Tired of Living in the U.S.? Visit These Top 15 Expat Locations Around the World
An expat is someone who moves from their home country to relocate to a new home. Expats dwell worldwide, dipping their toes into new cultures and experiences. Popular expat landing places include Thailand, Greece, the Czech Republic, and Spain. But why? What makes a location the perfect place to attract an expat’s attention? Which places top the list for expats’ interest today?
1. Malaysia
Malaysia has one of the largest expat populations in the world, and for good reason. The Southeast Asian country boasts beautiful beaches, jungle terrain, and parks, appealing to everyone’s interests. Its central location between Thailand and Indonesia provides fabulous short trips around the Asian continent. With cheap rent and mouthwatering food lingering throughout the country, why haven’t you made your expat transfer yet?
2. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Snuggled in the mountains of northern Thailand, Chiang Mai overlooks ancient Buddhist temples and serene scenery. Expats enjoy the warm subtropical climate and various activities, from exploring temples to basking in Chiang Mai’s natural beauty. Affordable rent and international cuisines ornament the scene. Chiang Mai receives bonus points for its unparalleled healthcare access and care.
3. Cuenca, Ecuador
Another popular expat home place is located in southern Ecuador’s strip of the Andes mountains. Cuenca flaunts its Spanish colonial architecture and preservation with El Carmen de la Asunción church and the Iglesia Católica Santísimo Rosario. The Pumapungo Museum conserves ancient Incan traditions by practicing ritual baths and sponsoring a Cuenca symphony to honor the community. Cuenca’s climate contributes to locally sourced fruits and veggies, which power the markets. Citizens also revel in quality healthcare and affordable housing.
4. Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires, the Argentinian version of NYC, as in “the city that never sleeps,” fashions a 24/7 go-go-go mindset with bustling nightlife and tastes of the best cocktails in the country. The city stresses the importance of family and experience, meaning the rush of Western life stays on that side of the world. Healthcare, public transit, and affordable housing attract expats.
5. Athens, Greece
An expat in Athens claims their experience in the Grecian city blends modernity with classic tastes. They state the city’s ancient architecture and strong history billows through the popping nightlife and city scene during the day. The Grecian paradise presents mouthwatering food and drink, giving tourists another reason to make Athens their home. The U.S. dollar stretches farther in Greece than the Grecian currency, perfect for settling into expat life. Pro-tip: if you work in Greece, some jobs include food and board with pay.
6. Antigua
Two islands comprise the Antigua and Barbuda nation in the Caribbean. Antigua appreciates the world’s natural beauty, showcasing jaw-dropping beaches teeming with coral reefs and marine wildlife. Many expats move to the island later to maximize taxes, as Antigua does not tax worldwide income. Living in a zero-tax, affordable country draws many people to the Caribbean. The society runs under a monarchy, leading to decreased political battles. The low crime rate keeps citizens feeling safe.
7. El Salvador
Honduras and Guatemala encapsulate El Salvador. The country contains an astounding number of volcanoes, yielding its nickname as the “land of the volcanoes.” Expats move to El Salvador to dive into a friendly culture and live in a gorgeous location. Volcanoes sprinkle the horizon, nodding toward lakes, colorful colonial villages, and coastal villages. Future expats may struggle deciding on a home based on currency exchange, though El Salvador works with the U.S. dollar.
8. Mexico City, Mexico
Why should you move across the world to start a life in the capital of Mexico? How about heart-stopping architecture fusing Spanish Colonial styles with contemporary and French styles? Or what about endless access to well-preserved ruins? Or both of those options and authentic Mexican cuisine? Expats switch to Mexico City for ample reasons, starting with the low cost of living. Another reason people move is the city’s unique blend of modernity and historical richness imbued in its society.
9. NYC, United States
“Since I made it here. I can make it anywhere,” Jay-Z raps in his love letter to New York City, “Empire State of Mind.” That song captures the feeling of swarming through the city: endless inspiration and boundless joy. Expats, college students, and families relocate to NYC for a fresh perspective and new opportunities to invent (or reinvent) themselves in a welcoming society. The city holds iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building and The Statue of Liberty planted across the unforgettable skyline. You’ll never grow tired of the view outside your window.
10. Panama
Can you picture yourself carrying out a life on the isthmus linking the North and South American continents to each other? Panama contains a wealth of islands, allowing visitors to sunbathe and live out their snorkeling fantasies. People who up and move to different countries later in life, or expats, find solace in Panama for its adaptation to the modern world. Living in Panama mimics the essence of living in a first-world country while also utilizing the U.S. dollar. The location draws diversity in landscape and population.
11. Malaga, Spain
Malaga, Spain, attributes three main assets to its excellent city life: Mediterranean beaches, cultural representation, and the culinary scene. Renowned architecture also contributes to the city’s rustic feel. Malaga’s booming economy fuels its expansive economy and job presence as options in tourism, construction, and technology arise. Foodies delight in Malaga’s presentation of Gazpacho and Gambas al pil-pil, or flash-fried prawns submerged in a tasty mix of spices and white wine.
12. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, shines in the Persian Gulf. The city parades numerous world records, from the world’s first gold ATM to the world’s first flying apartment, the biggest mosque, and the largestmosaic. The pristine city exhibits flawless streets, captivating visitors. I believe that is part of why the local-to-expat ratio clocks in at 1:9. Another advantage of life in Abu Dhabi is the tax-free economy.
13. Prague, Czech Republic
A page out of a storybook, Prague is the Czech Republic’s capital city. Medieval architecture (astronomical clock, gothic and baroque spired buildings) coincide with contemporary life. Religious savants commend the Charles Bridge, a footbridge dotted with statues of Catholic saints. Current expats living in Prague claim their experience emulates that of a character in a fairy tale. Affordable housing and friendly-mannered people supply Prague with a flair above other central European locations. Prague loves the expat population so much that the city created a helpful website for the community: https://www.expats.cz/.
14. Edinburgh, Scotland
Move to this old-timey city with rows of Neoclassical buildings that transport onlookers back to the past. Edinburgh Castle, an eye-catching city centerpiece, perches atop a craggy cliff, peering out over the city and protecting the crown jewels. Edinburgh’s efficient layout pleases expats in the market for a walkable home. Locals use the well-managed public transit system on the way to chat with new friends at a local pub. Are you a hospitality worker? Hospitality workers find easy employment opportunities in the capital of Scotland.
15. Amsterdam, Netherlands
A canal streams through the middle of each bridge. Bikes and trams intersect on the busy streets, furthering the idea of public transportation in this Dutch destination. The scent of fresh stroopwafels and french fries wafts through the chilly air, luring guests into local eateries. Amsterdam’s reputation reveres freedom and cultural representation. Jobs in tourism, museum curation, the art world, and technology bring in expats.
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