Deciding Where to Move Abroad: Our Top 10 Country Considerations
Deciding Where to Move Abroad: Our Top 10 Country Considerations
Leaving the United States to start a new life abroad is one of the biggest and most exciting decisions you can make. Whether you’re seeking a lower cost of living, a fresh cultural experience, or simply a slower pace of life, choosing the right destination is essential. But with so many options, how do you narrow it down?
For us, the decision wasn’t about finding the most popular travel destination or chasing short-term excitement—it was about finding a place where we could thrive long-term. We wanted somewhere with financial stability, strong community values, good healthcare, and the possibility of putting down roots without cutting ties to our U.S. citizenship.
Our list is the result of extensive research, conversations with expats, and a deep dive into each country's culture, infrastructure, and opportunities for newcomers. From the cobblestone streets of Portugal to the warm Caribbean breeze of Panama, each location offers something unique. Some are better for retirees looking for residency programs, while others shine for their cultural inclusivity and expat support networks.
Below, we share the top 10 countries we considered most carefully, along with the reasons they caught our attention. We’ve broken down each option based on our specific relocation criteria so you can see how they compare and decide which might fit your own journey.
Our Criteria
- Stable economy where the cost of living is affordable
- Comfortable for African Americans with inclusive communities
- Good healthcare access at a reasonable cost
- (Possible – not mandatory) Dual citizenship options for Americans
- (Possible – not mandatory) Incentives for moving or living there
After comparing dozens of locations, these 10 countries rose to the top of our list. Here’s why they made the cut:
1. Portugal 🇵🇹
Why We Like It: Portugal has a stable economy and a generally affordable cost of living—though Lisbon and Porto are pricier, smaller towns are budget-friendly. The culture is welcoming, with a growing Black expat community and minimal racial issues.
- Healthcare: High-quality, affordable, and accessible (public system available to residents)
- Dual Citizenship: Allowed
- Incentives: D7 Visa for retirees and those with passive income
- Bonus: Strong public transport and infrastructure; English widely spoken in cities
2. Ghana 🇬🇭
Why We Like It: Ghana is incredibly welcoming to the African diaspora, offering cultural programs like the “Year of Return.” The cost of living is affordable, especially in Accra, and there’s a vibrant community of Black expats.
- Healthcare: Improving; private healthcare recommended for higher standards
- Dual Citizenship: Allowed
- Incentives: Government programs to encourage relocation
- Bonus: English is the official language; rich Afrocentric culture and thriving expat networks
3. Mexico 🇲🇽
Why We Like It: Close to the U.S. with very affordable living costs in cities like Mérida and Mexico City. There’s a welcoming vibe in certain areas, plus a variety of climates to choose from.
- Healthcare: Excellent private options; affordable
- Dual Citizenship: Allowed
- Incentives: Retirement and long-term stay visas available
- Bonus: Proximity to the U.S. and great weather year-round; learning Spanish adds value
4. Costa Rica 🇨🇷
Why We Like It: Known for peace, friendliness, and a laid-back lifestyle. The Pensionado Program makes it easy for retirees to move here.
- Healthcare: Affordable, high-quality public and private options
Dual Citizenship: Allowed - Incentives: Pensionado Program for retirees with guaranteed income
- Bonus: Eco-friendly focus, stunning natural beauty, slower pace of life
5. Spain 🇪🇸
Why We Like It: Vibrant arts and culture scene with a range of affordable rural living options. Diverse expat hubs like Barcelona and Madrid welcome many cultures.
- Healthcare: High-quality public and private systems
Dual Citizenship: Limited with the U.S. - Incentives: Regional programs for rural relocation
- Bonus: Strong lifestyle focus and relaxed living; Spanish helps integration
6. Panama 🇵🇦
Why We Like It: Very affordable, especially outside Panama City, with a strong Afro-Caribbean influence and a welcoming expat scene.
Healthcare: Quality private care at low cost
Dual Citizenship: Allowed
Incentives: Friendly Nations Visa and Pensionado Program
Bonus: Year-round warm climate, easy residency process
7. Thailand 🇹🇭
Why We Like It: High quality of life at a very low cost, especially in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Diverse food and cultural scene.
Healthcare: Affordable, excellent quality
Dual Citizenship: Not allowed
Incentives: “Elite Visa” for long-term stays
Bonus: Great infrastructure, lively expat communities
8. Malaysia 🇲🇾
Why We Like It: Affordable with a high standard of living in expat-friendly cities like Kuala Lumpur and Penang.
Healthcare: Excellent, affordable private care
Dual Citizenship: Not allowed
Incentives: Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) visa program
Bonus: Good infrastructure, English widely spoken, tropical climate
9. Italy 🇮🇹
Why We Like It: Known for lifestyle, food, and culture. Rural areas can be surprisingly affordable compared to urban centers.
- Healthcare: High-quality public and private options
- Dual Citizenship: Limited with the U.S.
- Incentives: Some rural towns offer incentives for new residents
- Bonus: Rich cultural experiences; Italian language helps daily life
10. Uruguay 🇺🇾
Why We Like It: Safe, inclusive, and peaceful, with a friendly expat community. Affordable living, especially outside Montevideo.
- Healthcare: Reliable and accessible
- Dual Citizenship: Allowed
- Incentives: Favorable visa policies for Americans
- Bonus: Progressive social policies and high quality of life
Final Thoughts
Choosing where to live abroad is deeply personal. While all these countries met our criteria to varying degrees, the decision comes down to lifestyle preferences, budget, and long-term goals. We’re excited about the journey ahead—and hope this list inspires your own relocation research.