Top 10 Countries Where Life Abroad Is Cheap and Joyful, Expat Satisfaction Data Shows

Moving overseas feels a lot better when everyday spending does not drain the fun out of daily life. For this slideshow, the backbone is InterNations Expat Insider 2025, which surveyed more than 10,000 expats across 172 nationalities and ranked 46 destinations using expat responses about life abroad.

The order below follows InterNations’ 2025 Personal Finance Index top 10, and the “joyful” angle isn’t a stretch. In its 2025 report, InterNations notes that nearly every country in the top 15 for personal finance is also among the happiest overall (with one exception). The same finance index page also notes that no European destination made the top 10 this year.

1. Vietnam

Vietnam sits at the top of the 2025 Personal Finance Index, which matches what many foreign residents describe in plain terms: daily spending can stay manageable without living a stripped-down routine. Street food, local cafés, and short app rides often make ordinary days feel easy rather than expensive. Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hanoi each offer different rhythms, so people can choose beach energy, big-city momentum, or a mix of both.

For many newcomers, life gets better fast once a simple routine clicks: where you eat, how you get around, and where you spend evenings. Heat, noise, and traffic take adjustment, so the happiest setups usually come from picking the right neighborhood first and the prettiest apartment second.

2. Colombia

Colombia ranks near the very top for personal-finance satisfaction, and it also performs strongly overall in the same InterNations cycle. Medellín gets most of the international attention, but Bogotá, Cali, and smaller mountain towns appeal to different budgets and lifestyles. Climate variety helps a lot, because altitude changes can reshape your week without changing countries.

A lot of the appeal shows up in everyday social life. Fresh produce, friendly interactions, and a calendar that fills itself once you meet people can make the week feel connected instead of isolated. Safety conditions vary sharply by district, so smart local guidance matters far more than broad stereotypes.

3. Panama

Panama combines strong financial sentiment with a long-running reputation as a comfortable landing spot for retirees and remote earners. Panama City offers modern infrastructure and fast urban convenience, while mountain areas and smaller coastal zones attract people who want a slower pace. The use of the U.S. dollar also makes budgeting simpler for many arrivals from North America.

Much of the day-to-day payoff here is practical. Banking, shopping, and international services are relatively easy to navigate compared with many cross-border moves. Humidity can be intense, and rainy season logistics require patience, so quality of life rises quickly when housing choice matches your weather tolerance.

4. China

China’s position in this ranking surprises people who only picture headline cities with premium price tags. In practice, many foreign workers and business professionals find strong value in transit, dining, and everyday services once they settle into local systems. Shanghai, Shenzhen, Chengdu, and other major hubs can feel wildly different from one another, which gives movers real room to match priorities.

What many residents enjoy most is the combination of scale and efficiency. Fast trains, dense food scenes, and late-hour convenience can make urban life feel highly functional once your routines click. A smoother start usually depends on translation tools, payment app setup, and realistic expectations about digital platforms and local rules.

5. Thailand

Thailand remains a favorite because it blends budget comfort with a lifestyle that can feel relaxed without becoming dull. Bangkok suits people who want career options and nonstop variety, while Chiang Mai draws many remote workers. Coastal hubs appeal to those chasing sea air and flexible schedules. Everyday meals, markets, and services often keep recurring expenses from spiraling.

Pleasure here is often built out of small things done often. A quick bowl of noodles, an evening market stroll, or a weekend island trip can make ordinary weeks feel generous. Seasonal heat, monsoon timing, and air quality episodes in some regions can shape quality of life, so timing and location selection matter a lot.

6. Indonesia

Indonesia ranks high on financial satisfaction, though experiences differ widely across its thousands of islands. Bali is the best-known magnet for international residents, yet Jakarta, Yogyakarta, and other centers offer entirely different lifestyles, work patterns, and social circles. Prices can look great on paper, but neighborhood choice changes the monthly picture fast.

Many people find the energy comes from the environment and the community mix. Sunrise surf, café culture, creative workspaces, and weekend nature access can create a routine that feels energizing. Traffic, distance, and infrastructure gaps in some areas can eat time, so living close to your real daily needs is a bigger win than chasing a dream view.

7. Philippines

The Philippines stands out for people who value friendliness and social ease alongside manageable costs. English is widely used, which lowers stress during errands, appointments, and everyday problem-solving for many arrivals. Metro Manila offers scale and opportunity, while Cebu and other regional centers can provide a different balance.

A cheerful life here often grows out of human connection first. Family-oriented culture, casual hospitality, and lively gatherings can help newcomers avoid the lonely phase that derails many relocations. Island geography is beautiful but logistically messy at times, so domestic travel plans work better when you build in weather and transport buffers.

8. Mexico

Mexico keeps drawing remote professionals, retirees, and entrepreneurs because it offers huge regional variety at many spending levels. One person may thrive in Mexico City’s cultural depth, while another prefers Mérida’s pace, Oaxaca’s food scene, or a smaller highland town. That range makes it easier to match climate, community, and budget without forcing a single template.

What keeps many expats happy is how accessible everyday pleasures can feel. Markets, neighborhood eateries, public squares, and strong local traditions can make the week feel full without expensive plans. Conditions differ a lot by state and municipality, especially around safety and rent pressure, so city-level research is essential before signing anything.

9. Malaysia

Malaysia makes this list as a strong value choice with urban comfort and practical infrastructure. Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Johor Bahru each attract different types of foreign residents, from business-focused movers to people seeking a lower-cost base near major travel routes. In many everyday situations, English use can make the adjustment period smoother than newcomers expect.

For many newcomers, the bright side is convenience without constant friction. Food options are broad, transport can be very workable in major corridors, and short regional flights open up quick escapes. Car dependence in some areas and tropical heat can wear people down, so a test stay before a long commitment is a smart move.

10. Brazil

Brazil rounds out the top 10 with a mix that can feel exciting, social, and deeply local. São Paulo suits people who want scale and professional momentum, while Rio offers unmatched scenery and cultural energy. Smaller cities can deliver a calmer routine with lower overhead. Portuguese makes a real difference here, so language effort pays off quickly.

The joyful side often shows up in music, gatherings, outdoor culture, and strong neighborhood identities. Everyday life can feel vivid, which many people love after years in places that feel transactional. Regional price gaps and security differences are real, so success usually comes from careful city selection and local habits, not national-level assumptions.

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