Thinking About Moving Abroad? Here’s Why It Could Be Your Best Decision Yet
So, there I was, spinning a globe with my eyes closed (yes, literally), and boom—my finger landed on China. Wild? Maybe. But looking back, that "crazy" decision was one of the best choices I ever made. Moving abroad felt like opening the door to a whole new world: I learned Mandarin, met lifelong friends from all over the globe, got way more for my money, and—most importantly—discovered so much about myself.
Living as an expat gave me the freedom to design my life on my terms. It was exciting, sometimes nerve-wracking, and always surprising. I’d never trade those years for anything. If you're feeling a little stuck, thinking about a fresh start, or even just dreaming of experiencing a different way of life, here's my advice: pack a bag, find a new time zone, and go for it!
Why Consider Life Abroad?
Living abroad isn’t just about escaping the familiar (though, let's be real, that’s part of it). It’s about immersing yourself in a place that challenges you, stretches you, and yes, frees you. You’ll find vibrant communities of other expats, tons of local resources, and endless opportunities to grow.
So, if you’re ready to take the plunge, here’s a hand-picked list of 10 fantastic places for American expats to consider. Whether you’re a remote worker, a language learner, or just looking for a new adventure, these spots offer a mix of affordability, safety, welcoming cultures, and loads of charm.
10 Amazing Places for Americans to Live Abroad (+3 Bonus Locations!)
1. Portugal – Lisbon
Language: Portuguese (widely spoken English)
Cost of Living: ~$1,500/month for a comfortable lifestyle
Visa: D7 Visa for remote workers or residency visa for retirees
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Why Lisbon? Portugal tops the list for affordability, a warm climate, and safety. With its friendly locals, strong expat community, and coastal views, you’ll find plenty to love in Lisbon. Explore colorful neighborhoods, soak up the cafe culture, and enjoy the slow-paced lifestyle.
Fun Fact: Portugal has one of the oldest bookshops in the world, Bertrand Bookstore, which opened in 1732!
2. Spain – Valencia
Language: Spanish, some English in tourist areas
Cost of Living: Around $1,300/month
Visa: Non-Lucrative Visa (perfect for remote workers)
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Why Valencia? Spain’s third-largest city blends history and modernity, with plenty of tapas bars and beautiful beaches. Valencia is affordable, safe, and boasts a strong expat network.
Fun Fact: Valencia is the birthplace of paella, Spain’s famous rice dish!
3. Thailand – Chiang Mai
Language: Thai (English spoken in expat communities)
Cost of Living: ~$800/month
Visa: Tourist visa (extendable) or education visa if you’re learning Thai
Currency: Thai Baht (THB)
Why Chiang Mai? This city is a digital nomad paradise with beautiful temples, lively markets, and a low cost of living. The laid-back lifestyle, friendly locals, and endless scenery make it a top pick.
Fun Fact: Chiang Mai has over 300 temples—so there’s always somewhere new to explore!
4. Mexico – Mexico City
Language: Spanish (English in expat communities)
Cost of Living: ~$1,200/month
Visa: Temporary Resident Visa for stays over six months
Currency: Mexican Peso (MXN)
Why Mexico City? Mexico City is vibrant, cosmopolitan, and affordable, with tons of history and amazing food. It has a welcoming expat community and a rich cultural scene.
Fun Fact: Mexico City is built on a lake, which is why it sinks a little each year!
5. Indonesia – Bali
Language: Indonesian, English widely spoken
Cost of Living: ~$1,000/month
Visa: Visa on Arrival or a “Social and Cultural” visa
Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
Why Bali? A tropical paradise, Bali is perfect for expats seeking a relaxed, community-focused lifestyle. It’s ideal for digital nomads, with plenty of co-working spaces, yoga retreats, and beach vibes.
Fun Fact: Bali has a “Day of Silence” called Nyepi, celebrated annually with complete quiet and stillness!
6. South Korea – Seoul
Language: Korean (you’ll find English in some areas)
Cost of Living: ~$1,700/month
Visa: F-series visas for language students and teachers
Currency: South Korean Won (KRW)
Why Seoul? Seoul’s unique mix of futuristic and traditional elements makes it endlessly fascinating. It’s a tech-savvy, safe city with strong cultural experiences and lively expat communities.
Fun Fact: Seoul has a “selfie museum” called the Selfie Factory, for fans of all things quirky!
7. United Arab Emirates – Dubai
Language: Arabic (English widely used)
Cost of Living: ~$3,000/month
Visa: Remote Working Visa or employer sponsorship
Currency: UAE Dirham (AED)
Why Dubai? Known for luxury, Dubai has fantastic career opportunities, no income tax, and is highly international. This fast-paced city is perfect for career-focused expats.
Fun Fact: Dubai is home to the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa!
8. Vietnam – Da Nang
Language: Vietnamese (English in expat areas)
Cost of Living: ~$900/month
Visa: Tourist visa (extendable)
Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND)
Why Da Nang? With its beautiful coastline and affordability, Da Nang offers an incredible quality of life. It’s a favorite for expats seeking a slower pace and lots of beach time.
Fun Fact: Da Nang is famous for its Dragon Bridge, which breathes fire at night!
9. Ecuador – Cuenca
Language: Spanish (some English in expat areas)
Cost of Living: ~$1,000/month
Visa: Retirement Visa (no age requirement; proof of monthly income), Temporary Resident Visa
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Why Cuenca? This charming Andean city is renowned for its colonial architecture, vibrant arts scene, and year-round mild climate. Cuenca has a welcoming expat community, affordable healthcare, and low cost of living, making it especially popular with retirees and budget-conscious travelers.
Fun Fact: Cuenca is a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its well-preserved historic center.
10. Costa Rica – San José
Language: Spanish (English in many areas)
Cost of Living: ~$1,400/month
Visa: Rentista visa or investor visa
Currency: Costa Rican Colón (CRC)
Why San José? Costa Rica is all about “pura vida” (pure life). With lush rainforests, eco-friendly living, and a stable government, it’s a haven for nature lovers.
Fun Fact: Costa Rica has no army and invests heavily in education and healthcare!
Bonus Picks
Bonus 1: Japan – Osaka
Language: Japanese (some English in urban areas)
Cost of Living: ~$1,800/month
Visa: Work visa or long-term residence for skilled professionals
Fun Fact: Osaka’s street food culture is unmatched, with takoyaki (octopus balls) being a must-try!
Bonus 2: South Africa – Cape Town
Language: English, Afrikaans, Zulu, and others
Cost of Living: Around $1,200/month
Visa: Visitor visa for extended stays
Fun Fact: Cape Town has the stunning Table Mountain, perfect for hiking and capturing Instagram-worthy shots!
Bonus 3: Cambodia – Phnom Penh
Language: Khmer (English is widely used in expat communities)
Cost of Living: ~$800/month
Visa: Business Visa (extendable), Retirement Visa available for those over 55
Fun Fact: Phnom Penh is home to the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, with floors made of more than 5,000 silver tiles!
