Ready to turn that daydream of living abroad into reality? The timing couldn’t be more perfect. As political tensions simmer and remote work reshapes our world, record numbers of Americans are Google-searching their escape routes – and they’re not alone. The just-released Annual Global Retirement Index for 2025 arrives at a moment when everyone from your next-door neighbor to Hollywood stars is plotting their next chapter overseas.
But here’s what’s fascinating: unlike previous years when these conversations centered around retirees seeking sunset beaches, today’s exodus includes thirty-something tech workers, young families, and mid-career professionals. They’re all chasing the same dream: a better quality of life without breaking the bank.
“The landscape has shifted dramatically,” says Jennifer Stevens, executive editor at International Living. “We’re seeing young professionals realize they can keep their six-figure remote jobs while living in places where that income goes three times as far. It’s not just about retiring anymore – it’s about redesigning your life.”
Before we dive into the world’s most welcoming havens, let’s peek behind the curtain at how these rankings came to be. The Index weighs seven critical factors: housing costs, visa accessibility, living expenses, healthcare quality, infrastructure, climate, and perhaps most importantly – how easily you can feel at home. Think of it as your cheat sheet to finding your perfect slice of paradise.
1. Panama: Where Opportunity Meets Paradise
The darling of international living guides for years, Panama clinches the top spot for 2025 for good reason. This isn’t just about its gleaming capital city’s skyline or pristine beaches – it’s about making the transition abroad as smooth as butter.
The country’s famous Pensionado Visa program remains unmatched in its generosity, welcoming retirees with open arms and significant perks. But here’s what’s turning heads: Panama’s Friendly Nations Visa now offers younger expats a straightforward path to residency. Combine this with a dollarized economy and first-world infrastructure, and you’ve got a recipe for expat success.
What truly sets Panama apart is its versatility. Whether you’re seeking the cosmopolitan buzz of Panama City, the eternal spring of Boquete’s highlands, or the laid-back beach vibes of Coronado, there’s a lifestyle for every taste. The expat communities in these areas have created a support network that makes integration remarkably smooth.
Quick Facts – Panama:
- Climate: Tropical coastal, eternal spring in highlands
- Monthly Living Costs (couple): $2,500-3,000
- Rent (2-bedroom): $800-1,500 in popular expat areas
- Healthcare: High-quality private care, 20-50% of U.S. costs
- Visa Requirements: $1,000 monthly pension (Pensionado Visa)
- Internet: Fast fiber-optic available in most areas
- English Prevalence: High in Panama City and expat areas
- Popular Expat Spots: Panama City, Boquete, Coronado, Pedasi
2. Portugal: Europe’s Sweet Spot Gets Sweeter
Remember when everyone was talking about retiring to Tuscany? Well, Portugal quietly stepped in and stole the show. This sun-soaked corner of Europe continues to captivate Americans with its perfect blend of Old World charm and modern sensibility – and does it at prices that make other Western European countries blush.
Here’s what’s turning heads: Portugal’s D7 visa program, affectionately dubbed the “passive income visa,” has become a gateway for remote workers and retirees alike. A couple can live comfortably in most Portuguese cities for about one-third of what they’d spend in the States. Even in the trendy Algarve region, known for its golden beaches and year-round sunshine, you’ll find rental prices that would barely get you a studio in most U.S. coastal cities.
But it’s not just about the numbers. Portugal’s healthcare system ranks among Europe’s best, with private insurance costing a fraction of U.S. rates. The real magic happens in everyday moments – sipping espresso at a local pastelaria, catching sunset at a rooftop bar in Lisbon, or chatting with neighbors at the weekly market. One expat recently told me, “I came for the cost of living, but I stayed for the quality of life.”
Quick Facts – Portugal:
- Climate: Mediterranean; mild winters, warm summers
- Monthly Living Costs (couple): $2,200-3,000
- Rent (2-bedroom): $700-1,500 (higher in Lisbon/Porto)
- Healthcare: Excellent public system, affordable private options
- Visa Requirements: D7 Visa – roughly €760/month income
- Internet: High-speed fiber widely available
- English Prevalence: High in major cities and Algarve
- Popular Expat Areas: Lisbon, Porto, Algarve, Madeira
3. Costa Rica: Where “Pura Vida” Is More Than Just a Saying
Costa Rica’s enduring appeal isn’t just about its postcard-perfect beaches or misty mountain towns. The country that pioneered the expat dream continues to evolve, now attracting a new generation of digital nomads alongside traditional retirees. It’s proving that “pura vida” (pure life) is more than a catchphrase – it’s a blueprint for better living.
What’s particularly striking is Costa Rica’s commitment to sustainable living. The country runs on 98% renewable energy, and this green mindset permeates daily life. From solar-powered communities in Guanacaste to organic farmers’ markets in every town, you’ll find an infrastructure that supports healthy, sustainable living. Healthcare? The country’s public system (CAJA) offers comprehensive coverage at a fraction of U.S. costs, while private options rival any North American facility.
The diversity of lifestyle options sets Costa Rica apart. Want to surf world-class waves? Head to Tamarindo. Prefer eternal spring weather? The Central Valley awaits. One expat couple in Atenas told me they initially came for six months – that was five years ago. “Every morning, we wake up to bird songs and mountain views. Our biggest decision is whether to have breakfast on the front or back terrace,” they shared.
Quick Facts – Costa Rica:
- Climate: Varies by region; eternal spring in highlands
- Monthly Living Costs (couple): $2,000-3,000
- Rent (2-bedroom): $600-1,500 depending on location
- Healthcare: Good public system (CAJA), excellent private options
- Visa Requirements: Pensionado requires $1,000/month income
- Internet: Fiber optic in major areas, improving nationwide
- English Prevalence: High in tourist/expat areas
- Popular Expat Spots: Tamarindo, Atenas, Escazú, Lake Arenal
4. Mexico: Where Familiarity Meets Fresh Adventure
Just when you think you know Mexico, it surprises you. Forget what you’ve heard about this vibrant nation – it’s reinventing itself as a haven for everyone from digital nomads in Oaxaca’s cobblestone streets to retirees in San Miguel de Allende’s artistic wonderland. The secret? Mexico offers that perfect sweet spot: exotic enough to feel like an adventure, familiar enough to feel like home.
The affordability factor here is stunning. In charming colonial cities like Mérida, where pastel-painted mansions line the streets, a couple can live like royalty on $2,500 a month. Healthcare tells a similar story – many expats report paying out-of-pocket for high-quality private care at 25% of U.S. prices. “I had to see a specialist last month,” shares Tom, an expat in Puerto Vallarta. “The entire visit, including tests, cost less than my old co-pay back home.”
But Mexico’s real magic lies in its ability to welcome you into the community. Whether you’re practicing Spanish with your local baker, joining in neighborhood fiestas, or finding your favorite street taco stand, life here has a way of becoming extraordinarily rich. The proximity to the U.S. is just icing on the cake – you’re never more than a few hours from home, but you might find yourself wanting to stay put.
Quick Facts – Mexico:
- Climate: Varies by altitude; coastal tropical to highland spring
- Monthly Living Costs (couple): $1,800-3,000
- Rent (2-bedroom): $500-1,500 depending on location
- Healthcare: High-quality private care at 25-35% of U.S. costs
- Visa Requirements: Temporary resident visa requires ~$2,100/month income
- Internet: Fiber optic in cities, reliable in most expat areas
- English Prevalence: High in tourist zones and expat communities
- Popular Expat Areas: San Miguel de Allende, Mérida, Puerto Vallarta, Oaxaca
5. France: Living the Dream Without Breaking the Bank
Here’s the biggest surprise: France isn’t just for the wealthy anymore. While Paris might still command eye-watering prices, savvy expats are discovering that the French art of living – from two-hour lunches to monthly wine festivals – is surprisingly accessible in regions like the sun-drenched Occitanie or the majestic Pyrenees-Atlantiques.
The healthcare system alone justifies the move. Consistently ranked among the world’s best, French healthcare combines excellence with affordability. Once you’re in the system, you’re looking at minimal out-of-pocket costs. Housing costs? In charming cities like Pau or Montpellier, you might find yourself paying less than you would in many U.S. suburbs. One American couple in Toulouse shared, “We sold our suburban California home and bought a 19th-century apartment overlooking a marketplace. We still had enough left over to fund our lives for years.”
What makes France truly special is its embrace of remote workers alongside traditional retirees. The long-stay visa process, while thorough, is straightforward for those who can show sufficient income. And while learning French is essential, the rewards are immeasurable – from deep conversations at your local boulangerie to being invited to neighbors’ dinner parties where the wine flows and conversation lasts until midnight.
Quick Facts – France:
- Climate: Mediterranean south, maritime west, continental east
- Monthly Living Costs (couple): $3,000-4,000 (outside Paris)
- Rent (2-bedroom): $800-1,500 in regional cities
- Healthcare: World-class universal system once established
- Visa Requirements: Long-stay visa needs proof of income (~€1,500/month)
- Internet: Excellent coverage, high-speed fiber widespread
- English Prevalence: Moderate, improving in larger cities
- Popular Expat Areas: Occitanie, Dordogne, Provence, Loire Valley
6. Spain: Where Siesta Meets Modern Living
Move over crowded tourist spots – savvy expats are discovering Spain’s sweet spots where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with contemporary comfort. From the sun-drenched Costa del Sol to the verdant hills of Galicia, Spain offers a lifestyle that makes you wonder why you didn’t make the move sooner.
The Spanish approach to healthcare continues to impress newcomers. With one of Europe’s top-ranked public healthcare systems and affordable private options, quality care is readily accessible. Housing costs vary dramatically – while Barcelona and Madrid command premium prices, head to places like Valencia or Málaga, and you’ll find spacious apartments at a fraction of the cost. “We’re paying less for our beachfront apartment here in Valencia than we did for our suburban condo in New Jersey,” shares Maria, who moved with her husband last year.
What truly sets Spain apart is its social fabric. Here, dinner at 9 PM is normal, friendships are forged over tapas, and your local cafe owner knows your coffee order by heart. Remote workers are flocking to emerging digital nomad hubs like Granada and Valencia, while retirees find their slice of paradise in smaller coastal towns. The biggest challenge? Choosing which amazing region to call home.
Quick Facts – Spain:
- Climate: Mediterranean coastal, continental interior
- Monthly Living Costs (couple): $2,500-3,500
- Rent (2-bedroom): $700-1,400 (outside major cities)
- Healthcare: Excellent public system, affordable private options
- Visa Requirements: Non-lucrative visa requires ~€2,400/month income
- Internet: High-speed fiber in most urban areas
- English Prevalence: Moderate, higher in tourist areas
- Popular Expat Areas: Valencia, Málaga, Alicante, Granada
7. Malaysia: Asia’s Hidden Gem
Malaysia might be the best-kept secret in the expat world. This multicultural paradise offers something increasingly rare: a truly cosmopolitan lifestyle at prices that make Western expats do a double-take. Modern cities, pristine beaches, and a melting pot of cultures create an environment where East truly meets West.
The Malaysian government actively welcomes foreigners through programs like the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) visa. Healthcare is a major draw – world-class private hospitals provide excellent care at a third of U.S. prices. Housing options range from ultra-modern condos in Kuala Lumpur to beachfront villas in Penang. The infrastructure rivals any developed nation, with high-speed internet, efficient public transport, and modern shopping centers.
Perhaps most appealing is the ease of integration. English is widely spoken, making daily life remarkably comfortable for Western expats. The food scene is legendary – from street food markets to high-end restaurants, culinary adventures await at every corner. One expat in Penang notes, “Where else can you have authentic dim sum for breakfast, Indian curry for lunch, and Malay seafood for dinner – all in walking distance?”
Quick Facts – Malaysia:
- Climate: Tropical year-round
- Monthly Living Costs (couple): $1,700-2,800
- Rent (2-bedroom): $500-1,200
- Healthcare: High-quality private care at 30-40% of Western prices
- Visa Requirements: MM2H program requires proof of income/assets
- Internet: Excellent in urban areas
- English Prevalence: High throughout the country
- Popular Expat Areas: Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, Kota Kinabalu
8. Greece: Where Ancient Meets Affordable
Forget the tourism headlines – Greece’s real treasure lies in its everyday magic. Expats are discovering a country where ancient history serves as the backdrop to a thoroughly modern, yet delightfully laid-back lifestyle. From the whitewashed Cyclades to the verdant mountains of Epirus, Greece offers a quality of life that seems almost too good to be true.
The cost of living comes as a pleasant shock to most newcomers. Outside of Athens and Santorini, housing prices remain remarkably reasonable. On lesser-known islands like Syros or in charming mainland towns like Nafplio, you can rent a sea-view apartment for what you’d pay for a suburban garage in many U.S. cities. “Our morning ritual is coffee on our terrace overlooking the Mediterranean,” says Sarah, an expat in Kalamata. “Sometimes we have to pinch ourselves – this is actually our life now.”
The Greek healthcare system combines public coverage with affordable private options, and the famous Mediterranean diet isn’t just a health trend – it’s a way of life. Recent infrastructure improvements have brought high-speed internet to most areas, making remote work increasingly viable. The biggest draw? Greeks’ legendary hospitality makes integration into local communities natural and rewarding.
Quick Facts – Greece:
- Climate: Mediterranean, mild winters, warm summers
- Monthly Living Costs (couple): $2,000-3,000
- Rent (2-bedroom): $500-1,200 (outside Athens)
- Healthcare: Good public system, affordable private options
- Visa Requirements: Golden Visa or proof of sufficient income
- Internet: Improving rapidly, especially in urban areas
- English Prevalence: Good in tourist areas, moderate elsewhere
- Popular Expat Areas: Athens Riviera, Thessaloniki, Corfu, Crete
9. Italy: La Dolce Vita Lives On
There’s a reason Italy continues to capture imaginations worldwide. Beyond the postcards of Tuscan hills and Venetian canals lies a country where daily life itself is an art form. The surprising part? With some strategic planning, this iconic lifestyle is more accessible than ever.
Regional initiatives offering homes for symbolic prices have caught global attention, but the real value lies in Italy’s medium-sized cities. Places like Bologna, Bari, and Padova offer all the Italian charm without the tourist-inflated prices. Healthcare is excellent and affordable through the national system, while markets overflow with fresh, local produce at prices that make organic living easy. “We spend less on groceries here in Puglia than we did on processed foods in the States,” reports Michael, who relocated from Chicago.
The Italian lifestyle rewards those who embrace its rhythms – long lunches, evening passeggiate (strolls), and coffee rituals that turn cafes into second living rooms. While learning Italian is essential, locals appreciate any effort to speak their language, often responding with warmth and patience. Remote workers are discovering that high-speed internet and historic architecture can coexist beautifully.
Quick Facts – Italy:
- Climate: Varies from Alpine north to Mediterranean south
- Monthly Living Costs (couple): $2,500-3,500
- Rent (2-bedroom): $700-1,400 (outside major cities)
- Healthcare: High-quality public system
- Visa Requirements: Elective Residency visa requires proof of passive income
- Internet: Good in cities, improving in rural areas
- English Prevalence: Moderate in larger cities, limited in small towns
- Popular Expat Areas: Tuscany, Puglia, Le Marche, Sicily
10. Thailand: The Land of Smiles Beckons
Thailand’s appeal goes far beyond its famous beaches and temples. This Southeast Asian hub has evolved into a sophisticated expat destination where modern convenience meets traditional charm. From the buzzing streets of Chiang Mai to the serene islands of the Andaman Sea, Thailand offers a lifestyle that combines comfort with adventure.
The country’s healthcare system has earned global recognition, with state-of-the-art private hospitals providing world-class care at a fraction of Western prices. Housing options range from ultra-modern condos to traditional Thai-style villas, all at prices that allow for serious lifestyle upgrades. The infrastructure continues to improve, with fast internet and modern amenities readily available in expat-friendly areas.
Daily life here is a delightful mix of exotic and accessible. Street markets offer fresh tropical fruits and ready-made meals for pocket change, while modern shopping centers provide any Western comforts you might miss. The expat community is well-established but not overwhelming, allowing for authentic cultural experiences. As one expat in Chiang Mai puts it, “Every day feels like an adventure, but it’s also surprisingly easy to feel at home here.”
Quick Facts – Thailand:
- Climate: Tropical, distinct wet and dry seasons
- Monthly Living Costs (couple): $1,500-3,000
- Rent (2-bedroom): $400-1,200
- Healthcare: Excellent private hospitals at 30-40% of U.S. costs
- Visa Requirements: Various retirement and long-stay options
- Internet: Fast and reliable in urban areas
- English Prevalence: Good in tourist areas and cities
- Popular Expat Areas: Chiang Mai, Phuket, Hua Hin, Bangkok
