Best Destinations for Expats: Why Panama and Costa Rica Win in 2024

Looking for the Best Destinations for Expats? Panama and Costa Rica shine in the 2024 rankings.

In the latest annual survey conducted by InterNations, Panama comes first as the overall top destination for expats in 2024, while Costa Rica wins the Ease of Settling In category. The Expat Insider survey, released last month, gathered insights from over 12,500 expats representing 175 nationalities across 174 countries and territories.

Panama: A Paradise for Expats

Panama’s win comes as no surprise, following its third-place ranking in 2023. In the survey, 82% of expats in Panama expressed satisfaction with their life there, surpassing the global average of 68%.

One of the key factors contributing to Panama’s success is its strong performance in the Personal Finance category. Nearly three-quarters (74%) of expats in Panama are content with their financial situation, placing the country first in this category. The affordability of housing, ease of finding accommodation, and the ability to lead a comfortable life on their income are among the factors that expats find particularly appealing.

Panama also does well in the Expat Essentials category, ranking fourth overall. Expats report few language barriers, unrestricted access to online services, and a straightforward visa process. The country’s appeal extends to both retirees and working professionals, with the latter praising the work-life balance and favorable working hours.

While Panama’s 16th place in the Quality of Life category may seem less impressive, it still offers a high level of personal safety, good healthcare, and a pleasant climate. Expats also appreciate the country’s leisure options, including recreational sporting opportunities.

Costa Rica: The Friendliest Welcome for Expats

Next door to Panama, Costa Rica won the Ease of Settling In category. Almost 90% of expats in Costa Rica feel welcome, compared to the global average of 63%. Similarly, 83% report feeling at home in Costa Rica, significantly higher than the worldwide figure of 58%. The local culture is easy to adapt to, with over a third of expats strongly agreeing with this sentiment.

Costa Rica also has the friendliest locals, according to the survey. 90% of expats rate the general friendliness of Ticos favorably, as well as their friendliness towards foreign residents. This welcoming atmosphere contributes to expats’ ability to build personal support networks and enjoy fulfilling social lives.

It’s worth noting that Costa Rica just missed out on the top 10 overall ranking, coming in at 11th place, demonstrating its continued appeal as an expat destination.

Elsewhere Around the World

The survey results reveal interesting regional patterns in expat satisfaction. Latin American countries feature prominently in the overall rankings, with Mexico, Colombia, and Brazil joining Panama in the top 10. Southeast Asian countries make a strong showing, with Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines all also ranking in the top 10 best destinations for expats.

European representation comes from Spain, where expats praise the high quality of life, particularly in areas such as healthcare, leisure options, and travel infrastructure. The United Arab Emirates rounds out the top 10.

Top 10 (+ 1) Best Destinations for Expats in 2024:

1. Panama
2. Mexico
3. Indonesia
4. Spain
5. Colombia
6. Thailand
7. Brazil
8. Vietnam
9. Philippines
10. UAE
11. Costa Rica