Something big is happening. Americans are leaving. Not just dreaming about it over a glass of wine on a Tuesday night, but actually packing their bags, scanning their passports, and starting entirely new lives abroad. According to the U.S. State Department, approximately 9 million Americans currently reside abroad, with many relocating for career growth, education, or lifestyle changes. That number keeps climbing.
The usual suspects – Italy and France – still carry enormous romantic appeal. But here’s the thing: more and more Americans are looking past the Amalfi Coast and the Champs-Élysées and discovering that life can be just as rich, and far more affordable, somewhere else entirely. For those who have considered moving abroad, roughly half cite lower costs as the primary reason for making the jump, and the vast majority express “seeking a more affordable cost of living” as the most important factor. So where exactly are they going? Let’s dive in.
1. Portugal: The Darling of the Expat World
Let’s be real – Portugal has been dominating expat conversations for years, and it shows no signs of slowing down. It is now the number one country where Americans are hoping to move abroad, according to a survey of 116,363 Americans who looked into leaving the U.S. throughout 2024, administered by Expatsi, a relocation resource company. That is a stunning figure for a country most Americans barely thought about a decade ago.
Consumer prices in Portugal are, on average, more than 50% lower than in the United States, while Portugal ranked 7th in the Global Peace Index’s top safest countries in 2024. Safety plus affordability is a combination that is genuinely hard to beat. Portugal also boasts a highly ranked healthcare system that is both affordable and accessible, with private insurance plans often costing less than $150 per month.
Portugal has seen the largest increase in relocating families, with the number of U.S. residents moving there nearly tripling since 2024, and the trend continues in 2026. The country’s accessible visas, safe neighborhoods, mild climate, and welcoming expat networks make it ideal for families seeking safety, ease of integration, and a high standard of living. For many Americans, Portugal is not just a destination. It genuinely feels like an upgrade.
2. Spain: Sun, Lifestyle, and Serious Affordability
Spain keeps drawing Americans in for a very simple reason: it delivers an extraordinary quality of life at a price that makes sense. With excellent weather, high-quality healthcare, a relatively low cost of living, and world-famous gastronomy, this European country has been a perennially popular spot. In InterNations’ 2024 Expat City Ranking, Spanish cities captured the top three spots out of 53 cities worldwide: Valencia, Malaga, and Alicante.
Spain boasts a wide variety of options for different lifestyles, from the cosmopolitan hub of Madrid to small villages up and down the country’s Mediterranean coastline, as well as the northern Basque region along Spain’s Atlantic coast. That kind of geographic variety is rare. You can be a city professional in Barcelona on Monday and hiking mountain trails in Andalusia by Friday.
Americans can opt for residency visas such as the Spain Digital Nomad visa or Non-Lucrative visa with an opportunity to become a permanent resident. Through these options, one can claim citizenship after meeting minimal residency requirements. Honestly, the visa options make Spain more accessible than most people assume. Spain maintains a culture of eating out where delicious meals, beers, and coffee don’t break the bank. Fresh fruits and vegetables are cheap, and living on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing healthy eating.
3. Mexico: The Closest Thing to Starting Over Without Starting From Scratch
Proximity matters more than people admit. Mexico sits right next door to the United States, and that convenience factor is a massive draw. Mexico leads the list of American emigration destinations, with nearly 800,000 U.S. citizens making the move in the year 2024 alone. That is not a trickle – that is a full-on wave.
The U.S.’s southern neighbor consistently ranks high as a top retiree destination, coming in fourth in International Living’s Global Retirement Index for 2025. Its proximity to the U.S., affordability, and slower pace of life are strong draws. Retirees in particular find the math almost impossible to ignore. Thriving English-speaking expat communities in most cities, as well as many of the same service providers popular in the U.S., including Netflix and Amazon, help ease the transition for newcomers.
Mexico also offers several tax advantages that are especially beneficial to retirees. It doesn’t have inheritance or wealth tax, and unlike many other countries, tax residency is determined not by the total number of days spent in the country, but whether your primary home or center of business is established there. For people who want to maintain ties with the U.S. while living abroad, Mexico offers that flexibility in a way that few countries can match.
4. Panama: The Dollar-Economy Dream
Panama is quietly one of the smartest moves an American can make abroad, and the data is starting to reflect that. Panama reclaimed the number one spot in International Living’s 2025 Global Retirement Index, praised for its affordable healthcare, Pensionado visa, and tax-friendly policies. Think about that for a moment – number one in the world.
The Servicio Nacional de Migración approved over 3,400 residence permits for U.S. citizens in 2025, a 5% increase from 2024, and early 2026 data shows no signs of slowing down, with remote workers and retirees still making a move to Panama in steady numbers. The numbers are genuinely compelling. Panama has run on the U.S. dollar since 1904, meaning no currency swings and no conversion math, just everyday prices Americans can actually plan around.
The cost of living in Panama is significantly lower than in the United States, with some expats living comfortably on less than $1,500 a month. Your monthly budget will be heavily influenced by your lifestyle and location, with Panama City being more expensive than rural areas. Retirees receive 50% off entertainment, 30% off bus, boat, and rail tickets, 25% off domestic airfare, 20% off medications, and 10% or more off medical services. I know it sounds too good to be true, but the Pensionado program is very real.
5. Costa Rica: Pura Vida and Proven Value
Costa Rica carries a reputation built on something real. It is stable, green, warm, and genuinely welcoming to outsiders. The overall cost of living in Costa Rica is roughly 34% less expensive than the United States, including rent, and the combination of excellent healthcare, political stability, and a culture that embraces “pura vida” has made it one of the most popular destinations for Americans seeking a longer, healthier retirement abroad.
Costa Rica is known for its political stability, biodiversity, and appeal to retirees. Political stability is something Americans are increasingly valuing when choosing where to live. Many popular countries offer retirement visas or income-based residence permits that do not require employment locally. Costa Rica fits that model perfectly, making the administrative side of relocating far less intimidating than most people imagine.
The biodiversity angle is no small thing either. Costa Rica contains roughly 6% of the world’s biodiversity despite covering less than 0.1% of the planet’s surface. For nature-loving Americans used to paying premium prices for outdoor recreation, that is an extraordinary everyday perk that comes at no extra cost.
6. Colombia: The Surprise Contender
Colombia used to get dismissed. That is changing fast, and the data shows it. Coming in at number two for expats overall was Colombia, up from 5th place in 2024. The main reason was affordability, with a strong rating in personal finance and the vast majority of expats satisfied with their financial situation. That kind of ranking jump does not happen without something real driving it.
Colombia appears on nearly every most-affordable list, regardless of the factors used to decide. Rent, groceries, and purchasing power all rank highly, even in big cities, which cannot be said for a lot of otherwise affordable countries. Medellín in particular has become a buzzing hub for remote workers and digital nomads, transforming from its difficult past into one of Latin America’s most dynamic cities.
Although a significant portion of expats in Colombia are not engaged in paid work, the overwhelming majority say they have enough to live comfortably. Expats also praised Colombia’s social environment, affordable housing, and friendly locals. Honest opinions from people actually living there tend to be the most reliable metric of all.
7. Thailand: Asia’s Answer to the Affordable Life
Thailand is the kind of place that surprises people. You expect the beaches. You do not always expect the world-class hospitals and the remarkably low monthly expenses. Thailand is famous for its lively culture, beautiful beaches, and busy cities, making it a popular destination for expats, with the cost of living being low especially outside major urban areas such as Bangkok and Chiang Mai. The country has strategically positioned itself as a digital nomad hub, offering special long-term visas for retirees and digital nomads that make relocation administratively smoother than many alternatives.
Healthcare quality in Thailand often surprises American expats with its combination of advanced medical technology and affordable pricing. Private hospitals in Bangkok and other major cities provide world-class care at fractions of American costs, while the country’s medical tourism industry has elevated standards across the board. For Americans who have been crushed by U.S. healthcare costs, that statement alone can feel life-changing.
Thailand has seen the number of U.S. families moving there more than double in recent years. The country continues to draw families with its low cost of living, strong expat communities, and family-oriented lifestyle. Its tropical climate, outdoor culture, and emphasis on community align with what many U.S. families prioritize: affordability, supportive networks, and a slower pace of life.
8. Greece: The Mediterranean That Costs Less Than You Think
Greece tends to live in the imagination as a vacation fantasy rather than a real place to settle. That perception is shifting significantly. A 49% jump in U.S. approvals for Greece’s Golden Visa program was recorded in 2025, rising from 388 in December 2024, cementing Greece as a preferred escape hatch for wealthy Americans seeking stability, residency, and opportunity in Europe. That kind of leap signals serious intent.
Greece is not only a popular vacation spot but also an appealing destination for remote workers seeking sunshine on the Mediterranean coast, a slower pace, and a lower cost of living. The cost of living in Greece can vary depending on location, with urban areas generally being more expensive than rural regions. On average, a retired couple can comfortably live on a monthly budget of approximately €1,500 to €2,500. Compared to what the same couple would spend in Paris or Rome, that figure is remarkably reasonable.
Among all European countries, Greece has emerged as a favourite choice, combining cultural richness with accessible entry routes. Favourable tax policies and a blend of luxury with simplicity have made Greece a standout for Americans looking to reimagine their lives abroad. The Mediterranean diet, the island hopping, the ancient history around every corner. It is hard to argue with any of that.
9. Malaysia: The Most Underrated Destination on This List
Honestly, Malaysia does not get nearly enough attention from Americans weighing their relocation options, and that makes it one of the best-kept secrets in the expat world. Malaysia, which ranked seventh on International Living’s 2025 Global Retirement Index, offers truly extraordinary bang for your buck, well suited for those looking to stretch their budgets, as well as retirees craving a comfortable lifestyle for far less than it would cost in the States.
According to data from International Living, rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Kuala Lumpur usually runs between $300 and $500, with monthly utilities costing around $40 to $60. Outside the capital, second-tier cities such as Penang and Malacca also offer superb value and slightly lower rent costs, along with a slower pace of life and robust expat communities. Those numbers are not a typo. That is genuinely what life costs there.
Malaysia’s healthcare system also ranks highly, with modern facilities, English-speaking staff, and affordable and excellent quality of care. Malaysia tends to rank highly for the diverse cultures and lively lifestyle that come with its reasonable cost of living. The fact that English is widely spoken makes the daily adjustment far easier than in most Asian nations.
10. Ecuador: South America’s Best-Kept Secret for Retirees
Ecuador sits at the intersection of affordability and stunning natural beauty in a way that very few countries manage to pull off. Ecuador is a country of stunning natural beauty, offering diverse landscapes such as the Amazon rainforest, the Andes mountains, and Pacific coastlines. It has one of the most affordable costs of living in Central and South America, making it a popular choice for retirees and expats seeking a budget-friendly lifestyle.
Geographic diversity within Ecuador means Americans can choose their preferred climate and lifestyle, from coastal beach towns to mountain cities with eternal spring weather. Ecuador provides easy pathways for relocation through retiree visas and other visa options, making it administratively simpler than many South American alternatives. The country’s compact size allows for easy exploration of diverse ecosystems and cultural regions.
Ecuador provides easy pathways for relocation through retiree visas and other visa options. The country has a high-quality and affordable healthcare system, ensuring access to excellent medical care. Additionally, Ecuador boasts a rich culture with vibrant traditions and a welcoming local population. American residents can find supportive expat communities, particularly in cities like Cuenca and Quito, making the transition to life in Ecuador smooth and enjoyable.