The Burrow
Nov 19, 2025
Global mobility shifts are reshaping relocation in 2025, with people rethinking not just where they want to live, but why. Rising living costs, safety concerns, and changing job markets are influencing decisions worldwide, while lifestyle factors such as healthcare, work–life balance, and overall happiness are playing a bigger role than ever.
These relocation trends highlight how movers are prioritising long-term wellbeing and affordability alongside opportunity, marking a shift from short-term ambition to sustainable quality of life. Our analysis reveals the most popular countries to move to in 2025, offering a snapshot of what’s driving global mobility today.
To uncover the best countries for relocation in 2025, the home loan comparison experts at Compare the Market analysed global Google search volumes across relocation-related queries, including phrases like “houses in [country]”, “moving to [country]” and “relocating to [country]”.
To deepen the analysis, we compared this search interest with four key factors: safety, cost of living, healthcare, and happiness indexes. By combining these measures, we gained a more rounded view of why certain destinations stand out in 2025.
Our research reveals the countries capturing the most attention from movers worldwide. Each destination reflects a mix of search demand, lifestyle appeal, and practical factors such as cost of living, safety, healthcare, and happiness. Here’s a closer look at the top 10 relocation destinations shaping global mobility in 2025:
Spain tops the list as the world’s favourite relocation destination, being the most searched-for country in 10 European nations. This reflects a strong regional trend: many Europeans are choosing to stay closer to home, attracted by Spain’s warm climate, cultural richness, and comparatively lower cost of living.
Standing out as one of the top countries for expats, with a Safety Index of 62.8 and a Happiness Score of 6.46, Spain balances wellbeing and affordability in a way few Western European nations can. With year-round sunshine, vibrant cities, and a famously relaxed way of life, it’s easy to see why Spain is one of the best countries for relocation in 2025.
Japan is emerging as one of the most sought-after destinations for relocation in 2025, ranking first in seven countries. Boasting a strong Safety Index (77.3) and a world-class Healthcare Index (80.2), it blends modern cities with rich cultural heritage.
Even more impressive is Japan’s overall score of 76.23 for the related factors, calculated across safety, cost of living, healthcare, and happiness; the third highest among all 44 countries measured. If you’re after stability, excellent public services, and a lifestyle that’s both vibrant and secure, Japan really shines. Much of the interest is being driven by neighbouring Asian and Pacific nations such as South Korea and Australia, where proximity and strong ties make Japan an especially appealing choice.
Australia continues to attract movers worldwide, ranking among the most searched-for destinations this year. With its warm climate, multiculturalism, and strong healthcare system (Healthcare Index 73.1), it offers both quality of life and opportunity.
Search data shows its appeal spans the globe, topping relocation searches in the UAE, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and South Africa. For some, proximity and cultural ties play a role; for others, it’s career prospects, safety, and the promise of a sunny lifestyle.
The United States ranks as a top relocation choice in five countries, with the majority coming from neighbouring Latin American nations. This reflects its broad appeal, whether through proximity, cultural influence, or economic opportunity.
With a Cost-of-Living Index of 64.8, among the more expensive of the countries measured, the US still balances this with strong opportunities and a Happiness Score of 6.72. For many movers, it’s the sheer diversity on offer: from career prospects and world-class universities to cultural variety and different climates, keeping the US among the most popular countries to move to in 2025.
Sweden ranks among the most popular countries to move to in 2025, particularly for people in Germany and Switzerland. Its draw is clear: Sweden scores 7.35 on the Happiness Index, the third highest of all 44 countries measured, underlining its reputation for wellbeing and quality of life.
Despite a lower Safety Index of 51.9, Sweden’s reputation for world-class public services and exceptional quality of life explains why it remains an aspirational destination for many.
Switzerland attracts strong search interest from Spain and Italy, even though relocating there comes with a stark rise in affordability. With the highest Cost of Living Index of all countries measured (106.8), it represents one of the most expensive moves of all.
For many movers, it’s Switzerland’s balance of modern living, social stability, and natural beauty that makes it such an attractive relocation choice.
Despite earning a relatively modest overall score of 54.65 across safety, cost of living, healthcare, and happiness, Italy ranks 5th among the most popular countries to move to. Its enduring appeal lies less in the data and more in the promise of a lifestyle shaped by culture, food, and a slower pace of living – proving that relocation decisions aren’t always driven by numbers alone.
The Netherlands emerges as one of the strongest performers across all factors, with an impressive overall score of 77.14. Its Healthcare Index of 80.6 and Safety Index of 74.2 place it among the best in Europe, while a Happiness Index of 7.31 highlights its reputation for wellbeing and quality of life.
With its mix of secure living, excellent public services, and a culture known for openness and innovation, the Netherlands is a natural choice for those seeking balance in their relocation plans.
Thailand offers a unique profile among the most popular countries to move to in 2025. With a low Cost of Living Index of 35.3 and a strong Healthcare Index of 77.3, it achieves an overall score of 72.66.
This balance of affordability and quality services makes Thailand attractive to those wanting to stretch their budgets without sacrificing wellbeing. Add in its welcoming culture, vibrant communities, and warm climate, and it’s clear why Thailand is seen as one of the top countries for expats, offering both quality of life and a sense of belonging.
Austria attracts strong relocation interest, particularly from Egypt, highlighting its reach beyond Europe. With an overall score of 71.61 across safety, cost of living, healthcare, and happiness, it offers a well-rounded profile for movers.
Its Healthcare Index of 78.5 and Safety Index of 71.7 are especially notable, reinforcing Austria’s reputation for reliable services and secure living. Coupled with its central European location and cultural heritage, Austria remains an attractive option for those seeking stability and quality of life abroad.
For Australians, Japan ranks as the number one relocation choice in 2025, with safety, efficient transport, and cultural richness pulling people north. But the story doesn’t end there. Australia itself is also in the spotlight, ranking as the top relocation choice in six countries worldwide.
This two-way trend highlights Australia’s global reputation: while locals are curious about life abroad, people from places like the UAE, Singapore, and South Africa are setting their sights on Australia for its mix of opportunity and everyday liveability.
Relocating is a big decision, and while the latest relocation trends highlight where people are most interested in moving, it’s just as important to think about the how. If you’re planning an international move in 2025, here are some key steps to help make the process smoother:
“Relocation is no longer just about chasing work opportunities. It’s about safety, affordability, and long-term quality of life,” says Stephen Zeller – General Manager of Money at Compare the Market.
“Our research shows that while traditional hotspots like the US remain popular, countries with strong wellbeing scores, such as Spain, Japan, and Australia, are increasingly attractive to movers worldwide.”
This study draws on a two-part dataset to analyse relocation patterns in 2025. The first dataset highlights the most popular country citizens want to relocate to (from the countries analysed), based on search data. The second ranks 44 countries across four key factors; safety, cost of living, healthcare, and happiness, to provide a broader view of relocation appeal.
Search data was collected using a combination of English and native-language queries (translated with DeepL) to capture intent, based on the following prompts:
Ranking data was compiled from multiple independent sources. Each factor was normalised to a score between 0 and 1; missing values were given a score of 0. These were then combined into a total score out of 100, used to rank all 44 countries from highest to lowest.
The factors included were:
All data is correct as of 11/09/2025. The rankings reflect a compilation of multiple sources and should be considered indicative rather than definitive representations of real-life conditions.
Previous versions for 2022, 2023 and 2024 are available for viewing can be found here.