Many Americans want to move abroad for a variety of reasons, including to experience a quality of life similar to that in the United States, but with a lower cost of living.
According to the U.S. State Department, nearly 9 million American citizens live in other countries. It's estimated that about 800,000 Americans live in Europe.
If you're thinking about working and living in Europe, there are many places where you can have access to international schools, a good quality of life, and an efficient healthcare system.
In this blog post, we present you with a list of the best European countries to live and work for Americans.
Before you decide where to move, do your research thoroughly, especially if you're moving with kids. We hope this guide will help you find the right destination.
Portugal
Portugal has long been one of the most popular destinations for U.S. expatriates. The cost of living in the country is among the lowest in Western Europe. Numbeo estimates the monthly cost for a single person at €533.25, excluding rent so Americans moving to Portugal have a lot to be happy about.
The Portuguese healthcare system is very efficient and public healthcare is free for all residents, including expats.
Portugal is a very safe country, and the weather is pleasant almost all year round. In fact, you can expect an average of more than 300 sunny days a year.
Weather in Portugal, beautiful beaches, a good quality of life, a relaxed pace of life, friendly and open-minded people, and a happy and healthy population with a high level of English proficiency are the other major plus points of the country.
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If you've pets, you can be sure that they're more than welcome in the eyes of Portuguese customs.
The largest American expat communities in Portugal are in Lisbon, the Algarve, and Porto.
Older Americans tend to prefer the Algarve, while Lisbon and Porto are more popular with younger people with school-age children because they offer more exciting experiences for families.
The Carlucci American International School of Lisbon and the International Christian School of Cascais are two good options for American students.
Madeira is also becoming very popular with U.S. citizens who look for good weather and a safe island cosmopolitan life in Europe.
This is partly due to the launch of the digital nomad village initiative in Madeira, which has attracted thousands of slow-traveling remote workers to the archipelago.
The Czech Republic
The Czech Republic, also known as Czechia, is a feast for those interested in medieval architecture and natural landscapes.
Prague is the most popular city for American expatriates, but Brno and Ostrava are also good choices for experiencing Czech culture and scenery.
Compared to most European destinations, you can benefit from a lower cost of living in the Czech Republic. A single person's monthly costs are €591.10 without rent, Numbeo estimates.
The country can serve as a base for travelers, offering easy access to Eastern and Western Europe.
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Many Americans make their living in the Czech Republic teaching English as a second language. Foreign teachers are in high demand at local and international schools. Many expats also find jobs in the hospitality industry.
Czech isn't easy to learn for foreigners, but the time you invest in learning the language will be worth it because the country has many new experiences to offer you.
Public transportation in Prague is very efficient, clean, safe, and easy to use. The healthcare system is good and inexpensive. There are international schools in different cities.
The Czech Republic is a very stable country with a well-developed macroeconomic policy. That's why it maintains a stable outlook during any crisis.
Spain
Thanks to its rich history and charm, Spain is one of the most attractive destinations for American citizens who want to move to Europe in retirement or for work purposes.
The estimated monthly cost for a single person in Spain is €621.51 without rent, according to Numbeo.
The country has a mixed climate. The northwestern region, which borders the Atlantic Ocean and is known as "Green Spain," has cool summers and fairly heavy rainfall in the winter. So if you like a cool, year-round climate like that of Oregon, this part of Spain is for you.
In the interior of Spain you can experience a continental climate with cold winters and hot, dry summers. The eastern Mediterranean coast has temperate, cloudy conditions with rainfall in spring and autumn.
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The Canary Islands off the coast of Africa have a tropical climate, while the Balearic Islands have wet, cool winters and dry, warm summers.
If you're wondering where to move to in Spain, here are some places to consider:
- Barcelona: Barcelona is a vibrant center for sports, fashion, culture, and sports. In this city you'll enjoy a high standard of living and a 24-hour lifestyle.
- Costa Brava: The Costa Brava is the right place if you want to enjoy the most spectacular coastal landscapes in Spain. It stretches from Blanes, 60 kilometers northeast of Barcelona, to the French border.
- Costa Blanca: The Costa Blanca is a Mediterranean coastline over 200 kilometers long in the province of Alicante on the southeastern coast of Spain. It's sunny and warm most of the year.
- Málaga: In the old port city of Málaga not far from the North African coast, there are many shops, museums, and Moorish ruins. It has a lively city center and a sunny climate and is very affordable.
- Rural Andalusia: The Andalusian countryside is where you can get a taste of authentic Spain. It's rich in natural blessings and has a predominantly warm Mediterranean climate.
- Madrid: Lively bars, great restaurants and interesting art galleries are some of the main attractions of the Spanish capital. Madrid is an ideal city for those who want to advance their career while enjoying a good quality of life. Rental prices in the capital are high, making it a better destination for well-off Americans than those who prefer budget-friendly accommodation.
Luxembourg
Luxembourg has one of the highest GDPs per capita and is one of the richest countries in the world. Therefore, it's a good country to move to if you want to enjoy a very high quality of life.
Luxembourg is considered a center for business, technology, and innovation and has one of the highest salaries in Europe. According to Numbeo, a single person can expect a monthly cost of €985.49, not including rent.
Another great advantage of the country is that it borders Germany, Belgium, and France, which makes it the perfect place for those who want to travel around Europe.
Luxembourg has three official languages, French, German, and the national language, Luxembourgish. For Americans who don't speak these languages, however, communication shouldn't be a problem, as most of the population can speak English very well.
The country is very open to foreigners. About half of the population is made up of foreigners of 170 nationalities.
Luxembourg City has the highest percentage of
- foreigners (70.8%)
- Strassen (62.3%)
- Larochette (58.3%)
In 2021, 6,801 individuals acquired Luxembourg nationality by naturalization, option, or re-acquisition.
The fact that around 200,000 cross-border commuters work in Luxembourg not only contributes to the national economy but also enhances the country's cultural diversity and gives it a cosmopolitan character.
