Americans are leaving the United States in growing numbers—not out of fantasy, but calculation. Rising healthcare costs, housing pressure, taxation complexity, and burnout have pushed many to ask a blunt question: Where can I live better, safer, and more affordably without sacrificing opportunity? The answer is not one country, but a short list. Based on visa accessibility, cost of living, healthcare quality, safety, cultural integration, and long-term settlement potential, the nine countries below consistently rank as the best places for Americans to move to permanently or semi-permanently.
This guide breaks them down honestly, without hype, so you can decide what fits your life, not someone else’s Instagram feed.
What are the 9 best countries for Americans to move to from the US?
Americans are leaving the United States for diverse reasons—healthcare cost concerns, professional opportunities abroad, lower cost of living, retirement planning, quality of life, cultural experience, and sometimes simple adventure. So, what are the 9 best countries for Americans to move to from the US? The right destination for one person might be impractical for another, but a handful of countries consistently rise to the top of global lists because they combine clear immigration pathways, welcoming social policies, good healthcare systems, work and retirement opportunities, and expat-friendly cultures.
What follows is a comprehensive analysis of the best countries for Americans to settle in as expats—for living, working, and retiring—with long, deeply explanatory sections on each, comparison tables optimized for featured snippets, and authoritative external resources that support every claim.
1. Portugal: Europe’s Soft Landing for Americans
Portugal has earned its reputation the old-fashioned way—by working. It offers political stability, low violent crime, a mild climate, and one of Europe’s most accessible residency systems for Americans. The country doesn’t demand perfection; it demands sustainability. That’s why retirees, remote workers, and small families keep choosing it.
Living costs in Portugal remain significantly lower than most of Western Europe and far below major U.S. cities. Rent outside Lisbon and Porto can be shockingly affordable by American standards, and food prices reward anyone willing to shop locally. Healthcare is another quiet triumph. Portugal’s public healthcare system is ranked among the best in Europe, and private care—often preferred by expats—is both affordable and efficient.
Visas are Portugal’s real superpower. The D7 visa allows Americans with passive income or remote earnings to gain residency legally, with a clear path to permanent residence and citizenship. Unlike many countries, Portugal does not force high investment thresholds or complex point systems.
Culturally, Portugal is gentle. English is widely spoken. Bureaucracy exists, but it moves with patience rather than hostility. Americans integrate faster here than almost anywhere in Europe, especially if they approach the country with humility instead of entitlement.
Portugal isn’t flashy. It’s durable. And that’s exactly why it works.
2. Canada: Familiar, Stable, and Structured
For Americans who want change without cultural shock, Canada remains the most seamless transition. The values feel familiar, but the social systems—healthcare, worker protections, immigration pathways—feel sturdier.
Canada’s immigration system is transparent and rules-based. Programs like Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, and study-to-residency pathways give Americans multiple legal routes depending on age, education, and work experience. This predictability matters. You’re not guessing; you’re qualifying.
Healthcare alone reshapes daily life. While not perfect, Canada’s public system eliminates the financial anxiety Americans carry around illness. Education quality is high. Cities are safe. Infrastructure works.
The downside is cost. Major cities like Toronto and Vancouver are expensive, especially housing. But smaller provinces and cities offer balance if you’re willing to look beyond the obvious.
Canada doesn’t promise ease. It promises fairness. For many Americans, that’s enough.
3. Spain: Culture, Healthcare, and Long-Term Stability
Spain offers something rare: a rich life that doesn’t require excessive wealth. From Valencia to Andalusia, Americans find a slower rhythm without losing modern convenience.
Healthcare is Spain’s crown jewel. The public system consistently ranks among the best globally, and private options remain affordable. This alone transforms quality of life for Americans accustomed to high premiums and uncertainty.
Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa allows Americans to live legally without working locally, making it ideal for retirees and remote earners. While it requires proof of financial stability, it does not demand investment or property purchases.
The cultural adjustment is real. Spanish bureaucracy moves at its own pace. Language matters more here than in Portugal. But for those willing to integrate, Spain offers depth—history, food, community—that rewards patience.
Spain doesn’t sell convenience. It offers meaning.
4. Mexico: Proximity, Affordability, and Flexibility
Mexico remains the most popular destination for American expats, and the reason is simple: value. You can live well on far less money, often within a short flight of home.
Temporary and permanent residency options are straightforward, especially for retirees and financially independent individuals. Cost of living varies widely, but many Americans live comfortably on half of what they’d spend in the U.S.
Healthcare is a quiet surprise. Private hospitals in major cities rival U.S. standards at a fraction of the cost. Dental and specialist care draw medical tourists year-round.
Mexico rewards adaptability. Infrastructure varies. Safety depends heavily on region. But Americans who choose thoughtfully find warmth, community, and flexibility that few countries match.
Mexico isn’t a shortcut. It’s a recalibration.
5. Costa Rica: Stability Without Militarization
Costa Rica abolished its military decades ago and invested in healthcare, education, and environmental protection instead. The result is a country that feels unusually stable for its region.
The Pensionado and Rentista visa programs make residency accessible for retirees and income earners. Healthcare is universal, affordable, and competent.
Costa Rica’s cost of living is higher than Mexico’s but still below the U.S., especially outside tourist zones. The lifestyle emphasizes balance—nature, health, community.
This is not a country for urgency. Costa Rica moves slowly, deliberately. For Americans burned out by speed, that’s the point.
6. Panama: Designed for Foreigners to Stay
Panama openly courts expats. Its Friendly Nations Visa was practically designed with Americans in mind, offering residency through employment or economic ties.
The U.S. dollar is accepted. Banking is sophisticated. Infrastructure is strong. Healthcare is modern and affordable.
Panama works best for retirees and entrepreneurs who want predictability without cultural isolation. It’s practical, not poetic.
7. Germany: Structure, Opportunity, and Permanence
Germany is not easy—but it is fair. For Americans seeking long-term stability through work, Germany offers strong labor protections, world-class healthcare, and clear immigration rules.
The EU Blue Card allows skilled professionals to transition into permanent residence. Public services are robust. Cost of living is reasonable outside major hubs.
Language is non-negotiable. Integration is expected, not optional. But those who commit are rewarded with security and respect.
Germany doesn’t invite you to relax. It invites you to belong.
8. Netherlands: Professional Ease with High Standards
The Netherlands combines efficiency with openness. English proficiency is high. Work-life balance is respected. Infrastructure is exceptional.
The Highly Skilled Migrant Visa makes relocation possible for professionals. Healthcare is mandatory but affordable and effective.
Costs are higher than southern Europe, but the tradeoff is clarity. Systems work. Rules are consistent.
For Americans who value order without rigidity, the Netherlands delivers.
9. Australia & New Zealand: Distance with Payoff
Australia and New Zealand demand commitment. Distance is real. Immigration standards are high. But quality of life is exceptional.
Strong public healthcare, safety, environmental beauty, and post-study/work pathways make them attractive for younger Americans and families.
These countries don’t rush decisions. Neither should you.
Best Countries for Americans by Key Factor
| Country | Cost of Living | Healthcare | Visa Ease | Safety | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portugal | Low | Excellent | High | Very High | Remote workers, retirees |
| Canada | High | Excellent | Medium | Very High | Families, professionals |
| Mexico | Very Low | Good–Excellent | High | Region-dependent | Budget movers |
| Spain | Low | Excellent | Medium | High | Retirees, culture seekers |
| Germany | Medium | Excellent | Medium | Very High | Skilled workers |
Best Visa Options for Americans
| Country | Popular Visa | Ideal Applicant |
|---|---|---|
| Portugal | D7 Visa | Passive income, remote work |
| Spain | Non-Lucrative Visa | Retirees, savings-based |
| Canada | Express Entry | Skilled professionals |
| Mexico | Temporary/PR | Retirees, flexible movers |
| Germany | EU Blue Card | Engineers, IT, healthcare |
Authoritative Sources
-
Government of Canada Immigration: https://www.canada.ca/immigration
-
Portugal Immigration & Borders Service (AIMA): https://aima.gov.pt
-
Spanish Ministry of Inclusion & Migration: https://www.inclusion.gob.es
-
U.S. State Department – Living Abroad: https://travel.state.gov
-
OECD Better Life Index: https://www.oecdbetterlifeindex.org
-
World Bank Data: https://data.worldbank.org
-
Numbeo Cost of Living Index: https://www.numbeo.com