The search for expat-friendly countries has become crucial as more professionals, families, and retirees look abroad for new opportunities. Several countries stand out as top choices for international relocation.
You might want to move abroad to advance your career, improve your lifestyle, or start your retirement. Each destination has something special to offer. Vietnam ranks fifth globally in expat satisfaction. Thailand draws people with its welcoming expat community. The Philippines extends its charm across 7,600 islands, offering ample opportunities for newcomers. Portugal has grown into one of Europe’s most loved expat spots. Canada keeps attracting people who value stability and inclusivity.
Expat Wealth At Work will show you what makes these countries so appealing for 2026 and beyond. We’ll look at everything that matters – from living costs to healthcare quality, easy visa processes to cultural experiences. These factors are a wonderful way to get insights that could make your expat experience successful.
Thailand: A lifestyle haven with global appeal
Thailand stands out as one of the best countries for expats thanks to its amazing mix of affordable living and quality life. The Kingdom goes way beyond its picture-perfect beaches to give foreign residents a rich and accessible lifestyle.
Affordable living with high quality of life
Money goes a long way in Thailand. Daily expenses like rent, groceries, and transport cost nowhere near what you’d pay in Western countries. You can grab street food for just THB 40-60 (about $1-2), and cities like Chiang Mai offer rent that’s 60% cheaper than London or New York. The data clearly demonstrates that 86% of expats claim to have sufficient income to lead a comfortable life.
Housing costs make expats happy, with 76% saying it’s affordable —double the global average. A two-storey townhouse with three bathrooms and pool access in Chiang Mai runs about THB13,000 monthly. Want a one-bedroom condo on Bangkok’s Sukhumvit Road? That’ll set you back around THB25,000.
Healthcare and wellness infrastructure
Thailand’s reliable healthcare system shines with world-class private hospitals in Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai. These internationally accredited facilities promise short wait times and affordable consultations. Medical care costs 20–80% less than in Western countries, without compromising quality.
Internationally trained English-speaking doctors staff private hospitals like Bumrungrad International and Bangkok Hospital. Expats should consider obtaining private health insurance. Yearly premiums range from THB20,000 to THB60,000 based on coverage.
Digital nomads and retirees find community
Remote workers love Thailand’s reliable internet, budget-friendly coworking spaces, and laid-back lifestyle. Chiang Mai has become a digital nomad paradise with plenty of coworking spots and speedy internet.
The country welcomes retirees with simple visa options if they meet income requirements. Both groups enjoy Thailand’s warm expat communities. Locals show exceptional friendliness toward foreigners—81% of expats agree, beating the global average of 65%.
Bangkok vs Chiang Mai: contrasting expat hubs
These popular cities offer two very different ways of life:
- Cost differential: Living in Chiang Mai costs 30-50% less than Bangkok
- Pace: Bangkok buzzes with city energy and career options, while Chiang Mai offers a relaxed, community-focused life
- Community: Bangkok’s expat scene is big and diverse but can feel distant; Chiang Mai creates closer bonds, especially among families and remote workers
Chiang Mai draws nature lovers with its surrounding mountains. They’re perfect spots for hiking and cycling.
Vietnam: A rising star for opportunity seekers
Vietnam ranks among the best countries for expats. The country’s rapid economic growth has caught attention; it will join the top 20 global economies by 2050. This Southeast Asian nation draws a diverse expatriate community with its perfect mix of affordability, opportunities, and rich culture.
Low-cost, high-energy cities
Living costs in Vietnam are surprisingly affordable. A small family’s monthly expenses rarely go beyond USD 1,431 in major cities like Hanoi and Saigon. Housing in Vietnam is also reasonably priced. You can rent spacious, two-bedroom apartments in city centres for less than USD 1,431 per month. Compare this to San Francisco, where you’d pay around USD 4,771 for similar housing. Ho Chi Minh City, the country’s business hub, offers one-bedroom apartments outside the centre for just USD 381–600 per month.
Entrepreneurial and remote work ecosystem
Digital nomads and remote workers flock to Vietnam thanks to its reliable internet and business-friendly environment. The country’s major cities – Da Nang, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City – have active communities that organise networking events and professional meetups. The tech sector is booming, with a 10% revenue jump in 2022 reaching USD 141.22 billion. Vietnam’s position at 59th in the 2023 Global Remote Work Index shows its strength as a remote work destination.
Cultural richness and modern conveniences
Vietnamese traditions stay strong despite the urban boom. The country blends ancient customs with modern life seamlessly. Major cities offer everything an expat needs – modern shopping malls, international restaurants, and quality apartments. The country’s location makes it perfect for exploring Southeast Asia with affordable flights.
Family-friendly with growing international schools
Metropolitan areas have plenty of international schools. These schools offer various curricula, including American, International Baccalaureate, and Australian education models. Annual fees range from USD 9,542 to USD 28,626. Ho Chi Minh City features top-tier institutions like the Australian International School Saigon and Renaissance International School. Vietnam’s public education system shines too – it ranks second in Southeast Asia and stands 31st out of 81 countries in mathematics.
Portugal and Spain: Europe’s relaxed expat magnets
Two of the best countries for expats seeking a European lifestyle at affordable prices are located on the Iberian Peninsula. More people keep moving to Portugal and Spain, drawn by how these countries blend their old-world charm with modern living.
Mediterranean lifestyle and safety
The weather in both countries is wonderful, with sunshine more than 300 days a year in most areas. Life moves at a slower pace and revolves around outdoor activities. You’ll still observe afternoon siestas in smaller towns. These countries are among Europe’s safest places for foreigners to live. Locals warmly welcome international residents, and violent crime rates remain low.
Access to healthcare and education
Portugal’s SNS and Spain’s Sistema Nacional de Salud stand out as some of the world’s best healthcare systems. They provide coverage for everyone, though many expats add private insurance to get faster care. The education choices are plenty. You’ll find local public schools and international schools that follow British, American, or IB programmes in big cities like Lisbon, Porto, Madrid, and Barcelona.
Retirement-friendly visa options
Portugal’s D7 passive income visa and the Golden Visa programme, along with Spain’s non-lucrative visa, have become the go-to choices for non-EU citizens. Both countries added digital nomad visas that work well for remote workers, showing how they adapt to new work trends.
Cultural immersion and community life
The culture stays rich and welcoming – from Portugal’s fado music to Spain’s flamenco. You’ll find expat communities that are years old in coastal areas like the Algarve and Costa del Sol. Yet you can still experience authentic local life, especially in smaller towns where making real connections with locals makes living there even better.
Mexico and Costa Rica: Nature, balance, and affordability
Central America features two amazing expat destinations that combine natural beauty with practical benefits. Mexico and Costa Rica stand out as exceptional choices among the best countries for expats who want natural surroundings while enjoying modern comforts.
Proximity to North America
Mexico gives North Americans unmatched accessibility with multiple travel options. “If I need to get back to the U.S. quickly, I can do so by land, air or sea,” noted an expat. Approximately 1.5 million Americans have chosen Mexico over other foreign destinations, whereas Costa Rica only accommodates 25,000–50,000 American expats.
Pura Vida and eco-conscious living
Costa Rica’s identity stems from its dedication to protecting the environment. The country got rid of its military more than 70 years ago and put that money into education. This initiative led to the growth of eco-communities and “agrihoods” that are a wonderful way to get eco-friendly living options. Residents grow their own food and live in harmony with nature.
Vibrant culture and local integration
Both countries let expats dive deep into local culture. Mexican society welcomes those who embrace cultural differences rather than expect American standards. The friendly Costa Rican “Ticos” live the Pura Vida philosophy and create communities where “everyone knows one another and takes time to stop and say hello.”
Healthcare and visa accessibility
Healthcare options in both countries give exceptional value:
- Medical care in Mexico costs 75-80% less than U.S. prices, with doctor visits averaging €28-48
- Costa Rica ranks 36th globally for healthcare quality—ahead of the U.S., Cuba, and New Zealand
These countries make it easy to become a resident, and Costa Rica even offers a Digital Nomad visa for remote workers.
Final Thoughts
These expat havens will give you plenty of options to think over by 2026. You might love Thailand’s affordable luxury or Vietnam’s entrepreneurial buzz. Maybe the laid-back European charm of Portugal and Spain is more your style. The natural beauty of Mexico and Costa Rica could be just what you’re looking for. Each place has something special to match what different expats want.
Money matters a lot when moving abroad. You’ll spend a lot less on housing, healthcare, and everyday costs than in Western countries. Thailand and Vietnam really shine when it comes to making your money go further while living well. Portugal, Spain, and Thailand offer top-notch medical care at prices that are significantly lower than those in North America.
Getting the right visa is easier now, thanks to how work has changed. Costa Rica and Portugal’s digital nomad programmes let you keep your international career going while enjoying a better life abroad. The best part? These places have well-established expat communities, so you’ll find friends easily while still getting to know the local culture.
Take time to visit the places you like best in different seasons. This helps you see what real life is like away from tourist spots. Each country has its perks, but your perfect expat spot depends on what matters most to you – whether that’s work opportunities, retirement plans, family life, or lifestyle priorities.
The expat world continues to change, but these countries stay popular because they adapt well and welcome international residents warmly. Your ideal expat home is out there – maybe it’s in one of these increasingly popular spots around the world.
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