Fancy a new life abroad but not sure where to plant the flag? A fresh ranking has done the number-crunching for you. The 2026 Global Relocation Index from Rumavi scores countries across four pillars — financial and tax, liveability and health, safety and stability, and setting and opportunity — and the results mix predictable favourites with a few curveballs. Here are the standouts, counting down from the bottom of the top list.

Malta kicks things off. English is an official language, the Nomad Residence Permit gives non-EU citizens a relatively clean path in, and Numbeo pegs the cost of living about 22% below the US. Add low crime, Mediterranean swimming and short flights across southern Europe and North Africa, and the case is strong — though its import-dependent island economy makes some groceries pricey.

Czechia, at No. 9, combines one of Europe's lowest crime rates with a roughly 25% cost-of-living saving versus the US once rent is counted. Americans can access the labour market without a separate work permit (a residency permit is still required), the IT infrastructure suits remote workers, and the tech and automotive sectors help fill jobs. Prague gets the headlines, but smaller towns make a convincing pitch too.

St Kitts and Nevis offers the boldest deal in the Caribbean: citizenship by investment from US$250,000, no personal income tax, stable internet and low crime. Rents can dip below US averages, though day-to-day costs run higher than neighbouring islands. Without that kind of capital, immigration options narrow considerably.

Hong Kong, at No. 7, is tax-friendly with no VAT or GST, plus dedicated visa routes like the Top Talent Pass Scheme. The catch: central rents run nearly double the US average. Offsets include cheap dining — some of the world's best Michelin-recommended street food — superb public transport, and 40% of the territory protected as parkland.

Lithuania at No. 6 is the value pick: LivingCost puts it about 50% cheaper than the US, with a 5% corporate tax rate for qualifying small businesses. Vilnius ranks among Europe's most affordable capitals, cities are walkable and well connected, and English proficiency is respectable for the region.

Taiwan, No. 5 overall, is No. 2 in the world for family living thanks to strong schools and healthcare, and Numbeo calls it the fourth-safest country globally. US nationals get visa-exempt entry, and tax conditions can suit short-stay digital nomads — though permanent residency typically demands five years of continuous residence.

Portugal rounds out the top four as Western Europe's digital-nomad magnet. It's roughly 32% cheaper than the US with rent included, with even bigger savings on childcare, broadband and groceries. Temporary visas are available for remote workers, and the beaches, seafood and wine hardly need a sales pitch.

The obvious caveat: relocation is personal, and rankings can't weigh your job, family or visa situation. But if you're craving a move and want the data to back your gut instinct, this list is a smart place to start — especially if your real goal is a long-term base you can test-drive as a holiday first.

Credit: Islands