Let’s be real. Moving abroad isn't just about pretty Instagram photos of pasta in Rome or a beach in Bali. It’s stressful. It involves mountains of paperwork, crying in a foreign tax office, and realizing that "cheap" is relative when you're earning a local salary. If you’re looking for where to move to from the US, you’re probably tired of the grind, the healthcare costs, or maybe just the general vibe. I get it. People are leaving in record numbers. According to the Association of Americans Resident Overseas, there are roughly nine million US citizens living abroad right now. That’s a lot of people looking for a better deal.
But here is the thing: most of the "top 10" lists you see online are garbage. They recommend places based on vacation vibes, not reality. You need to know about tax treaties, the "Digital Nomad" visa traps, and whether the locals actually want you there.
The Portugal obsession and why it's changing
Portugal has been the "it" destination for five years. It’s easy to see why. The weather is great, the wine is basically cheaper than water, and for a long time, the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime made it a goldmine for Americans. But the secret is out.
Housing prices in Lisbon and Porto have skyrocketed. The locals are frustrated because their wages haven't kept up with the influx of tech workers and retirees. You've gotta be careful here. While the D7 visa remains a popular choice for those with passive income, the government has been tweaking the rules. They ended the "Golden Visa" real estate investment path because it was pricing everyone out of the market.
If you still want the Iberian lifestyle but Portugal feels too crowded, look at the Silver Coast or even the Alentejo region. Just don't expect everyone to speak English once you leave the tourist bubbles.
Mexico is more than just Tulum
Mexico is the number one destination for US expats. It’s close. The time zones align. The food is arguably the best on the planet. But most people make the mistake of only looking at the coast.
Have you looked at Mexico City (CDMX) or Querétaro? CDMX is a global powerhouse of culture, but it’s facing its own gentrification crisis. If you move there, try to contribute to the local economy. Don't just hang out at the same three coffee shops in Roma Norte.
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The residency process in Mexico is surprisingly straightforward compared to Europe. You start with a Temporary Resident Visa, which can eventually lead to Permanent Residency. You need to prove a certain level of monthly income or savings—usually around $3,000 to $4,500 USD per month for a single person, though the exact figures fluctuate with the exchange rate and annual updates to the Mexican minimum wage.
The "Social Safety Net" dream in the Netherlands
Some people move for the sun; others move for the infrastructure. If you’re the latter, the Netherlands is a massive contender. There is a specific thing called the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT).
Hardly anyone talks about this, but it’s a cheat code for freelancers and entrepreneurs. Under DAFT, US citizens can move to the Netherlands to start a business with a relatively small investment—usually around €4,500. You don't have to hire employees. You just have to run your own show.
The downside? The housing shortage in the Randstad area (Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, The Hague) is brutal. Like, truly soul-crushing. You might find a place to live, but you’ll pay through the nose for it. And the weather? Grey. So much grey.
What about Spain?
Spain recently launched its Digital Nomad Visa, and it's been a game changer. It allows you to live there while working for a US-based company, and it offers a reduced tax rate (around 15%) for the first few years under "Beckham’s Law" if you qualify.
Valencia is currently the darling of the expat world. It’s got the beach, it’s flatter than Barcelona (better for biking), and it’s generally safer and cheaper.
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The tax reality no one mentions
The US is one of only two countries in the world (the other is Eritrea) that taxes based on citizenship, not residency.
This means if you move to Spain, you still have to file with the IRS. You might not owe money thanks to the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) or Foreign Tax Credits, but you still have to tell Uncle Sam every single thing you earn. You also have to report your foreign bank accounts if they total more than $10,000 at any point in the year (FBAR).
Failure to do this can result in fines that would make your head spin. Talk to a cross-border tax specialist before you book a one-way flight. Seriously.
Cost of living vs. Quality of life
People often ask where to move to from the US to save money. But "saving money" looks different everywhere.
- Southeast Asia: Thailand and Vietnam offer an incredibly high quality of life for $2,000 a month. You can eat out every meal and live in a high-rise. But the "visa runs" are exhausting, and you'll never truly "belong" in the local culture the way you might in a Western country.
- Costa Rica: Great for nature lovers, but "Pura Vida" also means things move slowly. That includes getting your internet fixed or your residency processed. Also, it's not as cheap as it was ten years ago.
- Central Europe: Countries like Poland and the Czech Republic are booming. They are safe, modern, and still significantly cheaper than the US or UK. Prague is beautiful, though the language barrier is a real mountain to climb.
How to actually choose
Stop looking at Top 10 lists. Start looking at your own priorities.
Do you need to be in a specific time zone for work? If you work 9-5 EST, living in Bali is going to kill your social life because you'll be working through the night. If you have kids, you need to look at international school costs, which can easily eat up any savings you made on rent.
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Don't forget healthcare
In the US, healthcare is tied to your job. Abroad, it’s often a public-private hybrid. In Spain or France, the public system is excellent, but as an expat, you’ll likely need private insurance to get your visa approved. The good news? Private insurance in Europe often costs less per month than a single doctor’s visit in the States.
Why Japan is suddenly on the map
Japan is experiencing a weird moment. The Yen is weak, making it very attractive for Americans. They recently introduced a 6-month Digital Nomad Visa, which is a bit short, but it's a start.
The real opportunity in Japan is the "Akiya" or abandoned houses. You can buy a house in rural Japan for next to nothing. We're talking $20,000. But—and this is a big "but"—you have to renovate it, and you still need a valid visa to live there. Buying property does not automatically give you the right to stay.
The Logistics of the "Big Move"
You can't just pack a suitcase and go. Well, you can, but you’ll be back in 90 days when your tourist stamp expires.
- The Visa: This is the hardest part. Are you a retiree? A remote worker? An investor? Each has a different path.
- Apostilles: You’ll need your FBI background check, birth certificate, and maybe your marriage license "apostilled." This is just a fancy way of saying "internationally verified." It takes weeks. Plan ahead.
- The "Trial Run": Never move somewhere you haven't spent at least a month in during the "bad" season. If you love Greece in July, go back in January when it's raining and half the restaurants are closed. If you still love it then, it's a winner.
Actionable steps to get out
Don't just dream. Do the math.
- Audit your income: Can your current job go remote? If not, can you transition to freelancing? You need a "portable" income.
- Check the tax treaties: Look up the "Totalization Agreement" between the US and your target country. This prevents you from paying social security taxes to two countries at once.
- Join local groups: Get on Facebook or Reddit and find "Expats in [City Name]." Ask about the things that matter, like the reliability of the power grid or the cost of high-speed internet.
- Get your documents in order: Start the process of renewing your passport if it has less than two years left. Many countries won't issue a residency visa on a passport that's about to expire.
Moving abroad is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s about finding a place that matches your values, whether that’s more time with family, better access to nature, or just escaping the constant political noise. The world is big. There is plenty of room. Just make sure you do the paperwork.