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More Americans are traveling the world than ever due to the rise of remote work, pent-up demand post-pandemic, and the search for a better quality of life.
An increase in travel has led to more Americans moving abroad to experience the benefits of other countries they discovered on their travels.
Expat Expert recently surveyed people who have moved abroad based on 56 factors related to various aspects of expatriate life, including: quality of life, ease of settling in, personal finances, housing, and language.
According to the report, Here are the top 3 countries Americans move to after traveling abroad:
Mexico
It is no surprise that this country remains the top destination for people looking to live abroad. More Americans than ever are moving permanently to Mexico after traveling there, and an estimated 1.5 million already call it home.
It is reported that 90% of expats are happy with their life in Mexico, compared to only 72% expat satisfaction globally.
The number one reason for this is the lower cost of living; As inflation rises in most of the world, people are looking for places that offer a better quality of life.
While Mexico is not exempt from rising prices for food, housing, and utilities, it remains a more affordable option for those who are tired of the American hustle and bustle.
Mexico offers its residents low-cost real estate options, lower property taxes, responsibly priced healthcare, a plethora of affordable products, and a plethora of leisure activities that won’t break the bank.
All of this helps people live a more balanced lifestyle than they can in the United States.
71% of expats say they are happy with the cost of living, compared to a global average of just 43%.
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The second most cited reason for moving to Mexico is to fall in love with its culture and climate. Contrary to many media reports, people living in Mexico say they feel safe and welcome.
Mexican culture is extremely friendly, warm, and family-oriented, offering a positive environment for those raising children or wanting to feel a connection to others.
In terms of weather, there really is something for everyone. You can find a temperate climate year-round in the central mountainous areas, a warmer tropical climate on both coasts, or drier desert areas in the north.
Whether you enjoy cities, remote jungles, farmlands, or small beach towns, you’ll find there’s an endless supply of amazing places to live.
“If you are willing to learn the language and adapt to the local culture, this is the best country to live and work in.” – Expat explains
Spain
Spain is the second most visited country in the world and home to a staggering 6 million foreigners. Just last month, Spain welcomed 377,000 travelers, and its latest data shows that 39,812 Americans already live there.
With the dollar holding strong against the euro and the country’s many attractions, these numbers are expected to continue to rise.
So perhaps it’s not surprising that the country’s many attractions, from climate and culture to quality of life, have also proven to be a big draw for Americans.
More and more people are looking to the world for affordable housing, a charming culture, and a sense of security.
Many American citizens cannot afford the types of homes they want in the United States, are tired of the car-dependent lifestyle, and want their families to feel more secure.
Spain offers all this and more. 87% of expats currently living in Spain are happy with their lives there, compared to a global average of 72% expat satisfaction.
The affordable cost of living, the universal health care system, the extensive transit system, and the laid-back lifestyle are cited as the top reasons for the happiness of Americans living there.
“I love the sea, the beach, the weather and sports activities. I don’t need a car to get around with the excellent public transportation.” – Expat
Spain has also launched a digital nomad visa that makes it even more accessible for people to live and work there. This gives Americans the ability to earn US dollars but be able to live on a lower budget.
On average, expats can expect to pay between $1,050 and $1,500 per month for a one-bedroom apartment and $40-60 for dinner for two.
Although moving to a foreign country is not without the challenges of learning a new language and culture, there is something exciting about immersing yourself in a new place.
Spain has a thriving culture, amazing architecture, interesting history, amazing food, and a lifestyle that’s hard to beat.
Panama
Panama comes in as the third most popular place for Americans to move to after traveling abroad. The country offers a good quality of life, a lower cost of living, favorable tax laws, welcoming locals, and a year-round warm climate.
The number one reason people choose to move to Panama is for the culture and the ease of feeling welcome.
Due to its location as a hub country between North and South America, it attracts a wide variety of expats and tourists, helping the local population feel more comfortable with foreigners.
English is widely spoken in Panama, and they now use USD as their main currency.
81% of expats feel at home because of this, compared to a rate of 58% globally.
Panama is also known for its low cost of living and abundant business opportunities. It is the perfect place for digital nomads or those who want to start their own companies.
The country makes things easy for those starting a business with special visas, tax incentives, excellent telecommunication services, and lightning-fast internet.
Around the world, lifestyle costs vary based on individual desires and income; however, in Panama it is possible to live comfortably with as little as $1,500 USD per month.
Health care is also a big factor in this, with most Americans finding that they only have to pay a small fraction of the cost of health insurance compared to rates in the US. You can find good insurance for as little only $100 per month.
For anyone over the age of 18 who wants to retire, Panama offers the Pensionado Visa, with the only requirement being a retirement income of $1,000 or more each month. With this visa, you can receive discounts on flights, utilities, restaurants, and more.
80% of expats living in Panama are happy with their financial situation, compared to a satisfaction rate of 58% globally.
Panama has a lot to offer with its thriving cities, diverse landscapes, and unique wildlife. With its small size, it’s easy to explore the wide range of attractions.
In Panama City, you can find modern shopping malls, first-class restaurants, and some of the best hospitals in Latin America.
For beach lovers, there is no shortage of amazing places to discover on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. Drive inland and you can discover incredible jungles and mountains.
It’s easy to see why so many Americans are moving to Panama to experience the Pura Vida lifestyle they fell in love with on their travels.
Top 10 Expat Destinations
- Mexico
- Spain
- Panama
- Malaysia
- taiwan
- thailand
- Costa Rica
- Philippines
- bahrain
- Portugal
Bottom 10 Expat Destinations
- Japan
- New Zealand
- malt
- Italy
- South Africa
- Germany
- South Korea
- Türkiye
- Norway
- Kuwait
traveler alert: Don’t forget travel insurance for your next trip!
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
