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While there’s no official count of how many Americans emigrate to other countries, it’s believed that over 9 million expats live abroad. There are many reasons Americans choose to live abroad.
Some people simply want to experience life in a new environment, others want to learn a new language or skill, and for others, it may be a job opportunity that’s too good to miss. Whatever the reason is, the cost of living is something that every potential expat must consider.
To help you with your choices, here is our list of 15 affordable countries for American expats.
Malaysia
Malaysia is a beautiful country with wonderful food and a rich culture. The cost of living is lower for transportation, food, and accommodation, and the largest expat communities are located in the country’s capital, Kuala Lumpur, and on Penang Island.
Panama
Panama is close enough that expats can enjoy a lower cost of living and still get home regularly to visit friends and family. Panama is extremely affordable, especially for housing. It also has tax benefits as it only taxes locally sourced income. Some popular places to live in Panama include Panama City and Chitre.
Portugal
Portugal is popular with young entrepreneurs because of its low cost of living and funding incentives and programs. Many expats settle in Lisbon, but Porto is also popular, especially with those in the textile and manufacturing industries.
Mexico
Mexico is a popular destination for expats for several reasons. It has a vibrant, rich culture, fantastic architecture, art, and amazing food. The cost of living in Mexico is affordable, and the housing options vary from traditional homes to modern condos and apartments. You’ll find expat communities in many Mexican cities, including Lake Chapala, Monterrey, and San Miguel de Allende.
Ecuador
Most expats move to Ecuador because of the low cost of living. Renting accommodation is a fraction of the cost of renting in the U.S., and if you purchase a home, the taxes are significantly lower. Food prices are also incredibly low, with local markets carrying fresh vegetables and fruit year-round. You can live comfortably in many areas without air conditioning or heat, which keeps utility bills down. Some of Ecuador’s most popular places for expats include Guayaquil, Cuenca, and Quito.
Indonesia
With affordable housing, international restaurants, and flights in and out, Indonesia is a great place for expats to settle. Many expats make Bali home, but Ubud and Canggu are also popular destinations.
Costa Rica
One of the highest-priced countries in Latin America, Costa Rica, is still affordable for expats to settle in. Healthcare is extremely good, and the cost is much less than in the U.S. Costa Rica has a reputation for safety, friendliness, and political stability, making it an ideal option for expats. Many expats settle in Quepos, Manuel Antonio National Park, and Esterillos Oeste.
Spain
Spain’s cost of living is very affordable compared to much of Western Europe. It also has a warmer climate, excellent food, and beautiful beaches. Many expats make Madrid or Barcelona home. Other popular locations include Valencia, Granada, and Seville.
Vietnam
Housing in Vietnam is very affordable, and most household items cost about 50% less than in the U.S. Job satisfaction and healthcare may be a little challenging, but things are slowly improving. There are many international schools, which makes it an ideal option for families, and the local food is amazing. Popular destinations for expats include Binh Thanh in Ho Chi Minh City and Tay Ho in Hanoi.
South Korea
South Korea is especially popular with expats looking for a high standard of living at a low cost. It’s also well known for its quality of life and educational opportunities. Many expats settle in Seoul, especially those looking for a high-tech environment. But Bhutan is also a popular location.
Thailand
Great food, a warm climate, and an affordable cost of living make Thailand a popular destination among expats. Housing, transportation, and food costs are considerably lower than almost anywhere in the Western world, and the warm climate makes it ideal for anyone who loves the outdoors. Some places you can find expat communities include Chiang Mai, Koh Samui, Bangkok, and Hua Hin.
Canada
Canada is more affordable than the U.S., including education and healthcare. It is also popular because of its beautiful countryside, cultural diversity, and stability. It’s also easy to fly or drive back to the U.S. to visit when necessary. Popular locations for expats in Canada include Calgary, Vancouver, and Toronto.
The Philippines
The Philippines is popular among expats because of its cost of living and inexpensive healthcare. The country also offers a variety of leisure activities and cultural experiences, and the Philippine people are known for their friendliness. Popular areas for expats include Cebu and Manila, although the cost of living is slightly higher than in some other areas of the country.
Columbia
You’ll find many of the same amenities in Columbia as in many more expensive countries. Recently, because of the steady stream of visitors and new residents, the cost of living has increased, but it’s still a very affordable country for expats. The cost of living is a little less in smaller cities like Pereira and Manizales, which makes them popular among expats. Still, you’ll also find expats in more popular cities like Medellin and Cartagena.
Slovenia
Slovenia is one of the most affordable countries in Central Europe to move to. It also has a high standard of living. You’ll find some amazing mountain scenery, beautiful beaches and a lot of history and culture. Ljubljana is a popular city in Slovenia for expats. It’s the country’s capital and has many international schools. Other popular locations include Kranj, Murska Sobota, and Piran.
17 Underrated U.S. Destinations Every Traveler Should Explore
Finding new and exciting destinations can be difficult for seasoned travelers. Many have their favorite places and go back to them time and time again. Some of the better destinations—hidden gems, if you will—are outside the mainstream. We have some top-notch places to try if you want to get outside mainstream locations.
These destinations are not tourist hotspots like Las Vegas, San Francisco, or Martha’s Vineyard. These spots are unique and quiet, making them some of our favorite hidden gems in America.
These destinations offer rich, memorable experiences for every traveler, from families to couples to solo explorers.
16 Coolest Small Towns in the U.S. You’ve Never Heard Of
One of my favorite things about this country is the differences in each state. A cross-country road trip can take you from the mountains to the desert, coast, and swampland, with each region representing its unique charm and culture. I’m an avid road tripper and have spent some time in these small towns. They left their mark on me in the best way possible.
12 Budget-Friendly Travel Destinations You Thought You Couldn’t Afford
Just because you’re watching your money doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a trip abroad. All it takes is a little sifting through countries with the lowest exchange rates. Located in the Americas, Europe, Southeast Asia, and Africa, these hot spots offer dynamic cities to explore and stunning landscapes to escape it all.
These exotic locations allow you to splurge without blowing a stack of cash. These destinations were chosen by sorting through the lowest exchange rates for each country against the U.S. dollar. Then, the final selection was made by examining features, including safety, the quality of cultural and outdoor activities, and easy accessibility to natural beauty, such as mountains, rivers, and the ocean.
So, if you’ve avoided international travel due to cost, we think the places on this list represent a great opportunity you probably didn’t know about.
