Top 10 countries where living abroad isn’t just cheap – it’s joyful

Most people assume that “affordable” and “joyful” are a trade-off. Pay less, get less.

Move somewhere cheap, sacrifice the good stuff. Honestly, that couldn’t be further from the truth – and the data coming out of major global expat surveys in 2024 and 2025 was blowing that assumption completely apart.

Millions of people are packing up and starting over somewhere new. A recent Gallup poll noted that roughly one in five Americans say they would like to move abroad permanently.

The pull isn’t just financial. It’s about waking up in a country where life feels lighter, slower, and more human.

So let’s dive into the countries that are delivering on both fronts – the wallet and the soul.

1. Panama: The World’s Happiest Expat Nation

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After taking first place in 2024, Panama has again been voted the best country to live and work in abroad, according to InterNations’ annual Expat Insider survey. That’s two years running at the very top.

Think about what that means – tens of thousands of expats, from dozens of nationalities, all pointing to the same tiny Central American country. According to the survey, an astonishing 94% of expats are happy with their life abroad, and Panama is the place to be particularly for retirees.

S. dollar, which makes finances easier to compute.

On the budget side, for about $800 to $1,500 per month, you can live comfortably in small towns and villages, while those looking to live in Panama City will require a higher monthly budget of up to $2,500. That’s remarkable value for a country that ranks this high for pure happiness.

2. Colombia: The Comeback Story That’s Now a Financial Dream

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Colombia was once a country that people avoided. Now it’s the place everyone is talking about.

Climbing from fifth place in 2024 to number two in 2025, Colombia ranked as the second-best country for expats. That kind of leap in a single year is almost unheard of in these rankings.

The survey found that 81% of respondents are satisfied with their financial situation in Colombia, and 92% of respondents stated that their disposable household income is sufficient to lead a comfortable life. 2% lower than in America.

That is not a small difference. That is a life-changing difference.

3. Vietnam: Unbeatable on Budget, Surprisingly Rich in Life

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Let’s be real. Vietnam is in a league of its own when it comes to pure affordability.

For the fifth consecutive year, Vietnam is the most affordable country in the world for expats, ranking first out of 46 destinations when it comes to personal finances, according to the 2025 Expat Insider study by InterNations. Five years in a row.

That’s not a trend. That’s a statement.

In Vietnam, 89% of respondents were pleased with the general cost of living, while 87% of respondents said their disposable household income was about or more than enough to lead a comfortable life, compared with a global average of 40% and 69% respectively. Day-to-day living here costs almost nothing by Western standards.

Cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi are major expat hubs, with average housing costs ranging from $250 to $400 per month, and street food is cheap and abundant, costing less than $2 per meal.

4. Thailand: Where the Second-Happiest Expats in the World Live

Thailand has that almost mythical reputation among expats, and the data confirms the myth is real. Expats in Thailand are the world’s second-happiest expat population, after that of Panama, citing how easy it is to find housing, enjoy plentiful leisure options, and achieve a comfortable cost of living.

That’s a remarkable combination to pull off. In response to the growing trend of remote work, the Thai government is actively promoting Thailand as an attractive destination for digital nomads, including launching new and streamlined visa policies and developing digital infrastructure, aiming to make it easier for remote workers and freelancers to live long-term.

Practically speaking, a retired couple can live comfortably on a monthly budget of around $1,500 to $2,500, depending on the chosen location. Chiang Mai, in particular, remains a darling for digital nomads and retirees alike.

5. Mexico: The Easiest Move That Pays Off Daily

Mexico is the country that makes moving abroad feel almost too easy – and I think that’s exactly why it keeps topping happiness charts. Expats love Mexico, with 89% reporting they are happy with their lives abroad, and the country ranked number one for “ease of settling in,” with expats citing the ease of adapting to the local culture and the friendliness of locals.

Mexico consistently ranks high as a top retiree destination, and its proximity to the US, affordability, and slower pace of life are strong draws. The financial perks are real too.

S. grocery prices run approximately 74% higher than in Mexico – meaning your weekly shop could look completely different.

Mexico also offers several tax advantages especially beneficial to retirees, including no inheritance or wealth tax, with tax residency determined by whether your primary home or center of business is established there, rather than by number of days spent in the country.

6. Portugal: Europe’s Sun-Soaked Sweet Spot

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If you want to stay in Europe and still feel like your money is working for you, Portugal is the answer. It keeps appearing on every single best-of list, and honestly, it deserves all the attention it gets.

The cost of living in Portugal is 37% lower than in the US, and also generally lower than in other European states. Portugal continues to stand out as one of the most attractive destinations for expats worldwide, with its combination of mild climate, safety, affordability, healthcare, and EU access making it especially appealing to retirees, remote workers, and families alike.

For those considering the move practically, couples can live comfortably in Portugal on a monthly budget of $2,500 to $3,000, depending on the region, with a one-bedroom apartment in the Algarve renting for $600 to $800. Portugal also ranked 7th on the 2024 Global Peace Index as one of the safest countries in the world.

7. Malaysia: Modern Comfort at an Astonishingly Low Price

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Malaysia doesn’t always get the spotlight it deserves, but those who move there rarely look back. Malaysia entered the top 10 in the 2025 Personal Finance Index, rising from 11th place in 2024, and is increasingly popular among expats seeking a high-quality lifestyle at a reasonable cost, known for its affordability, modern infrastructure, and multicultural cities.

Malaysia ranked seventh on International Living’s 2025 Global Retirement Index, offering truly extraordinary bang for your buck, well suited for those looking to stretch their budgets as well as retirees craving a comfortable lifestyle for so much less than in the States. On the housing front, rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Kuala Lumpur usually runs between $300 and $500, with monthly utilities costing around $40 to $60.

Malaysia ranks third on the expat essentials index because housing is simple to find and English is widely spoken.

8. Indonesia: Bali and Beyond, for Budget Bliss

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Bali alone could carry Indonesia onto this list. But the country is much bigger than one island, and the expat story here goes deeper.

Despite dropping from 3rd place in 2024 to 6th in the 2025 Personal Finance Index, Indonesia remains one of the top 10 cheapest countries to live in for expats, with its low cost of living and appealing lifestyle continuing to make it a popular choice in Southeast Asia. Bali and Jakarta are expat hubs where monthly living expenses start from $600, and a vibrant culture and warm climate accompany living costs of $700 to $1,000 in major cities.

Indonesia ranks high for friendly locals, the ease of settling in, and affordability – a combination that is harder to find than most people expect. I think the social warmth of Indonesian culture is genuinely underrated in the global expat conversation.

9. Spain: The One European Country That Has It All

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Spain is doing something pretty extraordinary in the expat world. It’s the only European country to break into the global top 10 overall, and it holds that position for a very clear reason.

Spain ranked number one for quality of life, and number four for overall happiness level, with 84% of expats in Spain – compared to 67% globally – saying they’re happy there. A 2025 annual report from real estate and economic development consulting group Resonance ranked both Madrid and Barcelona among the top 10 cities in Europe to visit or live in, with Spain ranking first for good weather, culture, and nightlife, as well as recreational sports opportunities, plus an affordable, accessible, and high-quality healthcare system.

Budget-wise, retirees love Spain for its Mediterranean lifestyle and great public healthcare, and a couple can live nicely on $2,000 to $2,800 a month, particularly in smaller cities. That is an incredibly comfortable European lifestyle for a price that surprises most people.

10. The Philippines: Islands, Affordability, and a Culture That Welcomes You In

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The Philippines closes out this list with a combination that’s genuinely hard to replicate. Known as the “Pearl of the Orient Seas,” the country is famous for its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and mountains, while cities like Cebu and Davao provide a more relaxed pace with good infrastructure, international schools, and vibrant expat communities.

Monthly living expenses average around $619 per person, with food costs of about $247 and transportation roughly $35, and most single expats can live comfortably on $600 to $1,200 per month. The emotional connection runs deep too.

Many expats move to the Philippines for love or retirement, with 58% planning to stay indefinitely – well above the global average of 34%. When more than half of all expats in a country decide they never want to leave, that tells you everything you need to know.

A World That’s Wider Than You Think

The old idea that you need wealth to live well abroad is simply outdated. Vietnam is the heavyweight for pure budget efficiency, with InterNations ranking it first in the 2025 Personal Finance Index for the fifth year in a row, with 89% of respondents pleased with the cost of living and 87% saying their disposable income is enough for a comfortable life.

Meanwhile, Panama keeps delivering joy at the top of the overall rankings for the second year running. Over 35 million people now work remotely while living abroad, and more than 50 countries have launched digital nomad visas, making it easier than ever to live and work internationally.

The infrastructure for this kind of life has never been more developed. Whether it’s a beachside apartment in the Philippines for under $700 a month or a sun-drenched life in Portugal with universal healthcare included, the options are real, documented, and growing.

The world is bigger and more livable than most people back home will ever admit. What’s stopping you from finding out for yourself?

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