Most Americans consider living abroad at some point in their lives. According to the US State Department, about 9 million Americans are living in other countries. And there is a good reason for this. Holders of a US passport have the privilege to roam around the world with ease. If you are one of them, you probably want to know the best countries to move to from the USA.
Unfortunately, relocating to a new country is not always straightforward. For one, you need to understand the visa requirements of each country you want to move into.
And you will most likely need to have a certain amount of money in your account before securing a visa. Nevertheless, this shouldn’t scare you from moving to new exciting environments. To help you get a better understanding of your options, we have compiled a list of the 15 best countries to move to from the USA.
Summary of 15 Best Countries to Move to From the USA
- Portugal
- Spain
- Greece
- Malta
- Montenegro
- Thailand
- Canada
- Cyprus
- Australia
- South Korea
- Mexico
- Germany
- Belize
- Singapore
- Costa Rica
Detailed Review of the 15 Best Countries to Move To From the USA
1. Portugal
Portugal comes on top of the list of the best countries to move to from the USA, and there are solid reasons to justify this. To start with, the country enjoys a mild climate with plenty of sunny days, outstanding beaches, attractive green spaces, and rich culture. It is also popular because of its D7 Visa program and Golden Visa scheme, which allows residents to get Portuguese citizenship after five years.
Key Benefits
- World-class education – This Western European country has several international schools with an American-based curriculum.
- Comprehensive healthcare – It boasts a high-quality healthcare system available at a fraction of the cost in the US. Permanent residents enjoy free public health care.
- Safety – The country is ranked among the safest countries in the world. Overall, Portugal is stable, and crime is low.
- Language – Most Americans will find it easy to settle in major cities such as Porto and Lisbon because English speakers are common here.
- Cost of Living – Compared to other Western European states, Portugal’s cost of living is lower by almost 35%. Consumer prices are about 30% lower than in the US. Besides this, new residents qualify for Non-Habitual Resident status, which attracts a lower tax rate.
2. Spain
Like its neighbor Portugal, Spain enjoys a pleasant climate and beautiful landscape. This country is ideal for retirees who can find a tranquil and fun-filled lifestyle in its beautiful coastal cities. To add to this, Spain offers a Golden Visa program for Americans.
Key Benefits
- Excellent education and Health care system – Spain boasts European-level healthcare and education quality.
- Flourishing lifestyle – It offers one of its kind bustling cultural and social scenes.
- Language – While the majority of Spain’s population doesn’t speak English, a majority of the younger generation is already learning English in school. It is even advantageous when you are coming from an English-speaking country. You get paid to teach English in Spanish schools for up to 16 hours a week.
- Cost of Living – Consumer prices, excluding rent, are lower by 22% compared to the US. Rent prices are almost 50% lower than in the USA.
3. Greece
Greece is rightfully popular because of its heritage, culture, laid-back lifestyle, beauty, and lovely Mediterranean climate. It is also one of the safest countries in the European Union. Moreover, Greece’s Golden Visa scheme allows Americans to gain permanent residency by investing €250,000 in real estate property.
Key Benefits
- Quality education – Greece has several international schools for American students.
- Favorable climate – Its climatic cycles consist of mild winters and warm summers.
- Language – Everywhere you visit, you will find someone speaking English. It is prevalent among youths under 40 years.
- Cost of Living – Greece is considered affordable compared to North America and most of Europe. Consumer prices, including rent, are 35% lower than those of the US.
4. Malta
Malta’s delicious cuisine, rich culture, and breathtaking coast have made it a desirable destination for American expats. Better still, its Golden Visa scheme is the cheapest in the European zone. That is why it is one of the best countries to move to from the USA.
Key Benefits
- Peaceful country – Malta enjoys a politically stable environment.
- Numerous Investment options – Suitable for investors looking to diversify their investments.
- Language – A majority of Malta’s population speaks English. In fact, English is the official language in this state.
- Cost of Living – While residents of Malta enjoy a high quality of life, its cost of living is considered economical.
5. Montenegro
Montenegro is one of the most beautiful countries in the Balkans. It may be a small country, but it features both Eastern and Western cultures. For instance, its architectural designs have an Italian influence, while its cuisine has Greek and Turkish inspirations. On top of this, it is rich in geography and nature.
Key Benefits
- Geographical advantage – It is centrally located in the Balkans, with easy access to other Balkan countries.
- Language – About 40% of the population speaks English. This percentage is higher in tourist spots like Kotor, Budva, or Tivat.
- Cost of Living – Montenegro enjoys a lower cost of living than the US. Consumer prices plus rent are about 50% lower than in the US.
6. Thailand
Thailand is a popular destination for entrepreneurs, digital nomads, and prospective retirees. It is widely known for its climate and affordability. Thailand’s cities, such as Bangkok, are a hub for expats.
Key Benefits
- Delicious cuisine – Thai cuisine is legendary worldwide.
- Friendly Weather – If you are staying on one of the islands, you will enjoy warm weather throughout the year.
- Language – Because of tourist influence, English is spoken in major cities and tourist areas.
- Cost of Living – Affordable pricing gives Thailand a competitive advantage as a favorable destination for Americans. Consumer prices are lower than those of the US by almost 50%.
7. Canada
US citizens can visit Canada with just their passports. They don’t require an eTA or a visa. The best thing is that you can stay in the country for up to six months visa-free. But those seeking a permanent stay in Canada can use the Express Entry system.
Key Benefits
- Universal healthcare – Canada boasts a world-famous healthcare system, better than the US one.
- Stable expat salaries – Americans find Canada attractive because of an impressive expat salary, averaging US$111,000.
- Language – English and French are the main languages spoken in major cities based on the province you relocate to.
- Cost of Living – Some Canadian cities, such as Vancouver, are relatively expensive, but less populated ones are much more affordable than most US cities.
8. Cyprus
Cyprus is a beautiful islands in the Mediterranean Sea. It is popular because of its balanced climate. In the mountains, the climate is Continental, while the lowlands enjoy a Subtropical Mediterranean.
Key Benefits
- Affordable education – American children can attend one of the numerous International schools.
- Quality healthcare – The country boasts a world-class healthcare infrastructure.
- Low crime rates – Cyprus is generally safe for both locals and visitors.
- Language – Americans will find it easy to interact with the locals since 76% of the population speaks English.
- Cost of Living – Cyprus has one of the lowest tax rates in the European Union.
9. Australia
Its glittering cities, sun-swept coastlines, and trendy culture make Australia a hot spot for Americans. It is not only a great place to move into but also a great place to work for American expats. Australia’s only drawback is its lengthy visa application process.
Key Benefits
- Incredible food – Australia is rapidly evolving as a destination for foodies. Australian restaurants boast a mix of Eastern and Western cuisine.
- Robust Healthcare – Australia has one of the best healthcare systems in the world, with a state-funded health sector.
- Relaxed culture – Unlike Americans, Australians do not subscribe to a work-comes-first lifestyle, making it an ideal destination for those looking for a better work-life balance.
- Language – English is the main language spoken in the country.
- Cost of Living – Major cities in Australia are relatively expensive but still not comparable to the US.
10. South Korea
South Korea is among the best countries to move to from the USA within the South-East Asia region. South Korea offers an unforgettable living experience. You can sample its famous historical places or experience an entirely new culture. And just like Spain, South Korea allows Americans to teach English in their schools.
Key Benefits
- Fast Internet speed – South Korea has one of the fastest internet speeds, but you may need a VPN to bypass online censorship.
- Vibrant lifestyle – South Korea is a global hub of culture. We all know about K-pop, K-beauty, K-dramas, and more.
- Language – Korean is the main language of communication, but English is also widely adopted in the workplace.
- Cost of Living – South Koreans enjoy a lower cost of living when compared to the US.
11. Mexico
Mexico’s proximity to the US makes it a top destination for Americans seeking to move from the US. Its favorable climate also contributes to its popularity. That is why it has more American expats than anywhere in the world.
Key Benefits
- Good opportunities for techies – Mexico’s second-largest city, Guadalajara boasts many innovative companies. Big techs such as IBM, Oracle, HP, and Intel have a presence in the city.
- Friendly people – Mexicans are generally friendly and welcoming towards visitors.
- Language – A section of the population speaks English, especially in major cities. But it is a good idea to learn some Spanish.
- Cost of Living – While workers in Mexico earn lower wages than in the US, they enjoy a lower cost of living. A single person can easily survive on a $1000/month budget.
12. Germany
Besides cheap beer and wine, Germany has a lot to offer to weary Americans. The only negative thing is that Germany is a bureaucratic country.
Key Benefits
- Prime position – Because of its location in the middle of Europe, Germany is a favorable place for holiday trips.
- Comprehensive healthcare system – Germany offers quality healthcare.
- Language – German is the main language of communication. But there is a sizable expert community in major cities, such as Berlin, so you would expect English to be predominant there.
- Cost of Living – While the cost of living varies from city to city, Germany is generally less expensive than the US.
13. Belize
Belize is home to ancient jungles, lively culture, and scores of beautiful islands. It has all the lovely things about a destination like Mexico but with less crowd. It is specifically ideal for digital nomads.
Key Benefits
- Simple immigration – There are no hard commitments for Americans who want to move to Belize. You only require a tourist visa.
- Familiar laws and government – Like American law, Belize’s legal system is based on British common law.
- Language – Belize is the only Central American nation that embraces English as the official language.
- Cost of Living – Belize is much cheaper for expats when compared to the US.
14. Singapore
Expats make up almost a third of the population in Singapore. Most of these expats are Americans. While salaries are slightly lower than North America’s, you may qualify for a relocation package.
Key Benefits
- Peaceful country – Singapore enjoys low crime rates.
- Universal healthcare system – The lion nation boasts a comprehensive public health system.
- Language – English is one of the official languages. The large expatriate community also means English is prevalent.
- Cost of Living – Singapore is not cheap. The cost of living in Singapore is slightly higher than in the US. The good news is that its robust social programs make up for the higher cost of living.
15. Costa Rica
Costa Rica couldn’t miss on this guide on the best countries to move to from the USA. This is not only rich in biodiversity, but it is also a stable country. This Central American country offers a tranquil lifestyle. Its proximity to the US makes it an attractive country to move into from the USA.
Key Benefits
- Diverse climatic conditions – Different places in Costa Rica have different climates.
- Easy Access from the US – The country has two major international airports that support regular flights between Costa Rica and the US.
- Language – Most people speak English, so you will not have to worry about learning Spanish.
- Cost of Living – It’s one of the extremely cheap compared to the US.
Final Remarks
If you are hoping to move to another country, you have several desirable options we have listed above. The 15 best countries to move to from the USA were recommended based on their standard of living, ease of moving, language barrier, cost of living, lifestyle, and more. But before embarking on your journey to another country, be sure to research or talk to a professional, who will make your transition smooth. You might also want to understand the best places for Americans to live abroad.
Related: 10 Best Digital Nomad Cities in 2024
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