Ten nations to maneuver to the place folks say they’re comfortable but in addition reasonably priced to dwell in
When it comes to the happiest countries in the world, there are some names that inevitably appear at the top of the list.
Places such as Norway, Denmark and Iceland regularly feature thanks to their strong communities, idyllic scenery and low rates of crime.
However, another thing all three have in common is a high cost of living.
All three featured in the top ten, in money transfer firm Wise’s cost of living by country index for 2025.
So which are the best countries to live, when affordability is also entered into the equation?
That is the question that new research by removals firm 1st Move International set out to answer.
It ranks countries based on their happiness index score (based on pollster Gallup’s World Happiness Report) but also estimated monthly living costs and average monthly rent.
For the top three countries, we have also explained how house prices and mortgage compare to the UK for those looking to buy a home – as well as how to get a visa.
While some of the traditional names still feature, it also throws up some surprises for those looking to make a move away from the UK – and cut their living costs at the same time.
Meanwhile, there is no Spain, France, Portugal, US, Italy or UAE on the list…
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Vibrant: Mexican people are among the world’s happiest – and enjoy a lower cost of living
1. Mexico
Great weather, food and football are just three reasons Mexico might appeal to Britons looking to move away.
It has a happiness score of 6.98 out of 10, with monthly non-housing costs for one person coming in at £517.80. This includes essentials such as bills, food and transport.
Rent for a one-bed property in the city centre comes in at £563.29, meaning someone could cover their basic living costs for a total of £1,081.09.
The UK’s happiness score is 6.69, lower than any country on this list.
Rent on a one-bed apartment is £1,011.34 per month and basic expenses come in at £826.30, meaning a monthly cost of £1,837.64.
Buying a home in Mexico: The average house price in Mexico is about £134,948, according to 1st Move International’s research – almost exactly half the £268,000 average property price in the UK.
However, the average mortgage rate in Mexico is 11.43 per cent, compared to 5.77 per cent on the average two-year fix in the UK.
Getting a visa: Those wanting to live in Mexico for between 180 days and four years can apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (Residente Temporal). They must show proof of ‘economic solvency,’ be sponsored by a company in Mexico or have a family link to Mexico. After four years, they can apply for a permanent visa.
Smiles all round: Finnish people have the highest happiness score of all countries, according to the World Happiness Report – and it is cheaper to live there than the UK
2. Finland
Finland has the highest happiness score of all at 7.74 out of 10, perhaps owing to its world-class health and education systems and low crime rates.
Residents also place a strong focus on work-life balance and enjoy spending time in nature, with the country’s forests and lakes in close proximity to many.
Costs are higher though, with the average person’s monthly expenses coming in at £811.50 and the typical rent on a one-bed sitting at £663.47. In total, basic living costs total £1,474.97.
Buying a home in Finland: Typical homes range from £212,207 to £406,226 on average, depending on the city, 1st Move International said – making it roughly in line with UK house prices.
Mortgage rates are lower, though, at 3.85 per cent according to Numbeo data.
Getting a visa: Anyone wanting to stay in Finland for more than three months needs a residence permit. They must have a job, a student place or a family member in Finland.
Picturesque: New Zealand locals enjoy stunning scenery, and relatively low living costs
3. New Zealand
The land of sheep, Sauvignon Blanc and Lord of the Rings benefits from low crime rates, friendly locals and stunning nature. The World Happiness Report gave it a score of 6.95 out of 10.
Living costs each month are £725.20, one of only three countries on the list to come in below £800.
However, rent is more expensive at £823.15, with high rents in major cities such as Auckland dragging up the average. This makes for total monthly costs of £1,548.35.
Buying a home in New Zealand: The average property price in New Zealand is higher than the UK, coming in at £394,950 according to QV data from March 2026.
A typical new two-year fixed mortgage in New Zealand was advertised at 5.58 per cent in March 2026 according to Reserve Bank of New Zealand data, slightly lower than the UK.
Getting a visa: UK residents can stay in New Zealand for up to six months without a visa. Those aged 18 to 30 can also get a ‘working holiday’ visa for up to 12 months. For most, getting permanent residence will require having a job offer in New Zealand or being qualified to work in a specific, in-demand occupation.
Down time: Swedish residents prioritise work-life balance and spending time with family and friends – and have a cheaper cost of living than in the UK
4. Sweden
Sweden is known for its laid-back and family-focused culture, with many firms offering flexible working and generous paid leave.
This gives it a happiness score of 7.35 out of ten, making it the third-most-joyful of all the countries on the list.
However, the monthly basics will set someone back £826.10 and rent costs £723.51, adding up to £1,549.61 per month.
Getting a visa: For most Britons, moving to Sweden will rely on getting a job there. They must have a monthly salary or wages totalling at least 80 percent of the median salary published by Statistics Sweden at the time of their application.
Closer to home: Belgium is well-connected to the UK and the rest of mainland Europe
5. Belgium
Belgium could be a good location for British expats, as English is widely spoken and it has quick travel links back to the UK and the rest of Europe.
While it has the lowest happiness score in the top 10 at 6.91, it is still higher than that of the UK – and monthly living costs are £269 less.
Paying £824.60 for regular expenses and £744.49 for rent, a single person would spend £1,569.09 per month on average.
Getting a visa: Those wishing to work in Belgium for more than 90 days must submit an application for a work permit to the correct regional authority, via their employer. This involves a ‘labour market test’ where employers must prove they cannot find a qualified local candidate.
High earners and those with specialised skills can apply for a ‘blue card’ which offers residency for up to three years.
Convivial: Like other Scandinavian countries, Denmark has a strong sense of community
6. Denmark
The third Scandi country on the list, Denmark is known for its high quality of life and hygge – the ideal of spending time with friends and family in cosy comfort.
It’s no wonder that it has one of the highest happiness scores on the list at 7.52 – and it also offers a slightly lower monthly cost of living than the UK at £1,818.07.
At £944.80 per month, daily expenses are higher than back home for British expats on average – but they will pay a lower £873.27 in rent on a typical one-bed flat.
Getting a visa: Usually requires employment in Denmark in an in-demand profession. There are special pathways for those in in-demand professions or who have been offered a job earning about £515,000 or more.
Top target: Australia is one of the most popular destinations for Britons moving abroad
7. Australia
Australia’s golden beaches, unspoiled nature and relaxed way of life make it a top destination for those looking to leave Britain behind.
It has a happiness score of 6.97, beating the UK’s 6.69 – but according to the research, it will cost an extra £34.96 for a single person to live there each month.
Rent comes in at an average of £1,087.10 per month, and basic food, utilities and transport cost £785.50.
Getting a visa: Working holiday visas allow 18 to 30 year olds to stay in Australia and do casual work for up to 12 months. Most other workers will need to have an offer of a skilled, in-demand job from an Australian employer.
Picturesque: Norway offers access to the great outdoors and a strong sense of community
8. Norway
The final Scandinavian country on the list, Norway has a happiness score of 7.26 thanks to a good work-life balance and strong social networks.
It will cost Britons more to live here than at home, though, with the essentials setting them back £998.50 per month and rent, £963.04. That makes for a typical monthly budget of £1,961.54.
Getting a visa: You’ll need a residence permit on the basis of having an offer to work or study, or joining family in Norway. Job offers will usually need to be skilled, requiring a bachelor’s degree or specific vocational training.
In bloom: People are happy in the Netherlands, but they also spend more than Britons
9. Netherlands
Bicycles, tulips and clogs give the Netherlands an idyllic image, and its happiness score of 7.31 out of 10 suggests there is plenty to smile about there. It also has fast links back to Britain by sea, air and rail.
Again, though, it costs more to live there than it does in the UK, according to 1st Move International’s research.
Expenses come in at £880.70 each month, but it is the expensive rent of £1,244.96 – more than Britain – that really drives up the cost. In total, expats can expect to pay £2,125.66 to get by each month.
Getting a visa: You will need to find paid employment in the Netherlands and submit a combined application for a permit to live and work called the TEV or GVVA. If you are a highly skilled migrant (aged over 30 and earning €5,942 or more) or a startup founder, the work permit may not be required.
Time to move? Switzerland is another country with a top happiness score
10. Switzerland
Britons moving to Switzerland will be greeted by cheese, chocolate, and lots of clocks.
The most expensive place on the list, those living in Switzerland will need to fork out £2,820.68 for the basics each month – £1,288.10 for daily expenses and £1,532.58 for housing.
However, people generally earn more with the Swiss often ranked as the highest-salaried workers in Europe.
It has a happiness score of 6.94, lower only than Belgium among the top 10.
Getting a visa: Those with a job secured in Switzerland can get an ‘L permit’ to work for up to two years, if they have a university degree and earn a minimum salary. However, their employer may have to prove there was no suitable Swiss candidate.
Mike Harvey, managing director at 1st Move International, suggests that anyone considering a move abroad spends an extended period of time there first, to test out what the cost of living is like in practice.
‘For many Brits considering a move overseas, finding the right balance between quality of life and cost is key,’ he says. ‘Trialling life abroad first is a practical way to experience how far your budget really goes in a new country, without the pressure of committing long-term.
‘Spending time living like a local allows people to properly understand day-to-day expenses, housing costs, and overall lifestyle, not just what they see on paper.
“This kind of approach helps Britons identify destinations where they can achieve a happier lifestyle within their means, while reducing both the financial and emotional risks often associated with relocating. For many, that initial experience becomes the foundation for a more permanent move.’
