There's a huge difference between visiting a country and calling it home. You can fall in love with the beaches of Thailand or the nightlife of Mexico in a two-week holiday, but living somewhere full-time? That demands something deeper. You need friendly neighbors, reasonable job prospects, cash that stretches far enough, and a place where you genuinely feel like you belong.
InterNations, the world's largest community of people who've moved abroad, just released its 2026 Expat Insider survey based on responses from 7,800 expats representing 162 different nationalities. Instead of ranking countries by GDP or infrastructure indexes, they asked something more human: how do you actually feel about your life here?
The team broke down responses across five areas that matter most to relocators: quality of life, working conditions abroad, how easy it is to settle in, personal finances, and the essentials expats need to thrive. About 70% of respondents reported genuine contentment with their lives abroad, which gives you a baseline for understanding this year's winners and losers.
Where expats are thriving
Panama claimed the top spot for the third consecutive year, and the numbers reveal why. Roughly 90% of expats there love their disposable income and the warmth of local residents. The country dominates two key categories: working abroad and personal finances. It ranks respectably in ease of settling and expat essentials too. The natural landscape doesn't hurt either.
But Panama isn't perfect. Road infrastructure ranks dead last among the 31 countries surveyed. Green goods and services are hard to find, and the urban environment could use work. Still, for people chasing better job prospects and fatter paychecks, it's the clear winner.
Mexico landed in second place, powered by extraordinary scores in friendliness, social opportunities, and culture. The weather alone keeps people grinning. Yet safety is a legitimate concern. Only 68% of expats feel secure there, compared to 81% globally. Personal career advancement also lags behind other top destinations.
Thailand grabbed third place, where 86% of expats report happiness and 42% say they'll never leave. The cost of living is the cheapest they've found anywhere in the world. Local people are considered the friendliest on earth, and for those thinking about staying longer, the culture makes everyone feel instantly at home. The downside? Air quality is terrible, and the government's environmental policies leave much to be desired.
The complete top 10 rounds out with the UAE, Brazil, Spain, Singapore, Portugal, Malaysia, and Luxembourg. Each offers something distinct, whether it's financial opportunity, laid-back island vibes, or world-class public services.
The places expats are leaving
On the flip side, Norway ranks last among the countries surveyed, and the picture is bleak. Just 46% of expats there feel satisfied with their lives. Making local friends is nearly impossible (three-quarters say it's hard), and only 31% feel genuinely at home. The bigger killer? Money. Norway has the worst-rated cost of living globally, and only 39% of expats feel financially stable.
The good news for Norway is real though. Job security is solid, the economy is strong, and nature is pristine. Ninety-six percent of expats praise the natural environment, and air quality ranks among the world's best. If you move to Norway for work and don't care about socializing or stretching your budget, it could work out. For everyone else, it's a tough sell.
Germany, Turkey, the United Kingdom, Canada, Sweden, Czech Republic, Italy, Austria, and Switzerland round out the bottom 10. Most share a common thread: high costs, difficulty connecting with locals, or both.
What this means for your relocation plans
This data matters because it comes from lived experience, not algorithms. These are people who actually packed their lives into suitcases and started over. They know what works and what doesn't. If you're seriously considering a move abroad, the countries that rank well in friendliness and ease of settling tend to feel less isolating. Those that lead in personal finance give you breathing room to explore and build genuine community rather than worrying constantly about rent.
The sweet spot seems to be places where the cost of living doesn't crush you, locals don't treat foreigners like outsiders, and jobs actually exist. Panama, Mexico, and Thailand nail these basics. Europe and Scandinavia offer excellent services and stability but make your wallet cry and can feel socially cold to newcomers.
Your own priorities should guide the choice. Are you hunting your dream job? Head to Panama or Singapore. Want to make friends and feel at home quickly? Thailand and Mexico win. Willing to sacrifice social connections for financial security and stunning nature? Norway's not completely off the table, just go in with eyes open.
