Where Should You Move Abroad? Here’s How to Decide

Dreaming of a fresh start in a new country but feeling overwhelmed by all the choices? I totally get you. With so many incredible European destinations, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you determine the perfect place to relocate based on your lifestyle, career, budget, and visa options. By the end, you’ll have a clear plan for choosing your new home abroad.

Step 1: Identify Your Priorities & Lifestyle Goals

Before selecting a country, clarify what you want from your new home.

1.1 Why Do You Want to Move Abroad?

• Career Growth: Seeking better professional opportunities.
• Lower Cost of Living: Reducing expenses without sacrificing quality.
• Better Work-Life Balance: Prioritizing personal time over work demands.
• Adventure and Travel: Exploring new cultures and environments.
• Retirement: Enjoying your golden years in a serene location.
• Personal Development: Broadening your horizons and skills.

1.2 What Kind of Lifestyle Do You Want?

• City vs. Countryside: Do you thrive in a bustling metropolis or prefer a quiet, rural setting?
• Climate: Prefer warm, sunny climates or enjoy four distinct seasons?
• Pace of Life: Opt for fast-paced efficiency like London or a relaxed vibe like Portugal’s Algarve?
• Cultural Scene: Interested in nightlife, museums, outdoor activities, or a rich food culture?

1.3 What’s Your Ideal Work Situation?

• Employment Type: Do you need a local job or plan to work remotely?
• Industry Opportunities: Does the country offer job prospects in your field?
• Remote Work Community: Is there a strong network for remote workers or freelancers?

1.4 Social & Community Preferences

• Expat-Friendly: Prefer living in a city with a significant expat population or fully immerse in the local culture?
• Language: Is a large English-speaking community important?
• Community Type: Looking for digital nomads, retirees, or young professionals?

Step 2: Research Potential Countries

2.1 Visa & Residency Options

Some countries are more accessible for Americans. Consider:

• Work Visas: Availability of jobs for foreigners.
• Freelancer/Remote Work Visas: Legal ability to work remotely.
• Student Visas: Opportunities to enroll in local education.
• Golden Visas: Residency through investment.
• Digital Nomad Visas: Living without a local job.

Action Step:
Research visa requirements on official government websites. Note visa durations, costs, and renewal options.

2.2 Cost of Living Considerations

Evaluate the average rent in major cities versus smaller towns. Assess costs for groceries, transportation, and healthcare. Ensure you can maintain or improve your quality of life.

Tools to Use:

• Numbeo: Cost of living comparisons.
• Expatistan: Detailed budget breakdowns.

2.3 Quality of Life Factors

Refer to rankings from sources like The Economist’s Global Liveability Index or InterNations Expat Insider Survey to assess:

• Safety
• Healthcare Quality
• Public Transportation
• Pollution Levels
• Work-Life Balance

2.4 Language Considerations

Determine if you need to learn a new language. Assess job opportunities for English speakers and the presence of strong expat communities.

Best for English Speakers:

• Minimal Language Barrier: Netherlands, Ireland, Portugal, Malta.
• Strong Expat Communities: Spain, Germany, Italy.

Step 3: Narrow Down to a Country & Choose a City

3.1 Compare Countries Based on Your Priorities

Use a ranking system (1-5) for:

• Cost of Living
• Ease of Getting a Visa
• Job Market
• Lifestyle & Climate
• English-Friendliness

Example:

Country	Cost of Living	Visa Ease	Job Market	Lifestyle	English-Friendliness	Total
Spain	4	3	3	5	3	18
Germany	3	3	5	3	4	18
Portugal	5	4	2	5	3	19

Action Step:
Choose 3-5 top countries that score highest based on your rankings.

3.2 Identify the Best Cities Within Your Chosen Country

Consider:

• Job Market Strength: Especially important if working locally.
• Cost of Living Variation: Major cities vs. smaller towns.
• Public Transport & Infrastructure
• Expat Communities

City Types Based on Priorities:

• Best for Career Opportunities: Berlin, Amsterdam, Dublin, London.
• Best for Low Cost of Living: Valencia, Porto, Sofia, Krakow.
• Best for Digital Nomads: Lisbon, Barcelona, Budapest, Tbilisi.

Step 4: Test Your Decision (If Possible)

4.1 Visit Before Moving

Spend 1-3 weeks in your chosen city to get a feel for the environment. Book an Airbnb in a local neighborhood, visit supermarkets, coworking spaces, and public transport hubs. Engage with locals and expats.

Alternative:
Join online expat groups on Facebook, Reddit, or Meetup to ask questions and gather insights.

4.2 Consider a Trial Move

Some opt to move for six months before committing long-term. Secure a short-term rental and test the job market or remote work setup.

Need Help Choosing? Take the Quiz!

Still unsure where to start? Take our free quiz to find out which European city might be your perfect match: jordangiberson.com/quiz

Now you have a roadmap for selecting the best country and city for your move abroad. If you found this guide helpful, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone else dreaming of a new beginning overseas.