2020 Best Countries for American Expats to Live
Updated since the original publishing date for accuracy in 2020.
Think you’re ready to become an expat? Whether you want to live abroad for temporary freelancing or for the foreseeable future, you’ll want to pick a destination that’s right for you. If you want to find the best countries for American expats to work or the best countries for Americans to move to, here are the best countries to live if you’re a native to the United States.
These countries topped the list due to outstanding ranks in:
- High quality of life
- Lower cost of living
- Satisfaction from current expats
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1. Canada for Cultural Diversity
The second largest country in the world, Canada features acres of untapped wilderness. It overall ranks as third in the world for the best place to live. With safe, welcoming arms for expats and immigrants alike, Canada continues to top the list of best places for American expats to reside.
- Quality of life: Very high, due to cultural acceptance and economic stability
- Cost of living: 6.53% lower than in the U.S.
- Official language: English and French
- Major industries: Automotive, Energy Sourcing, Mining, Fishing
** Fun fact: Santa sets up shop in Canada. You can write him letters at HO HO HO, North Pole, Canada. **
Best Perks for Expats:
- Need for skilled professionals
- Reliable, accessible transportation
- High-quality and affordable healthcare
- Safe and educational environment
Top Challenges for Expats:
- High taxes and shipping costs
- Small selection of consumer goods
- Harsh winters in northern regions
Travel information on Canada:
- Travel Advisory Level: 1 – Exercise normal precautions
- Visa Required: Yes, if staying over 180 days
- U.S. Embassy: Ottawa, Ontario
2. Bahrain for the Largest Expat Community
Bahrain has remained one of the best countries for expats to live for several consecutive years. Currently, the expat population outnumbers the locals.
- Quality of life: High, due to a thriving economy and neighborhood safety
- Cost of living: 16.9% lower than in the U.S.
- Official language: Arabic, though English is prevalent
- Major industries: Petroleum, Banking
** Fun fact: It’s known as the most liberal Middle Eastern Country, yet Bahrain citizens lean conservative. **
Best Perks for Expats:
- No personal taxes on monthly income
- High salaries
- Expats constitute 70% of the workforce
Top Challenges for Expats:
- Few specialist treatment centers for medical care
- Full-time work requires a sponsoring employer
Travel information on Bahrain:
- Travel Advisory Level: 1 – Exercise normal precautions
- Visa Required: Yes
- U.S. Embassy: Zinj District, Manama
3. Costa Rica for a Relaxed Culture
Locals operate on a spirit of pura vida, or pure life. This slow-paced life makes Costa Rica one of the best countries for American expats to unplug and relax.
- Quality of life: High, due to incredible weather and affordable rent
- Cost of living: 22.11% less than the U.S.
- Official language: Spanish, but tourism makes English commonly spoken
- Major industries: Tourism, Agriculture
** Fun fact: Costa Rica abolished its military in 1948, and they haven’t had one since then. **
Best Perks for Expats:
- Laid back culture
- Access to private healthcare
- Warm, temperate climate
Top Challenges for Expats:
- Increasing crime rates, typically at night
- High taxes on imported goods
Travel information on Costa Rica:
- Travel Advisory Level: 1 – Exercise normal precautions
- Visa Required: Yes, if staying more than 90 days
- U.S. Embassy: Pavas, San José
4. Taiwan for Cultural Immersion
Taiwan possesses a rich heritage that upholds a traditional yet highly modern society. If cultural immersion is your motivation to live overseas, Taiwan ranks as one of the best countries for American expats.
- Quality of life: High, due to national safety and affordable living costs
- Cost of living: 15.49% lower than in the U.S.
- Official language: Mandarin
- Major industries: Electronics, Petroleum, Textiles, Steel
** Fun fact: Taiwan, also called the Butterfly Kingdom, is home to over 400 butterfly species. **
Best Perks for Expats:
- Healthy lifestyle
- Affordable healthcare
- Very safe country
- High job satisfaction
Top Challenges for Expats:
- Language barrier for American expats
- Learning cultural etiquette
- Prone to earthquakes and typhoons
Travel information on Taiwan:
- Travel Advisory Level: 1 – Exercise normal precautions
- Visa Required: Yes, if staying over 90 days
- U.S. Embassy: Taipei
5. New Zealand for Welcoming Locals
New Zealand is an island paradise filled with natural wonders. Friendly Kiwis value expats and welcome diversity, making this one of the safest and best countries for American expats.
- Quality of life: Very High, due to beautiful climates and landscapes
- Cost of living: 0.37% higher than in the U.S.
- Official language: English, Māori, and New Zealand Sign Language
- Major industries: Agriculture, Finance, Tourism, Manufacture
** Fun fact: The Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies were filmed in New Zealand.**
Best Perks for Expats:
- Magical surroundings with incredible weather
- Extremely easy integration for Americans
- Uncrowded and peaceful environment
Top Challenges for Expats:
- Higher rent costs
- Limited public transportation
- Expensive airfare to and from
Travel information on New Zealand:
- Travel Advisory Level: 1 – Exercise normal precautions
- Visa Required: Yes, or an NZeTA
- U.S. Embassy: Auckland
Portugal offers affordable childcare, quality education, and national safety, making it one of the best countries for expats to raise a family.
- Quality of life: Very high, due to overall safety and affordable living for families
- Cost of living: 30.30% lower than in the U.S.
- Official language: Portuguese and Mirandese
- Major industries: Machinery, Electronics, Automotive, Ship Building
** Fun fact: Bertrand bookstore, the oldest bookstore in the world, is located in Portugal. **
Best Perks for Expats:
- Homey atmosphere
- Friendly locals
- Equal job opportunities for women
- Very safe for child-rearing
Top Challenges for Expats:
- Lower salaries
- Bleak career prospects
- High property taxes
Travel information on Portugal:
- Travel Advisory Level: 1 – Exercise normal precautions
- Visa Required: Yes, if over 90 days
- U.S. Embassy: Lisbon
Want to compare the numbers for the cost of living in these areas? Curious to read advice from current expats living in these destinations? Here are some incredible, free resources for you:
- Numbeo – compare living costs in different countries
- U.S. News & World Report – the “best of” travel guides
- Expat Focus – advice and stories from real expats
- U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory – travel safety warnings
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