The great American dream isn’t confined to its borders anymore. Many Americans are packing up their things, grabbing their passports, and making a new life abroad. Some are chasing adventure, while others are running from sky-high rent or winter that overstays its welcome.
After the 2024 election, conversations around expatriation have intensified as people seek alternatives to a polarized political landscape.
It’s not just politics driving this trend, though. Rising costs of living, concerns about healthcare access, and a longing for adventure are all part of the equation. With remote work making it easier to earn a living from anywhere, many Americans realize they don’t need to be tethered to the U.S. For some, it’s about finding a place where the pace of life matches their ideals, or where their dollar stretches further.
In this new global reality, people aren’t just dreaming about a better life—they’re actively researching, planning, and moving to countries that align with their hopes for the future. Whether it’s sipping coffee in a Parisian café, hiking the jungles of Costa Rica, or immersing themselves in the culture of Vietnam, Americans are proving that life doesn’t have to be limited by borders.
Wherever the reason lies, these ten destinations are some of the most popular spots Americans are choosing to call home.
First on our list…
1. Mexico: The Neighbor We Can’t Resist
Mexico has always been a favorite getaway, but for many Americans, it’s becoming home sweet home. Why? Start with its proximity—Mexico is like that reliable friend who lives just down the street. No 14-hour plane rides are required! Whether you’re retiring or working remotely, Mexico offers an affordable lifestyle with costs often half of what you’d spend in the U.S.
Expats adore cities like Mérida, with its colonial charm and low crime rates, or Puerto Vallarta, where beach life is a daily reality. Then there’s Mexico City, a cosmopolitan hub that mixes centuries-old traditions with modern-day luxuries. The culture is vibrant, the people are warm, and the food? Let’s just say your Taco Tuesday budget stretches a lot further here.
Visas are relatively easy for Americans to snag. The Temporary Resident Visa allows you to stay up to four years, and income requirements are manageable for most middle-class Americans.
2. Portugal: Europe’s Sunny Sweetheart
If Europe is a treasure chest, Portugal might just be the golden coin. It’s affordable, friendly, and dripping with charm. Americans flock here for the mild weather, stunning beaches, and a pace of life that whispers, “Relax.”
Lisbon, the capital, has a dynamic arts scene and breathtaking views from its hilltop neighborhoods. If you’re more about wine and quiet evenings, Porto delivers with a riverside charm that feels like a movie set. And for those who want all the sunshine, Algarve offers golden beaches and friendly locals who might just convince you to stay forever.
Portugal’s cost of living is roughly 30-50% cheaper than in the U.S., and the D7 Visa makes it especially appealing. With a steady income or savings, you could be enjoying freshly baked pastel de nata without worrying about breaking the bank.
3. Spain: Where Siesta Meets Fiesta
Spain is like the cool cousin who’s always having fun—and invites you along. The rhythm of life here is slower, yet its energy is infectious. Americans are drawn to cities like Barcelona, with its artistic flair and Mediterranean beaches, or Madrid, a hub of culture, history, and incredible tapas bars.
For a more relaxed vibe, Valencia offers affordability and a growing expat community. The cost of living in Spain is about 40% lower than in the U.S., making it an easy choice for budget-conscious Americans. Plus, public transportation is excellent, so you can live car-free if that’s your jam.
Learning Spanish certainly helps, but many locals are happy to meet you halfway. Visas, however, can be a bit tricky. The Non-Lucrative Visa is the most popular choice for retirees and remote workers, but be ready to prove your financial stability.
4. Costa Rica: Pura Vida Paradise
If you’ve ever dreamed of waking up to tropical rainforests and sipping coffee grown in your backyard, Costa Rica might just be your spot. Known for its “Pura Vida” lifestyle, this Central American gem attracts Americans looking for simplicity and serenity.
The capital, San José, is bustling and convenient, while Tamarindo and Nosara are all about beach vibes and surfing. Costa Rica’s commitment to sustainability is also a huge draw—its eco-tourism industry is second to none.
While Costa Rica isn’t the cheapest country on this list, it’s still more affordable than most places in the U.S. The Pensionado Program makes it relatively easy for retirees to gain residency, while digital nomads can apply for a new remote worker visa. The people here are incredibly friendly, and while Spanish is the main language, many locals speak English, especially in tourist-heavy areas.
5. Canada: Our Friendly Northern Neighbor
Moving to Canada feels a bit like leaving the house but staying in the yard. It’s close, familiar, and comes with universal healthcare! Americans head to cities like Toronto, a cultural melting pot with a skyline to rival New York’s, or Vancouver, where mountains and ocean meet in perfect harmony.
If you prefer quieter vibes, Nova Scotia offers charming towns and a laid-back coastal lifestyle. Canada’s cost of living can be high in major cities, but smaller towns and provinces are much more affordable.
Canadians are famously polite, and the shared language makes settling in easier. Residency options range from skilled worker programs to family sponsorship, but it’s a competitive process—bring your patience and your best hockey analogy.
6. Thailand: The Land of Smiles
Thailand isn’t just for backpackers anymore. Americans are moving here for the incredibly low cost of living, stunning landscapes, and rich culture. Chiang Mai is a favorite, offering a creative expat community and unbeatable street food. Meanwhile, Bangkok dazzles with its energy and world-class amenities. And for beach lovers, Phuket and Krabi are as postcard-perfect as it gets.
Living in Thailand costs about a quarter of what it would in the U.S., with apartments available for as little as $300 a month. Thai people are incredibly welcoming, and while learning the language helps, many locals in urban areas speak English. Long-term visas can be a challenge, but the Retirement Visa or Thailand Elite Visa are great options for those ready to stay awhile.
7. Vietnam: Adventure on a Budget
Vietnam is Southeast Asia’s rising star for expats, and Americans are falling head over heels. It’s affordable, bursting with culture, and offers landscapes that range from dramatic mountains to bustling cities.
Ho Chi Minh City is fast-paced and perfect for urbanites, while Hanoi blends tradition with modernity. For beach vibes, Da Nang and Nha Trang offer golden sands without the price tag of Hawaii. Monthly costs hover around $1,000, which includes rent, food, and even entertainment.
Vietnamese people are warm and hospitable, though learning basic phrases can go a long way in connecting with locals. Visa options include short-term tourist visas and longer-term work or retirement permits, making it accessible for a variety of lifestyles.
8. Italy: La Dolce Vita Awaits
Italy is like the eternal love affair Americans can’t quit. From Rome’s ancient ruins to Florence’s Renaissance beauty, every corner feels like a masterpiece. Smaller towns like Bologna or Sicily offer affordable living paired with unmatched charm.
While Italy’s cost of living can vary widely, smaller cities and rural areas are much cheaper than the U.S., especially when it comes to rent. Italian culture revolves around family, food, and savoring the moment, so prepare to slow down and enjoy life.
The Elective Residency Visa is popular for retirees, but digital nomads and remote workers often base themselves here temporarily on tourist visas.
9. Ecuador: Affordable Andean Adventure
Ecuador is perfect for those craving mountains, beaches, and everything in between. Cuenca, with its colonial architecture and expat-friendly vibe, is a favorite, while Quito offers big-city energy and incredible views. For those who dream of living by the ocean, Manta delivers with affordable beachside living.
Cost-wise, Ecuador is a steal—think $1,500 a month for a comfortable lifestyle, including rent, groceries, and even dining out. The people are warm, the climate is mild, and the country’s small size makes weekend trips to the Amazon or Galápagos Islands totally doable. Visas are relatively easy to obtain, with residency options for retirees, investors, and remote workers.
10. France: Sophistication and Charm
France might not scream “budget-friendly,” but outside Paris, the cost of living drops significantly. Americans are drawn to places like Provence, with its lavender fields and sunny lifestyle, or Lyon, a foodie’s paradise. Even smaller towns like Annecy, nestled by a pristine lake, are becoming expat favorites.
The French are known for their love of life—long lunches, quality wine, and a slower pace of living. Costs are about 25% lower than in major U.S. cities, and public transportation means you won’t need a car.
Visas for Americans can be tricky, but the Long-Stay Visitor Visa is a good option for retirees or remote workers looking to enjoy a slice of that joie de vivre.
Americans are finding new homes across the globe, drawn by adventure, affordability, and cultures that offer a fresh perspective on life. Whether you’re looking for the beach, the mountains, or the perfect blend of city and countryside, the world is full of incredible places to explore—and maybe even settle down.
So, which country calls to you? Pack your bags, learn a few phrases, and don’t forget to bring a sense of humor—it’s the best tool for navigating any new adventure.
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