10 Countries Where You Can Escape Everything
If things are getting you down in your country, you need a change of scenery, or just want to finally learn that language you have been studying for ever – consider these Expat friendly cities. In these cities you can learn the local language while being able to fall back on English. They are all amenable to working remotely and you can easily make friends with many fellow expats. You can save on the cost of living and experience a completely different lifestyle and work / life balance than you are used to.
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Lisbon, Portugal 🇵🇹
Lisbon is a fantastic city for expats looking to relocate due to its high quality of life, affordable cost of living (compared to other European capitals), and welcoming atmosphere. The city enjoys a mild climate with over 300 days of sunshine per year, stunning coastal views, and a rich cultural history that blends traditional Portuguese charm with a modern, cosmopolitan vibe. Expats benefit from Portugal’s relatively low cost of housing, excellent public transportation, and a growing number of coworking spaces and digital nomad-friendly cafés. Additionally, the country offers a range of visa options, including the popular D7 visa and digital nomad visa, making relocation easier for remote workers, retirees, and entrepreneurs.
Beyond practical benefits, Lisbon’s vibrant expat community and laid-back lifestyle make it an attractive place to live. The locals are friendly, and many speak English, making integration easier. The city’s food scene is a major highlight, featuring fresh seafood, delicious pastĂ©is de nata, and affordable local wines. There’s also a strong focus on work-life balance, with plenty of scenic spots to unwind, from the historic streets of Alfama to the beaches of Cascais just a short train ride away. Whether you’re looking for a dynamic urban environment or a relaxed coastal lifestyle, Lisbon offers the perfect blend of both, making it an ideal destination for expats.
While Lisbon is a fantastic city, it does have some downsides. The cost of living, especially rent, has been rising due to high demand from expats and digital nomads, making it less affordable than it used to be. Bureaucracy can also be slow and frustrating, particularly when dealing with residency permits or setting up a business. Summers bring large crowds of tourists, and some locals feel that excessive tourism is affecting the city’s authenticity.
Panama City, Panama 🇵🇦
Expats have named Panama the best place to live in 2024. According to the Expat Insider report, a remarkable 82% of expats in Panama report being happy with their life there, well above the global average of 68%. The Panama Friendly Nations Visa and Pensionado Program offer long-term residency options with tax benefits. The country uses the U.S. dollar, making financial transactions simple, and its strong banking system provides stability. Panama City, the capital, boasts modern amenities, international restaurants, top-tier healthcare, and reliable internet, making it a great place for digital nomads and retirees alike.
Beyond the city, expats enjoy beaches, mountains, and year-round warm weather. Coastal towns like Coronado offer a laid-back lifestyle, while areas like Boquete provide a cooler climate and a strong expat community. Panama’s central location makes travel easy, with direct flights to North America and Europe. Additionally, the low taxes, affordable real estate, and welcoming locals make it an attractive and stress-free relocation choice.
Traffic congestion in Panama City can be severe, and public transportation is still developing. Outside major cities, English is less commonly spoken, making daily life more challenging for non-Spanish speakers. Additionally, while healthcare in Panama City is excellent, rural areas may lack quality medical facilities. Despite these drawbacks, many expats find the benefits outweigh the inconveniences.
Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain 🇪🇸
Barcelona is a gem with the Gaudi architecture blending old and new the welcome Spaniards the warm weather it is a lovely city and easy to integrate for Expats especially if you speak some spanish. But don’t worry people are multilingual in this city (they have to be because Catalan is the native tongue here). The cost of living is lower than in other major European cities, and Spain’s Golden Visa and Non-Lucrative Visa make long-term residency possible. Expats enjoy excellent public transportation, top-tier healthcare, and a dynamic international community, making it easy to settle in.
There is so much to do in this city and everything stays open late. The food scene is world-renowned, with fresh markets, tapas bars, and Michelin-starred restaurants. Spain’s laid-back lifestyle and strong work-life balance appeal to those seeking a slower pace. Plus, its location allows for easy travel across Europe, making it a top choice for expats looking for both adventure and stability. From the port you can hop on an over-night ferry and wake up the next morning on the shores of island of Mallorca for a vacation getaway.
Vancouver, Canada 🇨🇦
Vancouver, perched just above Washington state is a great place for expats to live. With amazing local seafood and international cuisine expats from all over the world will have no problem finding great dining at the many restaurants. Vancouver is a vibrant city with many international companies specializing in finance, and tech. The weather (especially for Canada) is relatively mild year round. After China gained control of Hong Kong in 1997 from the British there was an influx of wealthy Hong Kongers immigrating to Vancouver. The downside of such a beautiful and popular city with good weather is the cost of living is very high here.
In Vancouver, you are surrounded by nature in every direction and it is easy to escape the bustle of the downtown. It is just a 2 hour drive to stunning Whistler with the fast and longest Peak 2 Peak Gondola whisking you from the Whistler Mountain to the Blackcomb resort. The Strait of Georgia and the Islands there are stunning here you can see Orcas breaching with the islands in the background. In the warm months kayaking is a popular past time and great way to experience the strait up close.
Vienna, Austria 🇦🇹
Vienna is a beautiful city with stunning architecture that is also clean, moden, and safe. The Austrians (especially in Vienna) all speak good English. The cost of living is reasonable compared to other major European capitals, and the city is known for its work-life balance. Expats will find it easy to integrate thanks to the city’s international community, numerous English-speaking job opportunities, and a welcoming atmosphere. The food tends to lean on the Austrian, Hungarian, Germanic traditions but don’t worry there are plenty of healthy options from vegetarian restaurants to Asian you can get Japanese Sushi, Korean Bibimbap, and Indian Tika Masala in this town.
What truly sets Vienna apart is its deep-rooted connection to art and culture. As the former imperial capital of the Habsburg Empire, the city is home to breathtaking architecture, world-class museums like the Belvedere and Albertina, and legendary concert halls such as the Musikverein. Expats can immerse themselves in the works of Gustav Klimt, listen to performances by the Vienna Philharmonic, or enjoy opera at the historic Staatsoper. The city’s cafĂ© culture, once frequented by intellectuals like Freud and Mozart, provides a unique setting to experience its artistic legacy. For those who appreciate history, music, and fine arts, Vienna is a dream destination that effortlessly blends old-world charm with modern convenience. The universities and cultural institutions of this city have been attracting artists and musicians to Vienna from all over the world for years.
Singapore 🇸🇬
Singapore is a city, an island, an airport and a country. It is a small wealthy country on the doorstep of Malaysia surrounded by Indonesia. Its vibrant and bustling downtown is fueled by the financial sector. The food is absolutely amazing with sweet crazy tropical fruits you have never seen before and abundant seafood prepared with a unique Singaporean Asian twist. The tropical weather is lovely and is perfect for the Orchids which can be seen at the National Orchid Garden (a must see).
If you are in banking or finance at a big firm changes are that your company has a branch in Singapore. Singapore is a popular destination for English teachers to earn significant salaries. With world-class healthcare, efficient public transport, and a low crime rate, it offers a safe and convenient lifestyle. Expats also find roles in marketing, logistics, and international trade, thanks to Singapore’s status as a global business hub. Additionally, the government offers work visas such as the Employment Pass (EP) and S Pass, making it accessible for skilled professionals looking to build their careers in Asia.
The big down side of Singapore is the high cost of living is very high. Space it is a premium in this small expensive city state, so you will be a lot for a very small apartment in a hi-rise.
Dublin, Ireland 🇮🇪
Ireland is an easy country for English speakers to adjust to because there is no language barrier (okay maybe a little bit of work to understand the Irish accent and UK vocabulary). The Irish are friendly and outgoing they love to chat you up at the pub. Speaking of which music is a language in Ireland and there is pretty of great live music to experience in Dublin.
Although the cost of living is quite high in Dublin the good news is thanks to the countries tax incentives Ireland and particularly Dublin has been a haven for High Tech companies setting up presence there with many well paying jobs.
On the down side the weather takes some getting used to. My friend from San Francisco moved their recently and she said whenever it is sunny they immediately take advantage of the good weather since it is so few and far between.
Phuket, Thailand 🇹đź‡
Known affectionately as the Land of Smiles, Thailand has a long reputation for hospitality and welcoming expats. The people are lovely and gracious. Bangkok is a bustling city with fun bars and there are relaxing beaches on the many islands. The food is amazing and inexpensive with great seafood, local vegetables yum… One of the plusses is Thailand is centrally located so you’re just a short flight away from other exciting countries like Vietnam, Singapore, Cambodia, Malaysia, and the Philippines.
The island offers stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and a welcoming expat community, making it easy to integrate and build a social network. With modern amenities, international schools, and top-tier healthcare facilities, Phuket balances island living with convenience. Thailand’s long-term visa options, such as the Thailand Elite Visa or Retirement Visa, make it accessible for expats looking for a hassle-free relocation. Additionally, the strong tourism industry provides business opportunities, and the laid-back lifestyle allows for a perfect work-life balance.
Expats moving to Thailand may face challenges such as complex visa regulations, requiring frequent renewals and strict compliance. The language barrier can make daily tasks difficult outside tourist areas, and adapting to cultural differences like indirect communication may take time. The hot, humid climate can be overwhelming, and cities like Bangkok experience pollution and traffic congestion. Additionally, while healthcare is generally good in major cities, rural areas may lack quality medical facilities. Despite these drawbacks, many expats find the benefits outweigh the challenges.
San Jose, Costa Rica 🇨🇷
As Costa Rica’s capital, San Jose offers modern amenities, including top-tier healthcare, reliable infrastructure, and a growing number of international schools, making it ideal for families. Costa Rica is known for its “Pura Vida” lifestyle, which emphasizes relaxation and a strong sense of community. Expats will find that locals, or “Ticos,” are welcoming and that many people speak English, especially in business and tourism areas. Additionally, the country provides various visa options, including a retiree (pensionado) visa and a digital nomad visa, making long-term relocation feasible.
Beyond its conveniences, San José serves as a gateway to Costa Rica’s incredible natural beauty. While the city itself has cultural gems like museums, theaters, and lively markets, it’s also just a short drive from stunning beaches, rainforests, and volcanoes. The warm climate and outdoor lifestyle appeal to nature lovers and adventure seekers, with endless opportunities for hiking, surfing, and eco-tourism. Furthermore, Costa Rica places a strong emphasis on sustainability, and its peaceful, democracy-driven society (with no standing army since 1948) makes it one of the safest and most stable countries in Latin America. For expats seeking a balanced lifestyle with modern comforts and easy access to nature, San José is an ideal place to call home.
The city’s infrastructure can be inconsistent, with heavy traffic congestion, poorly maintained roads, and unreliable public transportation. Crime, particularly petty theft, can be an issue, requiring expats to stay cautious in certain areas. The city’s weather is mild, but the rainy season (May–November) brings frequent downpours and occasional flooding.
Mexico City, Mexico 🇲🇽
As one of the largest cities in the world, it boasts a diverse range of neighborhoods, from the trendy and walkable Roma and Condesa districts to the upscale Polanco area. The cost of living is significantly lower than in many U.S. and European cities, with affordable rent, dining, and entertainment options. Public transportation is extensive and inexpensive, making it easy to get around without a car. Additionally, Mexico offers various visa options, including temporary and permanent residency programs, which make long-term relocation feasible.
Beyond its affordability, Mexico City is a cultural powerhouse with world-class museums, historic landmarks, and a thriving culinary scene. Expats can enjoy everything from street tacos to high-end dining experiences, along with a buzzing nightlife and art scene. The city’s warm and welcoming atmosphere makes it easy to integrate, and many locals speak at least some English, especially in expat-friendly areas. The climate is mild year-round, and despite being a major metropolis, there are plenty of green spaces like Chapultepec Park for relaxation. Whether you’re a digital nomad, retiree, or entrepreneur, Mexico City offers a mix of modern conveniences, deep history, and an exciting lifestyle that makes it an excellent place to call home.
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Whether you’re thinking of changing things up temporarily or permanently, there are numerous choices around the world that will welcome an expat with open arms. By choosing to live in a place that balances the comfort of English-speaking communities with the excitement of learning a new language, you can create a fulfilling experience that broadens your horizons.
These expat-friendly destinations not only provide a chance to escape, they may well provide the opportunity for significant cost savings and a refreshing perspective on life – and life back home. Taking the leap to live abroad could be personally transformative, opening doors to new opportunities and – dare we suggest – a broader, globally-minded philosophy.