Best Countries for British Expats (2026)
With a high cost of living at home and the loss of EU free-movement, Brits are increasingly looking south to Portugal, Spain, and Asia.
Updated March 2026
Key takeaway
Portugal ranks #1 for British expats — about 31% cheaper than United Kingdom on cost of living and 46% cheaper on rent.
Score blends cost arbitrage, a healthcare proxy (88/100), safety (90/100), visa access, and English fluency.
City-level costs inside Portugal vary a lot. Compare cities with Pro →
Top 10 by lifestyle-adjusted score
Higher = better cost arbitrage and lifestyle fit for British expats.
Portugal
63.5
Malaysia
63.1
Malta
60.9
United Arab Emirates
60.5
Cyprus
59.7
Estonia
59.1
South Korea
58.4
Spain
58.2
Thailand
58.0
Iceland
56.8
What we measured
- Cost arbitrage — how much cheaper rent and overall cost of living are vs United Kingdom.
- Healthcare proxy (0–100) — blended outcome data, infrastructure, and resident satisfaction.
- Safety proxy (0–100) — petty + violent crime + perceived nighttime safety.
- Visa access — whether the destination offers a digital-nomad or long-stay visa accessible to British citizens.
- English fluency — day-to-day usability for new arrivals before learning the local language.