10 Best Countries for Americans to Move To in 2024/2025

I work as a travel agent, streamlining the research and booking process for my clients and helping them secure special perks for their vacations. But what if you’re not looking for a vacation? Maybe you’re looking to make a more permanent move? Some people work as digital nomads and spend their time all over the globe. Others retire and decide they’d like to give another location a try. And countless others decide they might find more benefits living in another country.

Census data from 2015-2019 notes that 43.6 million Americans move each year, many of them to different states within the United States. An estimated 10 million of them decide to move outside the country, according to the U.S. State Department. Moving can be a taxing process, whether you’re moving across town or deciding to move to a completely different country. How do we find a new place that still feels like home? I’ve known several people who have moved to countries all over the world, from Spain and Germany to Uganda, and although there was some culture shock, they ultimately found the community they were looking for.

Finding a new place to live will require a lot of research- some locations may be perfect for some people but not great for others. You will have to look at your personal circumstances and which criteria are important for your well-being and happiness. To get you started in your planning, these are ten destinations that can offer great living for American Expats:

1. Portugal: Safe and Affordable Mediterranean Living

Safety: Portugal is one of Europe’s safest countries, with low crime rates and friendly locals, especially in Lisbon and Porto, two cities popular with expats.
Healthcare: Portugal has a high-quality public healthcare system, and private healthcare is affordable. Expats with residency have access to the public system, while private insurance offers additional options.
Cost of Living: Portugal’s cost of living is affordable, with expats often enjoying comfortable lives on a moderate budget. Housing, food, and entertainment costs are lower compared to the U.S., making Portugal a top destination for Americans seeking an affordable yet high-quality lifestyle.

2. Mexico: Budget-Friendly and Close to Home

Safety: Safety varies across Mexico; however, cities like Mérida, Mexico City, and Guadalajara have significant expat communities and relatively low crime rates.
Healthcare: Mexico offers both public and private healthcare options. Private care is affordable and often highly rated, especially in urban areas, making it easy for expats to access quality services.
Cost of Living: Mexico’s cost of living is very low, particularly in comparison to the U.S. Housing, food, and transportation costs are a fraction of American prices, allowing expats to stretch their budgets while enjoying a rich cultural experience.

3. Spain: Vibrant Cities and Mediterranean Charm

Safety: Spain is known for its safety, particularly in cities like Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia, where tourists and expats alike feel secure.
Healthcare: Spain’s public healthcare system ranks among the best globally, offering affordable services to residents. Many expats also opt for private insurance for quicker access.
Cost of Living: Spain offers an affordable cost of living, particularly in areas outside of Madrid and Barcelona. For American expats, Spain provides a vibrant lifestyle at a reasonable price, with affordable housing, transportation, and food options.

4. Canada: High Living Standards and Strong Expat Support

Safety: Canada is one of the world’s safest countries, with low crime rates and a reputation for inclusiveness. Expats feel welcome and secure, especially in cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal.
Healthcare: Canada’s public healthcare is excellent and accessible to all residents, though wait times for non-emergency procedures can be long. Expats with residency status can access free or affordable healthcare.
Cost of Living: Canada’s cost of living is higher in urban centers, but outside the major cities, it’s more affordable. Groceries, utilities, and housing vary in price, but the overall quality of life and safety make it worth the investment.

5. Ghana: Friendly Community and Affordable Living

Safety: Ghana is known for its welcoming atmosphere and relative safety, particularly in Accra, the capital. Petty crime can occur, but it is manageable with common-sense precautions.
Healthcare: Ghana has both public and private healthcare, though private facilities often provide higher quality care. Expats frequently opt for international health insurance.
Cost of Living: Ghana is affordable, with lower housing, food, and transportation costs compared to the U.S. Accra is slightly pricier than rural areas, but it remains a budget-friendly choice for expats.

6. Costa Rica: Nature-Focused Living and a “Pura Vida” Lifestyle

Safety: Costa Rica is one of the safest Central American countries, with low crime rates, especially in areas like San José and Tamarindo.
Healthcare: Costa Rica’s healthcare system is excellent and affordable. Expats can buy into the public system or choose private healthcare, which is still far more affordable than in the U.S.
Cost of Living: While Costa Rica’s cost of living is higher than some other Latin American countries, it is still reasonable compared to the U.S. Expats enjoy affordable healthcare, housing, and transportation.

7. Thailand: Affordable, Culturally Rich, and Expanding Expat Community

Safety: Thailand is safe for expats, particularly in cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket, which are used to tourists and expats.
Healthcare: Thailand has excellent healthcare services, with modern hospitals and affordable care in major cities. Many expats purchase private insurance to cover more comprehensive care.
Cost of Living: Thailand’s cost of living is incredibly low, allowing expats to live comfortably on a moderate budget. Housing, food, and entertainment are affordable, making Thailand a favorite among retirees and digital nomads.

8. Germany: High Quality of Life and Excellent Infrastructure

Safety: Germany is one of the safest countries in Europe, with low crime rates and a focus on community security. Cities like Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt are popular and secure for expats.
Healthcare: Germany’s healthcare system is one of the best, offering comprehensive coverage for residents. The public healthcare system is available to expats, with private insurance also an option.
Cost of Living: While Germany is not the cheapest option, it offers a high quality of life. Cities like Berlin are more affordable than Munich, but overall, the cost of living reflects Germany’s excellent services and infrastructure.

9. The Netherlands: Progressive, Inclusive, and Well-Connected

Safety: The Netherlands has a very low crime rate, and cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam are safe and inclusive, welcoming diverse communities.
Healthcare: Healthcare in the Netherlands is mandatory for residents, with a robust public and private system. Expats must obtain health insurance, which is often covered partially by employers.
Cost of Living: The cost of living in the Netherlands is higher than some European destinations, particularly in Amsterdam. However, the high quality of life, excellent public services, and strong expat community make it a worthwhile investment.

10. New Zealand: Scenic Landscapes and Peaceful Living

Safety: New Zealand is extremely safe, with low crime rates and a focus on community well-being, especially in cities like Auckland and Wellington.
Healthcare: New Zealand’s healthcare is partially funded by the government, and public care is available to residents. Private insurance is also an option to reduce wait times.
Cost of Living: New Zealand’s cost of living can be high, particularly in major cities. However, its high quality of life and beautiful environment make it a top choice for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty.

Each of these countries offers American expats a unique blend of lifestyle benefits. From the affordability of Mexico and Thailand to the scenic landscapes of Ghana, New Zealand and Portugal, these destinations have everything expats need for a smooth transition and fulfilling experience abroad.

Perhaps you’re not looking to make a big move this year or you’re waiting for retirement to move? Maybe you want to check out different countries before committing to a more permanent destination? Snapshot Vacations has you covered. Let me craft your next vacation, secure some great perks for you, and ensure that you spend your holiday in style. Get started here.