Choosing a country to live in abroad depends first and foremost on the budget.
The right choice then depends on your lifestyle: teleworking, family, entrepreneurship, climate or need for stability.
Before comparing destinations, remember a simple rule: you don't choose a country solely based on its rent. You also need to consider stability, healthcare, schools, infrastructure, and ease of settling in. The EIU's 2025 Liveability Index is based on more than 30 indicators and shows an average score of 76.1/100, which highlights how much the choice of where to live depends on several factors simultaneously.eiu.com)
How to choose without making a mistake
The best destination isn't necessarily the most well-known. It's the one that remains enjoyable after three months, and then after three years.
- Small budget: Choose a country where housing, shopping and transportation remain manageable without constant pressure.
- Average budget: Find the best compromise between comfort, climate, safety and ease of administration.
- Comfortable budget: You can aim for more attractive destinations, but the cost of accommodation and tuition can quickly add up.
- Premium budget: Some major global cities offer a maximum of services, but they require a real expatriation budget.
To structure this work, the practical guides on expatriation They already cover concrete topics such as daily life, health, safety, retirement, and banking.expat-mauritius.com)
Quick overview: which destinations for which budget?
Compare profiles at a glance
| Budget | Destinations to watch | Suitable profile | Why do they stand out? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small budget | Portugal outside major cities, Malaysia | Remote worker, couple, first time away | Portugal is presented as an ideal base for remote work, with a calm yet dynamic pace, a prominent Atlantic coastline, and a relatively affordable cost of living; Malaysia highlights a more economical lifestyle and a renewable social pass via MM2H.visitportugal.com) |
| Average budget | Spain, Greece | Freelance, living in the Mediterranean, flexible schedule | Spain.info describes Spain as an excellent option for digital nomads and remote workers, with over 3,000 hours of sunshine per year; Greece offers a digital nomad visa for non-European professionals.spain.info) |
| Comfortable budget | Mauritius | Family, entrepreneur, long-term project | The Expat Mauritius website highlights a tropical setting, a strong French presence in daily life, a minimal time difference with France, a cost of living often lower than in many European countries, and comprehensive support for settling in.expat-mauritius.com) |
| Premium budget | Singapore, Zurich, Geneva, London, New York | Executives, international roles, high incomes | Mercer ranks these cities among the most expensive for expatriates in 2024, which corresponds to very high budgets.mercer.com) |
This table is not a verdict. Its main purpose is to eliminate destinations that do not match your financial reality or lifestyle.
Why does Mauritius often appear in Francophone projects?
Mauritius is worth considering if you're looking for a tropical setting, a strong French presence in daily life, a minimal time difference with France, and a cost of living often lower than in many European countries. If Mauritius is among your options, local support from Expat Mauritius for settling in can help you with visa, housing, and business setup.expat-mauritius.com)
Which country best suits your lifestyle?
Teleworking and mobility
If you work remotely, the right destination is one where you can be productive without sacrificing your quality of life. Prioritize a stable internet connection, a compatible time zone, and an environment that makes you want to work somewhere other than home. A country may look appealing in photos, but it can be difficult to live in if daily life becomes complicated.
Family life
When living with children, the key criteria are schools, neighborhood, healthcare, and ease of transportation. A smaller home can be acceptable if daily life remains manageable. Conversely, a beautiful but overly restrictive environment often ends up weighing on the whole family.
Entrepreneurship
When starting a business, taxation, banking, local law, and ease of registration are just as important as the quality of life. A destination that seems favorable on paper can become burdensome if the formalities are too lengthy or if the relevant contacts are difficult to find.
Retirement or long-term project
For a sustainable settlement, look for stability, a year-round bearable climate, a welcoming social environment, and a predictable cost of living. The longer the project, the more important simplicity of daily life becomes.
Checks to make before leaving
Before signing a lease, booking a ticket, or incurring significant expenses, take the time to check each point below.
- Estimate your actual monthly budget, including rent, utilities, groceries and transportation.
- Check the accommodation or residence solution that allows you to stay legally in the area.
- Compare health and insurance options before making any plans.
- Test the city or neighborhood at different times of day.
- Keep a safety margin for unforeseen events in the first few months.
The most common mistakes
- Choosing a country solely because the weather is nice during the holidays.
- Underestimating the weight of housing in the total budget.
- Forget about health, insurance or school in the initial calculation.
- To confuse a short stay with a real life on site.
FAQ
How can I know which country is really right for me?
Start with a very simple sorting exercise: how much can you afford each month without stress, what kind of climate can you truly tolerate, which language makes you feel comfortable, and what administrative procedures are you prepared to handle? If two countries appeal to you, compare them using a short checklist rather than relying on travel impressions. A country that seems perfect for a vacation can become exhausting on a daily basis if the accommodation is too expensive, transportation complicated, or the bureaucracy too cumbersome.
What budget should I plan for before moving abroad?
Always plan two budgets: a setup budget and a living expenses budget. The first covers the security deposit, tickets, furniture, insurance, administrative fees, and unexpected expenses. The second should include housing, food, transportation, healthcare, and a safety margin. The best approach is to base your plan on the worst-case scenario, not the best-case scenario. This will help you avoid surprises in the second or third month.
Is it different to travel alone, as a couple, or with children?
Yes, family circumstances make a big difference. As a couple, you might more easily accept a smaller apartment or a less central neighborhood. With children, proximity to schools, quality of healthcare, neighborhood safety, and commute times become priorities. If you're moving alone, you'll have more flexibility, but still consider your social life, professional network, and the potential for isolation.
Should you scout the area before settling in?
Yes, if possible. A few days of scouting is often enough to verify what the internet doesn't show: noise levels, traffic, the neighborhood's atmosphere, supermarkets, pharmacies, access to public transportation, and the actual pace of local life. Also, try it out at different times of day, as a quiet street in the morning can be very different in the evening. This small investment greatly reduces the risk of choosing the wrong neighborhood, or even the wrong city.
And now ?
If Mauritius appeals to you, discover the international presentation of support services in Mauritius to move from an idea to a concrete plan. You will save time comparing scenarios, clarifying your priorities and moving forward with a more realistic vision of your future expatriation.
