Thinking about leaving the U.S. and starting fresh somewhere else? You’re not alone. Whether it’s the rising cost of living, healthcare concerns, or just a desire for more peace, many Americans are considering a move abroad in 2025. But where should you go? In this guide, I’ll walk you through 20 of the best countries to move to from the USA—with a strong focus on quality of life, affordability, healthcare, safety, and ease of settling in. These destinations are not only beautiful and welcoming but also practical for long-term living.
1. Portugal – Best for Affordable Living and Stunning Coastlines
Portugal remains a top destination for American expats—and for good reason. With a low cost of living, safe cities, excellent public healthcare, and friendly locals, Portugal offers a slower, sunnier, and more affordable life compared to most U.S. cities.
Language: Portuguese, but English is widely spoken in urban and expat areas.
Visa Option: The D7 Passive Income Visa and Digital Nomad Visa make it easy for retirees and remote workers.
Healthcare: Ranked among the world’s best public healthcare systems (World Health Organization).
Cost of Living: Around 40–60% lower than in the U.S.
- Top places to live: Lisbon (if you want a lively city), Porto (for charm and culture), or the Algarve (for beaches and retirees).
- Check out the official Portugal Immigration site for visa info.
2. Costa Rica – Best for Nature Lovers and Simpler Living
If you’re seeking a “Pura Vida” lifestyle—one that’s grounded in wellness, sustainability, and natural beauty—Costa Rica delivers. It’s one of the safest and most politically stable countries in Central America, with a strong expat community, especially from the U.S.
Language: Spanish, but English is common in tourist and expat areas.
Visa Option: The Pensionado and Rentista visas are ideal for retirees and remote income earners.
Healthcare: Solid public and private options, with expat insurance plans widely available.
Cost of Living: Very affordable outside San José; think $1,500–$2,500/month for a couple.
- Top areas: Atenas (great climate), Tamarindo (beach life), Escazú (urban comforts near San José).
- Explore more at the Costa Rica Immigration site.
3. Spain – Best for Culture, Food & Mediterranean Living
Spain combines old-world charm with modern comforts. Imagine sipping sangria in a sunny plaza, enjoying world-class healthcare, and having easy access to all of Europe. Spain’s digital nomad visa has also made it easier than ever for Americans to move there.
Language: Spanish (Castellano), but English is common in larger cities.
Visa Option: The Spain Digital Nomad Visa and Non-Lucrative Visa are the most popular.
Healthcare: Spain’s public health system is ranked among Europe’s best.
Cost of Living: Cheaper than most U.S. cities—especially outside Madrid or Barcelona.
- Best cities to live: Valencia (expat favorite), Granada (affordable & historic), and Málaga (sunny coastal life).
- Learn more at the Spain Visa Portal.
4. Mexico – Best for Proximity to the U.S. and Low Living Costs
Moving to Mexico means you’re never too far from home. With world-class cuisine, beautiful colonial cities, and warm communities, it’s no surprise that over 1.5 million Americans live here already.
Language: Spanish, but English is widely spoken in expat areas.
Visa Option: The Temporary Resident Visa (good for up to 4 years) is common for expats.
Healthcare: High-quality private hospitals are affordable and accessible.
Cost of Living: You can live well on $1,200–$2,000/month in many areas.
- Top spots: Mérida (safe and cultural), San Miguel de Allende (expat haven), and Puerto Vallarta (beach + city life).
- See the official Mexican visa info here.
5. Thailand – Best for Budget Living & Tropical Lifestyle
Thailand offers an unbeatable combo of low cost of living, incredible food, warm weather, and a thriving expat scene. It’s especially ideal for remote workers and retirees who want to stretch their dollars while enjoying a high quality of life.
Language: Thai, but English is common in tourist/expat areas.
Visa Option: Long-stay options like the Thailand Elite Visa or Retirement Visa (O-A).
Healthcare: Private hospitals in Bangkok and Chiang Mai are top-tier and very affordable.
Cost of Living: Many expats live comfortably on $1,000–$1,800/month.
- Popular cities: Chiang Mai (expat hub with great weather), Bangkok (urban + modern), Phuket (island vibes).
6. Canada – Best for Familiarity, Universal Healthcare & Nature
If you want to stay close to the U.S. but live in a country with a strong social safety net, excellent public healthcare, and a progressive outlook, Canada checks all the boxes. It’s culturally similar, English-speaking, and offers high quality of life in both cities and rural areas.
Language: English and French
Visa Option: Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), or Family Sponsorship
Healthcare: Universal healthcare available after permanent residency
Cost of Living: Varies; Toronto and Vancouver are pricey, but places like Halifax or Winnipeg are affordable
- Top cities: Ottawa, Victoria, Calgary, Halifax
- Learn more at Canada.ca – Immigration and Citizenship
7. New Zealand – Best for Peaceful Living and Work-Life Balance
Ranked among the world’s most livable countries, New Zealand is ideal if you’re after peace, nature, and a laid-back pace. Its government is transparent, its healthcare system is solid, and its people are welcoming. It’s especially great for families and outdoor lovers.
Language: English
Visa Option: Skilled Migrant Visa, Work to Residence, or Retirement Visitor Visa
Healthcare: Subsidized public healthcare with private options
Cost of Living: Moderate; expect ~$2,000–$3,000/month depending on the region
- Top cities: Wellington (cool capital), Christchurch, Queenstown (adventure capital)
- Get full details at Immigration New Zealand
8. Germany – Best for Job Opportunities and Strong Economy
If you’re skilled in tech, engineering, healthcare, or education, Germany offers excellent job opportunities, affordable university education (even for expats), and world-class infrastructure. It’s also a great launchpad for exploring Europe.
Language: German (but many speak English, especially in cities)
Visa Option: Job Seeker Visa, EU Blue Card, Freelancer Visa
Healthcare: Mandatory insurance (public or private) with exceptional care
Cost of Living: Lower than the U.S. in many areas; Berlin and Leipzig are favorites for affordability
- Top cities: Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Heidelberg
- Learn more at Make It in Germany – Official Portal
9. Uruguay – Best for Stability in South America
Often overlooked, Uruguay is Latin America’s most politically stable and progressive country. It has legal protections for expats, reliable healthcare, a laid-back beach lifestyle, and low crime rates compared to regional neighbors.
Language: Spanish
Visa Option: Residency via proof of income (no specific income minimum required)
Healthcare: Excellent public/private plans through “mutualista” system
Cost of Living: Around $1,500–$2,000/month for a modest lifestyle
- Top cities: Montevideo (cultural hub), Punta del Este (beach city), Colonia del Sacramento (historic town)
- Explore more via Uruguay Immigration Portal
10. Japan – Best for Safety, Tech, and Cultural Richness
For those who crave a highly organized, respectful, and innovative society, Japan offers a mix of ancient tradition and futuristic living. It’s one of the safest countries in the world, with top-tier healthcare and infrastructure.
Language: Japanese (English is spoken in larger cities and by younger people)
Visa Option: Work Visa, Highly Skilled Professional Visa, or Long-Term Stay (Designated Activities)
Healthcare: Universal healthcare system with low co-pays
Cost of Living: Tokyo is pricey, but smaller cities like Fukuoka or Nagano are budget-friendly
- Top cities: Tokyo (urban energy), Kyoto (historic), Fukuoka (modern & affordable)
- See more at Japan Immigration Services
11. Italy – Best for Romance, Food & Affordable Heritage Living
Italy offers a rich blend of culture, scenic landscapes, and food that makes everyday life feel cinematic. While major cities like Rome and Milan are expensive, smaller towns in Tuscany, Abruzzo, and Sicily offer affordable housing, especially with Italy’s €1 home programs.
Language: Italian (but English is common in tourist and expat zones)
Visa Option: Elective Residency Visa for those with passive income, or Digital Nomad Visa (introduced in 2024)
Healthcare: Universal and ranked among Europe’s best
Cost of Living: Many areas cost 30–50% less than big U.S. cities
- Top areas: Florence (for art lovers), Lecce (underrated gem), Bologna (student-friendly and lively)
12. Malaysia – Best for Budget Living & Modern Comforts
Malaysia is one of Asia’s most expat-friendly countries, with a low cost of living, excellent internet infrastructure, diverse food culture, and English widely spoken. It’s ideal for retirees and digital nomads looking for value and ease.
Language: Malay and English
Visa Option: Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program for long-term stay
Healthcare: Private healthcare is high-quality and affordable
Cost of Living: Expats live well on $1,200–$2,000/month
- Best cities: Kuala Lumpur (urban life), Penang (cultural haven), Langkawi (tropical retreat)
13. Georgia – Best for Digital Nomads and Visa-Free Stays
Georgia (the country, not the U.S. state!) is a rising star among digital nomads. Americans can stay visa-free for up to 1 year, making it one of the easiest countries to move to short-term. It has a growing startup culture, delicious food (hello khachapuri!), and low living costs.
Language: Georgian (but many young people speak English)
Visa Option: Americans can stay 365 days visa-free; remote workers can apply for Remotely from Georgia visa
Healthcare: Inexpensive with good private clinics
Cost of Living: One of the lowest in Europe—$800–$1,500/month
- Top city: Tbilisi (historic + modern, walkable, growing expat scene)
- Get started via Georgia Visa Info
14. France – Best for Work-Life Balance & Healthcare
France isn’t just about Paris. From the wine regions to the Riviera, it’s a dream destination for many—and surprisingly livable outside the tourist hot spots. The French lifestyle prioritizes balance, health, and leisure.
Language: French (English is widely spoken in cities and with younger generations)
Visa Option: Long-Stay Visitor Visa, Talent Passport, or Digital Nomad Visa (pilot program 2025)
Healthcare: Excellent universal system; ranked among the world’s best
Cost of Living: Rural and suburban France can be very affordable
- Top regions: Provence, Brittany, Toulouse, Annecy
- Start with the France-Visas official site
15. Slovenia – Best for Safety, Nature & Easy EU Access
Often overlooked, Slovenia offers the beauty of Switzerland at half the price. It’s clean, safe, green, and ideally located for exploring the rest of Europe. Its cities are modern, while its countryside is peaceful and pristine.
Language: Slovene (but English is widely understood, especially among younger people)
Visa Option: Temporary Residence Permit for work, study, or digital nomads
Healthcare: Public system is strong, with private options too
Cost of Living: $1,200–$2,000/month, depending on location
- Top places: Ljubljana (compact, modern capital), Lake Bled (scenic beauty), Maribor (wine region)
16. Czech Republic – Best for Old-World Charm & Central Europe Access
The Czech Republic (or Czechia) blends fairytale-like architecture with modern infrastructure and affordable living. Its capital, Prague, is one of the most expat-friendly cities in Europe, with a large digital nomad scene and a vibrant cultural life.
Language: Czech (but English is widely spoken in Prague and tourist areas)
Visa Option: Long-Term Residence Permit for freelancers, employees, or students
Healthcare: High-quality public and private healthcare options
Cost of Living: Lower than most of Western Europe – $1,200–$2,000/month
- Best cities: Prague (urban + historic), Brno (student city), Olomouc (underrated gem)
- Visit Czech Republic Ministry of the Interior for more info.
17. Panama – Best for Easy Residency & U.S. Ties
Panama is a favorite among American retirees and expats due to its US dollar-based economy, great weather, and welcoming visa policies. The country’s Pensionado Program is considered one of the best retirement visas globally.
Language: Spanish (English is common in expat zones)
Visa Option: Pensionado Visa, Friendly Nations Visa, or Digital Nomad Visa
Healthcare: Good private hospitals; many doctors trained in the U.S.
Cost of Living: $1,500–$2,500/month depending on location
- Best cities: Panama City (cosmopolitan), Boquete (cool mountain town), Coronado (beach life)
- Learn more from the Panama Immigration Service
18. Malta – Best for English Speakers & Island Lifestyle
This Mediterranean island nation offers sunny weather, English as an official language, and EU perks. Malta is a hub for digital nomads and remote workers thanks to its Nomad Residence Permit, introduced in 2021 and still going strong.
Language: Maltese and English
Visa Option: Nomad Residence Permit, Long-Stay Visa
Healthcare: Strong public and private options, often ranked high in Europe
Cost of Living: Moderate – $1,800–$2,800/month for most expats
- Best areas: Valletta (historic capital), Sliema (modern expat zone), Gozo (quiet island life)
- Explore the Malta Residency Agency site
19. Vietnam – Best for Value Living & Street Food Culture
Vietnam is rapidly becoming a top spot for remote workers and adventurous expats due to its incredibly low cost of living, high-speed internet, and lively culture. Cities like Da Nang and Hanoi are attracting a growing number of Americans looking to stretch their dollars.
Language: Vietnamese (English common in tourist/expat areas)
Visa Option: Tourist visa (extendable), long-stay business or investor visas
Healthcare: Affordable private healthcare in major cities
Cost of Living: $800–$1,500/month for a good lifestyle
- Best cities: Da Nang (beach + city), Hanoi (historic), Ho Chi Minh City (urban energy)
- Visa info: Vietnam Immigration Department
20. Belize – Best for Caribbean Life & English Language
If you’re dreaming of island life in the Caribbean, Belize is one of the few tropical countries where English is the official language. It’s laid-back, close to the U.S., and full of natural beauty—from coral reefs to rainforest.
Language: English
Visa Option: QRP (Qualified Retired Persons) Program, or long-term tourist visas
Healthcare: Basic but improving; expats often use regional private clinics
Cost of Living: $1,500–$2,500/month depending on location and lifestyle
- Top areas: San Pedro (Ambergris Caye), Placencia (beachfront living), San Ignacio (jungle retreats)
- Learn more from the Belize Immigration and Nationality Department
Final Words
These 20 countries represent a diverse range of opportunities—from tropical escapes and ancient European cities to digital nomad havens and affordable retiree hotspots. Whatever your dream life looks like, there’s a place out there in 2025 that can make it real.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I need to give up my U.S. citizenship to move abroad?
No, you can live abroad without renouncing your U.S. citizenship.
2. Will I still pay U.S. taxes if I move overseas?
Yes, U.S. citizens must file taxes on worldwide income, but exclusions and credits may reduce what you owe.
3. What is the easiest country for Americans to move to?
Countries like Mexico, Portugal, and Panama have expat-friendly visas and simple residency paths.
4. Can I work remotely from these countries?
Yes, many countries now offer Digital Nomad Visas or allow remote work with long-stay permits.
5. How do I access healthcare abroad?
Most countries offer public or affordable private healthcare. Expats often buy international insurance for coverage.
6. How much money do I need to live abroad comfortably?
It varies. In Southeast Asia or Latin America, $1,200–$2,000/month is often enough. In Europe, expect $2,000–$3,000+.
7. Can I bring my pets when moving abroad?
Yes, but you’ll need to follow import rules, vaccinations, and possibly a quarantine period depending on the country.
8. Do I need a visa to live in another country?
Yes, in most cases. Each country has its own visa rules based on your income, job, or retirement status.
Related Post you may like:
I am Sabiq Rasel is an Entrepreneur and broadcaster. I believe that every sip of coffee holds the potential for a moment of inspiration, creativity, and every cup tells a story.
