Best Countries for Americans Moving Abroad

Americans Abroad 2026: Choosing Countries for Sustainable Living, Not Just Trends

Americans moving abroad in 2026 are making deliberate, structured choices. The motivation is rarely a single factor. Instead, it’s a combination of cost predictability, healthcare access, personal safety, climate, and the ability to build a sustainable daily routine. This article compares countries that consistently attract Americans - not because they are trendy, but because they work in real life.

What Americans Typically Prioritize When Relocating

Cost of Living vs. Quality of Life

Lower costs matter, but predictability matters more. Sudden rent spikes, healthcare surprises, or tax complexity quickly erode benefits.

Healthcare Access

Private healthcare availability, short waiting times, and affordability are key - often more important than public systems.

Safety and Social Stability

Personal safety, calm residential areas, and predictable governance are non-negotiable for long-term planning.

Residency Clarity

Clear, renewable residency pathways allow families and individuals to plan beyond the first year.

Countries Americans Commonly Choose - And Why

Portugal - Familiar and Structured

Portugal remains popular due to EU residency pathways, a generally safe environment, and established expat communities.

However: housing costs have increased, residency requirements are stricter, and competition for prime locations is high.

Portugal suits those prioritizing EU access over cost efficiency.

Spain - Lifestyle Appeal With Regional Complexity

Spain offers strong cultural familiarity, a Mediterranean lifestyle, and good healthcare infrastructure.

At the same time: bureaucracy varies by region, rental regulation is tightening, and long-term costs can be higher than expected.

Spain rewards patience and regional understanding.

Mexico - Proximity and Affordability

Mexico attracts Americans due to geographic closeness, lower living costs, and familiar cultural elements.

Warning: safety varies significantly by region, healthcare quality is location-dependent, and long-term property ownership requires careful due diligence.

Mexico works best when location selection is precise.

Costa Rica - Stability With Premium Pricing

Costa Rica is known for political stability, environmental quality, and strong healthcare for its size.

But: property prices are high relative to infrastructure, and service costs can surprise newcomers.

Costa Rica appeals to those prioritizing environment over cost efficiency.

Turkey - Balanced Lifestyle and Practical Structure

Turkey is increasingly chosen by Americans looking for balance rather than extremes.

Key advantages: affordable private healthcare, strong safety levels in residential areas, lower recurring property costs, modern housing designed for year-round living, and straightforward residency options.

Unlike many destinations, Turkey combines lifestyle comfort with functional systems that support long-term living.

United Arab Emirates - Efficiency and Safety

The UAE appeals to Americans seeking top-tier safety, efficient administration, and a business-friendly environment.

Trade-offs include: higher cost of living, urban-focused lifestyle, and a limited sense of local community for some.

Best suited to professionals and entrepreneurs.

Taxes and Financial Considerations

Americans must consider ongoing U.S. tax obligations, local property and income taxes, and currency exposure.

Countries with low or symbolic property taxes, predictable rental taxation, and clear banking systems tend to be more attractive long-term.

Turkey performs well in this regard due to low annual property taxes and transparent municipal systems.

Why Some Americans Combine Multiple Bases

Increasingly, Americans adopt multi-country lifestyles: one base for daily living, another for seasonal stays, and diversified property ownership.

In this model:

• Europe offers culture and history,
• Turkey offers cost-effective living and climate,
• the UAE offers business efficiency,
• Asia offers lifestyle diversity.

Choosing the Right Country by Relocation Goal

• Cost efficiency & healthcare — Turkey, Mexico
• EU residency & familiarity — Portugal, Spain
• Safety & administration — UAE
• Nature & environment — Costa Rica

👉 Compare relocation options across multiple regions

RestProperty Supporting International Moves Since 2003

Since 2003, RestProperty has supported international clients planning real relocations — not just property purchases. Our role is to help align property type, residency planning, and everyday lifestyle needs.

While Turkey remains a strong base for Americans due to its balance of cost, safety, and infrastructure, we also assist clients exploring lifestyle and property options in Dubai, Thailand, and Northern Cyprus, supporting flexible, multi-country strategies.

Relocation works best when housing supports real life.

Final Thoughts: The Best Country Is the One That Works Daily

For Americans moving abroad in 2026, the best country is not the cheapest or the most famous — it’s the one where healthcare is accessible, residency is manageable, costs are predictable, and daily life feels comfortable.

Many countries offer appeal. Fewer offer sustainability. Choosing with that distinction in mind makes all the difference.