Best Countries For Americans To Move To

If you are among those eager for a new adventure and experience different cultures and lifestyles, but uncertain as to where to go and which country you’ll be able to call “home”, you may be interested to know which destinations have been ranked as the best countries in the world to move to.

Using the criteria of affordability, safety, and expat-friendliness, here is our pick of some of the best countries in the world for Americans looking for a new adventure and a new way of life.

Quick Summary

Country	Best For	Key Highlights
Portugal	Retirees, remote workers	D7 Visa, affordable healthcare, safe, sunny lifestyle
Mexico	Budget movers, families	Easy residency, low cost of living, strong expat community
Thailand	Digital nomads, adventurers	Ultra-cheap, fast internet, friendly locals, warm climate
Costa Rica	Nature lovers, eco-conscious	Pura Vida lifestyle, great public healthcare, stable
Spain	Culture seekers, retirees	Non-lucrative visa, rich culture, world-class healthcare
Georgia	Offbeat explorers, digital nomads	1-year visa-free stay, super cheap, fast Wi-Fi
New Zealand	Families, professionals	English-speaking, safe, skilled visa pathways

You may also like to read: The Top Countries for Americans to Retire to. In this guide, we look at the best countries in which to enjoy a new adventure in retirement.

Portugal – A Top Destination

Portugal continues to rank among the best countries for American expats, thanks to its affordability, safety, and excellent quality of life.

With a mild Mediterranean climate, stunning scenery, low cost of living, excellent healthcare, a more relaxed pace of life, and gorgeous food and wine, it is no wonder that Portugal is such a popular destination for expats.

Why Portugal?

• Cost of Living: 30–50% less than the U.S. (Lisbon, Porto, and small towns alike)
• Visa: D7 Passive Income Visa and Digital Nomad Visa are ideal for remote workers and retirees
• Healthcare: Universal public healthcare with low-cost private options
• Safety: One of the safest countries in Europe
• Language: English is widely spoken in urban areas
• Culture: Friendly locals, excellent food, Mediterranean lifestyle
• Connectivity: Excellent Wi-Fi, co-working spaces in Lisbon and Porto

Perfect for: Remote workers, retirees, digital nomads, and first-time expats.

You may also like to read: International Moving Costs. In this guide, we look at the average moving costs to several countries, what can affect those costs, and what the key expenses are when moving abroad.

Mexico – Close and Convenient

Just south of the border, Mexico offers a vibrant, affordable lifestyle with rich culture and easy access for Americans.

Add in the low cost of living, the warm climate, great healthcare, amazing food, and well-established expat communities, as well as Mexico being just a short flight or drive from friends and family, and it is easy to understand why Mexico draws so many Americans to live there.

Why Mexico?

• Visa: 6-month tourist visa standard; Temporary Residency Visa is easy to get
• Cost of Living: Up to 70% less than U.S. cities
• Healthcare: Quality care for a fraction of U.S. prices
• Community: Massive U.S. expat population in areas like Ajijic, Mérida, and Oaxaca
• Digital Nomads: Excellent infrastructure in Mexico City, Playa del Carmen
• Safety: Safer than headlines suggest — depends heavily on location

Perfect for: Retirees, families, budget expats, remote workers

Thailand – Affordable Living and Tropical Adventure

The relaxed lifestyle, welcoming locals, rich cultural heritage, the tropical climate, and stunning beaches and islands explain why Thailand remains a top pick for Americans chasing an exotic lifestyle on a budget.

Why Thailand?

• Cost of Living: Live well on $1,000/month in Chiang Mai or rural islands
• Visa Options: Tourist visa, retirement visa, and upcoming digital nomad options
• Healthcare: World-class private hospitals in Bangkok and Chiang Mai
• Culture: Friendly, respectful locals with deep cultural roots
• Digital Nomad Scene: Chiang Mai is legendary; Bangkok is for city lovers
• Safety: One of the safest countries in Southeast Asia

Perfect for: Solo movers and digital nomads

You may also like to read: Choosing International Movers. It is essential that you pick the right movers when moving internationally. From red flags to understanding the international mover’s regulatory bodies, this guide explains all you need to know.

Costa Rica – Nature, Safety, and Pura Vida

Costa Rica offers a stable, eco-friendly lifestyle with a strong emphasis on well-being. The healthcare is excellent, the weather is beautiful, the locals are welcoming, and the cost of living is low. What’s not to like?

Why Costa Rica?

• Visa Options: Rentista and Pensionado visas available for expats
• Healthcare: Affordable and high-quality; the public system (Caja) is open to residents
• Nature: Rainforests, beaches, volcanoes — biodiversity galore
• English: Widely spoken in tourist and expat areas
• Community: Strong American expat networks in the Central Valley and beach towns
• Safety: Among the safest countries in Latin America

Perfect for: Eco-conscious expats, retirees, wellness seekers

You may also like to read: Moving Abroad Checklist. There is so much to organize when thinking about an international move that it is easy to overlook something vital. This checklist will ensure you stay on top of organizing your move.

Spain – Rich Culture with Relaxed Living

Spain offers the charm of Europe with a lower cost of living, diverse living options, from coastal homes to villages nestled deep in the mountains, a sunny climate, rich history, and world-class infrastructure.

And of course, don’t forget the incredibly fresh and delicious food and wine.

Why Spain?

• Visa: Non-Lucrative Visa for retirees or remote workers with passive income
• Healthcare: Ranked among the top globally; accessible to residents
• Lifestyle: Siestas, wine, flamenco, and sunshine
• Cost: Cheaper than France or Germany; cities like Valencia are very affordable
• Digital Nomads: Barcelona and Valencia are major hubs
• Safety: Very low crime rates

Perfect for: Culture lovers, retirees, and digital nomads wanting EU access

You may also like to read: Shipping a Car to Europe. Many Americans choose to take their car with them when they move to Europe. This guide explains all you need to know about that process.

Georgia – Visa-Free and Budget-Friendly

Georgia is a hidden gem for Americans wanting an off-the-beaten-path destination with incredibly easy entry.

For digital nomads, Tbilisi is the place to head for. You will find dramatic landscapes, rich history, and very welcoming locals. The food and wine culture is one of the oldest in the world, and you get to enjoy all this for an extremely low cost of living.

Why Georgia?

• Visa: 365-day visa-free entry for Americans
• Cost of Living: Around $800 per month can cover everything in Tbilisi
• Digital Nomads: Tbilisi and Batumi have co-working spaces and fast internet
• Culture: Fusion of East and West, strong traditions, famous hospitality
• Safety: Very safe, even for solo travelers

Perfect for: Budget-conscious expats and remote workers

You may also like to read: Moving to Bulgaria. If you are interested in moving somewhere that is not on most people’s radar, such as Georgia, then you may also like to consider Bulgaria. In this guide, we explain all you need to know about moving here.

New Zealand – Safe, Scenic, and English-Speaking

New Zealand is ideal if you want nature, safety, and a smooth cultural transition.

From the beaches to the mountains, the scenery is truly stunning, there is a high quality of life, excellent public services and healthcare, and because it is English-speaking, it is easy to integrate from day one.

Why New Zealand?

• Visa Options: Skilled Migrant, Working Holiday, and remote worker paths available
• Language: English-speaking country with no language barrier
• Healthcare: Excellent public system
• Job Market: In-demand sectors include healthcare, construction, and IT
• Safety: Politically and socially stable
• Lifestyle: Outdoor activities, clean environment, low stress

Perfect for: Families, skilled professionals, nature lovers

You may also like to read: Moving to New Zealand. In this guide, we take a more in-depth look at why New Zealand is such a great place to live and offer some tips for moving there. 

Choosing the Best Country to Move To

When deciding where to live abroad as an American, consider these things:

1. Immigration & Legal Requirements

• Visa and residency options (work, retirement, digital nomad, family reunification)
• Length of stay rules and renewal processes
• Whether the country allows dual citizenship or long-term residency without citizenship

2. Cost of Living & Finances

• Housing costs, food prices, utilities, and transportation
• Currency exchange rates and potential fluctuations
• Taxes—both U.S. (you must still file) and local taxes in your new country
• Access to banking and the ability to transfer funds internationally

3. Healthcare & Insurance

• Quality and cost of healthcare
• Whether you’ll qualify for public healthcare or need private insurance
• Emergency medical care availability in your region

4. Culture & Language

• Language barriers and your willingness to learn the local language
• Cultural norms, etiquette, and daily lifestyle differences
• Local laws that might differ significantly from the U.S.

5. Employment & Income

• Your ability to work legally there (if needed)
• Job market conditions or opportunities for remote work
• Cost of setting up a business if you’re self-employed

6. Safety & Stability

• Crime rates and political stability
• Natural disaster risks (earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, etc.)

7. Quality of Life

• Climate and weather patterns
• Access to activities you enjoy (outdoors, arts, nightlife, etc.)
• Proximity to friends/family and ease of travel back to the U.S.

8. Long-Term Planning

• Retirement benefits and pension transfers
• Education options if you have children
• Whether you can eventually apply for permanent residency or citizenship

The world is more open than ever, and with the right planning, you can enjoy a safer, healthier, and more affordable lifestyle outside the U.S.

You may also like to read: The Benefits of Moving Home. In this guide, we look at 10 life-changing benefits of moving to a new place, and when you move to a new country, those benefits can only multiply.

FAQ: Best Countries for Americans to Move To

Q: What is the easiest country for Americans to move to?
A: Mexico and Georgia offer the easiest entry options, with long stays possible without complex visa processes.

Q: Where can Americans live cheaply abroad?
A: Thailand, Georgia, and parts of Mexico or Portugal offer an excellent quality of life for under $1,500 per month.

Q: Which countries offer digital nomad visas?
A: Portugal, Spain, Thailand (coming soon), and Costa Rica are leading the way in digital nomad-friendly visas.

Good luck with your new life, and be sure to check out the library of articles about International home moves in our home moving blog for a cheaper, easier, and safer home move.