In 2022 a noticeable spike in online searches for “best places to live” highlighted growing interest in relocation, especially among residents of the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada. Media outlets have responded with rankings that combine safety, cost of living, tax environment and the availability of residency or citizenship‑by‑investment (CBI) programmes.
What the data shows
- Google Trends – The query “best places to live in 2022” is led by searches from the U.S., followed by the U.K. and Canada.
- CNBC ranking – A recent article identified ten locations that score highly across a range of factors, from public safety to fiscal policy.
Top‑ranked locations (according to the CNBC list)
| Rank | Country / City | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vienna, Austria | Consistently high quality‑of‑life scores; offers a CBI programme that can lead to an Austrian passport (costs run into the millions of dollars). |
| — | Denmark | Strong social safety net and low crime; tax rates are relatively high, making it less attractive for high‑net‑worth individuals seeking tax efficiency. |
| — | Switzerland | Renowned for stability and banking privacy; also provides a CBI route, though the investment threshold is substantial. |
| — | Canada | Attractive for its public services and immigration pathways; tax burden varies by province. |
| — | Germany | Robust economy and extensive public infrastructure; no direct CBI programme, but offers residence permits for qualified investors. |
| — | Amsterdam, Netherlands | High standard of living and liberal governance; the Dutch “golden visa” requires a multi‑million‑euro investment, but an indirect route via the Caribbean island of Curaçao can eventually lead to Dutch citizenship at a lower overall cost. |
| — | Australia | High wages and quality of life, yet many Australian residents are now exploring overseas options, partly due to cost‑of‑living pressures. |
Budget‑friendly alternative: Mexico
For individuals seeking a lower‑cost entry point, Mexico offers a diverse set of environments—from the laid‑back beach towns of Cancún and Baja California to the metropolitan pace of Mexico City. The country’s residency programmes are comparatively inexpensive, and the cost of living is markedly lower than in most European or North‑American destinations.
Mid‑range option: The Netherlands (Amsterdam)
While the direct Dutch “golden visa” demands a sizable investment, an alternative pathway exists through Curaçao, a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Investing in Curaçao can eventually grant access to Dutch citizenship, providing a more affordable route for those who can manage a multi‑step process.
High‑end options for affluent movers
- Malta – Offers a fast‑track citizenship programme with a total investment requirement exceeding €1 million.
- Austria – As noted, the Austrian CBI route is among the most expensive, but it yields one of the world’s strongest passports.
- Ireland – Grants residency and, eventually, citizenship to investors meeting a €1 million investment threshold; Dublin is frequently cited for its high quality of life.
Practical considerations when choosing a new home
- Safety vs. cost – High safety rankings often correlate with higher living expenses and taxes.
- Taxation – Countries like Denmark and Switzerland have favorable tax regimes for certain income types, but overall tax rates can be high.
- Residency vs. citizenship – Some programmes grant long‑term residency without immediate citizenship, which may be sufficient for many expatriates.
- Investment threshold – CBI programmes typically require multi‑million‑dollar commitments; indirect routes (e.g., via Curaçao) can reduce upfront costs but add procedural complexity.
- Lifestyle diversity – Nations with varied regions (e.g., Mexico) allow newcomers to select environments that match personal preferences, from coastal leisure to urban culture.
When evaluating potential relocation destinations, weigh the balance between safety, cost of living, tax obligations, and the financial commitment required for residency or citizenship. Multiple options can provide flexibility, allowing a move that aligns with both budget constraints and long‑term lifestyle goals.
