Do you dream of moving from the US to Europe? Want some help deciding where to go? Here are 15 of the most popular European cities for American expats.
Europe’s history, culture, and diverse natural beauty hold an irresistible allure for many Americans. Yet a vacation isn’t enough for some. Whether it’s to work or retire, a growing number are now moving there permanently in search of a higher quality of life.
However, not all places are made equal when relocating to Europe. Among other factors, you’ll probably want to settle somewhere with simple transport connections back to the US, good job prospects (unless you’re retired), a strong healthcare system, and a reasonable cost of living. In most cases, major European cities tick these boxes best. Here are 14 that are particularly popular among American expats.
1. Gdansk, Poland
This beautiful port city is located on Poland’s Baltic coast and is a hotbed of history, culture, and gastronomy. Diverse and bustling, Gdansk has a colorful Old Town full of period architecture that belies an otherwise modern metropolis.
If that isn’t enough to tempt you, its parks and golden beaches might. They provide an enviable escape from typical city life. Gdansk is also nicely affordable, and English-speaking is common among locals, so the language barrier shouldn’t be a significant issue.
2. Helsinki, Finland
If you don’t mind the cold, Helsinki is an excellent place to settle. A stunning and distinctive city, Finland’s capital has become a go-to expat destination. Its economy is thriving, the infrastructure is impressive, English-speaking is ubiquitous, and it’s a cultural hotspot with surprisingly varied architecture.
The cost of living is high in Helsinki, but the quality of life is undeniable. Finland regularly ranks as one of the happiest countries in the world.
3. Madrid, Spain
The vibrant Spanish capital has long been beloved by expats and remote workers. It’s big, bustling, and incredibly cosmopolitan, with a more affordable cost of living than cities like Paris or London. While Madrid’s job market is unideal, everything else – such as its Mediterranean climate, healthcare and school systems, public transport network, and list of things to do – is hard to beat.
4. San Sebastián, Spain
If coastal Spain is calling your name, San Sebastián could be ideal. Located on the Bay of Biscay in Basque country, this beachfront city is a paradise where you can swim, surf, and sunbathe on golden sands.
It’s also renowned for its gastronomic offerings and easy access to breathtaking outdoor pursuits. Another perk of San Sebastián is its proximity to the French border. Move here, and you’ll be well-positioned to explore both European countries.
5. Malaga, Spain
This Andalucian gem offers aspiring expats an attractive blend of culture and coast. While many people associate Malaga with beaches, it’s home to more museums per square kilometer than anywhere else in Europe.
The city’s historical appeal is also second to none, boasting several impressive Roman ruins, including an enormous 1st-century amphitheater. Throw in the sun-kissed climate, laidback (yet active) lifestyle, and open-minded vibe, and you may never want to leave.
6. Athens, Greece
It’s natural to gravitate to islands like Mykonos and Corfu when picturing a new life in Greece. But if you need to work, you’ll likely want high-quality internet, reasonable job prospects, and access to modern amenities – including international airports. That’s why expats in Greece often move to the capital, Athens, instead. This ancient city has all that and more, including infamous attractions like the Acropolis.
7. Braga, Portugal
With over 300 days of annual sunshine, an iconic coastline, delicious cuisine, and a very affordable cost of living, Portugal is a magnet for expats. The capital, Lisbon, often gets the most attention, but Braga may be an even better option. Not only is it cheaper, but Portugal’s third city is also one of the country’s happiest places.
The quality of life is excellent. Expect an incredible food scene, many green spaces, a family-friendly atmosphere, and a booming tourist sector. Braga is also nicknamed the “Rome of Portugal” for its many cultural and historical attractions.
8. Copenhagen, Denmark
If you want to move somewhere affordable in Europe, Copenhagen isn’t the best choice. The cost of living there is notoriously high. However, you do get what you pay for. Denmark’s capital gives you everything else you could want from an expat destination and more.
It’s clean, green, beautiful, forward-thinking, and full of things to do. Copenhagen’s infrastructure is world-class, almost everyone speaks English, and both the economy and job market are strong.
9. Vienna, Austria
The Austrian capital is well-known for its architectural delights (such as the Schönbrunn and Hofburg Palaces), musical heritage, and sky-high quality of life. It’s a beautiful city (some say it’s the most beautiful in Europe) that showcases the best of the continent in terms of safety, history, and cultural pursuits.
Sure, there are budget-friendlier places to settle down. But with strong transport connections to the US, English-speaking locals, and a great economy, it’s no surprise that so many expats feel drawn to Vienna.
10. Basel, Switzerland
Located in northwest Switzerland on the Rhine River, Basel is a historical town with a gorgeous medieval center. It’s also close to both Germany and France, making it an excellent choice if you want to explore other parts of Europe. Like other affluent cities, Basel’s quality of life is exceptional, but the cost of living is high as a result. Thankfully, salaries here tend to make up for it.
11. Rotterdam, Netherlands
Tourists and expats usually head straight to Amsterdam, forgetting about the Netherlands’ second-largest city, Rotterdam. While it isn’t Europe’s most aesthetically pleasing place, the prices are certainly more attractive than in the capital.
Its location isn’t bad, either. Rotterdam sits on the river, but its port is the real centerpiece (and biggest economic driver). The city has a proud maritime history and all the amenities of a modern city, plus easy access to wild, windswept beaches. Anyone who moves here can expect excellent healthcare, international schools, and a strong job market.
12. London, United Kingdom
The UK capital is a sprawling, vibrant, and ever-evolving city that dates back to Roman times. It’s a fascinating place with exquisite architecture, an electric atmosphere, and endless things to do.
Alas, the cost of living can be prohibitive. Yet, with no shortage of jobs available in every conceivable industry, you can certainly enjoy a comfortable life as an expat there. London’s first-rate public transport system and several international airports (that provide easy access to mainland Europe and the rest of the UK) add to its appeal.
13. Brighton, United Kingdom
This gem in the crown of England’s south coast is a short train ride from London, but it feels like a world away. Brighton wears its reputation as a colorful, liberal, artsy, and open-minded place with pride. It has a prime beachfront location, a quintessentially British pier that’s home to an arcade and amusement park, and a maze of storied streets where quirky independent stores sell their wares.
14. Berlin, Germany
Berlin is another modern, multi-cultural, artsy, and open-minded metropolis beloved by expats and digital nomads. It has something for everyone, including museums, art galleries, parks, festivals, and nightclubs, ensuring there’s never a dull moment. Better yet, Berlin has some of the cheapest rents in Europe, meaning it’s a surprisingly affordable capital city to call home.
