Popular Places Americans Are Calling Home Outside The U.S.

More Americans are rethinking where and how they want to live. High costs of living and limited flexibility are pushing many to explore new beginnings abroad. Countries providing safety, healthcare, and cultural perks are seeing a surge in interest. If the idea’s crossed your mind lately, here are the best places to settle down when you’re leaving the U.S.

Portugal 

Portugal is enticed with tram-lined cobblestone streets and 10-year tax incentives. Young professionals benefit from flexible visa options, and Lisbon’s charm is undeniable. If you want more, relocate inland, and you might receive government cash to settle in. This country turns your dream of a fresh start into reality.

Mexico

Mexico offers a vibrant, affordable lifestyle with daily costs 50–70% lower than major U.S. cities. Many expats thrive on $2,000 a month, enjoying rich culture, beach towns, and colonial charm. From tacos to art museums, even Mexico City rivals New York—proof that living well doesn’t require spending big.

Thailand

Forget the myth that Asia’s too far or too expensive. Expats in Thailand thrive on around $1,500 a month, thanks to low rent and a warm climate. Chiang Mai enchants each fall with its sky lit by floating lanterns. Life here feels both affordable and beautifully surreal.

Canada

Prefer somewhere familiar but with added perks? If yes, Canada is the right place. It offers a seamless leap abroad with a shared language and quick visas. City living feels reassuringly familiar. Come winter in Ottawa, locals swap sidewalks for frozen canals, gliding to work with coffee in hand.

Spain 

Spain’s non-lucrative visa allows Americans to live without working as long as they show about $31,000 per year (plus $7,750 per dependent). Moreover, private health insurance is also required. Once settled, many find the pace refreshing—siestas, shared meals, and relaxed afternoons still shape life in smaller towns.

Costa Rica

With no military and a strong focus on nature, Costa Rica provides a peaceful lifestyle. Many Americans live comfortably on around $1,000 per month. Residency is easy to obtain, and the country’s rainforests and wildlife make it a popular choice for nature lovers.

Vietnam

Motorbikes dominate the streets of Hanoi, and life remains affordable and vibrant. Many expats are drawn to Vietnam’s coastal cities and budget-friendly housing, usually under $500 a month. Add in reliable internet, unique local cuisine, and easygoing communities, and it’s an attractive option.

Italy 

Italy makes relocating easy with long-stay visa options and tax incentives. Some towns offer homes for as little as one euro to attract new residents. The cost of living varies by region, and daily life includes a strong coffee culture and walkable city centers steeped in history.

Georgia (The Country) 

Think Europe, but with more wine, fewer tourists, and twisty script signs. Forget peaches; this Georgia offers visa-free stays and seriously low taxes. Even better, it’s booming with digital nomads and creative types. In Tbilisi, sulfur bathhouses blend old-world tradition with a modern vibe. 

Uruguay 

Picture a calm capital with beaches on one side and tango rhythms on the other. Uruguay provides political stability and easy residency for folks with a steady income. It is even more impressive to know that cows here outnumber people by a lot.

Malaysia 

Malaysia blends modern city life with a rich food culture. Street food is both famous and budget-friendly, and landmarks like the Petronas Towers highlight its urban growth. Through the “Malaysia My Second Home” visa program, Americans can stay long-term with relatively simple residency requirements.

Germany 

On the one hand, Germany’s big on tradition. On the other, it’s ahead in jobs and infrastructure. The Blue Card welcomes skilled workers, and college tuition is free, even if you’re not German. You’re covered from both ends with top-tier healthcare and Oktoberfest.

Panama

Here’s a country where your dollars work exactly as they do at home. Panama uses U.S. currency, making life simple for new arrivals. Even better, the Pensionado visa unlocks perks for retirees. With a mix of modern infrastructure and tropical scenery, it provides a smooth and affordable transition abroad.

New Zealand

New Zealand blends breathtaking landscapes with progressive living. Nature is never far—beaches, trails, and mountains are part of daily life. Cities remain modern yet relaxed, with a strong sense of community. For skilled professionals, the Accredited Employer Visa offers job security, fair treatment, and a clear path to residency.

South Korea

Life in South Korea moves quickly without losing touch with its roots. Fast trains, speedy internet, and tech-savvy cities set the pace, while traditional markets and centuries-old temples continue to thrive. For skilled professionals and English teachers, work visas make entry relatively straightforward.