Best countries for americans to move to

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in American expats seeking opportunities abroad. Whether driven by economic considerations, political climate, lifestyle changes, or simply the desire for adventure, more US citizens than ever are contemplating international relocation. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this trend, with remote work possibilities opening new doors for those wishing to experience life beyond US borders. According to recent statistics, over 9 million Americans live overseas, growing by approximately 3–4% annually.

When considering where can Americans move to, numerous factors come into play. Cost of living differences, healthcare quality and accessibility, visa requirements, language barriers, cultural compatibility, and employment opportunities all weigh heavily in this life-changing decision. Different destinations offer varying advantages, from the familiar cultural landscape of Canada to the affordable tropical paradise of Southeast Asia.

The decision about where to move from USA isn't one-size-fits-all. Each potential expat must evaluate their personal priorities. Retirees might prioritize healthcare systems and cost of living, while young professionals may focus on career opportunities and vibrant social scenes. Families typically consider education quality, safety, and child-friendly environments when determining the best country to move to from USA with family.

This comprehensive guide explores various regions across the globe, highlighting the best countries for Americans to live abroad based on practical considerations that matter most to potential expatriates. We'll examine immigration requirements, financial implications, quality of life measurements, and the experiences of existing American expats who have already made the leap. Whether you're actively planning a move or simply exploring possibilities, this information will help navigate the exciting but complex journey of international relocation.

Best countries to move to from the USA in North America

For Americans seeking international living without straying too far from home, options in North America provide cultural familiarity with distinct advantages. These destinations rank among the best places to move out of the US while maintaining relative proximity to friends and family.

Canada consistently ranks as one of the most popular countries to move to from USA. With its similar culture, shared language, and comprehensive healthcare system, Canada offers a smooth transition for Americans. The country welcomes skilled immigrants through various pathways, including Express Entry, which evaluates candidates based on age, education, work experience, and language proficiency. Major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal provide vibrant urban experiences, while provinces like Nova Scotia and New Brunswick offer more affordable living with picturesque landscapes.

Key advantages of moving to Canada:

• Universal healthcare system
• Strong job market, particularly in tech and healthcare sectors
• High quality education system
• Cultural similarities to the US
• Safe communities with low crime rates

Mexico presents a more affordable option with over 1.5 million Americans already calling it home. Popular expat destinations include Lake Chapala, San Miguel de Allende, and coastal areas like Puerto Vallarta and Playa del Carmen. Mexico's temporary resident visa is accessible for those who can prove a monthly income of approximately USD 2,100, with a path to permanent residency after four years. The cost of living can be 50–60% lower than in the US, making retirement funds stretch significantly further.

Costa Rica has long been a haven for American expats seeking a peaceful, environmentally conscious lifestyle. The country's "Pensionado" program welcomes retirees with a monthly income of at least $1,000 from pensions or permanent income sources. Costa Rica's universal healthcare system, political stability, and commitment to environmental protection make it particularly attractive to health-conscious and environmentally minded Americans.

Panama offers perhaps the most accessible retirement program through its Pensionado visa, available to anyone over 18 with a lifetime monthly income of $1,000. Benefits include discounts on medical services, entertainment, utility bills, and even airline tickets. Panama uses the US dollar, eliminating currency exchange concerns, and offers a Friendly Nations Visa specifically designed to attract immigrants from the US and other countries with strong diplomatic ties.

Best places to move out of the US in Europe

Europe has long captivated Americans with its rich history, cultural significance, and high quality of life. Several European nations rank among the best places for Americans to live abroad, offering diverse experiences from Mediterranean climates to Nordic efficiency.

• Portugal has emerged as perhaps the most accessible European option for American emigrants. Its D7 visa (also known as the "passive income visa") allows residence for those with approximately €8,460 annually for a single person. Portugal offers an attractive combination of affordable living, excellent healthcare, high safety ratings, and widespread English proficiency. The Non-Habitual Resident tax program provides significant tax advantages for new residents for the first 10 years, making it financially appealing for remote workers, entrepreneurs, and retirees.
• Spain attracts Americans with its vibrant culture, excellent climate, and relatively affordable cost of living (though typically 10-20% higher than Portugal). Its Non-Lucrative Visa requires proof of approximately €27,792 annual income for a single person without the right to work in Spain, making it ideal for retirees and remote workers with established income sources.
• Germany appeals to working professionals through its Employment Visa or its Freelancer Visa, which has become increasingly popular among digital nomads and self-employed Americans. Germany offers excellent public transportation, comprehensive healthcare, and exceptional infrastructure, though succeeding here typically requires learning German. Major cities like Berlin still provide relatively affordable living compared to American urban centres while offering world-class cultural experiences.
• Italy's Elective Residence Visa caters to retirees and remote workers with substantial passive income (approximately €31,000 annually for a single person). Its new Digital Nomad Visa expands options for remote workers. From the cultural treasures of Rome and Florence to the idyllic countryside of Tuscany and the affordable southern regions, Italy offers diverse lifestyle possibilities.

This table compares key aspects of popular European destinations:

Beyond traditional visa pathways, several European nations offer Europe citizenship by investment programs that provide Americans direct routes to EU passports. These programs, though requiring significant capital, offer unparalleled advantages, including visa-free travel throughout the Schengen Zone, unrestricted right to work, and EU healthcare access. Malta's program requires a combination of contributions and investments totalling approximately €750,000 plus property purchase or rental. Montenegro (until the program closes) offers citizenship for €350,000–550,000 through property investment plus a €100,000 donation. Cyprus previously operated a popular scheme that has been discontinued, highlighting how these programs evolve based on EU pressures and national policies. For high-net-worth Americans seeking maximum global mobility, these pathways represent premium options among the best places to move out of the US despite their substantial costs.

European nations consistently rank among the safest countries to move to from USA, with significantly lower violent crime rates than the United States. Quality of life factors, including work-life balance, public transportation, and social services, make these countries particularly attractive despite the potentially complex immigration processes.

Best country for US citizens to move to in South America

South America offers Americans some of the most affordable and accessible international living options, with several countries actively courting foreign residents through attractive visa programs. The proximity to the US (with similar time zones facilitating remote work), lower cost of living, and increasingly stable economies make this region worth serious consideration when contemplating relocation from USA.

• Colombia has transformed over the past two decades, shedding its troubled past to become one of the region's most welcoming destinations for Americans. Cities like Medellín (once notorious, now celebrated for innovation) and coastal Cartagena offer dramatically different but equally appealing lifestyles. Colombia's pensionado visa requires only a $750 monthly income, while digital nomads and remote workers can leverage the new digital nomad visa. Housing costs average 70–80% less than comparable US properties, with comprehensive healthcare plans available for $70–100 monthly.
• Ecuador continues to attract American retirees with its remarkably low cost of living and use of the US dollar as official currency. Its pensioner visa requires just $400 monthly income, making it among the most accessible options for retirees with modest pensions. From the colonial charm of Cuenca to the coastal lifestyle of Salinas, Ecuador offers diverse environments. The country's public healthcare system is accessible to residents, with private insurance options averaging $70–100 monthly for comprehensive coverage.
• Uruguay, while more expensive than some South American options, offers exceptional stability and a high standard of living. Its renewable residency program leads to permanent residency in just 3 years, with a path to citizenship afterwards. Uruguay features excellent infrastructure, political stability, and banking privacy, making it attractive for those seeking a more developed environment within South America.
• Chile presents another stable, developed option with its robust economy and modern infrastructure. The country's temporary residency visa can transition to permanent status after one year. While Santiago offers cosmopolitan living, coastal areas like Viña del Mar and southern regions like Puerto Varas attract those seeking more relaxed lifestyles. Chile's private healthcare system provides excellent care at a fraction of US costs.

Language learning is a significant consideration for Americans moving to South America, as English proficiency varies widely. Colombia and major regional urban centres typically offer the most English-speaking environments, though learning Spanish remains essential for full integration into local communities. This region provides some of the easiest countries to move to from USA in terms of visa requirements. However, cultural adjustment may present greater challenges than in Canada or Europe.

Best country to move to from the US to Asia

Asia offers Americans extraordinary diversity in lifestyle options, from ultramodern cities to tropical paradises, often with significantly lower living costs. Several Asian countries have developed specific programs to attract Western expatriates, recognizing the economic benefits they bring.

• Thailand remains an all-time favourite among US expats for its tropical climate, friendly culture, and extremely affordable cost of living. The country's retirement visa requires applicants to be 50+ with either 800,000 baht (approximately $23,000) in a Thai bank or a monthly income of 65,000 baht (approximately $1,900). Bangkok offers cosmopolitan living, while Chiang Mai in the north attracts digital nomads with its blend of tradition and modernity. Southern islands provide idyllic beach lifestyles. A couple can live comfortably in Thailand for $1,500–2,500 monthly, including housing, food, and healthcare.
• Malaysia's MM2H (Malaysia My Second Home) program, though recently revised with stricter financial requirements, continues to attract Americans seeking a multicultural environment with excellent infrastructure. English is widely spoken, eliminating language barriers, while the country's modern healthcare system provides world-class care at roughly 30–40% of US costs. Kuala Lumpur offers urban sophistication, while Penang combines colonial charm with multicultural influences.
• Vietnam has emerged as a leading destination for younger American expatriates and digital nomads attracted by extremely low living costs and vibrant culture. Teaching English provides readily available employment for many Americans, while business opportunities abound in this rapidly developing economy. A comfortable lifestyle can be maintained for $1,000–1,500 monthly in cities like Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi, with even lower costs in smaller cities like Da Nang.
• Japan, while more expensive and with more complex immigration requirements, attracts Americans seeking immersion in its unique culture and ultra-modern, efficient society. English teaching positions through programs like JET provide accessible entry points, while tech professionals may find opportunities with international companies. Japan's excellent healthcare, transportation, and safety make it attractive despite the higher costs and potential language challenges.
• Singapore offers perhaps Asia's most seamless transition for Americans with its English-speaking environment, ultramodern infrastructure, and exceptional safety. However, its high cost of living (comparable to major US cities) and strict immigration policies make it primarily accessible to those with corporate transfers or specialised skills in demand. The extraordinary efficiency, cleanliness, and multiculturalism make it worth considering for those who can secure appropriate visas.

For Americans interested in Asia but concerned about drastic cultural differences, Malaysia and Singapore offer the gentlest learning curves due to their widespread English usage and Western influences. These destinations represent examples of a best country for US citizens to move to within Asia based on accessibility and cultural familiarity, while Thailand and Vietnam provide more immersive experiences at significantly lower costs.

While traditional Asian destinations offer lifestyle benefits, Americans seeking citizenship options should also consider emerging opportunities in the MENA region. Middle East citizenship by investment programs, though limited, present unique strategic advantages. Turkey's program grants citizenship for real estate investments of $400,000, offering Americans a strategic position between Europe and Asia with a passport providing access to 110+ countries. Jordan and Egypt have introduced similar programs requiring various investment thresholds. These nations offer distinctive cultural experiences, favourable tax environments, and strategic business positioning between multiple continents. While perhaps less conventional than Southeast Asian retirement destinations, these Middle Eastern options provide ambitious Americans moving abroad with distinctive entrepreneurial ecosystems and investment opportunities unavailable elsewhere.

Cheap countries to move from the USA

For Americans with investment capacity seeking both affordable living and stronger passports, Caribbean citizenship by investment programs present compelling opportunities. Nations, including Dominica, St. Lucia, Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda, and St. Kitts and Nevis, offer direct citizenship pathways through real estate investments (typically around $200,000) or contribution funds (starting around $100,000). These programs provide Americans with valuable second passports offering visa-free access to 140+ countries, including the UK, the Schengen Area, and many Asian nations. Processing typically completes within 3-6 months with minimal residence requirements. Combined with the region's significantly lower cost of living and favourable tax structures, these programs attract foreigners seeking lifestyle enhancement and global mobility advantages without the high costs of European alternatives.

• Southeast Asia offers exceptional value. In addition to Thailand and Vietnam, mentioned previously, Cambodia provides extremely affordable living with straightforward visa options. In Phnom Penh or Siem Reap, comprehensive one-bedroom apartments average $250–400 monthly, with total living expenses for a couple typically ranging from $1,200-1,800. Indonesia, particularly Bali, attracts digital nomads and entrepreneurs with its tropical lifestyle and low costs, though visa situations remain somewhat complex.
• Eastern Europe presents affordable options within the European context. Countries like Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, and Georgia offer living costs 50–70% lower than Western Europe while providing rich cultural experiences and improving infrastructure. Georgia has emerged as a digital nomad hotspot with its one-year remote worker visa and provision allowing Americans to stay visa-free for one year. In Bulgaria's capital, Sofia, modern one-bedroom apartments average €300–400 monthly, with total monthly expenses for a couple typically around €1,500–2,000.
• Latin America continues to offer exceptional value beyond the South American countries previously discussed. Nicaragua, Guatemala, and Peru provide authentic cultural experiences with very low costs of living. In Nicaragua, a couple can have beachfront living or a colonial city experience for $1,000–1,500 monthly, including rent, utilities, food, and healthcare.

For Americans seeking to maximise financial resources, these countries represent the most economical options among the easiest countries to immigrate to from US. However, potential emigrants should carefully evaluate the complete picture beyond costs. Factors like healthcare quality, political stability, infrastructure reliability, internet speed (crucial for remote workers), and personal safety vary significantly across these budget-friendly destinations.

Many rankings of places where are Americans moving show that the most successful international relocations often balance financial considerations with quality-of-life factors. Mexico, Portugal, and Thailand consistently rank highly in expatriate satisfaction surveys because they combine affordability with good infrastructure, accessible healthcare, and established expatriate communities that ease the transition.

The optimal destination depends entirely on individual priorities. Retirees might emphasise healthcare quality and accessibility, while young professionals prioritise internet infrastructure and networking opportunities. Families typically focus on education options, safety, and child-friendly environments when determining the best country to move to from USA with family.

Whatever your reasons for exploring life beyond U.S. borders, thorough research—and ideally, first-hand experience through extended visits—can greatly increase your chances of a successful transition. The world offers extraordinary opportunities for Americans open to new cultures, languages, and lifestyles, often promising a higher quality of life and greater financial freedom than they might find at home.