Best Countries to Move Abroad From the US in 2026: An Honest Comparison
More Americans are considering moving abroad than at any point in modern history. The question is not whether to go — it is where. We have lived in South Brazil for several years and have extensively researched the alternatives. Here is our honest assessment of the top destinations for Americans moving abroad in 2026.
What Makes a Country Great for American Expats?
The best destination for you depends on your priorities, but most Americans moving abroad care about the same core factors: cost of living, visa accessibility, healthcare quality, internet reliability, safety, and cultural fit. We evaluate each destination against these criteria.
Top Destinations Compared
| Country | Monthly Budget | Visa Ease | Healthcare | English |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇧🇷 South Brazil | $1,500–$2,000 | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★ |
| 🇵🇹 Portugal | $2,500–$3,500 | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| 🇲🇽 Mexico | $1,500–$2,500 | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★ |
| 🇨🇴 Colombia | $1,200–$2,000 | ★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★ |
| 🇹🇭 Thailand | $1,200–$2,000 | ★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★ |
| 🇬🇷 Greece | $2,000–$3,000 | ★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★ |
| 🇵🇦 Panama | $2,000–$3,000 | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
South Brazil (Florianopolis): Our Top Pick
We moved to Florianopolis, South Brazil, and it remains our top recommendation for Americans moving abroad in 2026. Here is why:
Cost of living: Total monthly expenses under $2,000 for a comfortable lifestyle. Rent starts at $400/month for a furnished apartment near the beach.
Healthcare: Excellent private healthcare at $80–$150/month. Modern facilities, short wait times, and English-speaking doctors available.
Visa: 90-day tourist entry with no visa required. Digital Nomad Visa (VITEM XIV) available for remote workers. Retirement visa available for retirees.
Lifestyle: 42 beaches, subtropical climate, vibrant food scene, safe and walkable neighborhoods, growing expat community.
Portugal: The Safe European Choice
Portugal has been the most popular European destination for American expats for the past decade, and for good reason. English is widely spoken, the culture is Western and familiar, and the country is safe and well-governed. The D8 Digital Nomad Visa is straightforward to obtain.
The downside: Portugal has become significantly more expensive as expats have flooded in. Lisbon and Porto are no longer cheap — expect to spend $2,500–$3,500 per month for a comfortable lifestyle. Smaller cities like Braga or Évora are more affordable but offer less of the expat infrastructure that makes the transition easier.
Mexico: The Convenient Choice
Mexico's proximity to the US makes it uniquely convenient — flights are short and cheap, time zones are compatible, and the cultural overlap is significant. Mexico City, Oaxaca, and the Yucatán Peninsula all have large American expat communities.
The challenge is safety. While expat neighborhoods in major cities are generally safe, Mexico's security situation is genuinely complex and varies dramatically by region. Research your specific destination carefully.
Colombia: The Underrated Option
Medellín in particular has undergone a remarkable transformation and is now one of the most popular expat destinations in South America. The cost of living is low, the climate is spring-like year-round (it sits at 5,000 feet elevation), and the food and culture are excellent.
Like Mexico, safety requires research and awareness. The expat neighborhoods are safe, but Colombia's history means some Americans remain hesitant.
The Bottom Line
Every destination on this list can offer Americans a dramatically better quality of life at a lower cost than staying in the US. The best choice depends on your priorities: language comfort, climate preference, distance from the US, and lifestyle goals.
For beach lifestyle, excellent healthcare, and the best value for your money, South Brazil is our top recommendation. The two requirements are simple: work online (or have retirement income) and have approximately $20,000 saved as a cushion. A lot of people think the move is too expensive. It is not.