1. Panama
Panama has become something of a fixture at the top of global expat rankings, and the data backs up the reputation. For the second consecutive year, Panama ranked as the best country for expats according to the InterNations Expat Insider survey. That is not a one-year fluke; it reflects a pattern that has held steady for a while now.
What makes the country stand out is not just satisfaction but the sheer scale of it. A remarkable 94 percent of expats say they are happy with their life abroad in Panama. Add in the fact that thirty-five percent of respondents are already retired, and eighteen percent say their primary motivation for moving was to retire there, and it becomes clear why Panama has earned its reputation as a soft landing spot for Americans starting a new chapter.
2. Mexico
Proximity helps, but it is far from the whole story. Expats love Mexico, which has ranked among the top five best places to live abroad since the InterNations survey was first launched in 2014, and this year Mexico has again ranked No. 1 for “ease of settling in,” with expats citing the friendliness of locals and making new friends. That kind of consistency over more than a decade says something about how deeply the welcome runs.
The numbers on friendship formation are especially striking. Seventy three percent of expats say making local friends is easy, compared to just thirty nine percent globally. Beyond the social side, in places like San Miguel de Allende, Puerto Vallarta, and Merida, the infrastructure for new arrivals is genuinely mature, with English-speaking doctors, organized expat groups, and neighbors who did this exact move a few years ahead of you, which is a big reason Mexico continues to rank as one of the most expat-friendly countries for Americans.
3. Portugal
Portugal has quietly become the European base of choice for a growing number of Americans. Portugal has quietly become the number one European destination for American expats, and the American population there has grown over 40 percent since 2020, thanks to a rare combination of EU residency pathways that actually work, the lowest cost of living in Western Europe, and 300 days of sunshine on the Algarve coast. That kind of sustained growth is not something that happens by accident.
Safety plays a role too. Portugal is consistently ranked as one of the safest countries in the world, and in 2026, it remains in the top 10 of the Global Peace Index, well ahead of the U.S. On top of that, the sheer volume of visitors tells its own story, with the country set to welcome a record 67 million international tourists, a figure that includes a steady stream of Americans drawn by the mix of affordability and genuine hospitality.
4. Colombia
Colombia’s rise on the expat scene over the past two decades is one of the more remarkable turnarounds in global relocation trends. Climbing from fifth place in 2024 all the way to the number two spot in the InterNations Expat Insider 2025 survey, Colombia ranked as the second-best country for expats in the world. For a country that was, not so long ago, associated with very different headlines, that shift matters.
The satisfaction numbers back up the ranking. The survey found that the vast majority of respondents, around four in five, are satisfied with their financial situation in Colombia, and the country also ranked highly in the quality of life index, with nearly all respondents stating that their disposable household income is sufficient to lead a comfortable life. Perhaps most telling of all is the intent to stay, since more than a third of expats say they wanted to stay in Colombia forever, and nearly half say they have no clear plans of leaving.
5. Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s “pura vida” reputation is not just marketing. In InterNations’ most recent survey on ease of settling in, Costa Rica came out as the undisputed winner of the Ease of Settling In Index, ranking highly in all categories, with respondents finding the country very welcoming, at 88 percent agreeing, which is 25 percent higher than the average welcoming levels across the globe. That gap is significant, not a rounding error.
Locals also make an effort to bring newcomers into daily life. Over a third of respondents said it was easy to get used to the local culture, compared to the average 21 percent across the world. Layer on a straightforward residency program and a stable democratic system, and it is easy to see why so many Americans who visit end up staying far longer than they originally planned.
6. Poland
Poland is the outlier on this list in the best possible way, a country that rarely tops casual bucket lists yet ranks at the very top of favorability polling. Of the 34 countries surveyed by Pew, Poland was the country where people had the most favorable view of the United States, with more than 85 percent. That is not a narrow majority; it is a near consensus.
The roots of that goodwill go back decades. Poland’s positive attitude toward the United States is rooted in President Reagan’s stance against the USSR and America’s help when Poland left the Soviet bloc. It shows up in ordinary interactions too, since American travelers consistently report feeling genuinely welcomed in Polish cities like Krakow, Warsaw, and Gdansk, where Poles are perceived as very friendly, open-minded, and supportive. Tourism numbers have followed suit, with nearly 59 million tourists staying in Polish accommodation facilities in 2025, with foreign arrivals reaching 15.2 million, making Poland one of the fastest-growing destinations in Europe.
7. Thailand
Thailand has been on the radar of American expats for decades, and it has not lost its appeal. Thailand has been on the expat radar for decades, and it still earns its spot, offering more lifestyle for less money than almost anywhere else, with respondents placing it in the top ten for feeling welcome and at home, finding friends, and getting used to the local culture. That combination of warmth and value is rare to find together.
Housing is where Thailand really separates itself from the pack. Thailand also ranked first for housing affordability and ease of finding accommodation, which alone makes it an outlier, since finding decent, cheap housing is one of the most stressful parts of any international move, and Thailand largely removes that headache. Beyond the balance sheet, Thailand has long been favored by expats for its affordability, tropical beauty and warm hospitality, with one-bedroom apartments in Bangkok renting for about 654 dollars per month, and a healthcare system that is both accessible and affordable.
8. Spain
Spain rounds out the list with a blend of culture, healthcare, and genuine local warmth that keeps drawing Americans across the Atlantic. Spain offers a vibrant culture, pleasant climate and relatively low cost of living, making it an attractive destination for American expats, with cities like Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia boasting large English-speaking communities and rich cultural scenes. That mix of familiarity and novelty tends to ease the adjustment for newcomers.
Healthcare is often cited as one of the country’s biggest draws. Spain’s universal healthcare system is highly regarded, and the country’s relaxed lifestyle, with its emphasis on socializing and enjoying life, appeals to many. On the cultural side, InterNations’ survey shows Spain ranks high for leisure options, culture and nightlife, and great food, with 87 percent happy with Spain’s culinary variety and dining options, and the nice weather doesn’t hurt either.
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