Revealed: these are the ten safest countries for expats (2024)

FAQs

What is the safest country in the world for expats? ›

It turns out that Iceland is the safest country in the world for expats. It has a life expectancy of 83 years, thanks to low pollution levels, a public health system, generally low crime rates and, according to a 2019 study, is socially accepting of LGBTQ+ people.

Pros: Mexico ranked first in InterNations' 2023 Expat Insider survey and has ranked among the top five countries since 2014. According to the latest results, expats appreciate factors such as the ease of settling in, a fulfilling social life and strong support networks.

1st: Iceland

The Global Peace Index terms Iceland as the safest country in the world for the 14th year in a row. Though the tourists can't seem to get enough of the northern lights and natural beauty, the small population of 340,000 people has a lot of other factors to rejoice for.

The safest place in the world is Iceland, which ranks number one on the 2022 Global Peace Index.

Iceland remains the most peaceful country in the world in 2021, a position it has held since 2008. It is joined at the top of the index by New Zealand, Denmark, Portugal, and Slovenia.

WalletHub released a 2023 report listing the safest states in the US. States were ranked based on 52 safety indicators, including work safety and emergency preparedness. Vermont scored the highest, followed by Maine.

The cheapest countries in the world are Pakistan, Egypt, and Bhutan. To live comfortably in one of these states, a person needs under $400 per month. These countries, however, are unconventional choices for expats and digital nomads because of their low levels of safety and quality of life.

Where are Americans moving to in 2024? ›

The five states Americans are most likely to move to are Florida, Texas, North Carolina, Arizona and South Carolina. Americans are likely to move to the South, particularly the Southeast, suggesting that low income taxes, warm weather or low cost of living are contributing motivations.

The country that tops the list is just south of the border: Mexico. The InterNations survey found that 90% of expats in the country are enjoying their life there. Mexico is also the friendliest nation on the list, with 89% of expats saying that locals are kind to foreigners.

Among the safest countries, the most affordable are Latvia, Chile, Costa Rica, Slovakia, and Lithuania. A person with a moderate lifestyle needs on average $1,000—1,100 per month to live comfortably in one of these countries.

The Ease of Settling in Index of the Expat Insider 2023 survey by InterNations identified Mexico, Brazil, Philippines, Panama, Kenya, Indonesia, Costa Rica, Greece, Bahrain, and Oman as the top 10 friendliest countries in the world for expats, while the bottom 10 were dominated by European countries.

Iceland. According to the Global Peace Index, Iceland is the safest country in the world for the 14th year in a row.