How to Read the Country Snapshots

Each country snapshot evaluates factors that are commonly important to expats, retirees, remote workers, and slow travelers. These ratings are intended as a starting point for research rather than a definitive ranking.

How to Use these Ratings

Start by identifying the factors that matter most to you. Someone seeking an affordable retirement may prioritize cost of living and residency options, while a remote worker may focus on internet connectivity and healthcare. Use the snapshots to narrow your options, then conduct deeper research on the countries that make your shortlist.

Example Snapshot for Albania

No country is perfect for everyone. The snapshot below highlights key factors such as cost of living, climate, safety, and healthcare to help you determine whether the destination deserves a place on your shortlist.

Location

This category describes the major region and sub-region where the country is located, such as the European Balkans or in Southeast Asia.

Cost of Living

This rating reflects the overall affordability of day-to-day life, including housing, groceries, dining, transportation and utilities compared to the United States.

• Very Low: Significantly less expensive than the United States
• Low: Less expensive than the United States
• Moderate: Similar cost of living to the United States
• High: More expensive than the United States
• Very High: Significantly more expensive than the United States

Climate

This category provides a general overview of the country’s climate and weather patterns. Examples include Mediterranean, Tropical, Continental, Desert, and Oceanic climates.

Safety

Safety ratings are based primarily on Numbeo’s Safety Index, supplemented by other sources such as U.S. State Department travel advisories. These ratings are intended to provide a high-level comparison and should not replace destination-specific research. Safety can vary significantly between cities, neighborhoods, and regions.

• Safe: The highest scoring countries. Residents and visitors feel safe here. 
• Generally Safe: Residents and visitors generally feel safe here. Practice normal safety precautions.
• Use Extra Caution: Safety concerns exist. Use extra caution in these destinations.
• Use Significant Caution: Safety is a concern. If you travel or move to this destination, use significant caution.

Healthcare

The healthcare rating reflects the overall quality, availability, and accessibility of healthcare services for expats. It is intended to provide a general comparison between countries rather than a detailed assessment of any specific healthcare system.

Healthcare quality can vary significantly between regions, public and private providers, and individual facilities. As you narrow your list of destinations, be sure to research healthcare options based on your personal needs, medical conditions, insurance coverage, and preferred standard of care.

• Excellent: High-quality healthcare widely available throughout the country.
• Good: Reliable healthcare available in most major cities and population centers.
• Adequate: Adequate healthcare available, but quality and access may be more limited outside urban areas.
• Limited: Healthcare infrastructure may be underdeveloped, with fewer specialists, facilities, or treatment options available.

Internet Connectivity

This category evaluates the reliability, speed, and availability of internet service.

• Excellent: Fast, reliable internet is widely available and suitable for remote work, video calls, streaming, and other high-bandwidth activities.
• Good: Reliable internet is available in most cities and towns and is suitable for remote work and everyday online use.
• Adequate: Internet service is generally available but may be slower, less reliable, or more limited outside major urban areas.
• Limited: Internet infrastructure may be underdeveloped, resulting in slower speeds, inconsistent service, or limited availability in many areas.

Languages Spoken

This category identifies the primary languages spoken in the country.

English Language Barrier

This rating estimates how easy it is for English-speaking expats to navigate daily life. Individual experiences will vary depending on location, profession, and personal circumstances.

• Low: English is widely spoken
• Moderate: English is common in tourist areas and larger cities but is less common elsewhere
• High: Learning the language is recommended for daily life

Visa Free Stay

This indicates how long U.S. citizens can typically remain in a country without obtaining a visa. Requirements can change and travelers should always verify current entry requirements before making plans.

Residency Ease

This category evaluates how difficult it is for U.S. Citizens to obtain legal residency in the country. Residency pathways may include retirement visas, digital nomad visas, investment programs, family reunification, or other routes.

• Easy: Multiple accessible residency pathways exist
• Moderate: Residency is possible but may require additional paperwork, specific qualifications, or higher financial requirements.
• Difficult: Long term residency options are limited or restrictive

A Final Note

The Country profiles provide a high-level overview designed to help you compare destinations and build a shortlist. Before making any relocation decisions, always conduct detailed research on residency requirements, taxes, healthcare, housing, and local conditions.

Hi, I’m Leigh. In 2021, I moved abroad for a temporary work assignment and discovered that living overseas didn’t have to wait until retirement. Now I’m building a plan to leave my career behind and create a long-term life outside the United States. Through Next Act Abroad, I’m documenting the journey and sharing what I learn along the way.