If you’ve ever found yourself Googling “Where should I move abroad?” or “Best countries for Americans to live in”, you’re not alone, we’ve been there too. In fact, not that long ago, we were knee-deep in research, trying to narrow down the entire globe into a handful of realistic, livable options.
Eventually, we settled on a shortlist of countries that kept showing up in our conversations, research, and daydreams: Uruguay, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Albania, and Greece.
Each of these destinations has something unique to offer, and none of them are perfect. That’s the reality of moving abroad: there’s no one-size-fits-all paradise. But if you’re exploring expat life and wondering where Americans can move easily, affordably, and happily, here’s a snapshot of what we learned from digging deep into each option.
Uruguay
🌟 Pros:
- Stable democracy & strong safety ratings, often called the “Switzerland of South America”
- Relaxed, beach-town lifestyle in cities like Punta del Este and Montevideo
- LGBTQ+ friendly & progressive values
- Easy residency process for Americans, especially retirees
- Lessened language barrier if you already speak (some) Spanish
⚠️ Cons:
- Cost of living can be surprisingly high (especially for housing and electronics)
- Isolated from Europe, Asia and the U.S.; less travel flexibility
- Slower bureaucracy: patience is essential for paperwork and processes
- Fewer direct flights than more tourist-heavy destinations
Vibe: Low-key, safe, progressive. A great option if you want to be in South America without the chaos.
Ireland
🌟 Pros:
- English-speaking (super helpful for Americans)
- Strong cultural connection with the U.S.
- Close proximity to the rest of Europe for travel
- Warm and welcoming people
- Opportunity for people with Irish ancestry looking into citizenship or visas
⚠️ Cons:
- High cost of living, especially in Dublin. Scaling back work will be difficult
- Cloudy, rainy weather that’s not ideal for sun seekers
- Limited visa options unless you’re working for a local company, studying, or have ancestry
Vibe: Cozy, friendly, familiar. A solid choice if you’re looking for a soft landing in Europe.
Italy
🌟 Pros:
- Unparalleled lifestyle perks: think wine, food, beauty, and culture
- Tons of expat communities across the country
- Elective Residency Visa makes it possible to stay long-term without working
- Affordable housing in smaller towns and southern regions (One-Euro homes if you want a fixer-upper!)
⚠️ Cons:
- Bureaucracy can be infamously slow and confusing
- Language barrier in rural areas
- Job market is tough unless you’re remote or retired
- Taxes can be complex for U.S. citizens
Vibe: Romantic, historic, and slow-paced. Ideal if you’re dreaming of long lunches, market strolls, and regional wine.
Portugal
🌟 Pros:
- Relatively easy residency pathways, including the popular D7 visa
- Low cost of living compared to much of Western Europe
- Safe, laid-back lifestyle with mild weather
- Great healthcare system and public transport
- Thriving expat community, especially in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve
- Learning Portuguese is not essential in major cities
⚠️ Cons:
- Property and rent prices are rising fast in major cities
- Bureaucracy is slow. Be ready for paperwork delays
- Some political protests over expats driving up housing costs
Vibe: Warm, peaceful, and budget-friendly. A top pick for digital nomads, retirees, and remote workers.
Albania
🌟 Pros:
- Extremely low cost of living
- Beautiful beaches and mountain landscapes
- Visa-free entry for Americans for up to 1 year (very rare and generous!)
- Friendly locals and growing tourism infrastructure
- Close proximity to destinations throughout Europe and North Africa
⚠️ Cons:
- Healthcare system is limited. Private or foreign options may be better for complex procedures
- Less developed infrastructure in rural areas
- Limited expat community; Community is small, but growing
- Language and cultural differences may take adjustment
Vibe: Adventurous, up and coming, and budget-conscious. Perfect for the flexible, curious expat.
Greece
🌟 Pros:
- Gorgeous landscapes and islands (obviously!)
- Mild climate and Mediterranean lifestyle
- Affordable housing outside of tourist hotspots
- Residency options for financially independent individuals
- Delicious, healthy cuisine and rich history
⚠️ Cons:
- Bureaucracy is slow and complex
- Healthcare quality varies by region
- Economic instability in recent years, though improving
- Learning Greek takes commitment (but it’s totally doable)
Vibe: Laid-back, sunny, and filled with ancient charm. Great if you want a slower pace and a coastal lifestyle.
🧭 So… Where Should You Move?
The answer? It depends on you.
Do you value safety and political stability? Uruguay might be calling.
Dreaming of countryside charm and rich culture? Italy could be your match.
Looking for a low-cost, high-beauty base with easy access to Europe? Portugal or Albania might be the ticket.
No two expat journeys look the same; and they shouldn’t! The “best” expat destination is the one that matches your values, needs, and goals but this may give you a jumping off point or inspire you to look into some places you haven’t thought of yet.
🛫 Ready to Start Narrowing It Down?
👉 Grab our free checklist to assess your readiness to move and track your prep tasks and progress.
Be sure to keep posted here to see which country we decided to focus on and why!
