Dreaming of Life Abroad? These are the 20 BEST Countries for U.S. Expats in 2025 (#9 Will Shock You)
11 min read
The U.S. is expensive, tense, politically polarized, overworked, and often unsafe — so of course many Americans are daydreaming about packing a bag and hitting the road for good.
As someone who moved to Mexico in 2018, I totally get it!
If you’re desperate for relief, culture shock, lower costs, and better quality of life, here are 20 countries expats love — and many of them will surprise you.
1. Mexico
Why Would You Want to Move to Mexico?
Mexico offers proximity to the U.S., vibrant culture, diverse climates (beaches, mountains, deserts, etc.), excellent food, and large expat communities.
Many Americans discover their quality of life goes way up once they escape high U.S. housing and health care costs.
How Easy is it For Americans to Move to Mexico?
Fairly easy, and some even enter on a tourist visa and then convert it to a Temporary Resident Visa, which can become a Permanent Residence.
Mexico is one of the most popular destinations for American expats, so there’s good infrastructure and community support.
Approximate Cost of Living in Mexico
In many parts of Mexico, a modest but comfortable expat life can run between $1,500-$3,000/month (depending on city, lifestyle, rent, etc.).
In smaller towns or inland regions, you can get by much cheaper — but in big cities like Mexico City and Guadalajara, you might spend even more.
2. Panama
Why Would You Want to Move to Panama?
Panama consistently ranks at the top of expat satisfaction surveys, like the 2025 Expat Insider Survey from InterNations, the world’s largest expat network.
It uses the U.S. dollar, has modern infrastructure, tropical and mountain zones, and generous pensioner-type benefits, discounts, etc.
How Easy is it For Americans to Move to Panama?
Panama has a “Pensionado” Visa Program for retirees or income-earners that’s relatively generous, and other visa routes for investors or business owners.
The path to residency is well-known among Americans already moving there.
Approximate Cost of Living in Panama
A comfortable expat life can often be managed for $2,000-$3,500/month, including rent, food, transportation, etc.
In smaller towns or more modest areas, costs can drop considerably.
3. Costa Rica
Why Would You Want to Move to Costa Rica?
Costa Rica ranks high on sustainability, natural beauty with rainforests and beaches, political stability, and the famous “Pura Vida” lifestyle.
Many Americans have already made it a go-to for semi-retirement and eco-living.
How Easy is it For Americans to Move to Costa Rica?
Costa Rica offers the Pensionado Visa for those with a stable income or retirement income), and the Rentista Visa, which is their standard residency route.
It is well worn by many North Americans, so there’s decent legal support and precedent in place to get your visa painlessly.
Approximate Cost of Living in Costa Rica
Expect somewhere between $1,800-$3,000/month for a comfortable lifestyle in many regions (less in rural areas, more in prime coastal zones).
4. Thailand
Why Would You Want to Move to Thailand?
Thailand is famous for tropical beauty, friendly locals, excellent food, strong expat/digital nomad communities, good health care, and low costs.
It often shows up in lists for best places for Americans to retire abroad.
How Easy is it For Americans to Move to Thailand?
You can get a tourist visa, then convert to longer-term visas (like the “Long-Term Stay” Visa or Retirement Visa).
There are now more visa options for remote workers and digital nomads. Legal routes exist, though bureaucracy can be a challenge.
Approximate Cost of Living in Thailand
You can live modestly for $1,200-$2,500/month in many cities (especially outside Bangkok or tourist hotspots).
Beach or resort towns tend to cost more, though the coastal tranquility is exactly what many expats want.
5. Portugal
Why Would You Want to Move to Portugal?
Portugal offers European lifestyle (EU access, rich history, culture, safety), warm climate, relatively affordable living (by Western European standards), and friendliness to foreigners.
It frequently tops many lists of best countries for American expats to retire.
How Easy is it For Americans to Move to Portugal?
Portugal offers visas like the D7 Visa for those with passive income, and formerly had a Golden Visa — though Golden Visa changes are upcoming.
The bureaucracy is manageable, and many Americans already live there.
Approximate Cost of Living in Portugal
A comfortable life just outside the big cities like Lisbon or Porto might run you $2,000-$3,500/month.
In smaller towns and/or the country’s interior regions, costs drop to about $1,500-$2,200/month.
6. Spain
Why Would You Want to Move to Spain?
Spain brings Mediterranean climate, relaxed lifestyle, fantastic food, cultural richness, and relatively high safety.
It has long-been a favorite among retirees, digital nomads, foodies, and creative types.
How Easy is it For Americans to Move to Spain?
Spain offers a Non-Lucrative Visa for those with passive income, and other residency routes.
You’ll need proof of income, health insurance, etc., to qualify. The Spain visa process is somewhat bureaucratic, but much of it is well documented.
Approximate Cost of Living in Spain
In non-central or non-coastal areas, you can live well for $1,800-$3,000/month.
Big cities like Madrid and Barcelona will demand more, at easily $2,500+/month.
7. Georgia (The Country)
Why Would You Want to Move to Georgia?
Georgia is becoming a hidden gem in the post-Soviet space thanks to low costs and welcoming visa policies for remote workers.
Combine that with stunning mountains, wine regions, and the ability to live at a high standard on modest means, it’s easy to see why.
How Easy is it For Americans to Move to Georgia?
Georgia has a “Remotely Friendly” Visa Policy so most people can stay for long periods on a tourist visa, but there are other easy residency paths as well.
Of all the countries that offer easy visas, it’s clear Georgia is one of the top options trying to attract digital nomads specifically.
Approximate Cost of Living in Georgia
Overall, costs are very low in Georgia, especially when you consider what you get for a nice life.
A modest expat lifestyle in Georgia the country (not Georgia the U.S. state) can be maintained for $700-$1,500/month, depending on the city.
8. Malaysia
Why Would You Want to Move to Malaysia?
A cultural crossroads, Malaysia has modern infrastructure, a tropical climate, fantastic food, and English widely spoken.
They also offer favorable visa programs, like the “Malaysia My Second Home” Visa, making it a common pick for retirees or long-term expats.
How Easy is it For Americans to Move to Malaysia?
MM2H (Malaysia My Second Home) is a long-stay visa program for foreigners with income or assets in the country.
Though the MM2H is relatively-easy to get, you can also use work or business visas to move to Malaysia.
Approximate Cost of Living in Malaysia
Many expats live comfortably on US $1,500-$3,000/month; especially outside Kuala Lumpur.
In Kuala Lumpur, costs may edge higher, but they’re still lower than most U.S. metro areas.
9. Uruguay
Why Would You Want to Move to Uruguay?
Uruguay is politically stable, relatively safe, relaxed, with a temperate climate, good social services, and a reputation for tolerance.
It’s often overlooked for Latin America for Americans to retire in, but has strong qualities that should be talked about more.
How Easy is it For Americans to Move to Uruguay?
Uruguay offers residency paths for those with stable income or investment, and the process is friendly compared to some Latin American countries.
Many foreigners already live there, providing support networks for newcomers.
Approximate Cost of Living in Uruguay
A comfortable mid-range life might cost $1,800-$3,000/month, though in some locales it could be higher.
10. Colombia
Why Would You Want to Move to Colombia?
With a vibrant culture, varied climates, improving infrastructure, improving safety, and affordable living, Colombia is a favorite for U.S. expats abroad.
How Easy is it For Americans to Move to Colombia?
Colombia visa options include retirement or Pensionado Visas, work visas, or investment visas, and the visa process is pretty straight-forward.
Approximate Cost of Living in Colombia
Many expats live comfortably on $1,200-$2,500/month, depending on city and lifestyle. Big cities like Bogotá, Cali and Medellín cost the most.
11. Ecuador
Why Would You Want to Move to Ecuador?
Ecuador has relatively low cost of living and an established expat infrastructure, especially in places like Quito and Cuenca.
For nature lovers, there’s varied climates including coasts and highlands, and you have access to the Amazon River and Andes Mountains.
How Easy is it For Americans to Move to Ecuador?
Ecuador offers Retirement Visas for those with monthly income, and Investor Visas.
Many Americans already live there, so local resources and communities exist both in person and online, like the Ecuador Expats Facebook Group.
Approximate Cost of Living in Ecuador
A modest to comfortable lifestyle might cost $1,200-$2,500/month depending on the region you’re in and your preferences.
12. Czech Republic
Why Would You Want to Move to the Czech Republic?
It offers Central European culture, strong transport systems, safety, beautiful cities like Prague and Brno, and a more affordable EU-lifestyle than Western Europe.
How Easy is it For Americans to Move to the Czech Republic?
You can apply for long-term residence to the Czech Republic on various grounds, like work and study.
Non-EU citizens go through more of a process to get visas, but many expats already live there, so it’s somewhat easy to navigate.
Approximate Cost of Living in the Czech Republic
In Prague, a mid-range expat lifestyle might cost $2,500-$4,000/month, but in smaller cities, it could drop to $1,800-$3,000 (or less).
13. Germany
Why Would You Want to Move to Germany?
Strong economy, high quality of life, central Europe location, solid social services, excellent public transportation, and plenty of cultural richness.
How Easy is it For Americans to Move to Germany?
Germany offers an “EU Blue Card” for qualified professionals, work visas, freelance visas (in some cases), and more.
The red tape can be more to move to Germany versus moving to Latin America, but the reward is good infrastructure.
Approximate Cost of Living in Germany
In cities like Berlin or Munich, expect $2,500-$4,500+/month or more for a comfortable life, but in smaller cities, $1,800-$3,000 is feasible.
14. Greece
Why Would You Want to Move to Greece?
With a Mediterranean climate, rich history, relaxed pace of life, amazing food, and beautiful islands, Greece often ranks high for retirees.
It is also one of the more affordable parts of Western Europe, for expats on a fixed income or lower budget.
How Easy is it For Americans to Move to Greece?
Greece offers a “Non-Lucrative” Visa for non-EU nationals with passive income, and Property Investment Visas (aka Golden Visa).
The bureaucratic process to actually get the visa is moderately-difficult, but still doable.
Approximate Cost of Living in Greece
In smaller cities, and on the non-touristy islands, $2,0000-$3,500/month is reasonable.
On popular Greek islands like Santorini and Mykonos, or in the capital city of Athens, costs can climb quickly.
15. Malta
Why Would You Want to Move to Malta?
Malta is a small island nation in the Mediterranean Sea where English is an official language, which makes it appealing to Americans.
It also has a strong expat presence, good climate, and EU access.
How Easy is it For Americans to Move to Malta?
Malta offers residence schemes (like the Global Residence Program) and relatively straightforward paths for non-EU nationals.
Approximate Cost of Living in Malta
Expect $2,500-$4,000/month for decent comfort, though you may find lower-cost living further from main hubs.
16. New Zealand
Why Would You Want to Move to New Zealand?
Stunning natural beauty, high safety, laid-back lifestyle, strong social services, and a cultural affinity with outdoor life.
How Easy is it For Americans to Move to New Zealand?
New Zealand has Skilled Migrant Visas, Work Visas, and sometimes special visas for people with needed skills.
The immigration system is rigorous because so many people want to move to NZ, but the process is well-defined (and pretty easy for those who qualify).
Approximate Cost of Living in New Zealand
In main cities like Auckland and Wellington, a comfortable life may cost $3,000-$5,000/month.
In smaller towns, $2,500-$4,000 will suffice for most Americans to live in New Zealand comfortably.
17. Italy
Why Would You Want to Move to Italy?
Um… Why would you not want to move to Italy?!
The food, culture, art, Mediterranean climate, relaxed pace, and a diverse geography have so many Americans dreaming of “la dolce vita.”
How Easy is it For Americans to Move to Italy?
Italy has Elective Residence Visas for those who can support themselves, Work Visas, and Ancestral Citizenship routes for some.
But Italian bureaucracy is famously “tricky” (to use a politically correct term ), so you might want to hire an attorney to assist.
Approximate Cost of Living in Italy
In smaller towns or non-tourist regions, $1,800-$3,000/month is possible. In major cities like Rome and Milan, it will hover at $3,500+.
18. Croatia
Why Would You Want to Move to Croatia?
Croatia has a beautiful Adriatic coastline, mild climate, and is less crowded than Western Europe.
It also has a rising infrastructure, and is affordable compared to many Mediterranean countries.
How Easy is it For Americans to Move to Croatia?
Croatia offers a Digital Nomad Visa, and residency permits for non-EU nationals.
The process is evolving, especially after joining the EU, so make sure you have up-to-date-info before proceeding with a visa application.
Approximate Cost of Living in Croatia
Outside prime coastal tourist zones, many can live on $2,000-$3,500/month. In coastal or tourist-heavy areas, costs can jump quickly.
19. Slovenia
Why Would You Want to Move to Slovenia?
Located in Central Europe, Slovenia has stunning landscapes, a safe society, a good quality of life, close proximity to EU neighbors, and tranquility.
IMO, it’s easily one of the more underrated EU countries, and a hidden gem that won’t stay hidden for much longer.
How Easy is it For Americans to Move to Slovenia?
You can get a long-term visa and residence permit, usually based on proof of income or local investments.
Their visa process is known to be moderately easy, especially when compared to other EU countries.
Approximate Cost of Living in Slovenia
In Ljubljana or tourist regions, $2,500-$4,000/month might be needed for comfort.
For smaller towns or places inland, $1,800-$3,000 is quite feasible for a nice life in Slovenia.
20. Canada
Why Would You Want to Move to Canada?
Besides the obvious proximity to the U.S., Americans will have cultural familiarity in Canada since our language and social norms are similar.
There’s also excellent social services, gorgeous nature, safety, and solid job markets that have made Canada a perennial favorite.
How Easy is it For Americans to Move to Canada?
Canada has multiple immigration pathways: Express Entry (for skilled workers), provincial nominee programs, family sponsorship, etc.
Though competitive, many Americans succeed at moving to Canada from the U.S.
Approximate Cost of Living in Canada
In big cities like Toronto or Vancouver, expect $3,000-$5,000/month for a comfortable life.
In smaller Canadian cities, $2,000-$3,500 should suffice.
My Final Thoughts on the 20 BEST Countries for U.S. Expats
Escaping the high costs, tension, and uncertainties of the U.S. is not just a fantasy — it’s entirely possible.
In fact, I left the U.S. for Mexico by myself in 2018, and it was easily one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
Whether you’re drawn to Latin America (like I was ), Europe, or Asia, the 20 countries featured above show you there’s a world of cheaper, safer, more fulfilling life waiting.
So pick your vibe, do your homework, and take the leap. It’s definitly a scary prospect, but also, easier than you might assume.
