20 Destinations Where Expats Enjoy a Safer, Easier, and Happier Life Than in America
For many expats, moving abroad offers a chance to experience a safer, easier, and happier life compared to what they knew in America. Portugal and Singapore consistently rank high in expat satisfaction surveys. Portugal stands out for its mild climate, affordable living, and high-quality healthcare, making it a top choice for American expats.
As noted by the Expat Insider 2025 Survey, Mexico leads in expat happiness, with 90% of respondents expressing satisfaction, driven by its low cost of living and friendly locals. Expats often cite lower crime rates and a more relaxed lifestyle as key reasons for their improved quality of life abroad. Here are 20 destinations where expats enjoy a safer, easier, and happier life than in America.
Portugal
Portugal is a haven for expats seeking a safer, easier, and happier life. According to the World Population Review, the country boasts a low crime rate, ranking third in safety globally in 2022. Portugal’s affordable cost of living, high quality of life, and welcoming culture make it an attractive destination for expats.
The Golden Visa program and other residency options have streamlined the process for foreigners to settle in Portugal, with over 10,000 Golden Visas issued in 2023 alone. Portugal’s mild climate and stunning landscapes create the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, making it a top choice for those leaving America.
Spain
Spain is renowned for its vibrant culture and high quality of life, making it a popular choice for expats. The country consistently ranks among the top five best places to live, offering a warm climate, rich cultural heritage, and excellent public healthcare. Spain’s diverse regions, from cosmopolitan Madrid to coastal Barcelona, provide a range of lifestyles for expats.
With a cost of living significantly lower than many European countries, Spain attracts expats seeking affordability without sacrificing amenities. The Digital Nomad Visa, introduced in 2023, further simplifies the process for remote workers to relocate and enjoy Spain’s relaxed lifestyle.
New Zealand
New Zealand offers expats a unique blend of natural beauty and a relaxed lifestyle. The country consistently ranks high in quality of life indices, with excellent healthcare, education, and a low crime rate. New Zealand’s emphasis on work-life balance and outdoor activities makes it an ideal destination for those seeking a healthier, more active lifestyle.
The country’s welcoming culture and English-speaking environment ease integration for expats. New Zealand’s diverse landscapes and friendly locals offer a serene and fulfilling life for those seeking to escape the fast pace of America.
Switzerland
Switzerland is celebrated for its high standard of living, stunning natural scenery, and exceptional safety. The country offers a stable economy, world-class education, and excellent healthcare, making it a top choice for expats. Switzerland’s central European location provides easy access to other countries, enhancing its appeal to international professionals.
Despite high living costs, the country’s high salaries and comprehensive social benefits balance out expenses. With its vibrant expat community and diverse cultural influences, Switzerland offers a sophisticated and secure lifestyle for those leaving America.
Canada
Canada is renowned for its high quality of life, diverse culture, and welcoming environment. The country offers excellent education and healthcare systems, a strong economy, and job opportunities. Canada’s vast natural beauty, from mountains to coastlines, provides endless opportunities for outdoor activities.
With a multicultural society and English-speaking population, integration is relatively easy for expats. Canada’s robust social security system ensures residents are well-supported, making it a popular choice for those seeking a balanced lifestyle outside of America.
Denmark
Denmark is often cited as one of the world’s most livable countries, offering a unique blend of happiness, social welfare, and work-life balance. The country’s low crime rate and stable environment make it a safe haven for expats, and its emphasis on sustainability and environmental policies contributes to its high quality of life.
The concept of “hygge” (cosiness) fosters a warm and welcoming atmosphere, although integrating into Danish society can be challenging for some expats. Denmark’s high standard of living and excellent public services make it a top destination for those seeking a fulfilling life.
Finland
Finland is celebrated for its high standard of education, excellent healthcare, and stunning natural beauty. The country’s emphasis on work-life balance and social welfare creates a comfortable lifestyle for expats. Finland’s low crime rate and safe environment make it an attractive choice for families.
The country’s unique cultural practices, such as sauna culture, add to its charm. Despite the challenges of learning Finnish, the widespread use of English in business and education eases integration for expats. Finland’s innovative economy and natural landscapes create a unique blend of modernity and tranquility.
Austria
Austria is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and high standard of living. The country offers excellent education, healthcare systems, and a vibrant cultural scene. Austria’s central European location provides easy access to other countries, making it a hub for international professionals.
The country’s stunning landscapes, from the Alps to Vienna’s historic center, offer a unique blend of natural beauty and urban sophistication. With its stable economy and comprehensive social benefits, Austria provides expats a secure and fulfilling lifestyle. However, the cost of living can be high, particularly in cities like Vienna.
Germany
Germany offers expats a dynamic lifestyle with a strong economy, excellent education, and high-quality healthcare. The country’s vibrant cities, such as Berlin and Munich, provide a rich cultural experience with a blend of history and modernity. Germany’s central location in Europe makes it an ideal base for exploring the continent.
The cost of living varies by region, with cities like Berlin offering a relatively affordable lifestyle. Germany’s diverse expat community and widespread use of English make it an attractive destination for those seeking a European lifestyle outside of America.
Singapore
Singapore is a cosmopolitan city-state known for its safety, cleanliness, and efficiency. The country offers a high standard of living, excellent education, and world-class healthcare. Singapore’s business-friendly environment and low taxes make it a hub for entrepreneurs and professionals.
Singapore’s multicultural society and English-speaking population ease integration for expats. However, the city-state’s fast-paced lifestyle and high cost of living can be challenging for some. Singapore’s unique blend of Asian and Western influences creates a dynamic and secure lifestyle for expats.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a tropical paradise that attracts expats with its stunning natural beauty and relaxed lifestyle. The country offers a low cost of living, beautiful beaches, and lush rainforests, making it ideal for nature lovers. Costa Rica’s emphasis on environmental conservation and sustainable living contributes to its high quality of life.
The country’s welcoming culture and widespread use of English in tourist areas ease expat integration. Costa Rica’s vibrant expat community and abundant outdoor activities offer a serene and fulfilling life for those seeking a slower pace outside America.
Netherlands
The Netherlands is renowned for its tolerant society, excellent education, and high standard of living. The country offers a vibrant cultural scene, with cities like Amsterdam and Utrecht uniquely blending history and modernity. The Netherlands’ central location in Europe makes it an ideal base for exploring the continent.
The cost of living can be high, particularly in urban areas, but the country’s comprehensive social benefits and high salaries balance out expenses. The Netherlands’ diverse expat community and widespread use of English make it an attractive destination for those seeking a European lifestyle.
Japan
Japan offers expats a unique cultural experience with its rich heritage and modern technology. The country is renowned for its safety, cleanliness, and efficiency, making it a secure environment for expats. Japan’s vibrant cities, such as Tokyo and Osaka, provide a dynamic lifestyle and blend of traditional and modern culture.
The country’s excellent education and healthcare systems contribute to its high quality of life. However, the language barrier and cultural differences can present challenges for integration. Japan’s unique blend of tradition and innovation creates a fascinating and secure lifestyle for expats.
Sweden
Sweden is celebrated for its high standard of living, excellent education, and stunning natural beauty. The country’s emphasis on social welfare and work-life balance creates a comfortable lifestyle for expats. Sweden’s low crime rate and safe environment make it an attractive family choice.
The country’s vibrant cities, such as Stockholm and Gothenburg, offer a unique blend of modernity and natural beauty. With its innovative economy and comprehensive social benefits, Sweden provides expats a secure and fulfilling lifestyle. However, the cost of living can be high, particularly in urban areas.
Ireland
Ireland is renowned for its friendly culture, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities. The country offers a high standard of living, excellent education, and a welcoming environment for expats. Ireland’s low crime rate and safe environment make it an attractive family choice. The country’s central location in Europe provides easy access to other countries, enhancing its appeal to international professionals.
The Central Statistics Office estimates that 149,200 immigrants arrived in the year leading up to April 2024. With its strong expat community and widespread use of English, Ireland is an easy transition for those leaving America. The country’s unique cultural heritage and natural beauty make it a popular destination for those seeking a relaxed yet fulfilling lifestyle.
Uruguay
Uruguay is a hidden gem for expats, offering a relaxed lifestyle and stunning natural beauty. The country provides a low cost of living, beautiful beaches, and a welcoming culture. Uruguay’s emphasis on social welfare and environmental conservation contributes to its high quality of life.
Reuters reports that foreign-born residents comprise 3% of Uruguay’s 3.4 million population. The country’s laid-back atmosphere and vibrant expat community make it an ideal destination for those seeking a slower pace outside America. However, the language barrier and limited job opportunities can challenge some expats. Uruguay’s blend of tranquility and cultural richness offers a serene and fulfilling life for those seeking simplicity.
Taiwan
Taiwan offers expats a unique blend of modernity and traditional culture. The country is renowned for its safety, cleanliness, and efficiency, making it a secure environment for expats. Taiwan’s vibrant cities, such as Taipei and Kaohsiung, provide a dynamic lifestyle with a blend of technology and cultural heritage.
Macrotrends reports that Taiwan’s net migration rate in 2024 was 1.004 per 1,000 people, declining by 0.1% from 2023. The country’s excellent education and healthcare systems contribute to its high quality of life. However, the language barrier and cultural differences can present challenges for integration. Taiwan’s innovative economy and comprehensive social benefits create a fascinating and secure lifestyle for expats.
Italy
Italy is celebrated for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities. The country offers a high standard of living, excellent cuisine, and a welcoming environment for expats. Italy’s central location in Europe provides easy access to other countries, enhancing its appeal to international professionals.
Statista reports that 66,317 immigrants arrived in the country in 2024, a 60% decrease from 2023. The cost of living can be high, particularly in urban areas like Rome and Florence, but the country’s comprehensive social benefits and high salaries balance out expenses. Italy’s diverse expat community and widespread use of English in tourist areas make it an attractive destination for those seeking a European lifestyle.
Thailand
Thailand is a tropical paradise that attracts expats with its low cost of living, beautiful beaches, and vibrant culture. The country offers a relaxed lifestyle, with cities like Chiang Mai and Bangkok providing a unique blend of modernity and traditional Thai culture. Thailand’s welcoming culture and widespread use of English in tourist areas ease integration for expats.
The World Health Organization reports that Thailand hosts at least 5.3 million non-Thai nationals, an 8% increase from the nearly 4.9 million recorded in the last report. However, the language barrier and cultural differences can present challenges for some. Thailand’s vibrant expat community and abundant outdoor activities offer a serene and fulfilling life for those seeking a slower pace outside America.
Malaysia
Malaysia offers expats a unique blend of modernity and cultural diversity. The country is renowned for its safety, cleanliness, and efficiency, making it a secure environment for expats. Malaysia’s vibrant cities, such as Kuala Lumpur and Penang, provide a dynamic lifestyle with a blend of Asian and Western influences.
PSS International Removals reports that Malaysia attracts expats with its perfect weather, beautiful beaches, low cost of living, and ideal work-life balance. The country’s excellent education and healthcare systems contribute to its high quality of life. With its low cost of living and comprehensive social benefits, Malaysia provides a fascinating and secure lifestyle for expats. However, the language barrier and cultural differences can present challenges for integration.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
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