1 Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a popular destination for those looking to retire abroad, but it’s also a great place for young expats who are pursuing jobs in the country. Costa Rica has made a name for itself as one of the friendliest countries in Latin America with a welcoming atmosphere that makes it easy to fit right in. The lifestyle there is also comfortable and affordable, which has earned this country its reputation as an ideal destination for expats.
The cost of living in Costa Rica is on the lower side compared with many places in North America and Europe, giving expats there more bang for their buck without sacrificing quality of life. The beaches are gorgeous and access to fresh produce at local markets will make your meals taste like they were freshly plucked from the earth—and they were! There’s no shortage of outdoor activities you can enjoy like hiking, kayaking, bird watching, horseback riding and so much more.
Of course, ample time spent outdoors isn’t the only secret to long life expectancy—Costa Ricans have good healthcare too! In fact, healthcare here is ranked second highest among Latin American countries by WHO (World Health Organization). All around Costa Rica you’ll find high-quality private hospitals staffed with bilingual medical staff. And don’t worry about finding one that takes your insurance; these private facilities accept major credit cards and cash payments from patients from all over the world!
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2 Mexico
Mexico has consistently been a favorite destination for North American expats, and it’s easy to see why. The country has immense cultural value for many expats, as well as warm weather year-round, excellent cuisine, plenty of nightlife and gorgeous beaches. And since Mexico is so close to the U.S., it’s easy to visit family back home when you need your fix of Americana.
But perhaps the best part about Mexico (at least in terms of cost) is its affordable cost of living—especially when compared to the U.S.. Renting an apartment in Mexico City costs $1195 AUD per month on average, while a one bedroom apartment in Los Angeles costs $3300 USD per month on average (that’s over $4400 AUD!).
Additionally, there are plenty of opportunities for expats who want to work or start their own business in Mexico while they enjoy their new lifestyle. The people are friendly and welcoming—and with so much gorgeous scenery around them (the Gulf coast! The Mayan ruins! The Sierra Madre mountains!), how could they not be?
3 New Zealand
New Zealand is one of the best countries for expats to live in. It is the second happiest country in the world. New Zealand, composed of two main islands and several smaller coastlines, has a stable government and a high standard of living. The country’s high-quality education system, decent healthcare, and great work-life balance make it an ideal place to raise a family. Although housing can be expensive in major cities like Auckland, expats can still find reasonably priced accommodations outside the city center. All New Zealand citizens have access to comprehensive healthcare services through the government-funded National Health Service (NHS). Expats who move there are considered residents if they stay longer than six months, allowing them to receive both public and private health services without paying any additional fees or taxes.
4 Thailand
Thailand is a huge draw for expats. Gorgeous beaches, tropical weather, and cheap living costs are the main reasons why people fall in love with the Land of Smiles.
Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Bangkok are the most popular destinations for expats in Thailand. Chiang Mai offers small-town charm and is a bit more affordable than Bangkok, but it can get cold during winter months. Phuket has beautiful beaches but also has some crime issues that you’ll want to look out for. Bangkok is an international city where it’s easy to meet other expats and make friends. But be ready to deal with traffic jams that can last hours!
On the downside, you have to learn Thai culture if you want to blend in well with the locals, who are famously friendly and welcoming people. If you’re looking for a serious relationship or marriage in Thailand, know that some Asian countries do not allow their citizens to marry foreigners unless they convert to Buddhism first!
The cost of living in Thailand depends on where you settle down: The total monthly expenses average $1,415 per month if you live in Chiang Mai compared with $2,068 in Bangkok (including rent).
5 France
- France
France is the most visited country in the world for a reason, and if you’re looking for an expat destination that will always have something new to discover, this is it. From the food to the culture to the beautiful countryside, living in France means living like a local with all of Europe at your doorstep. Add in some of the best healthcare in the world, and France really does have it all—it’s no wonder it was voted by expats as one of their favorite countries worldwide.
Travel tips for France
- The cost of transport: In most cities across France, public transport is easily accessible and very affordable. For example, Paris has plenty of bus, rail and metro options to get around; Lyon makes it easy with its efficient tram system; while Strasbourg combines both train and tram services with plenty of bike lanes throughout the city center. If you’re planning on taking public transportation regularly then consider purchasing a weekly or monthly pass which will provide you with multiple journeys over more than just one day (and usually save you money). Buses tend to be cheaper than trains as they don’t need to reserve seats and are often quicker than trains when traveling between cities as they don’t need to make stops along the way.
- Stay vigilant: Unlike other parts of Europe, pickpocketing isn’t as common in rural areas but can become a problem when visiting larger cities (especially those close to borders such as Paris or Nice) where groups work together using distractions like fake fights or begging/asking for directions so that one member can lift your belongings without you noticing! Keep an eye on your bags when on crowded streets or buses/trains during rush hour—keep valuables concealed at all times so that passersby don’t know what’s inside them.
6 Colombia
Colombia is a country with a very good lifestyle for expats. It has low living costs, low property prices, and friendly locals.
Two of the most popular cities in Colombia where expats live are Medellín and Bogotá. Both are large cities offering plenty to do and enjoy while also having low living costs as well as convenient links to other parts of the country should you want to move around.
One downside to life in Colombia is that its healthcare system isn’t currently up-to-date, but many expats still choose Colombia for the reasons mentioned above—low cost of living, low property prices, and friendly locals.
7 Ecuador
Ecuador is a South American country with amazing weather, gorgeous scenery and friendly people. It’s no wonder that the country is popular among expats. You will find good healthcare, food and a robust expat community in Ecuador. The cost of living is also quite affordable (though it’s not as low as some other South American countries).
Many retirees move to Ecuador because of the fantastic climate, which features year-round spring-like temperatures. Outdoor activities are abundant, so if you like to hike or fish this could be a great place for you to settle down!
There are also plenty of volunteer opportunities at places such as orphanages and animal shelters. If you enjoy teaching English, there are many open positions at schools throughout the country. Both private and public schools are available for your children as well.
Ecuador has many business opportunities in addition to its natural beauty and perfect weather—a combination that makes it one of the best countries for expats!
8 Indonesia
Indonesia is one of the most diverse countries in the world and one of the most welcoming to foreigners. In this article, we’ll explore how you can start or restart your career, communicate with your family back home, travel cheaply and safely throughout Indonesia, save money on housing costs, help save the environment and more.
Want to live in a country where the local people are friendly and life is easy? These are your best bets.
Costa Rica is one of the two most common (and oft-recommended) destinations for expats wanting to enjoy the allure of a tropical paradise without the hassle of moving to another country altogether. There’s a lot to love about Costa Rica—it’s beautiful, has great weather and near perfect location, and is a safe and peaceful place to live. If you’re thinking about making the move, consider these things before making your decision:
- Relatively low cost of living. The cost of living in Costa Rica is relatively low compared to many places in the world. Even so, it does provide you with all of the creature comforts that come along with living in an urban center.
- The Cost of Living Index compares prices at large retailers across major cities in countries around the world; it takes into account basic expenses such as food and housing, public transportation costs and utility bills, including local taxes on goods & services so it provides an estimate for what normal spending in your city would be like if you moved there.
- One advantage that makes this country more attractive than other options for expats is how easy it can be to obtain a work visa. An employer or cohabitant can obtain residency through several different pathways depending on their situation; you don’t need any sort of specific skills or experience just to apply for one
- It’s also relatively easy to get residence by marriage; some couples have been granted residence under this process while they wait for their home country paperwork
- Plus, as part of its effort toward creating mechanisms that will help integrate expatriates into its society by bridging cultural divides between locals and foreigners, the government offers language classes.
- Culturally speaking, Costa Rica is an awesome place because its inhabitants aren’t very religious; while there are churches throughout the country just like anywhere else, they aren’t heavily attended.