Two years ago I was sitting in our apartment in Indiana, tabs open on every semi-appealing country I could think of, wondering if moving abroad was actually possible. Was this an Instagram-glamorized trend that was just something other people did, or was it a real option for normal people like me?
After tons of research and deciding to take a chance on life abroad, my husband and I packed up our lives (and our Golden Retriever, and our cat), and moved to Madrid in 2024.
But it turns out we weren’t alone. The number of Americans moving abroad doubled in the first quarter of 2025 alone. If you’re in that same research spiral right now, this is the guide I wish I’d found.
Let this be your proof that no matter your background, someone in a similar situation has successfully moved abroad.
With all factors considered, 2026 marks a great time to make the change. With remote work, flexible visas, and more moderate cost of living trends overseas, this is the year to finally make the leap.
To help you get started, I’ve put together a complete, practical guide covering where to move abroad, how much to budget, and what steps to take.
What Country Is Easiest to Move To?
Moving abroad can be… complicated. When Sam and I were researching, we had Portugal, Spain, and Mexico all on the shortlist at different points. We ended up in Spain for a few specific reasons, but the right answer genuinely depends on your situation.
What do I mean when I say easiest?
- Range of visa options
- Simplicity of requirements/process
- Cost
- Immigrant community
- Healthcare
- Paths to residency
- And above all… safety
Based on all of these factors, here are the easiest destinations for Americans to move abroad to in 2026.
1. Portugal
Portugal was genuinely tempting for us. The language barrier feels smaller, Lisbon is beautiful, and the visa options are excellent. We ultimately chose Spain because Sam speaks Spanish and I studied there in college, but for someone starting fresh with no language ties, Portugal is arguably the easier landing.
Here’s why it consistently tops the lists:
- Safety: Among the safest countries in the world (Global Peace Index top 10).
- Visa range: D7 (retirement/passive Income), D2 (entrepreneurs), Digital Nomad. For the latest information, check their official website.
- Healthcare: Excellent.
- Cost of Living: Moderate in big cities, low in smaller towns.
- Residency path: 5 years → citizenship.
The downside? Portugal (like most of Southern Europe) is notoriously slow and bureaucratic. But with all things considered, if you’re looking for the best overall option, Portugal is it.
2. Spain
Spain is very safe, well-regulated, and has robust healthcare and immigration support. In my opinion, this is one of the best options in Europe (based on personal experience)!
- Safety: Top-tier safety within Europe. Petty theft in tourist spots is the main issue, but for Americans, that’s a better trade-off than gun violence.
- Visas: Non-Lucrative, Digital Nomad, Work, Student, etc. Check their government website for details.
- Cost of Living: Low to moderate.
- Residency: 5 years → permanent, 10 years → citizenship.
The downside? Spain’s Non-Lucrative and Digital Nomad visas are relatively simple in theory, but the minimum income thresholds are high compared to other countries — and they’re strictly enforced.
You’ll need consistent monthly income or large savings, which can be a hurdle for early retirees or freelancers.
If you’re planning a move to Spain, check out my guide on the 5 visa types you may be eligible for.
3. Costa Rica
I haven’t lived in Costa Rica, but I’ve spent time there and researched it heavily when we were in the planning stages. What stood out: it genuinely feels safe, the healthcare is solid by Latin American standards, and there’s a well-established expat community to land in.
Here’s the breakdown of what I found:
- Safety: Low violent crime; petty theft in tourist areas is manageable.
- Visas: Pensionado (retirement), Rentista (passive income), Investor. Check their official government website for the latest.
- Cost of Living: Moderate; some areas pricey due to demand.
- Residency: Straightforward, with clear pensionado/rentista paths.
The downside? Costa Rica’s popularity has driven significant price increases for housing and healthcare insurance in popular expat zones. Some areas now approach North American prices. So if you’re moving for financial reasons, this might not be the best option unless you live in smaller towns.
Costa Rica seems like the best for eco-living and retirees who value peace and nature.
4. Thailand
While I haven’t lived in Thailand myself, this country is safe day-to-day, and has a stable tourist and expat infrastructure that makes it appealing for those seeking a life abroad.
Some of the reasons people decide to move there are:
- Safety: Petty theft rare; violent crime against foreigners is very uncommon.
- Visas: Elite (Privilege), Retirement, Business, Digital Nomad. For the latest update, please visit the Thai government official requirements.
- Cost: Low–moderate.
- Residency: Long-stay options but few direct citizenship paths.
The downside? While it’s easy to enter and stay short-term, maintaining a long-term, renewable legal status can feel bureaucratic and uncertain. With all these factors considered, Thailand offers an excellent quality of life and safety for cost.
5. Georgia
While few people know about this option, Georgia consistently ranks as of the safest and most welcoming countries in its region.
- Safety: Very safe for foreigners, low violent crime.
- Visas: 1-year visa-free for many countries.
- Cost: Very low.
- Residency: Flexible.
The downside? Georgia is safe and simple for remote workers, but its healthcare system is still developing, and local job opportunities are limited unless you work remotely. For complex medical care, many expats travel abroad.
Georgia is great for digital nomads wanting a simple, cheap, safe setup.
Overview: Easiest Countries to Move Abroad to in 2026
| Country | Safety | Ease of Visa | Cost of Living | Expat Community | Healthcare | Residency Path | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portugal | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Excellent |
| Spain | ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐½ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ | ⭐⭐⭐ | Very Good |
| Costa Rica | ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | Strong |
| Thailand | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | Strong |
| Georgia | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐½ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐½ | Strong |
How Much Money Do You Need to Move Abroad?
Once you decide where you’d like to move, it’s time to sort out a budget for moving abroad.
Here are the main expenses you should budget for:
- Visa and legal fees
- Flights and shipping personal belongings
- Housing deposits
- Healthcare insurance (most countries require immigrants to buy private)
- Startup living costs (first 3–6 months)
Ultimately, the budget you need will depend on your specific situation, lifestyle, and whether or not you have dependents.
Although it varies greatly, here are reasonable estimates of how much money it will take to move abroad:
- Solo remote worker: $5,000–$10,000
- Couple: $10,000–$20,000
- Family: $15,000–$30,000
To be 100% transparent, for our move abroad to Spain we paid about $700 each for flights, $200 for additional luggage, $900 for our immigration lawyer, $3,000 for our first month’s deposit + rent, and $10,000 for a pet relocation specialist (optional, and insanely expensive, I know). All in, we spent roughly $14,800 getting ourselves to Spain. It’s overwhelming, and not a number people tend to publicize, but I want you to get the full picture.
I do want to stress here that it is possible to move abroad with less money, but you have to be organized, pack light, and pick an affordable place to live.
There are so many success stories of people that moved abroad with nothing, so please don’t let the finances scare you! Ultimately, only you know what the right decision is for your circumstances.
One consideration — depending on the type of visa you’re on, you may have to provide a larger deposit to secure housing. Do all of this research in advance to save yourself any surprises later.
Here are a few resources to help with budget planning:
- Numbeo cost of living calculator
- Wise or Revolut money transfer services
- Download my free, downloadable Moving Abroad Budget Template
What Country Is Cheapest to Relocate To?
Before we dive in, it’s worth noting that Spain didn’t make this list. We knew going in that Madrid wasn’t the cheapest option, and we chose it anyway because the quality of life, safety, and language factor outweighed the cost for us.
If budget is your primary driver, here’s where I’d look instead:
1. Mexico
Mexico is a go-to favorite for Americans looking for an easy, affordable way to move abroad. With affordable rent, low cost of living, and a straightforward Temporary or Permanent Resident visa process, Mexico allows you to relocate quickly.
Popular expat hubs include Mérida, Playa del Carmen, and Lake Chapala, all with established communities and modern amenities that meet American standards. Just be careful about where you locate to due to safety concerns in certain regions.
2. Georgia
As we touched on earlier, the country of Georgia offers incredibly low living costs, beautiful landscapes, and an easy immigration process for many nationalities. Many Americans can stay visa-free for up to a year, and long-term residency options are simple to arrange. This makes Georgia a great option if you want to move abroad quick and test out what life is like in a foreign country.
While the culture is vastly different, Tbilisi and Batumi have growing expat communities, making integration smoother.
3. Thailand
Thailand combines affordability with excellent quality of life. While tourist visas only offer short-term stays, programs like the Thailand Elite Visa or retirement visas allow longer stays.
Cities like Chiang Mai and Bangkok are popular with expats, offering inexpensive housing, food, and healthcare.
4. Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a well known go-to for those seeking a laid-back lifestyle with reliable infrastructure. While slightly more expensive than Mexico or Georgia, it’s still cheaper than relocating to Western Europe or the USA itself.
The Pensionado and Rentista visas make it relatively simple to establish residency.
5. Portugal
Portugal might not be the absolute cheapest, but it’s one of the most cost-effective European options. Unlike the costly immigration processes in some countries, its D7 visa for passive income earners, or the Digital Nomad visa allows Americans to move abroad with a moderate budget.
Cities like Lisbon and Porto are more expensive, but smaller towns like Braga or Coimbra offer lower costs and high quality of life.
Cheapest Countries to Move Abroad To: Basic Cost of Living Comparison
| Country | Rent (1BR city center) | Utilities & Internet | Groceries | Transport | Healthcare | Total Avg Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mexico | $400–$700 | $50–$100 | $200–$300 | $30–$50 | $50–$100 | $730–$1,250 |
| Georgia | $250–$500 | $30–$70 | $150–$250 | $15–$30 | $40–$80 | $485–$930 |
| Thailand | $300–$600 | $50–$100 | $150–$250 | $30–$50 | $50–$100 | $580–$1,100 |
| Costa Rica | $500–$900 | $70–$120 | $250–$350 | $40–$70 | $80–$150 | $940–$1,590 |
| Portugal | $700–$1,200 | $100–$150 | $250–$400 | $50–$80 | $70–$150 | $1,170–$1,980 |
Moving Abroad Checklist: What You Need to Do
Planning a move abroad can feel overwhelming (speaking from experience). There are so many things to think about, from visa paperwork to housing to finances.
To make it easier, I’ve created a step-by-step moving abroad from USA checklist that breaks down everything you need to do before you leave and once you arrive in your new country.
Here’s a sneak peek of what’s included in the checklist:
12–6 Months Before Moving
- Research your visa options and requirements
- Begin gathering important documents like translations and background checks
- Organize finances for international banking and currency transfers
- Make arrangements for pets, housing, and any other personal affairs
- Book your flights and travel arrangements
Upon Arrival / Immediately After
- Secure temporary accommodation while searching for a permanent home
- Register with local authorities and get essential IDs or registration numbers
- Set up local banking, phone plans, and utilities
- Navigate public transport and local systems efficiently
…and much, much more. The full checklist goes step by step, with everything you need to make your move smooth and stress-free in a printable, digestible format.
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Life Abroad is Actually Within Reach
If moving abroad has been a dream of yours, I hope this gives you a good understanding of your options and what it takes to make the leap.
We’ve been in Madrid for over a year and I still pinch myself sometimes when we’re walking our dog through the historic old streets. It wasn’t always easy to get here, but the version of us that almost talked ourselves out of it? I’m glad we didn’t listen to them.
Here’s what I want you to take away from this blog post:
- There is a huge community of American expats all across the world (over 5.5 million)!
- While there’s no such thing as a perfect country, you have viable options for moving abroad.
- It can be costly to move abroad, but it doesn’t have to be. People are able to pull it off with way less.
- You do have to leave your comfort zone, but I promise it’s worth it.
- If you want to move abroad this year, you need to start planning now!
If you’re in that ‘should we actually do this?’ phase right now, I hope this helped. And if you have questions, I’m always in the comments.
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