The top Countries for American expatriates this year were determined by a poll of over 10,000 people across 172 countries. A growing number of American expatriates claim that leaving the country is the new American dream.
Many Americans are traveling overseas due to high living expenses, political concerns, and a desire for work-life balance. The Association of Americans Resident Overseas (AARO) estimates that 5.5 million Americans currently reside abroad. And it is anticipated that the number will skyrocket. According to a CS Global Partners analysis, over 1,200 Americans left the country in the first quarter of 2025 alone, a 102% increase over the same time the previous year.
What is the ideal location, though?
To get the responses, Inter Nations, an expat networking site, polled over 10,000 people in 172 countries.
See which made the list and why by reading on.
This post was contributed to by Deborah Kearns.
#5: Vietnam-Country in Asia
Vietnam is a nation in Southeast Asia that is well-known for its vibrant cities, rivers, beaches, and Buddhist pagodas. The nation’s capital, Hanoi, honors Ho Chi Minh, the famous leader of the Communist period, with a massive marble tomb. In addition to museums dedicated to the history of the Vietnam War and the Cầ Chi tunnels used by Viet Cong fighters, Ho Chi Minh City (previously Saigon) features French colonial sites.
Vietnam’s excellent overall satisfaction score and reasonable cost of living for people relocating from the United States and Europe contributed to its high ranking on the list.
According to Bertha Pesik, who relocated from Indonesia to Vietnam, “life here moves fast, there’s so much growth everywhere and people are incredibly warm and helpful,” she told BBC News.
#4: Thailand –Country in Asia
Thailand is a nation in Southeast Asia. It is well-known for its tropical beaches, lavish royal palaces, historic ruins, and elaborate temples with Buddha statues. The capital, Bangkok, is home to the famous temples of Wat Arun, Wat Pho, and the Emerald Buddha Temple (Wat PhraKaew), as well as serene canalside neighborhoods and an ultramodern skyline. Bustling Pattaya and stylish Hua Hin are two nearby beach destinations.
Thailand came in at number four. Similar to Vietnam, it received good marks for affordability and happiness.
Expat Natasha Eldred told the BBC, “I do not know of any other country that is as welcoming, safe, and beautiful to travel around in.”
However, travel writer Amy Poulton, who was an expat in Thailand, highlights the differences between Westerners and natives.
“My Thai friends found it annoying when expats would talk about how amazing Thailand is when local people have a very different experience,” Poulton told the BBC. “Keep yourself informed and aware that your experience is very different to local people.”
#3: Mexico- Country in North America
Mexico is a nation in North America, formally known as the United Mexican States. It borders the United States to the north, Guatemala and Belize to the southeast, and the Pacific Ocean to the west, the Caribbean Sea to the southeast, and the Gulf of Mexico to the east. It is the northernmost nation in Latin America. With a geographical size of 1,972,550 km2 (761,610 sq mi), Mexico is the eleventh biggest country in the world.
Mexico, which came in third on InterNations’ list, has always had a sizable expat population, mostly of Americans.
“The people, the culture, the food, the amazing beauty, the cost of living, the healthcare all are great reasons to live here,” American resident David B. Wright of Playa del Carmen told the BBC.
If you want to live in Mexico, you have to learn Spanish, according to Wright. “If you live here for 5, 10, 20 years and don’t bother to learn anything beyond the very basics, you’re expecting others to accommodate you but aren’t showing the desire to accommodate others.”
#2: Colombia- Country in South America
Colombia, formally known as the Republic of Colombia, is a nation with insular areas in North America that is mostly in South America. Colombia came in second, scoring well for both ease of settling in and cost of living. “81% are satisfied with their financial situation in Colombia (vs. 54% globally),” according to InterNations.
“Colombians are wonderful [neighbors] and friends because they are warm, welcoming, and curious,” expat Portia Hart told the BBC. “There is a palpable spirit of hope and collective effort toward a better future because of Colombia’s complicated modern history.”
#1: Panama- Country in Central America
On the isthmus that connects Central and South America is the nation of Panama. Its center is sliced by the renowned human engineering achievement known as the Panama Canal, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific seas to provide a vital commerce route. Colonial structures in the Casco Viejo neighborhood and the rainforest of Natural Metropolitan Park contrast with contemporary skyscrapers, casinos, and nightclubs in Panama City’s capital.
With excellent ratings for cost of living, ease of relocation, and quality of life, Panama came in top on InterNations’ ranking. According to InterNations, “a whopping 94% of expats there are happy with their life abroad,” and the country rated #1 for pensioners.
American resort owner Cari Mackey told the BBC, “I adore being surrounded by this lush jungle landscape where we see toucans, monkeys, iguanas, agoutis, birds, and butterflies every day.” “Our area is so remote that we rarely see anyone else on our beach other than our own guests of the resort so, the waves are never crowded and the vibes are always nice.”
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