Though the United States is the land of opportunity, many ponder a dream life in a new country, whether to enjoy a better cost of living or expand their business opportunities and break into new markets.
Every country has its fine points; some may be your dream destinations. Depending on your preferences, you may seek adventure in South America or luxuriate in the natural beauty of Asia. However, American expats agree that these are the best countries to move to from USA, thanks to key advantages like great housing prices, an easy immigration process, and excellent quality of life.
Top Countries for Affordable Living
It’s no secret that America’s living costs have risen substantially in recent years. The Federal Housing Finance Agency Housing Price Index has grown by 0.2% in the last year, and the average home now costs around $495,100.
The real estate website Zillow estimates that an American would need to make $106,500 to afford a home, and this doesn’t account for other living expenses like healthcare and food.
As such, many younger Americans are moving abroad to enjoy the lower cost of living, including more affordable housing. These are some of the best countries for those seeking to thrive at a lower price tag:
Mexico
One of the best countries for low-cost living is just south of the border: Mexico. This country offers excellent prices on housing, food, and transportation. A single person can live comfortably on about $700 a month.
Mexico’s beautiful, rich culture and history closely mirror the United States. The major cities, like Mexico City and Guanajanto, have many unique cultural sites, such as Xochimilco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Historic Town of Guanajuato.
Most importantly, Mexico has one of Latin America’s largest US expat communities. Therefore, you can enjoy the vibrant culture with a comforting sense of home.
Portugal
This oceanside European country has a warm, mild climate that offers endless outdoor activities, gorgeous scenery, and stunning beaches to lounge on all year.
The cost of living in Portugal is about 40% cheaper than that in the United States. Even better, the country provides universal healthcare to citizens, expats, and legal residents, reducing living expenses.
Portugal is eager to welcome highly skilled residents. Its Golden Visa scheme for non-European Union investors allows you to become a citizen in just five years. You’ll enjoy the right to live, study, and travel in Portugal and visa-free travel throughout the Schengen Area of Europe. After five years, you’ll earn residency, giving you the same benefits as an EU citizen.
The minimum investment for the Golden Visa program is €500,000 in approved investment programs, but there is also an entrepreneurial program with no minimum investment. You may also donate €250,000 to an approved institution of the arts, cultural heritage, or history.
Panama
Pretty Panama in Central America has gained a reputation as a wonderful place to retire, thanks to its Pensionado Visa, which provides steep discounts to those who apply. You can get 50% off entertainment anywhere in the country, 20% off hospital bills, and 15% off prescription medication.
Panama’s healthcare system is highly advanced and affordable, and its bustling cities afford access to a culture rich in history and arts. However, the US State Department notes that there is a high risk of violent crime, meaning that those in the international community should exercise caution while working and traveling.
Ecuador
From coastal towns to the snowy peaks of the Andes, Ecuador offers incredible geographic diversity and breathtaking beauty no matter what biome you love. Additionally, the quality of life is fantastic! A couple can live in Ecuador for $23,000 a year.
Additionally, Ecuador is one of the best and easiest countries to secure a long-term visa. It offers a relaxed lifestyle and the company of many expats from the United States and Europe.
Top Countries for Career Opportunities
Consider living abroad in one of these three countries to boost your career. These countries are known for their powerful economies and welcoming attitudes toward expats. As a bonus, English is widely spoken in all three countries, thanks to their statuses as international economic powerhouses.
Canada
While other countries seek to reduce immigration, Canada is eager for remote workers and highly skilled employees who can help advance its economy. The job market is strong, especially in the public sector, and the government has powered 60% of employment growth in recent years.
One of the reasons Canada is one of the best countries to move to from USA is its Express Entry points-based system, which creates a profile of potential immigrants to determine whether they will excel in their new homeland. Additionally, residents will gain access to universal health insurance and bountiful social services that offer an excellent quality of life.
Australia
Australia is seeking skilled migrants, including American expats, to fill shortages in management, professional services, and community service workers. The government has devised a skilled migration program called Skillselect that streamlines the visa process for those who can contribute significantly to their job market.
As an industrialized nation, Australia has a highly diversified economy, with major sectors being services, finance, education, and mining. The country’s healthcare system was rated the fifth best in the world, well above many European countries, and 90% of its universities are ranked globally by QS World University rankings.
Singapore
Singapore has a long-held reputation as a global business hub. It is close to some of the world’s largest economies and renowned for advanced manufacturing and finance. Singaporean residents can expect a median monthly salary of about $3,850, and its job market keeps growing.
The Lion City has a highly efficient infrastructure that affords residents an incredible standard of living. As one of the world’s most dynamic cities, many Singaporean companies and employees have embraced remote and hybrid work, meaning co-working spaces are cheap and plentiful.
Many large American companies, including Apple, Google, Chevron, UPS, and Microsoft, have regional headquarters in Singapore. If you work at one of these industry giants, you may find it even easier to immigrate to this beautiful country.
Top Countries for Retirement
If you’re ready to kick back and relax after a long career, you don’t just want a slower pace but also lower bills and a better climate. American expats flock to these three nations, which are considered some of the best countries for those enjoying their golden years.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica has long been hailed as one of the best countries for those seeking relaxation during retirement, thanks to its affordable living, wonderful climate, and many outdoor activities.
Approximately 25% of the country is devoted to green spaces, meaning that adventurous retirees will never be bored. You can enjoy horseback riding up a volcano, snorkeling in the Pacific Ocean, or ziplining through the pristine cloud forests. If relaxing on the beach is more your style, don’t worry: Costa Rica has some of the world’s best beaches on two different oceans!
Most importantly, Costa Rican healthcare is very affordable, and many services are provided through their government-backed insurance. Costa Rica also has a Pensionado visa that allows foreign nationals to live there for two years. After three years, you are eligible for permanent residency.
Panama
The Pensionado visa system in Panama makes it easier than ever to enjoy an incredible quality of life in a balmy climate. With this program, retirees with a monthly income of $1,000 or more can apply for a long-term visa that affords them excellent discounts on many of life’s necessities, including hotel stays, medications, hospital visits, and transportation.
It’s no wonder that the American expat community here is growing fast. You’ll find fast friends and helpful advice for settling into your new life. Panama’s warm weather and pristine beaches will let you enjoy your sunset years in comfort, never far from the modern conveniences of its large cities.
Portugal
Portugal has the best of both worlds: a better quality of life at a lower cost. Retirees can use the D7 visa designated for those earning a stable passive income. Unlike the Golden Visa program, you don’t need to invest in the country, and the tax system offers a lower income tax rate for up to ten years for Non-Habitual Residents (NHR), helping you save money every year.
This beautiful coastal country has a rich heritage, a friendly but laid-back culture, and delicious cuisine that easily makes it one of the best countries to move to from USA, especially for retirees.
Top Countries for Families
Moving abroad with your little ones can be an exciting new chapter of life. It helps your children grow up to be cultured world citizens with a more tolerant outlook and fascinating experiences to share with their peers.
Many countries are incredibly welcoming to new parents and their dependents, offering superior advantages in childcare, education, and healthcare.
Canada
Canada is renowned for its hospitality and family-friendly policies prioritizing child education and well-being. The country has a highly developed and affordable healthcare system, Health Canada, that subsidizes primary and specialty care for residents. The government also supports family leave, and childcare is available for less than $10 a day in most provinces.
Regarding education, Canada’s educational system is ranked in the top ten in the Global Employability Rankings, meaning that your child will get the skills they need to thrive in the global marketplace. The country is home to 31 globally ranked colleges and universities offering everything from sciences to liberal arts.
Denmark
This peaceful country is renowned for its high standard of living, especially for parents. Its low crime rate and generous social support systems ranked it eighth on the Global Peace Index. Danish parents will appreciate the 24 weeks of maternity leave, with more that can be negotiated with their employer, and the heavily subsidized childcare that helps working parents make ends meet.
There are also 30 international schools in Denmark if you’d prefer your children to get an education in English. This country is a great option even if you will stay briefly before moving on to your next adventure.
If you’re worried that you’ll have trouble conversing with the locals, don’t worry. Most Danes have at least basic conversational English, giving it one of the highest rates of English-speaking citizens in Northern Europe.
Finland
Finland is one of the safest countries in the world, guaranteeing your children a secure start to life. Life expectancy is high at around 82 years old due to the active lifestyle and respect for nature inherent in Finnish society.
Most importantly for parents, the Finnish education system is peerless among European countries. While other countries teach standardized tests, Finland focuses on indulging children’s natural curiosity and creativity, which is part of the reason Finland produces a staggering number of musicians and artists.
Other Factors to Consider
Many factors contribute to choosing the best country for your needs beyond an affordable cost of living and good job opportunities. When deciding where to begin your life abroad, remember these essential components of choosing your next adventure:
Language and Cultural Differences
American citizens may find living abroad difficult if they can’t overcome the language barrier, especially in countries where English is not widely spoken. For example, areas in Western Europe, like Portugal, have a large English-speaking population, and many other European countries also have a high level of English fluency. If you plan to move to somewhere like Panama, you may need to brush up on your Spanish to fit in.
Cultural differences are also a crucial consideration. While places like Central Europe have similar cultures to America, you may feel out of place in Asia, Africa, or the Middle East.
Doing copious research ahead of time, networking with other expats, and keeping an open mind will help ease your transition and ensure you fit in with the locals.
Healthcare Systems
American expats often sigh with relief that they can enjoy better healthcare at a lower cost. However, it’s essential to understand whether the country provides free health services for non-citizens and, if not, how much you will pay out of pocket for your basic needs.
In many cases, having a visa qualifies you to benefit from the health system, but this is not true in every country. Therefore, do your homework to see what the average expat spends on health services.
Additionally, many countries with universal health services have long wait times, especially for specialists. If you have pre-existing health conditions requiring frequent checkups, you may find it difficult to get the necessary services.
Visa and Residency Requirements
Many countries require a visa to stay longer than 90 days but offer different visas depending on your characteristics. For example, if you have a family member who is a citizen of the country, you may qualify for a specialized visa that improves your chances of getting citizenship.
If you intend to stay in a country long-term, you must familiarize yourself with the visa renewal process. Also, be aware of when your visa expires.
Becoming a long-term resident of a country varies in difficulty. Finland is one of the hardest countries in which to get long-term residency, and Denmark makes it hard for non-EU citizens to immigrate there. Canada has also been tightening its restrictions on residency, making it challenging to stay there long-term.
Speaking to other immigrants about their experiences will help prepare you for the challenges of becoming a permanent resident of your chosen country.
Climate and Weather
Whether you want a tropical paradise in Central America or are comfortable with a hot, dry climate like the Middle East, staying comfortable in your new home country is crucial. Research what you can expect for every season before deciding on your shortlist of the best countries.
In a rapidly changing world, learning about the climate threats to your new home country is crucial. Get familiar with trusted scientific sources on climate change, especially in coastal areas, to know what you and your family may face during the next decade. The World Meteorological Organization is a great resource that can help you decide whether you’re comfortable with the potential changes in a given climate.
Taxes and Cost of Living
If you’re moving abroad, you must understand the American tax system and the tax system of your new home.
American citizens must file income taxes with the Internal Revenue Service regardless of where they live. However, you may qualify for a foreign-earned income exclusion if you work in a different country and reside there most of the year. This will protect some or all of your earnings from US taxation, though you will usually still be taxed in your current country of residence.
Before choosing where to move, speak to a financial advisor familiar with the tax scheme of that country so that you understand your obligations to both governments.
Many Americans choose to move abroad because of the lower cost of living elsewhere, particularly in Latin America. Before you get excited about how little you’ll be spending on your new accommodations, you must factor in the expenses involved with moving, especially if you have to travel across the globe to get there. Depending on where you go and how much you bring, you may need to spend thousands of dollars packing your belongings and applying for visas.
Personal Preferences and Lifestyle
The best country for American expats is one where they feel welcomed, supported, and at peace, which can mean different things to different people. Some may love the chilly splendor of Finland, where people are kind but not very talkative, while others will want the fiery enthusiasm of Portugal, known for its late nights and expressive people.
If your lifestyle meshes well with the prevailing culture, you’ll easily acclimate to your new home and enjoy your time there more. So, get familiar with what it’s like to live there before committing.
Taking several trips to your chosen location will help you understand if you really like the area and could see yourself making a home there. Speak to others who have made the journey and see what they recommend. This will also help you develop a support system to guide you through those first challenging months in a new place.
Your Next Chapter Awaits!
Whether you’re looking for a low cost of living or a great place to raise a family, the best countries to move to from USA span the globe and encompass many different cultures. Your next home may differ depending on your stage of life and long-term goals.
Retirees may prefer the comfort of Costa Rica. At the same time, jet-setting, career-oriented people could find their next big break in Singapore, known for its hardworking people and dynamic innovation. Families love Finland’s great education system, and Portugal offers superior advantages for those seeking a low cost of living and a supportive social climate.
We’re here to assist you in finding your next trip abroad, whether for a short-term stay or a long-term life change. Contact us today to learn more about our passport and visa services, which make globetrotting a breeze.