Where to Live Happily, Safely, and Sustainably: Breaking Down the Top Relocation Rankings
Economic challenges and new life priorities are pushing people to look beyond just future income levels. Today, family safety, environmental conditions, quality of healthcare, and social environment have taken center stage. Choosing a country to live in has become a complex, multidimensional decision.
To help expats make informed choices, the international financial analytics platform Remitly has released a major study — The Immigration Index 2026. Analysts evaluated 82 countries across 34 key metrics. Everything was taken into account: from earning potential and cost of living to infrastructure quality, ecology, parental leave duration, and the level of immigrant integration.
We break down the main findings of the study and highlight the best countries for relocation in 2026.
Top 5 Countries for Living in 2026
Europe continues to dominate global quality-of-life rankings. Eight of the top ten most attractive destinations are European countries. The global top five looks like this:
Switzerland — the absolute champion. The country offers high income potential, world-class healthcare, and maximum safety. It also stands out for its well-developed expat communities, which speed up adaptation.
Iceland — a paradise for families. This island nation consistently ranks high thanks to its pristine environment, high quality of life, and strong family infrastructure.
Luxembourg — high incomes. Located in the heart of Europe, the country is known for its exceptionally high salaries, global safety standards, and excellent transport network.
Australia — the leader outside Europe. The only non-European country in the top five. It has long attracted expats with strong healthcare, prestigious universities, and a very friendly, open culture.
Germany — career potential. Rounding out the top five is Europe’s largest economy, which scored highly for its robust infrastructure and excellent prospects for skilled professionals.
The second five in the global ranking includes Ireland, the United States, Denmark, Norway, and Spain.
Special Categories: Where to Go for Specific Goals
The choice of destination always depends on personal priorities. The Index clearly shows which countries best meet specific expat needs.
Best Country for Moving with Children
If you’re planning a family relocation, researchers strongly recommend Spain. It took first place worldwide for a combination of family-friendly factors: quality of school education, accessibility of childcare, and generous parental leave policies.
Best Balance of Income and Expenses
Saudi Arabia unexpectedly led in the best income-to-cost-of-living ratio. Among European countries, the top spots go to Norway, Denmark, and Luxembourg.
Safety and Social Comfort
Scandinavia and Central European countries traditionally lead in safety metrics. Luxembourg ranks fifth globally for expat safety, while Norway’s Bergen is noted as one of the calmest and highest-paying cities.
How to Make the Right Choice?
The Remitly study confirms a simple idea: there is no single “perfect” country. However, such indexes provide an excellent analytical foundation for getting started.
Relocation is always about finding a balance between hard statistics and personal circumstances. When choosing a new country, compare the data with your own goals — whether you need affordable kindergartens, strong career opportunities, low taxes, or simply clean air. Only a comprehensive approach will help you find the place you can confidently call your new home.
And to avoid spending endless time on research and comparisons, you can book a consultation with us. We will assess all the nuances of your specific situation and help you find the best ways to achieve your goals.