Top 10 Most Desirable Countries to Live in 2025
- Rona Canares
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
Living abroad is more than just a choice—it’s a lifestyle transformation. Based on global surveys, quality of life indexes, and expat sentiment, here are the Top 10 Most Desirable Countries to call home in 2025.
Why These Are the Top 10 Most Desirable Countries in 2025
Many factors contribute to desirability: quality of life, economic strength, expat services, and happiness. For example, New Zealand topped work-life balance charts with an index score of 86.9/100, offering 32 days of annual leave and family benefits. Visual Capitalist+1CEOWorld Magazine+1Expatriate Group. Costa Rica ranked 6th in global happiness lists, praised for its eco-stability and well-being. Notably, Australia leads in expat appeal with relaxed living and excellent job markets, Greenback Expat Tax Services+4News.com.au+4LinkedIn+4.
What Makes Each of the Top 10 Most Desirable Countries So Attractive?
1. Australia
Lavish beaches, strong job market, multicultural society—Australia ranks high in expat satisfaction, News.com.au.

2. Canada
Consistently praised for quality of life, education, and healthcare. In 2024, it scored 94.1/100 in U.S. News rankings on Wikipedia.

3. Japan
One of the top 5 countries overall (96.6/100) with excellent living standards.

4. USA
High power and opportunity (94.2/100 overall), but the U.S. fell to its lowest-ever happiness score, ranking 24th in the World Happiness Report, People.com+3Business Insider+3 News+3.

5. New Zealand
Leads in work-life balance globally—an expat magnet, Visual Capitalist+1Times of India+1.

6. Costa Rica
Ranks 6th in happiness globally and is recognized for sustainability and human development Forbes+15The Sun+15AP News+15.

7. South Africa
Emerging expat destination with rich culture and improving infrastructure.

8. Brazil
Known for vibrant culture, natural beauty, and growing expat communities.

9. South Korea
Ranks 9th in economic quality per HDI-listed countries like Singapore & Switzerland internations.org+2Newswire+2Greenback Expat Tax Services+2aol.com+2Expatriate Group+2nomadcapitalist.com+2.

10. Peru
Increasingly attractive for retirees and digital nomads, with a good cost of living and biodiversity.

Comparative Highlights
Country | Strengths |
Australia | Good work-life balance, high expat satisfaction |
Canada | Top-tier healthcare, education & stability |
Japan | High quality of life, infrastructure |
USA | Career opportunities, though lower in happiness scores |
New Zealand | Exceptional work-life balance |
Costa Rica | Sustainability, happiness, and environmental stewardship |
South Africa & Brazil | Culture, diversity, expat growth |
South Korea | Economic strength, modern infrastructure |
Peru | Affordability, natural beauty, growing expat appeal |
Tips for Moving to the Top 10 Most Desirable Countries
Research visa and residency requirements—many offer skilled-worker or retirement visas.
Consider cost of living and lifestyle needs—Canada’s healthcare may come at a premium, while Peru offers affordability.
Connect with expat communities to ease integration and find support.
From Canada’s safe environment to Costa Rica’s eco-living and New Zealand’s work-life ethos, the Top 10 Most Desirable Countries offer something unique. This 2025 list highlights where modern dreams meet real-world living.