Skip to main content

This is the top country Americans want to move to in 2026

A new moveBuddha study finds Canada leads relocation wish lists thanks to affordability, safety, and easy access from the U.S.

By Amanda Teague Published November 21, 2025

Quebéc City, Quebéc, Canada — festivio / Pixabay

A new study from moveBuddha reveals that Americans looking to start a new life abroad overwhelmingly have their sights set on one destination, and it is closer than many might expect. Canada ranked as the number one country Americans hope to move to in 2026, with 24.4 percent of survey respondents choosing the neighbor to the north as their top relocation pick.

Runner-up goes to England, selected by 12.2 percent of those surveyed, followed by Japan, Ireland, and Switzerland rounding out the top five. But Canada’s lead is significant, and experts say its appeal comes down to a combination of practicality, lifestyle, and proximity.

Recommended Videos

For many Americans, Canada offers the perfect balance of familiarity and fresh opportunity. Shared language, cultural similarities, and geographic closeness make the transition smoother than relocating across the globe. Add in universal healthcare, strong job markets in cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary, and a reputation for safety and political stability, and it is easy to see why the country tops the list.

Nature lovers also find Canada irresistible. From the mountains of British Columbia to the charm of Quebec City and the coastal beauty of Nova Scotia, the country offers a variety of lifestyles for expats. Outdoor recreation is deeply embedded in Canadian culture, giving newcomers access to world class skiing, hiking, wildlife, and endless national parks.

With relocation interest rising and Canada continuing to rank high in global livability studies, 2026 may see more Americans than ever crossing the border in search of a new chapter.

The top countries Americans want to move to in 2026

Canada
England
Japan
Ireland
Switzerland
France
Costa Rica
Mexico
New Zealand
Thailand
Germany
Portugal

Contributor

Amanda, an accomplished freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio, is a dedicated explorer of both the world and the written word…

Topics

Destinations

Travel

I spent 72 hours in London with only a carry-on. Here’s how I did it in style

Luxury travel doesn't require a checked bag

London

Somewhere between the baggage claim carousel and the Elizabeth Line, I realized I'd already won. As passengers from my Norwegian flight to London crowded around the conveyor belt waiting for checked luggage to appear, I was already on my way into the city. Twenty minutes later, I was headed toward central London with nothing more than a carry-on suitcase and a backpack. I've become a bit of a carry-on evangelist over the past few years. Not because I'm trying to prove some minimalist point or because I enjoy seeing how few shirts I can survive with. I just genuinely think it's the better way to travel, especially for a long weekend in Europe.

My recent 72-hour trip from Copenhagen to London wasn't exactly a backpacker's itinerary. It included a stay at one of London's nicest luxury hotels, rooftop cocktails, dinners worth dressing up for, and plenty of walking through Soho, Covent Garden, and the rest of central London. Somehow, everything I needed fit inside my Travelpro Platinum Elite Slim Cabin Hardshell Spinner V2, with a backpack holding my flight essentials.

Travel

This New Montana Hotel Captures the Poetry of the Open Road

Helena's newest boutique hotel revives the spirit of the classic roadside motel.

Corner, Home Decor, Bed

In case you need another excuse for a Montana getaway this summer, a quirky new boutique hotel has opened in Helena, the Treasure State's capital. The Bell Hotel occupies the site of the former Bell Motel, a classic 1950s roadside lodge thoughtfully reimagined by CWG Architecture. Each of its 14 rooms features locally made chocolates, coffee, and artwork. While in town, ask the front desk about the Bell's Picnic in the Park package. The hotel supplies a basket of local treats and a blanket; Montana provides the sublime scenery and glorious weather. You're on your own for companionship.

Hannah honey was a peachy kind of girl /Her eyes were hazel and her nose was slightly curved /We spent a lonely night at the Memory Motel- The Rolling Stones

Travel

Want to feel like a lad watching England vs. Norway in New York City? The London is where it’s at

The quarterfinals are here. The London's where you should be.

Flag, Plant, City

The last quarterfinal games in the 2026 FIFA World Cup are here. England-Norway kicks things off in Miami before Argentina-Switzerland caps the day's action in Kansas City. One of the best things to come out of the World Cup has been the atmosphere these fans have provided at each city they've visited. We saw the amazing vibes out of Mexico City last week when England fans visited. Before the game, England fans partied and went toe-to-toe with Mexicans at bars everywhere. I know because I was there at The Dog House Pub.

After England beat Mexico in a classic Round of 16 game, fans flooded the streets and partied. We celebrated with England fans until the wee hours of the morning. If you have a serious case of FOMO, you need not worry. You can still catch good vibes and feel like a lad watching England-Norway at The London, A Luxury Collection Hotel, in New York City.