For decades, Europe has been a dream destination for American travelers. Today, an increasing number of U.S. citizens are taking that dream one step further: not just visiting Europe, but building a life there.
Driven by a desire for a slower pace of life, lower living costs, better access to healthcare, and an improved work-life balance, thousands of Americans are relocating across the continent every year.
The expansion of digital nomad visas and residency programs for retirees and remote workers has made the move more accessible than ever, and a growing, well-established network of expat communities has made it easier to arrive somewhere new without arriving completely alone.
Below are ten of the best places in Europe for American expats to put down roots in 2026, ranked with an eye toward affordability, healthcare, community, safety, and ease of visa access.
1. Valencia, Spain
Valencia has quietly become one of Spain’s fastest-growing expat hubs, and it’s easy to see why.
It offers the walkability and beach access of Barcelona at a noticeably lower cost, along with excellent public transportation, a modern healthcare system, and one of the largest and most active international communities in the country.
Spain’s digital nomad visa requires a monthly income of roughly €2,650-€2,800, and successful applicants can also access the “Beckham Law,” a flat 15% income tax rate for qualifying new residents during their first four years.
Valencia consistently ranks among the safest mid-sized cities in Europe, which – combined with its low cost of living relative to Madrid or Barcelona – makes it a natural starting point for newcomers to Spain.
2. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon draws entrepreneurs, remote workers, and retirees alike with its international atmosphere, historic charm, and reliably mild climate.
Portugal’s D8 visa for remote workers – requiring roughly €3,000-€3,040 in monthly income – remains one of the most established digital nomad programs in Europe, with a clear path to long-term residency.
Lisbon’s size and English-language accessibility make it especially approachable for newcomers, and its long-running international community means there’s rarely a shortage of expat groups, co-working spaces, and social meetups to plug into from day one.
3. Málaga and the Costa del Sol, Spain
With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, direct flights to the U.S., and a thriving international community, Málaga and the wider Costa del Sol region have become a magnet for American retirees and remote workers alike.
Beyond the beaches, Málaga itself has developed a genuinely cosmopolitan city center, with excellent public healthcare, a growing digital nomad and remote-work scene, and an easy rhythm of life that many newcomers describe as an easier landing than Spain’s larger capital cities.
4. The Algarve, Portugal
The Algarve remains especially popular with retirees, thanks to its mild winters, widespread English usage, high-quality healthcare, and well-established expat infrastructure built up over decades.
Portugal’s D7 visa, aimed at those with passive income such as pensions or investments, has been a particularly popular route for retirees settling in the region.
The area’s long-standing international community – one of the oldest and most developed in Europe – means newcomers will find an unusually deep bench of existing social groups, clubs, and volunteer networks to join.
5. Crete, Greece
Crete offers something increasingly rare: a genuinely year-round island lifestyle, with modern hospitals, international schools, its own airports, and communities that stay lively even in the winter months, unlike many smaller Greek islands.
Greece’s digital nomad visa requires around €3,500 in monthly income and comes with a notable incentive – a 50% income tax reduction for the first seven years of residency.
Combined with famously warm Greek hospitality (philoxenia), fresh local food, and a strong sense of community, Crete has become a favorite for Americans looking for genuine, unhurried island living rather than a seasonal tourist bubble.
6. Athens, Greece
For younger remote workers and entrepreneurs, Athens and the nearby “Athens Riviera” coastline offer a livelier alternative to island life – ancient history and vibrant nightlife within the same city blocks.
Rent remains considerably lower than in Lisbon or Barcelona, and the city’s growing co-working and remote-work scene has made it an increasingly serious contender for Americans who want an urban, walkable European base without Western Europe’s price tag.
7. Malta
For Americans concerned about the language barrier, Malta offers a genuine advantage: English is one of its two official languages, spoken fluently throughout the country.
Its Nomad Residence Permit requires a relatively high monthly income of roughly €3,500-€4,200, but in return, applicants get access to a compact, cosmopolitan island with strong digital infrastructure, an established international business community, and one of the highest safety ratings in the Mediterranean.
8. Puglia, Italy
Italy continues to draw Americans dreaming of la dolce vita, and while Tuscany remains the classic choice, the southern region of Puglia has emerged as a compelling – and considerably more affordable – alternative.
Its whitewashed hill towns, olive groves, and slower coastal pace come at a fraction of the property and living costs found further north, and a small but growing wave of American retirees and remote workers has started to establish real roots there, drawn by the region’s authenticity and unhurried rhythm of daily life.
9. Split and the Dalmatian Coast, Croatia
Croatia was among the first European countries to introduce a dedicated digital nomad visa, and cities like Split, along with islands such as Hvar and Korčula, have become sought-after bases for remote workers drawn to the Adriatic coastline.
It’s worth noting that many Americans treat Croatia as a temporary or seasonal base rather than a permanent one: coastal towns can feel considerably quieter in winter, when many businesses close, and property purchases can involve additional bureaucratic steps for non-EU citizens.
Still, for those prioritizing scenery, a strong remote-work community, and relatively low costs, the Dalmatian Coast is hard to beat for at least part of the year.
10. Vienna, Austria
For those looking beyond the Mediterranean, Vienna regularly ranks among the most livable cities in the world, and consistently among the safest capitals in Europe.
Its combination of historic architecture, an outstanding public transportation network, strong healthcare system, and rich cultural life has made it a quiet favorite among American professionals prioritizing infrastructure and stability over sunshine and beach access.
A Lifestyle, Not Just a Lower Cost of Living
While financial considerations play a role, much of this migration is being driven by lifestyle rather than economics alone.
Many Americans are looking to step away from long working hours, rising healthcare costs, and the fast-paced culture that often defines life in the U.S. – and toward something many expats describe as equally valuable: time.
Long lunches, walkable neighborhoods, accessible healthcare, reliable public transport, and a stronger cultural emphasis on rest and leisure are recurring reasons cited by those who’ve made the move.
It’s also worth being clear-eyed about the trade-offs. The growing influx of foreign residents has sparked real debate in some of Europe’s most popular destinations – cities including Lisbon, Valencia, and parts of Greece have seen rising housing costs, prompting local concern about affordability and the broader impact of international migration.
Anyone considering a move should factor that tension into their planning, both out of practical necessity and basic respect for the communities they’re joining.
Despite those growing pains, the trend shows little sign of slowing. For a growing number of Americans, Europe is no longer just a place to spend a vacation – it’s becoming a place to actually call home.
Sources:
- Citizen Remote, “Best Countries for Digital Nomads in 2026,” citizenremote.com
- Forbes, “10 Countries Offering Digital Nomad Visas In 2026 – And How They Work,” forbes.com
- CasaBasilico, “Best Digital Nomad Visas in 2026 (Country by Country),” casabasilico.com
- Global Citizen Solutions, “Digital Nomad Visa Europe – 13 Best Countries in 2026,” globalcitizensolutions.com
- EuroAmerican Financial Advisors, “Digital Nomad Visas for Americans Moving to Europe in 2026,” eurousafa.com
- Taxes for Expats, “Digital Nomad Visa Countries 2026: Best & Cheapest Options,” taxesforexpats.com
