Best Countries for Women Moving Abroad Alone: Safety and Quality of Life Ranked

“Is it safe for me as a woman alone?” If you have spent any time on expat forums, Reddit threads, or Facebook groups about moving abroad, you have seen this question hundreds of times. It is the first thing most women ask — before cost of living, before visa logistics, before career prospects. And for good reason. The experience of living abroad as a woman is fundamentally different from the experience of living abroad as a man. Street harassment, access to reproductive healthcare, legal protections against gender-based violence, and cultural attitudes toward women's autonomy vary enormously across borders. A country that scores well on general safety indices can still be a difficult place for a woman on her own.

Most “best countries for solo female travelers” lists are built on anecdote. Someone backpacked through Lisbon for two weeks, felt safe, and wrote a blog post. That is a data point of one. At WhereNext, we believe that a decision this significant deserves institutional data, not Instagram stories.

This guide ranks the best and safest countries for women moving abroad solo, using data from the Women, Peace & Security Index (Georgetown Institute), the Global Gender Gap Report (World Economic Forum), UNODC crime statistics, WHO reproductive healthcare data, and survey-based street harassment reports. We cross-referenced these sources with expat community feedback from women currently living abroad to produce a ranking that reflects not just what the data says, but how safety actually feels on the ground.

How We Measure: The Framework Behind the Ranking

A single index is never enough. The Women, Peace & Security Index is excellent, but it does not capture street-level safety or reproductive healthcare access in enough detail. The Global Gender Gap Report measures economic participation and political empowerment but says little about walking home alone at midnight. We built a composite framework that pulls from five dimensions:

• Women, Peace & Security (WPS) Index: Published by the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security, this index evaluates 170 countries across three broad dimensions — inclusion (economic, social, political), justice (formal laws and informal discrimination), and security (at the community, family, and societal levels). It is the most comprehensive single measure of women's wellbeing available.
• Global Gender Gap Index (GGGI): The World Economic Forum's annual benchmark measures gender parity across economic participation, educational attainment, health and survival, and political empowerment. Countries closing more of their gender gap tend to have stronger protections for women and more equitable social structures.
• Street harassment and personal safety data: Drawing from the Gallup World Poll (women's safety walking alone at night), ActionAid surveys, and FRA (European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights) gender-based violence reports. These capture the everyday experience of being a woman in public spaces — something aggregate indices often miss.
• Reproductive healthcare access: WHO data on contraceptive access, maternal mortality ratios, legal status of abortion and reproductive services, and density of OB/GYN providers. For women of reproductive age, this is not optional — it is a safety issue.
• Gender-based violence (GBV) statistics: Intimate partner violence prevalence, sexual assault reporting rates, femicide data, and the legal framework for prosecution and protection orders. Data from the UNODC, UN Women, and national statistical agencies.

Each dimension is normalized to a 0–100 scale. The final score is a weighted composite, with WPS Index and personal safety data carrying the heaviest weight. You can explore our full methodology for details on data sources, normalization, and weighting.

The 10 Best Countries for Women Moving Abroad Solo

Here is the full top-10 ranking. Every score reflects our composite women's safety and quality-of-life metric. Click any country to explore its complete profile.

Now let us break down each country — what the data says, where the tradeoffs are, and what solo women living there actually report.

1. Denmark — Women's Safety Score: 96/100

Denmark ranks second on the Women, Peace & Security Index and second on the Global Gender Gap Index. Those numbers are not accidental — they reflect decades of policy investment in gender equality. Denmark was among the first countries to legalize abortion (1973), establish equal pay legislation, and mandate paid parental leave for both parents. The result is a society where women's participation in public life is genuinely normalized, not performative.

On the ground, 82% of Danish women report feeling safe walking alone at night according to Gallup data — one of the highest rates in the world. Copenhagen's cycling infrastructure, well-lit public spaces, and integrated public transit make solo movement easy and comfortable at all hours. Street harassment rates are among the lowest in Europe, according to FRA survey data.

Reproductive healthcare is comprehensive and accessible. Abortion is available on request up to 12 weeks, with later access available under specific circumstances. Contraception is widely available, though not always subsidized for adults over 21. The public healthcare system covers pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care at no out-of-pocket cost. Denmark also has a strong network of crisis centers for women experiencing domestic violence, with 24-hour hotlines and legal aid.

The solo female expat community in Copenhagen is active and well-organized. Groups like Copenhagen Expat Women and Girls Gone International have regular meetups, professional networking events, and safety-focused resources for newcomers. The biggest challenge for solo women is the same as for anyone moving to Denmark: the social culture can feel reserved, and building a close Danish friend group takes time and persistence.

Explore Denmark's full country profile

2. Iceland — Women's Safety Score: 95/100

Iceland has held the number-one position on the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Index for over fourteen consecutive years. No other country comes close to that streak. The country has closed roughly 91% of its gender gap — compared to a global average of about 68%. Iceland was the first country in the world to democratically elect a female head of state (1980), and its parliament consistently ranks among the most gender-balanced globally.

Safety data is extraordinary. Iceland has one of the lowest violent crime rates on Earth. The country has no standing army. Its police force is largely unarmed. Gender-based violence, while not absent, is actively prosecuted — Iceland introduced a landmark consent-based rape law in 2018 and has one of the highest prosecution rates for sexual offenses in Europe. The #MeToo movement had a significant and lasting impact on Icelandic policy and culture.

Reproductive healthcare is fully integrated into the public system. Abortion is available on request up to 22 weeks. Contraception is affordable and widely accessible. Maternal care is excellent, with Iceland consistently recording some of the lowest maternal mortality rates in the world.

The tradeoffs: Iceland's population of roughly 380,000 means a small social pool. The cost of living is 30–40% higher than Western Europe. Winters are long, dark, and demanding. The solo female expat community exists but is small by necessity. However, if your primary concern is safety and gender equality, Iceland is virtually unmatched on the data.

Explore Iceland's full country profile

3. Norway — Women's Safety Score: 94/100

Norway leads the world on the Women, Peace & Security Index and ranks third on the Global Gender Gap Index. The country's gender equality infrastructure is among the most developed anywhere: Norway was the first country to mandate 40% female representation on corporate boards (2003), and its parental leave system — including a dedicated “father's quota” — is widely regarded as the global gold standard.

Street safety is excellent. Norwegian cities are well-lit, walkable, and designed with women's safety in mind. Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim all rank among Europe's safest cities for women. Public transit is safe and reliable at all hours. Gender-based violence legislation is robust, with strong legal protections including restraining orders, crisis shelters, and specialized domestic violence courts.

The healthcare system provides comprehensive reproductive care. Abortion is available on request up to 12 weeks, with committee approval available beyond that. Contraception is subsidized for women under 22. Prenatal and postnatal care is covered through the universal healthcare system, and Norway's maternal mortality rate is among the lowest globally at approximately 2 per 100,000 live births.

Cost of living is high — Norway is one of the most expensive countries in Europe. But salaries are correspondingly high, and the social safety net means that a health crisis or job loss does not become a life crisis. For solo women with remote income or local employment, Norway offers an exceptional combination of safety, equality, and quality of life.

Explore Norway's full country profile

4. New Zealand — Women's Safety Score: 93/100

New Zealand holds a unique place in women's history — it was the first self-governing country to grant women the right to vote in 1893. That pioneering spirit is still visible in the data. New Zealand ranks consistently in the top ten on both the WPS Index and the Global Gender Gap Index. The country's domestic violence legislation, overhauled in 2018, is among the most progressive in the world, recognizing economic and psychological abuse alongside physical violence.

Street safety is strong. New Zealand's cities are compact, walkable, and generally well-lit. Violent crime rates are low by global standards, though property crime in Auckland deserves monitoring. The country scores well on Gallup's women's night safety metric, with roughly 74% of women reporting they feel safe walking alone after dark.

Reproductive healthcare is excellent. Abortion was decriminalized in 2020 and is now available as a health service up to 20 weeks. Contraception is publicly funded for those under 25 and affordable for everyone else. The public healthcare system covers maternity care comprehensively, including midwifery services.

The solo female expat community is thriving, particularly in Auckland and Wellington. New Zealand's culture is genuinely welcoming to newcomers, and English as the native language eliminates the language barrier that can be isolating in other top-ranked countries. The Working Holiday Visa (available to citizens of 45+ countries) and the Skilled Migrant Category visa provide realistic entry paths.

Explore New Zealand's full country profile

5. Sweden — Women's Safety Score: 92/100

Sweden is often cited as the world's most feminist country, and the data supports the claim. The country ranks in the top five on both the WPS Index and the Global Gender Gap Index. Sweden's 2018 consent-based sexual assault law — sometimes called the “Yes Means Yes” law — shifted the legal framework from proving resistance to proving consent, a model now being adopted by other countries.

Women's safety in Swedish cities is strong. Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmo have well-maintained public spaces, safe transit systems, and active nightlife that women feel comfortable navigating alone. Government-funded shelters for women escaping domestic violence are well-resourced, and the legal system provides swift protection orders.

Reproductive healthcare is fully accessible. Abortion is available on request up to 18 weeks — one of the most liberal thresholds in Europe. Contraception is free for women under 21 in most regions. Sweden's maternal mortality rate is approximately 4 per 100,000, well below the global average. Prenatal care is covered by the public healthcare system and includes a dedicated midwife for each pregnancy.

The primary challenge for solo women moving to Sweden is the social culture. Swedes are friendly but famously reserved. Building deep friendships takes effort and time. The expat community is active, particularly in Stockholm, and organizations like the American Women's Club of Sweden and InterNations chapters provide essential social infrastructure.

Explore Sweden's full country profile

6. Finland — Women's Safety Score: 91/100

Finland was the first country in the world to grant women full political rights — both the right to vote and the right to stand for election — in 1906. More than a century later, the country continues to lead on gender equality. Finland ranks in the top five on the Global Gender Gap Index and consistently appears in the top ten on the WPS Index.

Finnish cities are among the safest in Europe for women. Helsinki consistently ranks in the top five of European capitals for personal safety. Public transit is reliable, well-lit, and safe at all hours. Finland's homicide rate is among the lowest in the EU, and gender-based violence legislation has been strengthened significantly over the past decade, including criminalization of stalking and expanded definitions of domestic abuse.

Reproductive healthcare is comprehensive. Abortion is available on request up to 12 weeks with a straightforward application process. Contraception is subsidized for those under 25. The maternal healthcare system includes Finland's famous “baby box” — a maternity package provided free to all expectant parents — and prenatal care is thorough and universally accessible. Finland's maternal mortality rate sits at approximately 3 per 100,000.

Finland's cost of living is lower than its Nordic neighbors Norway and Denmark, though still above the European average. The language barrier is real — Finnish is notoriously difficult to learn — but English proficiency among Finns is high, ranking among the top five countries globally for English as a second language.

Explore Finland's full country profile

7. Portugal — Women's Safety Score: 89/100

Portugal has emerged as one of Europe's most welcoming countries for solo women moving abroad, and the data confirms the reputation. Portugal ranks 7th on the Global Peace Index, and its homicide rate sits below 1.0 per 100,000 — less than a fifth of the US rate. Street harassment in Lisbon and Porto is significantly lower than in many other Southern European capitals, according to FRA survey data.

Gender-based violence legislation has been strengthened substantially. Portugal criminalized domestic violence in 2000 and has since expanded protections to include psychological abuse, stalking, and forced marriage. The country has a dedicated domestic violence hotline (available 24/7) and a network of shelters across the country. The femicide rate, while not zero, has been declining over the past decade.

Reproductive healthcare is accessible. Abortion was legalized by referendum in 2007 and is available on request up to 10 weeks through the public healthcare system. Contraception is available and affordable, though not always subsidized. The SNS (national health service) provides comprehensive prenatal and maternity care at minimal cost.

What makes Portugal stand out among safe countries for women is the combination of safety with affordability and lifestyle. You can live well in Lisbon or Porto on a budget that would barely cover rent in Copenhagen or Oslo. The D7 visa provides a straightforward path for remote workers and retirees. The solo female expat community is large, active, and growing rapidly — groups like Women in Lisbon and Lisbon Girl Gone International have thousands of members and weekly events.

Explore Portugal's full country profile

8. Spain — Women's Safety Score: 87/100

Spain has built one of Europe's most comprehensive legal frameworks for women's safety. The landmark 2004 Gender Violence Law (Ley Orgánica de Medidas de Protección Integral contra la Violencia de Género) established specialized courts for gender-based violence cases, mandatory training for judges and police, and a national network of support services. The 2022 “Only Yes Means Yes” law further strengthened protections by establishing consent as the central element of sexual assault legislation.

Spanish cities score well on women's street safety. Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia are walkable, well-lit, and have active nightlife culture where women regularly move through public spaces alone. Tourist-heavy areas in Barcelona warrant the same common-sense vigilance as any major tourist city, but violent crime directed at women is rare. The overall homicide rate is approximately 0.6 per 100,000 — among the lowest in the world.

Reproductive healthcare is strong. Abortion is available on request up to 14 weeks through the public health system, with provisions for later access on medical grounds. Contraception is affordable and widely accessible. Spain's 2023 menstrual health law introduced paid menstrual leave — a first in Europe — and expanded access to reproductive health services.

Spain is also significantly more affordable than the Nordic countries, making it accessible to a broader range of women considering a move. The non-lucrative visa and digital nomad visa provide entry paths. The expat community for women, particularly in Barcelona and Madrid, is vibrant and well-established.

Explore Spain's full country profile

9. Canada — Women's Safety Score: 86/100

Canada combines the scale and diversity of a large country with genuinely strong protections for women. The country ranks in the top 25 on both the WPS Index and the Global Gender Gap Index. Canadian law provides robust protections against gender-based violence, workplace harassment, and discrimination. The criminal code explicitly addresses domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking with serious penalties.

Street safety varies by city, as expected in a country of this size. Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, and Calgary all rank well on personal safety metrics. Public transit in major cities is generally safe, and Canada's police forces have dedicated units for gender-based violence in most major jurisdictions. Gallup data shows roughly 72% of Canadian women feel safe walking alone at night.

Reproductive healthcare is a constitutional right in practice. Abortion has been fully decriminalized since 1988, with no gestational limits in law (access is determined by healthcare providers on a case-by-case basis). Contraception is widely available, though coverage depends on provincial health plans and private insurance. The universal healthcare system covers pregnancy and childbirth comprehensively.

For American women in particular, Canada offers a compelling combination: geographic proximity, English-speaking culture, familiar institutions, strong reproductive healthcare protections, and a multicultural society that actively values inclusion. The Express Entry immigration system provides a transparent, points-based pathway for skilled workers.

Explore Canada's full country profile

10. Netherlands — Women's Safety Score: 85/100

The Netherlands has been at the forefront of women's rights for decades. It was the first country to legalize same-sex marriage (2001), and Dutch law provides strong protections against discrimination, harassment, and gender-based violence. The country ranks in the top ten on the Global Gender Gap Index and consistently appears in the top 15 on the WPS Index.

Dutch cities are among the safest in Europe for women. Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Rotterdam are built around cycling infrastructure that gives women independent, safe mobility at all hours. The Netherlands' well-lit cycling paths, separated from motor traffic, are a genuine safety advantage — you do not need to rely on taxis, rideshares, or isolated public transit stops. The culture of cycling also means more eyes on the street at all times.

Reproductive healthcare is comprehensive and progressive. Abortion is available on request up to 24 weeks — one of the most liberal frameworks in Europe. Contraception is covered by basic health insurance for women under 21 and widely affordable for everyone else. The Dutch healthcare system provides thorough prenatal and postnatal care, including home birth support through specialized midwifery services (the Netherlands has one of the highest home birth rates in the developed world).

English fluency is extremely high — roughly 93% of Dutch people speak English, making the Netherlands one of the most accessible non-Anglophone countries for English speakers. The solo female expat community, particularly in Amsterdam and The Hague, is well-organized and active.

Explore the Netherlands' full country profile

Countries Popular with Expats That Rank Poorly for Women's Safety

Honesty matters here. Some of the most popular expat destinations in the world have significant gaps when it comes to women's safety, and no ranking guide should gloss over that. If you are a woman considering a move to any of the following countries, you deserve the data — not the marketing.

Thailand

Thailand is one of the most popular expat destinations in Southeast Asia, particularly for digital nomads. Cost of living is low, infrastructure is strong, and the lifestyle is appealing. But Thailand's WPS Index ranking sits in the lower half globally. Gender-based violence rates are significant — a UN study found that approximately 44% of Thai men surveyed in certain provinces admitted to committing physical or sexual violence against a partner. Street harassment, particularly in tourist areas like Bangkok's Khao San Road and Pattaya, is a documented concern. Reproductive healthcare is available in Bangkok's private hospitals but access in rural areas is limited. Abortion law was liberalized in 2021 (up to 12 weeks on request), but social stigma remains strong. Solo women can and do live safely in Thailand, but it requires careful neighborhood selection and heightened awareness.

Mexico

Mexico has become the top destination for American expats, driven by proximity, low cost of living, and cultural richness. But the data on women's safety is concerning. Mexico has one of the highest femicide rates in the world, with approximately 10 women killed per day according to UN Women data. The legal framework against gender-based violence exists but enforcement is inconsistent, particularly outside major cities. Street harassment is well-documented, especially in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and resort areas. Reproductive rights vary by state — abortion has been decriminalized at the federal level by the Supreme Court (2023), but access remains uneven. Expat women in Mexico commonly report that safety requires deliberate neighborhood selection, avoiding certain areas after dark, and building a trusted local network.

Colombia

Colombia's growing expat scene, particularly in Medellin and Bogota, has generated significant interest. The country offers affordable living, warm culture, and improving infrastructure. But women's safety data flags serious concerns. Gender-based violence remains prevalent, with Colombia reporting over 100,000 cases of domestic violence annually. Street harassment in major cities is common. The legal framework has improved — Colombia has strong domestic violence legislation on paper — but prosecution and enforcement gaps persist. Reproductive healthcare is accessible in major cities (abortion was decriminalized up to 24 weeks by the Constitutional Court in 2022), but access outside urban centers is limited. Solo women moving to Colombia should research neighborhoods carefully and connect with established expat women's networks.

United Arab Emirates

Dubai and Abu Dhabi attract many expats with zero income tax, modern infrastructure, and high salaries. But the UAE's legal framework for women differs fundamentally from Western norms. While personal safety from street crime is excellent (the UAE has some of the lowest violent crime rates globally), laws governing personal status — marriage, divorce, custody, and inheritance — are based on interpretations of Sharia law that can disadvantage women. Reporting sexual assault has historically been risky for women, though legal reforms in 2020 decriminalized consensual relationships outside marriage. Reproductive healthcare access is limited for unmarried women. Women can and do thrive professionally in the UAE, but understanding the legal landscape before moving is essential.

None of this means you cannot live safely and happily in these countries. Many women do. But the data says the margin for error is smaller, the precautions are more demanding, and the systemic protections are weaker. If safety is your primary concern, the countries in our top 10 offer a fundamentally different baseline.

Denmark vs Portugal vs New Zealand: Head-to-Head Comparison

Three countries from our top 10 represent distinct value propositions for solo women moving abroad. Denmark offers the strongest institutional framework. Portugal offers the best value for money. New Zealand offers English-speaking accessibility with strong gender equality credentials. Here is how they compare.

Denmark wins on raw gender equality and safety metrics — its WPS Index and Gender Gap Index rankings are nearly unmatched. If institutional protections for women are your top priority, Denmark is the strongest choice. Portugal offers the most accessible entry point — nearly half the cost of Denmark, easier visa pathways, and a mild climate that makes daily life more comfortable. For women who want strong safety at a livable price, Portugal is hard to beat. New Zealand splits the difference — excellent gender equality credentials, English as the native language, and a welcoming culture, though at a higher cost than Portugal. Use our comparison tool to weigh these countries against your specific priorities.

What Solo Women Living Abroad Actually Report

Data tells you what to expect in aggregate. But the lived experience of solo women abroad adds texture that no index captures. Here are recurring themes from expat women across our top-ranked countries:

• Street harassment decreases dramatically. Women moving from the US, UK, or Southern Europe to Scandinavia consistently report that street harassment drops to near zero. The absence of catcalling, following, and unsolicited commentary is described as “life-changing” by multiple expat women we interviewed.
• Healthcare access is a revelation. American women in particular describe the experience of accessing reproductive healthcare without financial barriers, insurance battles, or stigma as transformative. Routine gynecological care, contraception, and prenatal services are simply part of the healthcare system in every country on our top-10 list.
• Loneliness is the real challenge. Multiple women in Scandinavian countries report that while safety is outstanding, building genuine friendships is the hardest part of the move. The reserved social culture requires patience and proactive effort. Portugal and Spain score higher on social warmth and ease of connection.
• Cycling and walkability change the equation. In cities like Copenhagen, Amsterdam, and Helsinki, women report that cycling infrastructure gives them a level of independence and safety in movement that they never experienced in car-dependent cities. You are not waiting for rideshares on dark corners.
• Legal protections matter in practice, not just on paper. Women who have experienced domestic violence or harassment abroad report that countries with specialized courts, trained police, and well-funded crisis services (Denmark, Spain, Norway) handle these situations far more effectively than countries where the laws exist but enforcement is weak.

Practical Steps: How to Evaluate a Country as a Solo Woman

Beyond the rankings, here is a practical framework for evaluating any country as a solo woman planning to move abroad:

• Check the WPS Index and Gender Gap Report. These two indices give you the best aggregate picture of how a country treats women. If a country ranks below 50th on both, proceed with caution regardless of what travel blogs say.
• Research reproductive healthcare specifically. Look up abortion law, contraceptive access, and OB/GYN provider density. If you have specific reproductive health needs, confirm that the country's healthcare system can meet them before you move.
• Read women-specific expat forums. Subreddits like r/expats and r/solotravel, Facebook groups for women in specific countries, and blogs by solo female expats provide ground-level intelligence that aggregate data cannot.
• Visit solo before committing. Spend at least two weeks in a country as a solo woman before deciding to move there. Walk around at night. Use public transit alone. Go grocery shopping, visit a clinic, interact with local services. Your experience during that trial will tell you more than any index.
• Build your network before arrival. Join expat women's groups in your target country before you move. Having even three or four contacts on the ground when you arrive dramatically reduces vulnerability and loneliness.
• Register with your embassy and share your location. Consular registration ensures you receive emergency notifications. Share your address and contact details with trusted people at home. This is not paranoia — it is basic safety practice that experienced solo travelers universally recommend.

Finding Your Best Match

Safety is the foundation, but it is not the whole picture. The best country for you as a solo woman depends on how safety intersects with your other priorities — cost of living, visa accessibility, career opportunities, climate, language, and social culture. A woman who can work remotely on a modest budget will have a very different optimal choice than a woman seeking corporate employment in a major European city.

That is exactly what WhereNext is built to solve. Our platform lets you weight the dimensions that matter most — including women's safety specifically — and returns a personalized ranking based on your unique situation. No guesswork. No sponsored content. Just the data, filtered through your priorities.

• Explore the full safety rankings — sort and filter every country by safety score and women's safety metrics.
• Best quality-of-life countries — safety is one piece of the puzzle. See which countries score highest across all quality-of-life dimensions.
• Moving abroad checklist — once you have chosen your destination, use our comprehensive checklist to prepare for the move.

Moving abroad alone as a woman is not reckless. It is not naive. With the right data, the right destination, and the right preparation, it is one of the most empowering decisions you can make. The countries on this list prove that places exist where women are safe, respected, and free to build the life they want — backed not by wishful thinking, but by the numbers. Start with the data. Trust it. And then go live the life you are building.