Have you ever daydreamed about packing your bags and starting fresh somewhere entirely new? You’re not alone. Deciding where to relocate isn’t just about chasing an adventure or a better paycheck anymore. It’s about finding a place that genuinely enhances your daily existence, where you can breathe easier, connect with others, and feel at home. The InterNations Expat Insider 2025 survey recently surveyed over 10,000 expats across 46 destinations to determine which countries truly deliver on quality of life, financial satisfaction, ease of settling in, and overall happiness. What they discovered might surprise you. Let’s explore the places where expats aren’t just surviving, they’re thriving.
Panama: The Reigning Champion of Expat Satisfaction
Panama has again been voted the best country to live and work in abroad, after taking first place in 2024. It’s hard to argue with the numbers here. A cool 94 percent of expats in Panama are happy living there, thanks to the country’s beautiful natural environment, an affordable cost of living, and the ease of settling in. What’s particularly striking about Panama is how it balances multiple factors that matter most to relocating individuals. Benefits include the modern infrastructure of the capital, Panama City, the widespread availability of high-speed internet, the use of the U.S. dollar, which makes finances easier to compute, and its pensionado visa program,m which makes it easy for retirees to relocate to the country. Honestly, it’s the kind of place where you can have your cake and eat it too.
Colombia: Affordable Living Meets Warm Culture
Colombia is now more popular than ever, especially for the financial benefits, with the Expat Survey reporting that 81 percent of expats in Colombia are satisfied with their financial situation versus 54 percent globally, and an impressive 92 percent say their disposable household income is enough to lead a comfortable life versus 69 percent globally. Let’s be real, money matters when you’re building a new life somewhere. Colombia also ranks high for its warm, welcoming culture and the friendliness of locals, not to mention it has plenty of fun things to do and a good health-care system. For Colombia, 36 percent of expats said they wanted to stay in Colombia forever, and another 47 percent said they have no clear plans of leaving the country. That level of commitment tells you something meaningful about the experience people are having there.
Spain: European Charm with Mediterranean Living
Spain claims the top spot in the Quality of Life Index for the third year running, with 84 percent of expats saying they are happy there versus 68 percent globally. Here’s the thing about Spain: it doesn’t necessarily excel in every single category, yet somehow it all comes together beautifully. Spain is the only country in Europe to rank within the top 10, down to No. 9 after being at No. 4 in 2024. Cities like Valencia, Málaga, and Alicante have become magnets for expats seeking that sweet spot between quality and affordability. The climate, the healthcare system, the leisurely pace of life – these aren’t just tourist attractions, they’re daily realities that keep people satisfied year after year.
Mexico: Friendly Faces and Financial Freedom
Mexico has long been a favorite, and for good reason. In 2022, Mexico was reported as the top destination for expats to live, with 91 percent of expats saying they are happy with their life there, offering a vibrant culture, diverse landscape, and friendly people. The social aspect can’t be overstated. 90 percent of expats believe that the locals are friendly, and 72 percent find it very easy to socialize and make friends, with most expats having a support network and many local friends. Living costs are extremely affordable, and 70 percent of individuals are happy with their financial situation. Whether you’re drawn to bustling Mexico City or coastal retreats, the country offers incredible diversity without breaking the bank.
Portugal: The European Haven for Retirees and Remote Workers
Portugal has been consistently performing well in the Quality of Life Index, with 25 percent of individuals moving to the country for a better quality of life,e while 18 percent do so because they wish to retire abroad, making it an attractive option owing to its affordable living costs, quality healthcare, and safe environment. I think what sets Portugal apart is its welcoming attitude toward newcomers. The ease of settling in is one of the major highlights for expats in Portugal, with over three-quarters feeling at home and over 80 percent feeling welcome in the country. The country is also one of the cheapest and safest places to retire in Europe, and an individual expat can retire for $1,500 per month. The golden visa program has certainly helped attract those looking for European residency with reasonable investment requirements.
Thailand: Southeast Asian Paradise with Excellent Value
Thailand was ranked the sixth best place for expats to live and work according to the Expat Insider 2024 report, the same place as last year’s report. What makes Thailand particularly appealing is the combination of affordability and lifestyle quality. Southeast Asia stood out, with Thailand ranking in the top 10, with Thailand ranking 1st for housing, and most expats agreeing that it’s easy to find housing and they are happy with how affordable it is. The food alone could be reason enough to move there – seriously, where else can you get world-class cuisine for a few dollars? The warm climate, stunning beaches, rich culture, and relatively easy visa options for retirees and digital nomads make it a perennial favorite.
United Arab Emirates: Modern Luxury and Career Opportunities
The UAE is back among the ten best destinations for expats in 2024, with expat satisfaction very high in three of the five indices used: Quality of Life (3rd), Working Abroad (6th), and Expat Essentials (1st). The Emirates presents a different value proposition compared to other top destinations. Dubai ranked at 83rd place and Abu Dhabi ranked at 85th place in the Quality of Living City Ranking, and these cities are renowned for their modern infrastructure and diverse expatriate communities. If you’re career-focused and seeking tax-free income, world-class amenities, and a truly international environment, cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi deliver. Still, it’s worth noting that the cost of living can be steep, particularly for families needing international schooling.
Vietnam: Unbeatable Affordability with Emerging Opportunities
For the fourth consecutive year, Vietnam is the most affordable country in the world for expats, ranking first out of 53 destinations when it comes to personal finances according to a 2024 InterNations study. The financial freedom that Vietnam offers is genuinely remarkable. Out of surveyed expats living in Vietnam, 86 percent rate its cost of living favorably – that’s more than twice the global average of 40 percent. Work-life balance represents another Vietnamese strength according to the survey data, with a 39-hour average workweek and growing acceptance of flexible arrangements, creating space for expats to explore the country’s extraordinary cultural and natural diversity. From the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City to the serene landscapes of Ha Long Bay, Vietnam offers incredible experiences without the hefty price tag.
Australia: Premium Quality of Life Down Under
Ranked in the top ten for multiple studies including human development, education, and the best countries for women, Australia is considered the number one English-speaking country in the world for expats, with a stable and strong economy, political neutrality, a high standard of living regarding healthcare, a wide range of educational opportunities, a safe environment, and a welcoming community. The work-life balance here is genuinely impressive. Expats in Australia tend to report reasonable working hours, generous vacation time and inclusive workplace environments. Australia ranks 6th in the world for life expectancy, thanks to a world-leading universal healthcare system that covers everything including medical clinic visits and dentistry. The main drawback? Cities like Sydney and Melbourne consistently rank among the world’s most expensive, so you’ll need a solid income to maintain your lifestyle there.
Canada: The Friendly Northern Option with Universal Healthcare
Canada ranks highly across almost all quality of life metrics, including safety, health, the environment and life satisfaction, making it a first-class destination for expat families. The healthcare system deserves special mention. The World Population Review placed Canada’s healthcare system as 4th in the world in 2024 based on factors from access to healthcare to overall healthcare outcomes. Canada is one of the best countries worldwide to receive a state education, coming within the top 10 for reading, maths and science. For families prioritizing education and healthcare access, Canada presents a compelling case. The multicultural cities, stunning natural landscapes, and generally welcoming attitude toward immigrants create an environment where newcomers can genuinely thrive, even if the winters test your resolve.
Moving abroad is one of life’s biggest decisions, and there’s no universal right answer. Some people prioritize affordability above all else, while others are willing to pay premium prices for world-class infrastructure and services. What matters most is finding the place that aligns with your personal priorities – whether that’s financial freedom, career advancement, climate, healthcare access, or simply feeling welcomed and at home. These ten countries have proven track records of delivering genuine quality of life improvements for those brave enough to leap. What would your perfect expat destination look like?
