Best Countries for Young Adult Americans to Move to in 2025

Are you considering living in another country during your 20s or 30s? There are many reasons why young adults decide to take the leap and move abroad. Whether you’re looking for a lower cost of living, better work-life balance, or simply want more adventure in your life, becoming an expat could be right for you.

With an endless variety of international destinations, it’s hard to decide where you’ll go. We’ve compiled the data on American expats in 2025, and we’ll guide you through the top places to move overseas. Keep reading to learn what makes Panama, Spain, Australia, and Mexico the best for young Americans.

 

Panama

The most highly-rated country for U.S. expats is currently Panama. This small Central American nation attracts Americans with its exceptional quality of life, affordability, stunning beaches and highlands, and close proximity to home. 

Panama is ideal for those who live an active lifestyle or love nature. Other perks of living in Panama include easy travel around the Americas, unique international cuisines, and modern infrastructure. 

Work Opportunities & Visas

Panama is known for its strong economy, but its job market is somewhat limited. Remote workers and freelancers thrive here, since Panama doesn’t tax international income, and there’s better work-life balance than back home. When it comes to visas, Americans have many options for permanent residency.  

Cost of Living

Expats in Panama report being paid fairly and having plenty of disposable income. According to Numbeo, standard monthly expenses for one person are just over $800. Rent is also affordable, with a one-bedroom costing between $700 and $940 a month. 

Drawbacks 

As mentioned earlier, it can be challenging to find a position in Panama’s smaller job market. Another downside is Panama’s public transportation, which is affordable but unreliable. 

Like many foreign countries, Panama has a language barrier. English is sufficient in touristy areas, but it probably won't get you by long-term. The good news is that Spanish is relatively easy to learn, especially with immersion. 

Spain

If you’ve always dreamed of living in Europe, Spain is the country to move to in 2025! Spain is famous for its rich history and architecture, unique food, and vibrant festivals. With its Mediterranean climate and culture, expats report having an exceptionally high quality of life and a healthy work-life balance. 

While Spain is much different from the United States, it’s a modernized nation with well-developed infrastructure, universal healthcare, and high safety ratings. The Mediterranean nation is an idyllic setting with tranquil coasts, green mountains, and historic cities. Spain’s central location also allows for easy travel around Europe.

Work Opportunities & Visas

Whether you’re an established digital nomad or you’re wanting a career change, Spain offers many visa options to fit your situation. Student visas are available for people interested in learning Spanish, and the government even offers a program that pays expats to teach English. In the longer term, Spain offers a clear path to citizenship after 5 years of residency. 

Cost of Living

Compared with other countries in Western Europe, Spain is very affordable. A one-bedroom apartment in Spain will run you $825 - $1050 per month. Other monthly expenses for one person cost around $840. Overall, Spain’s cost of living is 34% lower than in the US, but keep in mind that average wages are also lower.

Drawbacks 

Spain’s job market has been competitive in recent years, so it’s best to move with a job lined up or at least a plan in mind. Certain fields like finance, IT, and healthcare are in demand, and the country welcomes remote workers. 

The language barrier is also something to consider. You can typically speak English in big cities and the Costa del Sol region, but it’s a good idea to brush up on your Spanish. Expats say dealing with bureaucracy can be especially challenging if you don’t speak Spanish. 

Lastly, Spain’s taxes can be relatively high, and they apply to your worldwide income. That being said, the country’s affordable costs and healthcare are a worthwhile trade-off for many people.

Australia

Australia is another popular destination for Americans moving abroad, due to its commonalities with the U.S. If you’re comfortable with Australia’s distance from home, the country has a lot to offer. The Land Down Under ranks high for quality of life, safety, and healthcare. Its inclusive culture, strong economy, and beautiful landscapes further contribute to Australia’s appeal. Like America, Australia has many different climate options: tropical, arid, temperate, and even snowy. 

Work Opportunities & Visas

When it comes to careers, Australia maintains excellent flexibility and work-life balance. The standard vacation time in Australia is 4 - 6 weeks, compared with only 10 - 15 days in the U.S. Australia has many work visa options including temporary, skills shortage, and traditional skilled worker visas.

With a strong education system and no language barrier, studying in Australia as an international student is a great way to live abroad while pursuing your degree. Acquiring a visa is straightforward, but you must prove you can cover tuition and expenses. 

Cost of Living

While Australia’s cost of living is 12% cheaper than in the U.S., cities like Sydney and Melbourne are as expensive as major cities in the States. On average, monthly expenses in Australia will set you back $1,050, and rent for a one-bedroom apartment will cost $1,100-$1,400.

Drawbacks

Despite its similarities to the United States, Australia is one of the furthest countries you can relocate to. Flights between the two countries are long, with around 14-24 hours of travel time, and they can be expensive, starting at $1,000. 

Insects and animals may be a concern depending on where you choose to live in Australia. While the Australian continent is known for its distinct and dangerous wildlife, locals typically only encounter large huntsman spiders and the occasional snake.

Mexico

Mexico has found itself on ‘best countries' lists for living abroad for many years in a row. The country boasts a colorful culture, delicious food, and gorgeous sandy beaches. Expats find Mexico welcoming and have an easy time adjusting to life here. 

Around 1 million American expats already call Mexico home, making it the most popular relocation destination. Mexico’s appeal has to do with its temperate climate, proximity to the States, and accessible visa options. 

Work Opportunities & Visas

Since Mexico is a large country, experienced expats recommend exploring the country for at least six months on a temporary visa before making a permanent move. After your 6-month holiday permit, you can apply for a temporary work permit or a permanent visa.

Mexico has a growing tech industry in its second-largest city, Guadalajara. Big tech companies like Intel, Oracle, HP, and IBM, all have divisions in Mexico. Despite Spanish being the national language, there are ample English-speaking jobs that are urgently hiring.

Cost of Living

Mexico is the most affordable country on our list, with its cost of living being 52% lower than the United States. Keep in mind that the wages are also lower, though some expats navigate around this by working for U.S. companies remotely. Monthly expenses for an individual in Mexico are around $675, and rent for a one-bedroom apartment can range from $450 to $650 each month. 

Drawbacks

While the people in Mexico are friendly, and quite a few speak English, you may still have difficulty with the language barrier. Another con is that Mexico is not as modern as the U.S., with things like poor air quality and a lack of cashless payment options.

Safety is always a consideration when living abroad, and Mexico is slightly less safe than the United States on the Global Peace Index. Research is the best tool to determine the safest places to live. Bear in mind that the more densely populated a region, the higher the crime rates. Cities like Sayulita and Querétaro are safer options in Mexico.

Final Thoughts 

Living abroad in early adulthood is ideal, since you often have more freedom and fewer obligations. It's a unique time in life when you're more open to new experiences, cultures, and ways of thinking. 

Where you decide to move is a big decision that takes careful consideration. Ultimately, the right fit for international relocation is unique to your skills, needs, and personal preferences.

If you’re ready to make your dream of moving abroad a reality in 2025, U-Haul International Moves offers hassle-free shipping solutions. With U-Haul International Moves, you pack your own U-Box container and U-Haul handles the rest, providing storage options and delivery right to your new home.