Moving Abroad From the U.S.

Discover Life Beyond the United States

Moving abroad from the U.S. is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many Americans. The world is vast, and the U.S. makes up only a small fraction of it – less than 7% of the planet’s landmass, in fact, and under 5% of its population. With so much to explore, it would be a shame to stay in one place forever. That’s why countless U.S. citizens choose to move overseas and embrace life as expats.

Whether you’re seeking a new career, a different lifestyle, or simply an adventure, it’s essential to do careful research before making any final decisions. To help you get started, this article covers the key considerations for moving abroad, highlights popular destinations for American expats, and shares tips to make your relocation as smooth as possible.

How to Move Abroad From the U.S.

Moving abroad involves more than just packing your bags and buying a plane ticket. There’s a lot of preparation to do before you even start looking at flights.

Choose Your Destination

The first step is deciding where you want to live. If you have a general region in mind, try narrowing it down to two or three countries.

Our article on The Best Countries to Live in as an Expat can help guide your search by highlighting the top destinations based on quality of life, career opportunities, healthcare access, and more.

If you’re moving with family, check out The Most Popular Countries for U.S. Families Moving Abroad, which highlights the most family-friendly options.

Research the Cost of Living

Once you have a shortlist of countries, it’s important to compare their cost of living with that of the United States. Understanding how prices differ will help you determine whether living there is financially feasible.

In general, Central America, South America, and Southeast Asia tend to be more affordable than the U.S., while Western Europe, Australia, and New Zealand are often more expensive.

To get a clearer picture, check out our guides on The Cheapest Countries to Live in the World and The 15 Most Expensive Countries to Live In, which provide detailed comparisons to help you plan your budget and lifestyle abroad.

Evaluate Job Opportunities

When evaluating the cost of living, also consider job opportunities in your chosen country. While many countries offer work visas, some make finding employment notoriously difficult.

Our article on The Easiest Countries to Get a Work Visa explains different visa types, eligibility requirements, processing times, costs, and insurance considerations to help you plan your move.

If you are retiring abroad, this may not be a concern, but you’ll still need to plan for banking and finances while living internationally.

Plan for Healthcare

Another critical factor is healthcare access. Most U.S. health plans do not carry over internationally, so it’s essential to review international health insurance options that provide coverage both in your new country and back home in the U.S.

Our article on International Health Insurance for US Citizens Living Abroad offers detailed guidance to help you choose the right plan.

Equally important is knowing how to find doctors and pediatric care if you have children, so be sure to research local clinics and register with a healthcare provider before your move.

Explore Education Options

If you have children, research your education options abroad, including international schools, local schools, and homeschooling.

Moving abroad with children can present extra challenges. While it offers them new experiences and opportunities that may not be available in the U.S., it can also be overwhelming.

That’s why it’s important to help them adapt to life abroad and feel comfortable in their new culture and environment.

Understand Visa Requirements

Finally, it is essential to research visa requirements for living, working, and studying abroad. Many countries allow short-term visits without a visa, but long-term relocation almost always requires one.

A practical first step is to contact the embassy of your destination country – many have offices in the U.S. to assist prospective expats.

Now that we’ve outlined the basics of moving abroad, let’s explore some of the most popular destinations for American expats and start planning your move.

The Best Countries to Move To From the U.S.A.

From more affordable living and strong healthcare systems to cultural familiarity and career opportunities, these destinations consistently rank among the most popular for Americans moving abroad.

Italy

Many Americans choose Italy for its warm climate, rich culture, and world-famous cuisine. Life here blends history, art, and a strong sense of community, whether you settle in major cities like Rome or Milan, or smaller hubs such as Florence and Bologna.

Smaller towns offer a noticeably lower cost of living compared to large U.S. cities, making Italy an attractive option for Americans seeking a high quality of life without breaking the bank.

Italy also has a highly ranked public healthcare system that provides universal coverage at affordable rates. Americans staying longer than 90 days must apply for a residence permit, typically tied to employment, study, or self-employment.

With strong healthcare, walkable cities, and diverse lifestyle options, Italy remains a top European destination for both individuals and families moving abroad from America.

Mexico

Mexico is one of the most popular destinations for U.S. expats thanks to its proximity, affordability, and vibrant culture.

Coastal towns like Sayulita and Tulum, as well as colonial cities like Merida and Campeche, attract retirees, remote workers, and families alike.

The cost of living in Mexico is significantly lower than in most U.S. metropolitan areas. The country offers temporary and permanent residency options, and work visas typically require employer sponsorship.

Private healthcare is affordable and widely used by expats, particularly in larger cities. Its accessibility and established expat communities make Mexico an easy first move abroad.

France

For Americans drawn to European culture, France offers world-class cuisine, vibrant cities, and high-quality healthcare.

While Paris comes with a hefty price tag, more affordable and relaxed lifestyles can be found in Lyon, Montpellier, and Bordeaux. Either way, Americans planning to stay for more than 90 days must apply for a long-stay visa before arrival.

France’s public healthcare system is consistently ranked among the best globally, and once residents are enrolled, access to care is both comprehensive and affordable.

The combination of culture, healthcare, and lifestyle keeps France high on the list for Americans moving abroad.

Canada

Thanks to its proximity and cultural similarities, Canada is often one of the easiest places for Americans to transition to.

Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal are top choices for expats seeking vibrant city life, while smaller cities like Calgary and Ottawa offer a lower cost of living and a quieter lifestyle.

Canada has a publicly funded healthcare system, though newcomers may face waiting periods before qualifying for provincial coverage and opt for private insurance.

Immigration pathways are competitive, and applicants must meet strict admissibility standards. However, strong job markets in IT, healthcare, and engineering continue to attract skilled American workers looking to advance their careers abroad.

United Kingdom

The shared language and familiar culture make the United Kingdom an appealing choice for Americans seeking minimal culture shock.

While the cost of living in London rivals that of New York, other popular cities and regions across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland offer more affordable alternatives.

Americans staying longer than six months must obtain the appropriate visa, often through work or study sponsorship.

The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) provides publicly funded healthcare, though many expats supplement coverage with private insurance.

The UK’s strong job market and global business presence make it especially attractive for Americans looking to advance their careers abroad.

Thailand 

Thailand is a favorite among retirees and digital nomads seeking a low cost of living, a warm tropical climate, vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and a relaxed lifestyle.

Major hubs like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket offer established expat communities and modern amenities. Thailand provides retirement visas and long-stay options, though income requirements apply.

While public healthcare exists, most expats rely on Thailand’s high-quality and affordable private hospitals, either paying out of pocket or through private insurance.

The combination of affordability, food culture, and lifestyle flexibility continues to draw Americans overseas, making Thailand a top choice for both long-term living and adventure.

Portugal

In recent years, Portugal has become one of the fastest-growing destinations for American expats, especially retirees.

Popular cities such as Lisbon, Porto, and Faro offer coastal living, historic charm, and relatively affordable housing compared to much of Western Europe.

Portugal has accessible residency pathways for retirees and remote workers, along with a strong public healthcare system supplemented by private options.

The country’s safety rankings, mild climate, and welcoming expat communities make it particularly attractive for Americans seeking long-term European residency.

Germany

With Europe’s largest economy, Germany appeals to Americans seeking strong job markets and high living standards.

Cities like Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt offer abundant opportunities in engineering, finance, and technology, along with vibrant cultural scenes, excellent public transport, and high-quality urban living.

Germany’s mandatory health insurance system provides comprehensive coverage through public or private plans. Skilled professionals may qualify for the EU Blue Card, while other residency options depend on employment or study.

Combined with its reliable infrastructure, safety, and economic stability, Germany remains a top destination for U.S. expats.

Spain

Many Americans are drawn to Spain for its relaxed lifestyle, sunny climate, rich culture, and lower cost of living compared with major U.S. cities.

Popular destinations like Madrid and Barcelona offer bustling urban life, while coastal spots such as Malaga, Palma, and Ibiza provide a slower pace and scenic surroundings.

Spain has an excellent public healthcare system and a range of visa options for retirees, remote workers, and employees.

While the job market can be competitive, especially for non-Spanish speakers, the country’s affordability and family-friendly culture make it a popular long-term choice for U.S. citizens.

Australia

For Americans seeking English-speaking opportunities abroad, Australia offers strong job markets, an outdoor lifestyle, and a high quality of life.

Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane consistently rank among the world’s most livable cities, offering excellent healthcare, top-tier education, vibrant culture, and ample career opportunities.

Australia operates a public healthcare system (Medicare), though eligibility depends on visa status, so many expats also secure private insurance. Skilled migration visas provide common pathways for Americans, particularly in healthcare, engineering, and trades.

Though the cost of living in Australia can be high, especially in major cities like Sydney and Melbourne, the country’s favorable climate, safety, and economic stability make it a top choice for those moving abroad from the U.S.

Let Us Help You Plan Your Move!

Moving abroad from the U.S. is exciting, but it takes careful planning. From understanding visas and the cost of living to securing healthcare and choosing the right city, preparation makes all the difference.

Wherever you are heading, make your move smoother with our Ultimate Moving Abroad Checklist, which covers everything from visas and housing to healthcare, insurance, finances, pets, and more.