Living in a new place can be an exciting adventure, but choosing where to move is an important decision. The world has so many amazing cities and countries to experience, each with their own unique cultures, landscapes, and opportunities. Here is an extensive guide to some of the best places to live globally, whether you’re looking for stunning natural scenery, vibrant urban living, or a peaceful atmosphere.
Introduction
When considering the best places to live, there are many factors to weigh, such as climate, cost of living, infrastructure, healthcare, political stability, and more. This list highlights some of the top places globally across categories like quality of life, low cost of living, good weather, low taxes, and English proficiency.
Of course, choosing where to live comes down to personal preferences. For some, good weather year-round is a must, while others prioritize low taxes or escaping the cold winters. This list aims to provide options across lifestyles and budgets.
Whether you’re dreaming of beachside living, exploring new cultures, launching a business, or retiring abroad, there’s a perfect place waiting for you. Keep reading for extensive details on lists of the best places to live around the world.
Places Known for High Quality of Life
Some countries and cities around the world are reputed for an exceptional overall quality of life, based on factors like education, healthcare, infrastructure, economic stability and more. Here are some top places to consider for a high life quality:
Switzerland
Repeatedly ranking at the top of quality of life indexes, Switzerland is known for stunning alpine scenery, excellent public services, low crime rates and great salaries. Major cities like Geneva, Zurich and Bern offer diverse job opportunities, convenient public transit and a high standard of living. Switzerland’s centralized location in Europe also makes it easy to explore other countries. The high costs are the main downside.
Canada
With some of the world’s highest education levels and life expectancy rates, Canada is a popular choice for immigrants. Friendly citizens, low violent crime rates, a stable economy and free healthcare provide a comfortable lifestyle. Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal are vibrant hubs with diverse food and cultural scenes. Nature lovers will enjoy Canada’s beautiful landscapes and outdoorsy culture. The cold winters are a drawback for some.
New Zealand
If you love the outdoors, New Zealand may be perfect with pristine beaches, national parks, and adventure activities like bungee jumping and skiing. New Zealand is lauded for its high levels of income equality, democracy, and lack of corruption. Auckland, Wellington, and Queenstown are popular modern cities with excellent infrastructure. The remoteness from other countries can make overseas travel time-consuming.
Australia
Australia is famous for its outdoor-focused lifestyle, with beautiful beaches and wide-open landscapes. High wages, quality healthcare and a vibrant economy provide a very good standard of living. Melbourne and Sydney are diverse hubs with great food and arts scenes. The tropical Northern Territory offers incredible nature escapes. Australia’s high cost of living, especially housing, is a consideration.
Scandinavia (Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland)
The Scandinavian countries are known for progressive societies with free healthcare, low crime, and a strong social safety net. They regularly rank at the top of world “happiness” reports. Scandinavian cities like Copenhagen and Oslo combine modern conveniences with quaint historic architecture. Nature lovers will enjoy the pristine forests and waterways. High taxes help fund the strong public services.
Best Affordable Places to Live Well
For those looking to make the most of their budget, here are some countries and cities that offer a high quality of life at a lower cost:
Thailand
Thailand is repeatedly voted one of the best retirement locations with beautiful beaches, low healthcare costs, cheap housing, and warm weather year-round. The cuisine is world-famous, and you can dine out frequently. Spend time in Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai or laid-back beach towns. Downsides are air pollution, political instability and visa challenges.
Portugal
Portugal offers very affordable Mediterranean living, especially in smaller cities like Porto, Lagos and Evora outside of Lisbon. Enjoy fresh seafood, local wine, historic castles and charming coastal villages. Portugal has a mild climate, affordable healthcare and residency incentives. English is widely spoken. The slow-paced lifestyle may not suit everyone.
Malaysia
Malaysia boasts bustling multicultural cities, paradise islands, jungle rainforests and fabulous food for much lower prices than the West. The country uses English widely and has modern conveniences and infrastructure. Penang, Kuala Lumpur and Malacca are historic and artsy cities. Downsides may include air pollution and rigid visa rules.
Mexico
Mexico is a huge, diverse country offering an affordable beach lifestyle, incredible cuisine and friendly locals. Quaint coastal towns like Sayulita, San Miguel de Allende and Tulum are popular expat havens, as are larger cities like Mexico City and Guadalajara. Challenges include security issues in some regions, pollution, bureaucracy.
Vietnam
Vietnam offers an irresistible blend of stunning natural scenery, delectable cuisine, and low prices. Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Hoi An provide rich cultural experiences. Relax on idyllic beaches in Phu Quoc or Nha Trang or cruise Halong Bay. Downsides are the tropical climate, language barrier and traffic pollution in cities.
Best Places for Outdoor Lovers and Sunshine
If you love spending time outdoors and enjoying sunny weather, these destinations promise abundant opportunities for nature adventures, water sports, and relaxation under blue skies almost year-round:
Southern California, USA
Iconic California offers endless sunshine and outdoor living with incredible diversity- everything from redwood forests to palm-fringed beaches to the Mojave Desert await exploration. San Diego, Santa Barbara, and parts of Orange County enjoy Mediterranean climates perfect for an active lifestyle. Hiking, surfing, skating and cycling are popular everyday activities. The high taxes and living costs may deter some.
Hawaii, USA
Hawaii’s tropical weather and island paradise settings create endless opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Spend your days hiking volcanoes, surfing epic waves, kayaking emerald bays or lounging on pristine beaches. Cost of living is very high in Hawaii and limited jobs can make it hard to live long-term for some.
Queensland, Australia
Stretching from the Great Barrier Reef to the Daintree Rainforest, Queensland offers laid-back Aussie living with sunshine, beaches and adventures. Brisbane and the Gold and Sunshine Coasts provide urban conveniences like shopping and dining. Tropical North Queensland is great for nature escapes. High property prices are a downside.
Canary Islands, Spain
The Canary Islands enjoy warm weather year-round, making them perfect for sun worshippers. Tenerife, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote boast stunning beaches, volcano landscapes and preserved natural areas ideal for hiking, diving, surfing and more. Las Palmas on Gran Canaria adds urban living. The affordable islands do get quite crowded with tourists.
Cyprus
Cyprus boasts over 300 days of sunshine annually, making it ideal for beach bums and outdoor enthusiasts. Scuba dive, sail or relax on beautiful beaches. Inland hiking and cycling provide a break from water sports. Paphos and Limassol are popular expat havens, while capital Nicosia mixes modern and ancient. Summers can get very hot.
Best Places for Low Taxes
Some countries offer much lower tax rates than others, leaving you with more disposable income. These destinations provide a high quality of life along with low or no income tax:
Monaco
The tiny Principality of Monaco has no income tax and is symbol of luxury living on the French Riviera. Situated on the Mediterranean Sea, it enjoys beautiful yacht-filled harbors, elegant casinos and a glamorous aura. Opportunities are abundant for the global elite, including banking, business and leisure. But the high cost of living is prohibitive for most.
The United Arab Emirates
The UAE offers a tax-free lifestyle of luxury shopping, dazzling skyscrapers, world-class dining, and year-round sunshine. Most expats settle in glitzy Dubai or oil-rich Abu Dhabi. The tropical beaches, iconic hotels and desert adventures provide endless amusement. Challenges can include the extreme summer heat and high costs.
The Bahamas
With no personal income tax, no capital gains tax and stunning Caribbean landscapes, the Bahamas are a tropical paradise. Nassau and Grand Bahama have resorts, casinos and marine adventures. Out Islands like the Abacos and Eleuthera add beach escapes. Cost of living and healthcare are quite high. Work permits can also be difficult to obtain.
Bermuda
Bermuda’s pink sand beaches and charming pastel cottages attract expats looking to enjoy island life with no income or capital gains taxes. The self-governing British territory has a very high standard of living. Bermuda’s remote Atlantic location makes it prone to hurricanes and travel costs add up.
The Cayman Islands
These scenic Caribbean islands feature pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs and relaxed vibes with no personal income tax or capital gains tax. Grand Cayman has luxury resorts, fine dining, offshore finance and expatriate communities. Affordable housing is limited, violent crime is higher than other Caribbean destinations.
Best English-Speaking Countries
For those looking to easily assimilate, these countries provide both high quality of living and English proficiency:
England
Naturally, England offers flawless English skills and immerses you in the birthplace of Shakespeare and The Beatles. Explore the culture and history of London, Manchester, Bristol and more. The dreary weather and high housing costs can be challenging but England’s efficient public services provide a very good lifestyle overall.
Australia
With one of the highest English proficiency levels globally, Australia is a comfortable choice for expats. The Aussie lifestyle revolves around the outdoors, from sunbathing to surfing to barbecues. Melbourne, Sydney, Perth and Adelaide are diverse hubs with job opportunities. Australia isn’t the cheapest option but provides an enviable quality of life.
Ireland
Ireland’s vibrant culture, verdant landscapes and lyrical English dialects create an alluring expatriate escape. Spend time in historic Dublin, lively Galway or small seaside towns. The Emerald Isle is known for its welcoming communities and laid-back vibe. Housing shortages are straining infrastructure, especially in cities.
Singapore
Though languages like Chinese, Malay and Tamil are also spoken, English is the common tongue for business, education and daily life in efficient Singapore. The tropical city-state is an eclectic mix of shiny skyscrapers, British colonial architecture and neon street markets. Singapore offers high salaries but has very expensive housing.
South Africa
English is widely spoken in South Africa along with indigenous languages like Zulu and Xhosa. Cape Town’s stunning landscapes, world-class wineries and cosmopolitan flair make it a popular base. Johannesburg and Pretoria provide urban opportunities. Safety issues and high crime levels afflict certain areas.
Best Places to Escape Harsh Winters
If you dread shoveling snow and bundling up every winter, these destinations allow you to enjoy pleasant weather and outdoor living year-round:
Southern California
With sun-kissed beaches, palm trees and endless summer vibes, Southern California spoiled by mild winters. Average highs are around 20°C/68°F on the coast to low deserts like Palm Springs. You can hike, bike and party outdoors no matter the season. The high costs in cities like San Diego and L.A. deter some.
Northern Florida
Northern Florida offers warm winters without the stifling humidity of the south. Cities like Tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota enjoy average winter highs of 20°C/68°F. Spend your days boating, golfing, or relaxing on white sand beaches. Southwest Florida gets more snowbirds and higher costs.
Costa Rica
Central America’s paradise escapes the winter, with average highs of about 27°C/80°F year-round. Lush rainforests and beaches provide endless nature escapes. Snorkel the coral reefs or climb a volcano. Affordable areas cater to expats and retirees seeking relaxed Pura Vida lifestyles. Just beware rainy season downpours.
Portugal
Portugal’s mild winters, under 20°C/68°F along the coast, allow endless sunshine adventures. Explore vibrant Lisbon, surf Nazaré’s giant waves or laze seaside in the Algarve. Portugal offers very affordable European living in areas like Porto, Lagos and Coimbra. English skills continue to improve.
The Canary Islands
Part of Spain yet off the coast of Africa, the Canary Islands hold spring-like temperatures between 20-25°C/68-77°F in winter. Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and more provide stunning beaches and volcanic landscapes to enjoy year-round. The islands do get quite crowded and expensive in high season.
Best Places to Retire Abroad
Retiring abroad can stretch your savings in a beautiful new setting. Here are top international retirement havens based on affordability, climate and amenities:
Costa Rica
With its unofficial motto ‘Pura Vida’, Costa Rica offers a relaxed, affordable retirement in a tropical paradise. Spend mornings beach combing, afternoons bird watching, and evenings swaying to live music over Imperial beers. The Central Valley cities of San José and Heredia are popular expat bases. Just prepare for rainy seasons.
Portugal
For as little as $2,000 per month, Portugal delivers European charms and mild, sunny weather with affordable healthcare and housing. Expats flock to the Algarve coast and smaller cities like Porto, Coimbra, and Lagos for picturesque, laid-back living. Portugal also offers residency perks for retirees.
Malaysia
Malaysia is rapidly becoming a top retirement spot in Southeast Asia thanks to its low cost of living and high-quality healthcare. The multicultural hubs of Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Malacca blend Chinese, Indian and Malay influences. English is widely spoken and apartments can be quite inexpensive.
Mexico
Dreamy beaches, incredible food and low costs continue to attract expat retirees to Mexico. Lakeside towns like Chapala, San Miguel de Allende and Merida are havens with large foreign communities. Favorable residency policies make it easy to stay long-term. Healthcare varies so private insurance is recommended.
Thailand
Endless white sand beaches, Buddhist temples and flavorful cuisine entice retirees to Thailand. Chiang Mai, Phuket Island and Bangkok all have expat amenities. Monthly budgets under $2,000 are realistic. Just keep in mind, Thailand doesn’t offer retirement visas yet so you’ll need to do visa runs.
Key Factors When Choosing Where to Live
While the destinations above provide a starting point for exploration, selecting where to live ultimately depends on your lifestyle, priorities and stage of life. Consider what’s most important:
- Affordability – Property prices, cost of living, taxes
- Climate and Nature – Beaches, warm weather, outdoor activities
- Healthcare – Quality and cost of medical facilities and insurance
- Infrastructure – Transportation, high-speed internet, electricity reliability
- Visas – Ease of getting a residence or retirement visa
- Language – English proficiency and ability to learn the local language
- Activities and Amenities – Arts, culture, shopping, dining options
- Safety – Political stability, crime rates, natural disaster risks
- Career Prospects – Economic opportunity, earning potential, entrepreneurial conditions
- Education – Quality schools and higher education
- Travel Hub – Proximity to international airports and destinations
Prioritizing which factors matter most for your goals and taking extended trips to experience day-to-day life can help identify the places that best fit your needs. With an abundant of amazing options across the globe, you’re sure to find a destination to call home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Living Overseas
How difficult is it to get a visa to live abroad long-term?
Visa requirements vary greatly by country. Some locations, like Mexico, are quite easy for tourists to stay for 6 months, while others like Singapore are much stricter. Many countries offer long-stay retirement or investor visas with financial requirements you can qualify for. Consulting expats already living abroad provides the best insight.
Will my healthcare work overseas or do I need international insurance?
Typically, public healthcare systems like the UK’s NHS only cover residents. So you would want extended travel insurance and international private insurance when living abroad long-term. In some countries with affordable healthcare like Thailand, you may opt just to pay as you go. Get quotes in advance so you understand the options.
What are the best places in the world for expats?
According to HSBC’s Expat Explorer survey, the current top expat havens based on overall experience are Switzerland, Singapore, Canada, Spain, New Zealand, Australia, Turkey, Germany, United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam. The best places really depends on your lifestyle, priorities and budget.
How much money do I need to retire abroad?
Popular retirement destinations like Costa Rica and Thailand suggest planning for around $2,000-$3,000 per month, while more expensive European cities will require $5,000 or more. Look at average costs for housing, food, utilities, healthcare and entertainment based on your lifestyle. Factor in travel and currency fluctuations too.
Should I rent or buy property when moving overseas?
Renting first is often the best move when moving abroad, so you experience neighborhoods and get a feel for pricing. Buying property as a foreigner can also be complicated with financing and regulations. After you settle in, buying can make sense long-term if you see yourself staying permanently.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect place to call home abroad is a very personal decision based on your circumstances, preferences and budget. This guide provided a starting point across different categories like outdoor living, low taxes and retirement options. Focus on your lifestyle goals and take an extended trip to