In the past decade, a growing number of Americans have chosen to live abroad. This lifestyle change is driven by rising living costs in the U.S., the allure of affordable healthcare, better work-life balance, and the flexibility of remote work.
From digital nomads to retirees, expat life offers the chance to explore new cultures, cuisines, and communities - without compromising on comfort.
Key criteria to choose the best countries for expats
Before making the leap, it’s essential to evaluate countries based on:
- Cost of Living: Monthly expenses including food, housing, utilities, and transportation.
- Healthcare Quality: Accessibility, cost, and efficiency of the medical system.
- Safety: Crime rates and political stability.
- Cultural Integration: Language, local attitude toward foreigners, and expat communities.
#1 Portugal
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Portugal has surged in popularity among American expats thanks to its sunny climate, friendly locals, and high quality of life at a fraction of Western Europe’s cost.
With attractive residency options like the D7 passive income visa, it’s increasingly easy for Americans to settle here. Portuguese cities mix historic charm with modern living—perfect for retirees, remote workers, and families.
Cost of living in Portugal
- Energy: ~$150/month
- Restaurants: ~$12 per sit‑down meal
- Groceries: ~$250/month
- Rent (Lisbon): ~$900/month for a one‑bed apartment
Best cities for expats
- Lisbon enchants with vibrant neighborhoods, excellent public transport, and an international expat scene.
- Porto offers a cooler pace, renowned wine culture, and a lower cost of living.
- Algarve coastal towns provide stunning beaches and a peaceful environment ideal for retirees.
Apartment options
In Lisbon, one‑bedroom flats in neighborhoods like Alfama or Baixa start around €800/month - often fully furnished. The Algarve offers sea‑view apartments from €700 to €1,000/month, especially in towns like Lagos or Faro. Porto’s historic properties provide character-filled rentals at €600–€900/month. So, in general, rentals in Portugal are pretty affordable.
#2 United Kingdom
Drawing Americans with its historic charm, robust job market, and cultural diversity, the UK remains a sought-after destination - especially London. Despite higher living costs, many find the benefits of excellent public services, global connectivity, and world-renowned education worth the expense.
Cost of living in the UK
- Energy: ~$200/month
- Restaurants: ~$20 per meal
- Groceries: ~$350/month
- Rent (London): ~$1,800/month for a one‑bed flat
Best cities for expats
- London is the ultimate global city, offering endless career opportunities and cultural experiences.
- Manchester is an emerging tech and arts hub with lower rents.
- Edinburgh combines historic architecture and festival culture in a compact, walkable city.
Apartment options
In London’s Zones 2–3, compact one‑beds rent for ~£1,400; shared flats are popular to reduce costs. Manchester city centre apartments go for ~£900–£1,200/month, while Edinburgh’s Georgian flats or modern builds rent for ~£1,000–£1,300/month.
#3 Spain
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Spain blends Mediterranean sunshine, vibrant culture, and strong infrastructure, making it a top choice for Americans. Its relaxed lifestyle, health care system, and expat-friendly visa options make settling here especially attractive.
Cost of living in Spain
- Energy: ~$130/month
- Restaurants: ~$14 per meal
- Groceries: ~$270/month
- Rent (Barcelona): ~$1,000/month
Best cities for expats
- Madrid captivates with thriving nightlife, museums, and robust job opportunities.
- Valencia offers coastal living, excellent local cuisine, and affordable housing.
- Seville charms with flamenco culture and warm Andalusian hospitality.
Apartment options
Valencia offers modern flats from €700–€900/month; Seville has sunny, historic apartments in its old town starting around €600. In Madrid, expect €1,000+ for centrally located, professionally managed units.
#4 Singapore
As one of Asia’s financial powerhouses, Singapore offers high salaries, impeccable infrastructure, and world-class education and healthcare. It’s a global crossroads - making life here modern, secure, and supremely efficient.
Cost of living in Singapore
- Energy: ~$180/month
- Restaurants: ~$25 per meal
- Groceries: ~$400/month
- Rent (Central): ~$2,500/month
Best neighborhoods
- Orchard Road offers luxury retail and central living.
- Holland Village blends greenery, cafés, and family-friendly amenities.
- Tiong Bahru is a hip, historic enclave with trendy eateries.
Apartment options
Expect modern high‑rise living: condos in central districts often feature pools and gyms. For budget relief, HDB flats in outlying areas are available for ~SGD 2,000/month, with excellent public transport access.
#5 Thailand
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Thailand has become a magnet for digital nomads and retirees alike. Its inviting culture, tropical landscapes, and ultra‑low cost of living make it an ideal destination for long-term rentals in Thailand at exceptional value.
Cost of living in Thailand
- Energy: ~$100/month
- Restaurants: ~$6 per meal
- Groceries: ~$200/month
- Rent (Chiang Mai): ~$600/month
Best cities for expats
- Bangkok is fast‑paced, modern, and filled with amenities.
- Chiang Mai offers a slower, more relaxed pace and strong expat community.
- Phuket provides coastal beauty and resort-style living.
Apartment options
In Chiang Mai, furnished apartments range from $300–$600/month. Bangkok’s high‑rise condos with pools and gyms typically rent for $700–$1,200, often with full amenities included.
#6 Malaysia
Malaysia is increasingly recognized for its multicultural society, affordable living, and convenient location in Southeast Asia. It’s an excellent hub for traveling and settling in Asia.
Cost of living in Malaysia
- Energy: ~$80/month
- Restaurants: ~$5 per meal
- Groceries: ~$180/month
- Rent (Kuala Lumpur): ~$500/month
Best cities for expats
- Kuala Lumpur features modern infrastructure, international schools, and vibrant nightlife.
- Penang is known for its culinary scene, UNESCO heritage, and laid-back island vibe.
Apartment options
KL offers spacious, fully equipped condos with pools and gyms for just RM 2,000 (~$430) per month. Penang features charming boutique apartments a bit below KL pricing.
#7 Croatia
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Croatia blends stunning Adriatic coastlines with Old-World charm. It’s slowly gaining attention among expats seeking European living without the hefty price tag of west‑central Europe.
Cost of living in Croatia
- Energy: ~$120/month
- Restaurants: ~$13 per meal
- Groceries: ~$240/month
- Rent (Split): ~$850/month
Best cities for expats
- Dubrovnik features dramatic coastal views and UNESCO-protected architecture.
- Split offers historical ambiance with modern amenities.
- Zagreb provides a lively capital full of culture and convenience.
Apartment options
In Split, one-bed apartments in or near the Old Town go for €700–€900/month, often with sea views. Dubrovnik rentals are similar, though summer demand raises prices slightly.
#8 Panama
Panama ranks high on many Americans’ expat lists due to its stable economy, use of the U.S. dollar, and special retiree benefits like the pensionado visa program.
Cost of living in Panama
- Energy: ~$90/month
- Restaurants: ~$10 per meal
- Groceries: ~$220/month
- Rent (Panama City): ~$700/month
Best cities for expats
- Panama City is a modern hub with skyscrapers, shopping, and expatriate clusters.
- Boquete is a cooler, mountainous retreat with active expat communities.
- David is a smaller city offering affordable living and basic amenities.
Apartment options
Panama City’s furnished one-bedrooms typically rent between $650–$800/month. Gated communities and serviced apartments around Casco Viejo offer extra security for expats.
#9 France
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France has long been a favorite for its rich culture, renowned culinary scene, and healthcare excellence. While Paris can be pricey, other cities offer a more balanced lifestyle.
Cost of living in France
- Energy: ~$160/month
- Restaurants: ~$17 per meal
- Groceries: ~$300/month
- Rent (Paris): ~$1,300/month
Best cities for expats
- Paris is the cultural epicenter, offering arts, education, and global vibrance.
- Lyon is prized for gastronomy, historic ambiance, and more manageable costs.
- Bordeaux blends sophistication, slower pace, and wine-country prestige.
Apartment options
Paris (outer arrondissements) one-beds start at €1,100/month. Lyon and Bordeaux offer modern flats priced more affordably, around €850–€1,100 for similar quality.
#10 Belize
Belize attracts those craving tropical Caribbean living with English-speaking ease. A close cultural connection with the U.S. and ease of residency make it popular among retirees and vacation-home buyers.
Cost of living in Belize
- Energy: ~$110/month
- Restaurants: ~$9 per meal
- Groceries: ~$230/month
- Rent (Belize City): ~$650/month
Best places for expats
- Ambergris Caye offers island living with diving opportunities and expat enclaves.
- Placencia is a laid-back coastal village known for friendly vibes and beaches.
- Belize City provides basic urban conveniences and affordable housing.
Apartment options
In Placencia, beachfront apartments start around $600/month. Belize City features modern mid‑rise apartments for $500–$700/month, some with sea views or gated security.
