Thinking of Moving Abroad? 5 Top Expat Destinations

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There are countless reasons people choose to move abroad. For many, it’s about finding a better quality of life—access to affordable healthcare, a lower cost of living, or just an escape from the pressures of living in the U.S.

Others are drawn by the promise of endless sunshine and mild winters, ready to trade snow for sand. Some love the freedom of a “snowbird” lifestyle, spending summers up north and winters down south. And for the more adventurous, living abroad year-round opens doors to new cultures and experiences, with each day bringing fresh perspectives and discoveries.

A well-planned move can lead to a lifestyle upgrade, offering more comfort and financial ease—whether you’re a retiree, a digital nomad, or simply looking for a fresh start.

Rising Interest in Moving Abroad

Due to recent events, many Americans are exploring the possibility of moving abroad. In fact, there has been a significant surge in Google searches for “best countries to move to,” “how to move overseas,” and other related search queries since early November (2024).

Currently, the American Social Security Administration sends around 700,000 payments overseas, and that number is likely to surge. That’s why the financial sector has seen a growing number of companies specializing in international money transfers.

With so many people working remotely now, especially after COVID-19, the digital nomad lifestyle has really taken off. More location flexibility has opened up new possibilities, and many countries have rolled out special digital nomad visas to make it easier. And the best part? More are in the works, so the opportunities are growing.

Read More: 6 Cheapest Places for Digital Nomads To Live and Work Overseas

Where Do Expats Live?

So, where have American expats been moving recently? Canada has long been at the top of the list, thanks to its proximity and shared culture with the U.S. However, other destinations have grown in popularity in recent years.

Many expats are drawn to locations with a lower cost of living and a warmer climate. According to a report from International Living, many other countries have emerged as top expat spots. These include Panama, Costa Rica, Peru, Mexico, and Belize, each offering unique benefits in terms of affordability, quality of life, climate and proximity to the U.S.

These destinations each have their own specific health, safety, and immigration policies, but they continue to attract expats looking for new opportunities and a fresh lifestyle.

Panama for Expats

Why would you want to move to Panama? Panama offers a very comfortable live overseas solution, in part because the nation is much more developed than most visitors expect.

Many are shocked by the modernity of Panama and the clusters of skyscrapers that define Panama City’s skyline. Many of the amenities of a world-class city are readily available.

Expats can still take a taxi across town for a buck or two, get a haircut for a couple of dollars, or enjoy dinner for two with a bottle of wine at one of the finest restaurants in Panama City for $40.

Many expats live outside the city in what they feel is the true Panama. There are beautiful beaches everywhere.

With the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Pacific on the other, along with rolling green tropical mountains, fertile farmlands, lush rainforests, and small towns where foreign visitors are made to feel welcome.

“The future of the U.S. was looking bad,” says Nancy Young of the decisions that led her and her family to find a new life in Boquete.

“My husband was going to retire on beans, with no benefits…not enough for us to live on. Our lives are so much better here. We are healthier, we are happy, we have a social life, and we have lots of activities to enjoy.

Life is richer and filled with great experiences. “I love the Panamanians and their culture.”

Read More: Escape the Masses With This Insider’s Guide to Surfing in Panama

Costa Rica for Expats

Expats decide to move to Costa Rica for numerous reasons, which include the low cost of living, excellent healthcare, modern telecommunications structure etc.

There are also beautiful beaches, rainforests, lush valleys, and cool mountains…not to mention the theaters, art galleries, and fine dining.

There are more than 120,000 U.S. expats already living in Costa Rica in many well-established expat communities.

“The living is very easy here,” says 68-year-old Lynda Henry. “It’s a much different pace. More like the 1940s or 1950s. You can be as social or as alone as you want.”

Lynda and her husband Tim, 67, live on a hill above the shores of Lake Arenal in northern Costa Rica. Their porch, full of hummingbirds, offers a 180-degree view of the lake.

A huge picture window in their bedroom (they put the bed facing it) and another by the bathtub means they can see the lake from almost everywhere in the house.

“We wake up every morning grateful to be in this country and happy to be here,” says Lynda. “You have to get used to waking up and not having an agenda. 

Having breakfast at six…or 10, or maybe start reading first. After a busy life with work and kids, that really does take some getting used to.”

Peru for Expats

In recent years, Peru has been on the list of top destinations for expats. Mention Peru and most people think of the wonder of the world, Machu Picchu, and…llamas.

But during a recent visit, traveling the country, experiencing life there, and speaking with expats who call it home, InternationalLiving.com editor Jason Holland said they may have discovered one of the world’s best-kept secrets.

“Food is cheap—and very tasty. Rents are affordable even for those on super-low budgets—$200 to $400 gets you a nice place in a great neighborhood.

The climate is comfortable…the people are friendly…there are modern services…and the vibrant mix of music, festivals, indigenous culture, and colonial history is evident everywhere you turn.

“It should be an option for anyone considering retirement in Latin America.”

Arequipa and Cusco are two of the most popular towns for expats to live.

“I fall in love with the city every time I walk through it,” says Californian Bill Connors, who now lives in Arequipa. “It is a very romantic city. At predawn and at night the sillar shines—it’s very beautiful.

Outside of the tourist area, you have very cheap restaurants. I spend about $30 a week on food, mostly going to the market,” says Bill.

Mexico for Expats

Mexico is one of the world’s top destinations for those dreaming of a relaxed and romantic new life abroad. America’s closest southern neighbor consistently makes International Living’s list of the best countries to live in.

Many expats choose to live in Mexico’s Colonial Highlands. Three popular towns in the region are San Miguel de Allende, Querétaro, and Guanajuato.

Each has a colonial centro histórico—all UNESCO World Heritage sites—where grand colonial homes have been converted to hip restaurants, chic boutiques and hotels.

Or sometimes just tiny mom-and-pop corner stores or simple eateries where you can get a meal for a couple of dollars. And, of course, many of the colonials have also been renovated to become homes.

Money-wise, it’s a great time to be anywhere in Mexico—the exchange rate today is 20.49 pesos to $1.

Combine that with already low costs for real estate, food, restaurants, entertainment, and transportation, and you have the spending power to live very well on around $1,800 a month for a retired couple.

“In Austin, we were paying $700 a month for heat and air conditioning. We were paying property taxes of $12,000 a year and now live comfortably with taxes of $200 a year,” says Chris McCaskill.

“Here in San Miguel, economics and lifestyle go hand in hand. We spend money on quality of life things, not air conditioning or taxes. We can take our money from Social Security and our quality of life is pretty darn good.”

Read More: What It’s Like to Live as an Expat: Lake Chapala, Mexico

Belize for Expats

As a Caribbean destination, Belize is quite affordable and the country offers some big advantages—economic stability, a strong retiree program, and a wonderful climate, if you like the tropics.

Some expats move to Belize because this Central American country has a beautiful coastline, where the sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling and diving, fishing, and sailing are among the best in the world.

Moreover, Belize is an English-speaking country. For expats who are ready to move abroad but don’t want the hassle of having to learn a new language, Belize could be the ideal place.

Ambergris Caye is a popular offshore caye that’s located 35 to 40 miles southeast of Corozal. In 2013 and 2014, Tripadvisor members voted it as the world’s best island.

The nearby World Heritage Mesoamerican barrier reef and stunning azure Caribbean waters enchant visitors and expats alike.

“Belize first attracted me because of the spectacular Caribbean seascapes and the vibrant offshore barrier reef teaming with colorful, diverse sea life…the laidback lifestyle…affordable cost of living…and the friendly Belizeans,” says Ann Kuffner.

“But after moving here, another advantage became apparent. Maintaining a healthy, happy lifestyle in Belize is easy.

As a matter of fact, many expats who move to Belize remark that they have lost weight, are in better shape, and feel better than they have in years. Most expats here have embraced this healthy, active lifestyle that Belize offers.

Of course, the bonus is that they have little stress in their lives here compared to living back in the States.”

Moving Out of the U.S.

Planning a move abroad can be exciting, but it’s worth doing some serious homework to make the transition as smooth as possible. Take time to look into key factors like the healthcare system, the political situation, and the overall cost of living in your new country. These things can make a big difference in your day-to-day life.

Expat communities are often a great source of real-world advice, too. You can join expat forums or social media groups to hear about things like finding housing, handling local laws, or adjusting to the culture.

Also, be sure to check out specific visa programs—many countries, like Portugal, Mexico, and Thailand, offer long-term visas or special programs for retirees or remote workers, making it a little easier to settle in for the long haul.

I recommend checking out International Living for more information and resources on moving abroad.

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Janna Graber is an award-winning American travel journalist who has written for national magazines, newspapers and websites. She is the managing editor of Go World Travel Magazine, and a member of the Society of American Travel Writers. Since studying abroad in Austria, she’s been in love with world travel, and has covered travel in more than 60 countries. She’s the author of three travel anthology books, including “A Pink Suitcase: 22 Tales of Women’s Travel” and “Adventures of a Lifetime”.

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