Where NOT To Move in 2026 (According to Expats)
If you’re thinking about moving abroad, then chances are you’ve spent a lot of time deciding where to go. But just as important as knowing the best places to live is knowing which countries to avoid. In this video, I’m breaking down the worst-rated countries for expats this year, from a survey of over 10,000 expats worldwide. Results are based on cost of living, quality of life, ease of settling in, and more. Apply for support with your move: https://www.travelingwithkristin.com/relocation
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Watch next: 👀
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:47 11: USA
04:11 10: Italy
08:10 9: Sweden
11:04 8: Norway
13:32 7: Canada
15:52 6: UK
18:40 5: Germany
20:58 4: Finland
22:16 3: South Korea
23:36 2: Turkey
26:10 1: Top Worst Country
27:33 What This Means for You?
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👱🏻♀️ About: Kristin Wilson is the author of Digital Nomads For Dummies and Moving Abroad For Dummies. She’s the creator and host of the top-rated Traveling with Kristin Podcast and YouTube channel. She’s traveled to more than 65 countries and has been helping people move overseas since 2005.
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PS: This video is for entertainment purposes only and is not consulting or advice. Video descriptions may contain affiliate or refer-a-friend links for products I use and recommend. Thank you for watching and supporting my channel.
Information source: Expat Insider Survey https://www.internations.org/expat-insider
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#movingabroad #expats #worstplaces
27 Comments
Are you struggling with the decision of where to move next year? We can help! Apply here: https://www.travelingwithkristin.com/relocation
USA = Gun Violence, Racism, Cruel Religion, Willful Ignorance, and Political Corruption.
Avoid for your own safety & well being.
I have a 75 year-old man who has lived in the US all my life, and I am horrified at what this nation has become for all the reasons you have given and more. The US used to be a great country, but it has turned into a great disappointment instead. What a crying shame!
No problems living in Canada 🇨🇦 ! If you are depressed or having problems with your health! The Canadian government will assist in your s,ui.c.d,e! The lunatic regime of Canada 🇨🇦!
Happy 2026 Kristin. ❤️
Face it. Trump is the main reason it’s a terrible place to live 😢
Im a dual citizen living in Italy. I love it. I hope more Americans stay away….especially digital nomads. Very little of the bad of what you said is true….but keep saying it. 😊
If you had crime at the top of your list it would ve totally different. All Latin and Spanish speaking club are insanely dangerous. Yes UK is a shit hole now because of the insane government but you got a 50% chance of dying in Mexico as a white American
The cost you pay for year for just the health insurance premium (the monthly payment, not the co-pay amount you share with the insurance agency) costs more than you'll pay in a year for NHS taxes, co-pays, and OTC medicine.
Inmigrants, not expats
I think friendliness is a regional thing, I seem to live in a very unfriendly part of the USA! And yes, my health care situation is very bad in a lot of ways, very expensive and very bad, unprofessional, communication on the part of health care workers.
Hello Kristin ❤️ we talked a few months ago. My wife and I are just over a month into our Philippines adventure!
Hi, Kristin! Whoa! That rating of Sweden at 38th out of 46 is crazy! Must have been some introverts and 1st time movers. #30 on healthcare when Sweden is top 10 in all rankings? 43 in Leasure Options? They must not like the outdoors activities in the Summer or Winter. 28 on security, 21 on transit? Must have had a bunch of Sweden haters answering your poll. I'd suggest to most people thinking of moving overseas from the U.S., if you haven't moved 4-6 times in your life within the U.S. and learned how to read people and be the new kid in town, then don't do it. You learn that you have to put forward the effort to meet people and blend in…especially if you are moving to what I call extreme introvert societies like Norway and Sweden (there are cities is the U.S. that fit that description too). I'm glad I'm American and come from a Danish family. Makes moving and making new friends a breeze! LOL! I'll be honest to the retirees. Unless you have a good sized government pension (vs. private) that gets sheltered from Sweden taxing it to death (i.e. Railroad retirement per tax treaty). None of the Scandinavian countries are for you, unfortunately. Anyway, love your videos! I'll probably reach out in a couple of years for your professional help in moving to Sweden as I am nearing retirement in 4.5 years. 😊
There are plenty of videos telling us how technologically backwards Germany is in some aspects of daily life. That's incredible, considering it's one of the richest and generally most technologically advanced. What's wrong there?
Hm, I lived for 22 years in Minnesota, US and thought that I had seen it all where it came to pervasive passive-aggression on all levels of society, but having later also commuted to and from various Scandinavian destinations, I have to grudgingly come to the conclusion that Scandinavia takes the cake along with the cooky-jar where it comes to bringing even a Dutchman (as I am) to nearly aggresive-aggression.
At least in the US it is possible to easily befriend people (granted: generally impossible to remain such in the long run.), but the Scandinavian countries do not allow anything more than a truly icy correctness, larded with heaping, steaming loads of passive-aggression.
Then again, that could just be me.
I'm an American and I'm not surprised the US made this list. It's really bad here and when I retire. I'm definitely moving abroad 🤨
Crime, crime, crime in USA. Also as you say, health care.
What are the top 10 for retirees? My grandpa always asks me that.
I want to move to Sardinia Italy and live in a small village. How much money do I need to make or have in the bank to move there? Please reply 🙏
Still, the main place to avoid is the U.S. and the situation is getting worse every day!
Italy or bust!!!!! Spent 2 weeks in the summer and definitely want to go back. It was fabulous and the people for the most part friendly. Also spent 2 weeks in the UK and it S*CKED A##. The people were the worst. Never going back.
Clearly tone deaf when it comes to expats
Really great video : informative, fact based, fun, and very surprising for some.
I think you should point out the list is in no way judgmental on the countries listed, but its real value is in country comparison, not absolute terms.
I dont think I have ever heard such a load of Rubbish.
Talks about Sweden – shows video clip of Indian man in Dublin ??? 8:56
Omg you do not mention Ireland??
Come on!!! The highest cost of living and housing crisis in the world? Dark winters with long nights and rain most of the year???
This is not an accurate video without Ireland on this worst place to move to.
I don't understand not liking food over in England, especially if you live in any of the cities.