5 of the Most Popular Countries for U.S. Expats

While official estimates vary, there were approximately 5.4 million Americans living abroad in 2023, according to the Association of Americans Resident Overseas (AARO). Drawn by new opportunities, different lifestyles, and a taste for adventure, many U.S. citizens are jumping ship to another country. Considering making a big move? Check out five of the most popular countries for U.S. expats and which areas they’re flocking to. 

Mexico

Proximity to the U.S., warm weather, vibrant culture, and a lower cost of living make Mexico the most popular destination for American expats. The U.S. Department of State estimates that there are 1.6 million U.S. citizens living in Mexico. Residency is relatively straightforward to obtain by meeting financial solvency requirements, which could include investing around $550,000 USD in property. In addition to affordability in everyday expenses, Mexico offers quality health care at lower costs, a thriving remote-work infrastructure, a diverse range of cultural experiences, and convenient flights back to the U.S. 

American expats are spread across the country, with popular hubs including the beach cities of Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas on the west coast; the culturally rich towns of San Miguel de Allende, Mérida, and Oaxaca; and major urban centers including Monterrey and Mexico City, where upscale neighborhoods such as Polanco and Santa Fe cater to a growing community of professionals and remote workers.

Canada

Stretching over 5,500 miles and including 120 land entry points, the border between the United States and Canada is the longest in the world. It’s no surprise, then, that Canada is home to the second-largest population of U.S. expats, with just over 1 million U.S. citizens settled across its 10 provinces and three territories. 

Many Americans are drawn to Canada’s big cities, such as Toronto, Montréal, and Vancouver, known for their cultural diversity, job opportunities, and easy access to the U.S. Other popular places to relocate include the smaller but equally appealing cities of Calgary, Ottawa, and Halifax. 

Beyond location, Canada appeals to expats with universal health care, a high standard of living, and a reputation for safety and inclusivity, making it an inviting place to call home. And for anyone who loves the outdoors, it’s hard to beat Canada’s natural beauty, from the snow-capped peaks and crystal-clear lakes of the Canadian Rockies to the Trans-Canada Trail, which stretches 17,000 miles across the Great White North. 

United Kingdom

Across the pond, the number of U.S. expats is smaller but still significant. The United Kingdom is home to roughly 325,000 Americans, making it the third-largest destination for U.S. citizens abroad. Some of the highest concentrations of U.S. citizens are in Mildenhall and Lakenheath, Suffolk, due to the presence of Royal Air Force (RAF) bases operated by the U.S. Air Force. In fact, Mildenhall has the largest American community in the U.K., with around 17% of its population born in the U.S. 

Outside of military towns, London is by far the most popular city for Americans, with neighborhoods such as Kensington and Chelsea attracting a large number of expats. Americans are drawn to London for its job opportunities in finance, technology, and creative industries. Like in Canada (outside of Quebec), there’s no language barrier, which makes adjusting much easier than in non-English-speaking countries. 

Despite London’s notoriously gloomy weather, the city offers world-class museums, a bevy of historic landmarks, a famous (and fun) pub culture, and a bevy of trendy restaurants. If beating the winter blues is a priority, London’s Heathrow Airport is one of the world’s best-connected airports, making it easy and affordable to explore the rest of Europe.

Germany

Germany is the EU’s largest country by population, and around 239,000 Americans call it home, drawn by job opportunities in industries such as IT, engineering, and renewable energy. Beyond career prospects, Germany offers a high quality of life, with a healthier work-life balance than many find in the U.S. 

Major cities such as Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, and Hamburg attract the highest number of expats. While German is the official language, English is widely spoken throughout the country, especially in urban centers, which makes daily life as an expat more manageable. Add to that the country’s excellent public transportation, universal health care, and central European location, and it’s easy to see why so many Americans are putting down roots in Germany.

Australia

The fact that it’s so far from the U.S. (over 9,000 miles, in fact) didn’t stop roughly 114,000 Americans from calling Australia home in 2024. Sydney, a coastal city in the country’s southeast, is a major draw for expats who come for the beaches, green spaces, and famously laid-back lifestyle. As Australia’s financial capital, Sydney also attracts professionals with opportunities in the finance sector. Many Americans also settle in the surrounding areas, such as Bondi and the Eastern Suburbs, where they can enjoy an appealing mix of sun, surf, and trendy cafés. 

Further south, Melbourne boasts another large concentration of U.S. expats. Known as Australia’s cultural capital, the city offers a vibrant arts scene — on any given day, expats can explore world-class galleries and museums or stumble upon one of the city’s many festivals and pop-up events. Food lovers are spoiled for choice in Melbourne, too. The city takes its coffee culture seriously and offers a range of global cuisines from fine dining to bustling street markets.