Living Abroad
Living abroad is a mainstream global decision, not a niche trend. OECD countries recorded 6.2 million new permanent immigrants in 2024 — 15% above 2019 — while the UN’s International Migrant Stock tracks migration across 233 countries and areas.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The answer before the detail
Living abroad is a mainstream global decision, not a niche trend. OECD countries recorded 6.2 million new permanent immigrants in 2024 — 15% above 2019 — while the UN’s International Migrant Stock tracks migration across 233 countries and areas.
METHODOLOGY & ASSUMPTIONS
What WTW compares WTW separates inspiration from practical fit. Country and city guides therefore look at cost, housing, healthcare, mobility, infrastructure and immigration context rather than ranking places on scenery alone.
HOW TO USE THIS RESEARCH
Why the rules matter Visa, residency and tax policies change frequently and can alter the value of a destination faster than prices do. Those claims are dated and linked to official sources whenever possible.
HOW TO USE THIS RESEARCH
How to use this hub Start with a country or city guide for the numbers, then use comparison articles to understand trade-offs. The goal is not to name one universal “best” place, but to make the decision variables visible enough that different readers can reach different conclusions.
WTW RESEARCH STANDARD
Evidence first, claims dated.
This article and its destination pages use the same structured research record. Cost, property, visa, tax and investment-related information can change and should be rechecked against current official or qualified local guidance before a decision.
Read the methodology