimates, over 9 million U.S. citizens live abroad, a number that continues to grow as remote work expands and global mobility becomes more accessible.
Several key factors are driving this trend. Rising living costs in the United States have pushed many individuals and families to seek more affordable destinations where their income can stretch further.
At the same time, access to high-quality and more affordable healthcare is a major consideration, especially for retirees and long-term expats.
Lifestyle is another major draw. Many Americans are seeking better work-life balance, more time outdoors, and a slower pace of life. Others are motivated by cultural exploration, career opportunities abroad, or the flexibility of remote work.
When choosing a destination, expats tend to prioritize an affordable cost of living, safety and political stability, and access to quality healthcare.
Job opportunities, reliable infrastructure, strong internet connectivity, and welcoming expat communities also play an important role in the decision.
The countries below stand out for their overall quality of life, affordability, and accessibility for U.S. expats.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxed lifestyle, career opportunities, or a family-friendly environment, these destinations offer a range of options to suit different goals and priorities.
10. Costa Rica
A popular destination for Americans looking to simplify, Costa Rica has seen a growing international population over the past few decades.
Costa Rica’s visa requirements allow for extended stays without a steady job, so long as you have proof of a pension or adequate savings.
But expats considering moving to Costa Rica should be aware that life moves at a slower pace, and you may have to wait a while for services you’re used to getting right away.
But that pace and philosophy – what Ticos call “Pura Vida” or “pure life” – might make Costa Rica the right place for you to settle down.
With a tropical climate, abundant nature, friendly locals, and a thriving international community, Costa Rica is considered one of the best places for Americans to live abroad, particularly for those seeking a laid-back way of life.
North Africa might not be the first place you think of settling as an American living abroad. Still, Morocco offers many advantages for those with an adventurous spirit seeking a different way of life.
The most common cities to settle in are Marrakesh, Rabat, and Casablanca, all lively, colorful cities with bustling marketplaces and plenty of scenic beauty.
The cost of living in Morocco is much lower than in the USA. However, you should be prepared to live a bit differently than you’re used to, not just thriftily.
Social life in the marketplaces and cafes is hugely important, and you’ll find yourself getting a lot more out of living in Morocco if you slow down and chat with folks you meet.
Communities of expats in Morocco are smaller but growing for folks looking for a change of pace.
Jobs can be hard to come by, but multilingual expats can do well in tech and business, and Morocco is a great option for digital nomads.
Americans living abroad in Morocco can expect a hot Mediterranean climate, delicious food, neighborly engagement, and plenty of outdoor adventure.
Our neighbor to the north is an obvious choice for Americans looking for a change of scenery without too much culture shock.
Canada also offers many different experiences, depending on where you choose to live in its vast geography. The West Coast offers temperate rainforests, breathtaking scenery, and the cosmopolitan city of Vancouver.
Alberta, with its city of Calgary on the edge of the Canadian Prairies, offers stark beauty and a more conservative populace.
The popular Ontario cities of Toronto and Ottawa offer much of the feel of their American counterparts. Meanwhile, Montreal and Quebec are infused with French-speaking culture and a more European style.
To the east, the Maritime Provinces offer a rich cultural tapestry and friendly locals. And for the truly adventurous, the northern reaches offer pine forests and arctic tundra.
This makes it a great place to live and raise a family of any kind: Canada also ranks as the safest country for LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Obtaining a work visa in Canada can be a challenge, but it’s a lot easier if you secure your employer’s support or work in a high-demand field.
In general, Canada is welcoming to immigrants and international citizens alike. As other countries have faltered, the Canadian economy has stayed on an even keel.
Offering intense natural beauty, sustainable living, and one of the world’s strongest social safety nets, Sweden has a lot going for it.
The population density is the lowest in the world, outdoor sport is world-class, and work-life balance is highly valued.
While the cost of living in Sweden can be high, Swiss healthcare is high-quality and publicly funded. Residents also enjoy ample vacation time, high-quality schools, a robust public transit system, and generous parental leave.
Outdoor life among forests, lakes, and Arctic wilderness is emphasized here year-round, but the city of Stockholm is a sophisticated urban center if you also value a robust arts culture.
World-class museums and stylish cafes abound amid the city’s sleek design. The country’s second city, Gothenburg, is renowned as the world’s most sustainable destination.
Sweden has cultural respect for privacy, and locals can be more reserved than Americans. English is widely spoken in Sweden, but speaking Swedish will go a long way toward making friends.
The tiny island nation of New Zealand has long attracted Americans to its shores. Americans love New Zealand’s safety, relatively laid-back culture, and gorgeous scenery.
While the cost of living in New Zealand is high (comparable to that in the U.S.), some of that cost goes toward the country’s famously progressive policies, which emphasize the well-being of its residents.
Moving to New Zealand is an excellent choice if you love outdoor adventure, a modest lifestyle, friendly locals, and lovely weather.
The range of natural landscapes is astonishing, from glaciers to rainforests, from deserts to glittering coastlines.
The food quality is commensurate with the landscape’s richness, which produces fantastic seafood, lamb, wines, and cheeses.
The slower pace of life here may be a great fit if you’re looking to escape the rat race and enjoy a better work-life balance, more time outdoors, and a less hectic daily routine.
Just be aware that New Zealand is about as far away from any other country as you can be (although it’s a nonstop flight from the U.S.), making it hard to travel elsewhere on a whim.
5. Austria
Austria might not be a country you think about unless you’re studying Mozart or World War II history. But the German-speaking nation, nestled between Germany and Italy in Central Europe, has much to offer.
It’s known for its clean mountain air, its astounding historical sites, its great public transportation, and its excellent food and wine.
The cost of living in Austria isn’t significantly lower than the U.S. average. But Austrian healthcare is among the best in the world.
Austria is one of the safest places in the world and is culturally rich even among its European neighbors. There are also great international schools, and the public transit, both within and between cities, is excellent.
Austria’s countryside is enchanting and full of Alpine wholesomeness, winter sports, mountain lakes, and picturesque villages.
The capital, Vienna, is a famed cultural hub, full of glorious churches and museums, frequent balls and opera. Vienna also boasts many figures who shaped Western thought, from Mozart to Freud.
If you crave a completely different world from what you’re used to, gorgeous, glacial Iceland is just the place.
The small, isolated island nation is packed with unearthly natural beauty, including hot springs, glaciers, and, of course, nearly 24 hours of sunlight in summer.
The people’s rich, well-traced history is a massive part of this country’s identity. Viking monuments trace a direct line to Iceland’s modern, highly cosmopolitan, and progressive population.
Americans living abroad in Iceland enjoy the country’s well-earned reputation for safety, excellent healthcare, world-class schools, and an egalitarian society.
It’s worth knowing that Iceland is the most expensive country on our list, with living costs approximately 28% higher than in the USA.
Still, while the costs are high, work is plentiful, and most residents speak English, particularly in business.
Finding a job may take some time if you don’t have local connections, but the international community is vibrant here, so there’s a good chance you can make some.
3. Singapore
The bright lights of big-city Singapore have been a draw for Americans seeking a life abroad for decades. Many Americans come to Singapore to find jobs in the thriving finance and marketing sectors.
While the cost of living in Singapore is high (about 14% higher than in the U.S.), incomes are also high, allowing for the lavish lifestyles that attract foreigners.
Singapore is an island city-state that’s been an important port city for centuries. It’s incredibly diverse and multicultural by design, and English is one of its official languages, making it easy to communicate.
The business culture here is more hierarchical, and dress is more conservative than in the USA. Historically, it has not been a very welcoming place for LGBTQIA folks, although the law against same-sex intercourse was repealed in 2022.
Besides its fast-paced, luxurious way of life, Singapore’s healthcare system ranks among the best in the world. The city is also safe, with public transit, education, and green space within the urban center.
As it’s an equatorial nation, be prepared for summer weather year-round and tropical rains, especially during the monsoon season.
2. Portugal
Whitewashed houses with colorful tiles, ornate churches, a beautiful Mediterranean climate, and incredible fresh food make life in Portugal an easy sell.
But Portugal is also currently the cheapest Western European country to live in. What’s more, the cost of living 37% lower than in the United States.
The slowness may take some getting used to, but the friendliness and openness of the locals make for a more prosperous social life in a place where work is less important than living.
Although Portugal is a Catholic country, the separation between the church and the government is stronger here than in some places, and the rights of women, religious minorities, and LGBTQIA people are strongly protected.
Families of all kinds will find Portugal a vibrant, safe, and joyful place to live.
For many reasons, Spain has long been one of the best places for Americans to live abroad. The low cost of living in Spain and its high quality of living make it an undeniable choice.
Spain also offers many different living environments, depending on your tastes. Madrid is bustling and worldly, with a climate similar to Los Angeles’.
Rebellious Barcelona sports a different language (Catalan), striking architecture, and a youthful culture.
Seville, in the south, boasts flamenco and heavy Moorish influences, while Málaga is the center of the Costa del Sol, a beachfront paradise.
While the cost of living is generally lower, salaries are also low, even in higher-earning industries. Be ready, too, for a different schedule.
The Spanish are famous for the siesta, which once closed businesses every afternoon. The siesta is largely a thing of the past, but office workers still typically work the long days that made up for the midday break, from 8:30 am to 7 or 8 pm.
The Spanish meal schedule is also different from the typical day in the U.S., in part because the workday is so long.
Small breakfasts, large lingering lunches, and light late-night meals are common among the locals, who you’ll find socializing in the city streets until late into the night.
Wherever you choose to settle for your new life abroad, having trusted global health insurance ensures you’re covered for the unexpected.
From routine check-ups to emergency care, the right plan gives you access to quality healthcare without the stress of navigating unfamiliar systems or facing high out-of-pocket costs.
Whether you’re relocating for work, retirement, or a lifestyle change, international coverage helps you stay protected across borders, so you can focus on settling in, exploring, and enjoying your new home with confidence.
Kamela Hutzley is a seasoned writer and editor from New Jersey, now based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She writes on health, education, travel, and cultural integration, holds an MFA in creative writing from Emerson College, and is a certified somatic therapist with her own practice.
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