More Americans are traveling the world than ever before due to a rise in remote work, pent-up post-pandemic demand, and the search for a better quality of life.
An increase in travel has led to more Americans moving abroad to experience the benefits of other countries they discovered on their travels.
Expat Insider recently took on the task of surveying people who have moved abroad based on 56 factors related to various aspects of expat life, including: quality of life, ease of settling in, personal finance, housing, and language.
According to the report, These Are The Top 3 Countries Americans Move to After Travelling Abroad:
Mexico
It comes as no surprise that this country continues to be the top destination for people looking to live abroad. More Americans than ever before are permanently relocating to Mexico after traveling there, with an estimated 1.5 million already calling it home.
It is reported that 90% of expats are happy with their life in Mexico, compared to only 72% expat satisfaction globally.
The number one reason for this is the lower cost of living; as inflation is on the rise throughout most of the world, people are looking to find places that offer a better quality of life.
While Mexico is not exempt from rising prices for food, housing, and utilities, it remains a more affordable option for those that are tired of the American hustle.
Mexico offers its residents inexpensive real estate options, lower property taxes, responsibly priced medical care, an abundance of affordable produce, and a plethora of leisure activities that won’t break the bank.
This all helps people live a more balanced lifestyle than they are able to in the United States.
71% of expats say they are happy with the cost of living, compared to a global average of only 43%.
The second most quoted reason for moving to Mexico is falling in love with its culture and climate. Contrary to many media reports, people living in Mexico say that they feel safe and welcomed.
Mexican culture is extremely friendly, warm and family oriented, offering a positive environment for those raising children or wanting to feel a sense of connection to others.
In terms of climate, there truly is something for everyone. You can find a year-round temperate climate in the central highland areas, warmer tropical weather on both coasts, or drier desert zones in the north.
Whether you enjoy cities, remote jungles, farmland, or small beach towns, you will discover that there is an endless supply of amazing places to live.
“If you are willing to learn the language and adapt to the local culture, this is the best country to live and work in.” – Expat Explains
Spain
Spain is the second-most visited country in the world and home to a staggering 6 million foreigners. Last month alone, Spain received 377,000 travelers, and their latest data shows 39,812 Americans already living there.
With the dollar remaining strong against the euro and the country’s many attractions, these numbers are only expected to continue increasing.
So it’s perhaps not surprising that the country’s many attractions, from the weather and culture to the quality of life, have also proven to be a big draw for Americans.
More and more people are searching the globe for affordable housing, charming culture, and a sense of safety.
Many American citizens are finding themselves unable to afford the types of homes they want in the United States, are tired of the car-dependent lifestyle, and want their families to feel safer.
Spain offers all of this and more. 87% of expats currently living in Spain are happy with their life there, compared to a global average of 72% expat satisfaction.
The affordable cost of living, universal health care system, extensive transit system, and relaxed lifestyle are cited as the main reasons for the happiness of Americans living there.
“I love the sea, beach, weather, and sporting activities. I don’t need a car to get around with the great public transportation.” – Expat
Spain has also launched a digital nomad visa making it even more accessible for people to live and work there. This gives Americans the ability to make U.S. dollars but be able to live on a lower budget.
On average, expats can expect to pay anywhere from $1,050-1,500 USD per month for a one-bedroom apartment and $40-60 USD for a dinner out for two.
Although moving to a foreign country isn’t without the challenges of learning a new language and culture, there is something exciting about immersing yourself in a new place.
Spain has a thriving culture, amazing architecture, interesting history, incredible food, and a lifestyle that is tough to beat.
Panama
Panama comes in as the third most popular place for Americans to move to after traveling abroad. The country offers a good quality of life, a lower cost of living, favorable tax laws, welcoming locals, and a warm climate year-round.
The number one reason why people are choosing to relocate to Panama is for the culture and the ease of feeling welcome.
Because of its location as the connecting country between North and South America, it draws in a wide array of expats and tourists which helps the local population feel more comfortable with foreigners.
English is widely spoken in Panama, and they now use USD as their primary currency.
81% of expats feel at home because of this, compared to a rate of 58% globally.
Panama is also known for its lower cost of living and plentiful business opportunities. It’s the perfect place for digital nomads or those wanting to start their own companies.
The country makes it easy for those starting a business with special visas, tax incentives, excellent telecommunication services, and lightning-speed internet.
Throughout the world, lifestyle costs vary depending on individual desires and incomes; however, in Panama it is possible to live comfortably on just $1500 USD per month.
Healthcare is also a big factor in this as most Americans find that they only have to pay a small fraction of the cost for health insurance compared to the rates in the U.S. You can find good insurance for as little as $100 a month.
For anyone 18 years or older who wants to retire, Panama offers the Pensionado Visa, with the only requirement of a retirement income of $1,000 or more each month. With this visa, you can receive discounts on flights, utilities, restaurants, and more.
80% of expats living in Panama are happy with their financial situation, versus a 58% satisfaction rate globally.
Panama has a lot to offer with its flourishing cities, diverse landscapes, and unique wildlife. With its small size, it is easy to explore the wide range of attractions.
In Panama City, you can find modern malls, first-class restaurants, and some of the top hospitals in Latin America.
For beach lovers, there is no shortage of amazing places to discover on both the Pacific and the Caribbean coasts. Drive inland, and you are able to discover amazing jungles and mountains.
It’s easy to see why so many Americans are moving to Panama to experience the Pura Vida lifestyle they fell in love with on their travels.
The Top 10 Expat Destinations
- Mexico
- Spain
- Panama
- Malaysia
- Taiwan
- Thailand
- Costa Rica
- Philippines
- Bahrain
- Portugal
The Bottom 10 Expat Destinations
- Japan
- New Zealand
- Malta
- Italy
- South Africa
- Germany
- South Korea
- Türkiye
- Norway
- Kuwait
