How Much Money Do You Need to Move Abroad? A Country-by-Country Budget

If you have spent any time on r/expats, r/digitalnomad, or r/IWantOut, you already know the question. It shows up in some variation every single day: “How much money do I need saved to move abroad?” The answers range from wildly optimistic (“$2,000 and a plane ticket”) to paralyzing (“don't even think about it without $50K”). Most of them are wrong because they ignore the enormous variation between destinations, visa types, and personal circumstances.

Here is the truth: the amount you need depends almost entirely on where you are going and how you are getting there. Moving to Chiang Mai on a tourist visa with a remote job is a fundamentally different financial exercise than relocating to Berlin on a freelance visa with a container of furniture. Treating them as the same question produces useless answers.

This guide breaks down the real costs of moving abroad into concrete categories, gives you country-specific budgets based on actual data, and flags the hidden expenses that catch people off guard. No vague advice. No “it depends” without actually explaining what it depends on. Just numbers, context, and a framework you can use to calculate your own target savings number.

Every cost estimate in this article is based on institutional data sources — Numbeo cost indices, embassy fee schedules, international shipping surveys, and insurance broker rate sheets — cross-referenced with real-world reports from expat communities. For the full methodology behind our country data, see how WhereNext scores countries.

The Six Budget Categories Every International Move Requires

Before you can put a number on your move, you need to understand the categories of spending. Every international relocation, regardless of destination, involves six major cost buckets. Some are one-time expenses. Others are recurring. The mistake most people make is only budgeting for the obvious ones and getting blindsided by the rest.

1. Flights: $800–$2,500

Your airfare cost depends on three factors: where you are flying from, where you are flying to, and how flexible your dates are. A one-way ticket from the US to Mexico City runs $150–$400. A one-way to Bangkok costs $400–$800. A one-way to Lisbon or Berlin falls in the $350–$700 range. These are economy fares booked 4–8 weeks in advance.

But most people moving abroad are not flying with just a carry-on. Two checked bags on an international flight add $100–$300 round-trip. If you are bringing excess luggage — and you almost certainly will be — budget $200–$500 in baggage fees on top of your ticket. Some airlines charge per kilogram for overweight bags at rates that make shipping look cheap.

Budget $800–$1,200 for destinations within the Americas or Western Europe, and $1,200–$2,500 for Southeast Asia, including realistic luggage costs. If you are relocating as a couple or family, multiply accordingly — this is one category where there are no economies of scale.

2. Visa and Immigration Fees: $50–$5,000

Visa costs vary by an order of magnitude depending on the country and visa type. Here is the realistic range:

• Tourist visas and visa-free entries: $0–$50. Mexico gives US citizens 180 days for free. Thailand's visa exemption is 60 days at no cost. Georgia offers a full year visa-free for citizens of 95 countries.
• Digital nomad visas: $200–$1,500. Portugal's Digital Nomad Visa costs approximately €180 plus processing fees. Spain's is around €80. Indonesia's B211A runs about $300. These fees add up when you include mandatory health insurance proof, background checks, and document authentication.
• Work and residency visas: $500–$3,000. Germany's freelance visa (Aufenthaltstitel) costs €100 for the permit itself, but the total process — including mandatory health insurance, notarized documents, and registered address requirements — can run $1,500–$3,000.
• Investor and golden visas: $2,000–$5,000+ in fees alone, on top of the investment requirement. These are a separate category entirely. See our golden visa comparison for details.

A critical detail most budget guides miss: many visa applications require proof of funds in your bank account at the time of application. Portugal's D7 visa requires roughly €9,120 in savings (12 months of minimum wage). Germany's freelance visa informally expects €5,000–$10,000 in your account. This is not money you spend — it is money you need to have. Factor it into your savings target even though it remains in your account after approval.

3. Security Deposits and First Month's Rent: 1–3 Months' Rent

Renting an apartment abroad almost always requires an upfront deposit plus the first month's rent, and sometimes the last month's rent as well. The deposit structure varies by country:

• Thailand: Typically 2 months' deposit + 1 month's rent upfront. For a $500/month apartment in Bangkok, that is $1,500 due on signing.
• Portugal: Usually 2 months' deposit + 1 month's rent. Lisbon rents average $800–$1,100, so expect $2,400–$3,300 upfront.
• Mexico: 1–2 months' deposit + 1 month's rent. Mexico City apartments in expat neighborhoods run $500–$800, meaning $1,000–$2,400 upfront.
• Germany: Up to 3 months' cold rent as deposit (this is legally capped). With average rents of €900–€1,400 in Berlin, expect €3,600–€5,600 upfront.

Many expats spend their first 2–4 weeks in temporary housing — Airbnbs, hostels, or serviced apartments — while apartment hunting. Budget $500–$2,000 for this interim period depending on the city. This is money you will not get back, and almost everyone underestimates how long it takes to find a permanent rental in a new country.

4. Shipping and Belongings: $1,000–$10,000

How much you spend here depends on a single question: are you shipping your life, or are you starting fresh? The range is enormous.

• Minimalist approach (2–4 suitcases): $200–$600 in airline baggage fees. Some people ship a few boxes via USPS or a freight forwarder for another $300–$800. Total: $500–$1,400.
• Partial shipment (20–50 boxes): $2,000–$5,000 via an international moving company for a shared container (LCL shipping). Delivery takes 4–8 weeks by sea.
• Full household move (furniture, appliances):$5,000–$10,000+ for a full 20-foot container. This only makes financial sense if you own high-value furniture and are moving permanently to a country where buying equivalent items locally would cost more.

The financially optimal move for most people: sell everything, fly with two bags, and buy locally. Furniture in Southeast Asia and Latin America is dramatically cheaper than shipping costs. A furnished apartment in Chiang Mai costs only $50–$100 more per month than an unfurnished one. In most cases, the “start fresh” approach saves $3,000–$8,000 compared to shipping.

5. Health Insurance: $100–$500 per Month

International health insurance is non-negotiable, and many visa applications require proof of coverage. The cost depends on your age, coverage level, and whether you include the US in your network:

• Basic international plans (excluding US):$100–$200/month for a healthy person under 40. Covers hospitalization, outpatient care, and emergency evacuation. Providers include SafetyWing, Cigna Global, and World Nomads.
• Comprehensive plans (excluding US):$200–$350/month. Adds dental, vision, mental health, maternity, and lower deductibles. Providers include Cigna Global, Aetna International, and Allianz Care.
• Plans including US coverage: $350–$500+/month. US healthcare costs inflate global premiums dramatically. If you do not plan to receive care in the US, excluding it from your plan saves 30–50%.

For your initial budget, calculate at least 6 months of premiums upfront. At $150/month, that is $900. At $300/month, that is $1,800. This is money you must have available before you leave, not a cost you figure out after arrival. For a deeper dive into healthcare quality by destination, see our healthcare rankings.

6. Emergency Fund: 3–6 Months of Living Expenses

This is the category that separates a successful relocation from a panicked return flight. Your emergency fund should cover 3–6 months of total living expenses in your destination country — rent, food, transport, insurance, and discretionary spending.

Why 3–6 months and not less? Because unexpected costs pile up fast when you are in a new country. Your laptop breaks and you need to replace it. A client payment is delayed by three weeks. Your visa renewal requires an unexpected trip to a neighboring country. You need emergency dental work. Any one of these is manageable with a buffer. Without one, any of them can derail your entire move.

• Southeast Asia ($800–$1,200/month): Emergency fund of $2,400–$7,200.
• Latin America ($1,000–$1,500/month): Emergency fund of $3,000–$9,000.
• Western Europe ($1,500–$2,500/month): Emergency fund of $4,500–$15,000.

The emergency fund is the single biggest number in your savings target, and it is also the most important. Cutting it short is the most common reason people run out of money abroad and end up booking an expensive last-minute flight home.

The Cheapest Countries to Set Up In: Ranked by Total Initial Cost

Monthly cost of living gets all the attention. But the initial setup cost — the money you need in your account before you board the plane — is what actually determines whether a move is financially feasible. A country with low rent but expensive visas, high deposits, and mandatory insurance can cost more upfront than a more expensive destination with easier entry requirements.

We ranked the most popular expat destinations by total initial cost, including flights from the US, visa fees, security deposits, first month's rent, 3 months of health insurance, interim housing, and a 3-month emergency fund. These scores reflect overall setup affordability, with higher scores meaning a lower barrier to entry.

The pattern is clear: Southeast Asian and Latin American destinations cost $4,500–$8,000 to set up in, while Western European countries run $12,000–$18,000. That gap is driven primarily by rent levels (which inflate deposits and emergency funds) and by European visa requirements that demand proof of substantial savings.

Regional Budget Comparison: Southeast Asia vs. Europe vs. Latin America

The three most popular expat regions attract different types of movers for different reasons. Southeast Asia wins on raw cost. Latin America wins on proximity and cultural accessibility for Americans. Europe wins on infrastructure, legal protections, and long-term residency pathways. Here is how they compare on the specific budget categories that matter for your initial move.

The takeaway: Southeast Asia offers the lowest total setup cost by a significant margin, but Latin America comes close while offering the massive advantage of US time zone compatibility. Europe costs roughly twice as much upfront but provides legal structures, healthcare systems, and residency pathways that the other two regions cannot match. Your choice depends on whether you are optimizing for lowest cost, easiest transition, or long-term stability.

Country-Specific Budgets: Four Popular Destinations

Regional averages are useful for orientation, but you need country-specific numbers to build a real savings target. Here are detailed budgets for four of the most popular expat destinations, covering every cost category from flight to emergency fund. Each budget assumes a single person relocating from the US with a remote income or sufficient savings.

Thailand: $5,000–$8,000

Thailand remains the gold standard for affordable expat living, and the initial setup costs reflect that. Chiang Mai is the budget option. Bangkok costs more but offers significantly more infrastructure. Here is the full breakdown.

• Flight from the US: $600–$900 (one-way economy with one checked bag, routing through Tokyo, Seoul, or Taipei)
• Visa fees: $0–$300. US citizens get 60 days visa-free. Extensions cost about $60. The LTR visa (for qualifying remote workers earning $80K+) has a processing fee around $300.
• Security deposit + first month: $1,000–$1,800. Standard is 2 months' deposit + 1 month's rent. Chiang Mai apartments run $300–$500/month; Bangkok runs $400–$700.
• Interim housing (2–4 weeks): $300–$700. Guesthouses start at $15/night; Airbnbs in popular neighborhoods run $25–$50/night.
• Health insurance (6 months): $600–$1,200. SafetyWing starts at about $85/month; Cigna Global plans with Thai hospital networks run $150–$200/month.
• Emergency fund (3 months): $2,100–$4,500. Based on $700–$1,500/month total living expenses.
• Setup miscellaneous: $200–$400. SIM card, basic kitchen supplies, motorbike rental deposit, coworking space first month.

Total realistic range: $5,000–$8,000. The low end assumes Chiang Mai, minimalist packing, tourist visa, and a 3-month emergency fund. The high end assumes Bangkok, the LTR visa process, comprehensive insurance, and a more comfortable buffer. For the complete guide, see moving to Thailand.

Portugal: $10,000–$15,000

Portugal is the most popular European destination for American expats, and the cost reflects both its desirability and the higher baseline cost of Western European living. Lisbon is the most expensive option. Porto, Braga, and the Algarve offer meaningful savings.

• Flight from the US: $400–$700 (one-way economy, direct flights available from several US cities, luggage adds $100–$200).
• Visa fees: $200–$1,500. The D7 passive income visa costs approximately €180 in application fees, but the total process — including SEF appointment, NIF (tax number), document legalization, and mandatory health insurance — often runs $800–$1,500.
• Security deposit + first month: $2,400–$3,600. Standard is 2 months' deposit + 1 month's rent. Lisbon one-bedrooms run €800–€1,200; Porto and Braga run €500–€800.
• Interim housing (2–4 weeks): $800–$1,500. Airbnbs in Lisbon run €50–€90/night. Budget hotels and short-term furnished apartments are cheaper outside the capital.
• Health insurance (6 months): $900–$2,100. Portugal requires proof of health coverage for most visa applications. Plans range from €120–€350/month depending on age and coverage level.
• Emergency fund (3 months): $4,500–$6,600. Based on $1,500–$2,200/month total living expenses.
• Proof of funds (D7 visa): ~$10,000 in your bank account. This is a requirement, not an expense — the money stays in your account, but you need to have it.
• Setup miscellaneous: $300–$500. Portuguese SIM card, NIF appointment, initial grocery stock, transit pass.

Total realistic range: $10,000–$15,000 (plus ~$10,000 in proof-of-funds that remains in your account). The low end assumes Porto or the Algarve, a streamlined D7 application, and a 3-month buffer. The high end assumes Lisbon, comprehensive insurance, and a comfortable transition period. See our complete Portugal guide for visa and neighborhood details.

Mexico: $6,000–$10,000

Mexico is the most accessible international move for Americans, combining geographic proximity, cheap flights, no visa requirement for stays up to 180 days, and a cost of living that is 40–60% below US levels. Mexico City, Oaxaca, Merida, and Puerto Vallarta are the most popular expat bases, each with a different cost profile.

• Flight from the US: $150–$400 (one-way economy, direct flights from most US cities, baggage adds $75–$150).
• Visa fees: $0–$500. US citizens get 180 days visa-free on arrival. The Temporary Resident visa (for stays beyond 180 days) costs roughly $300–$500 including processing, and requires proof of income or savings.
• Security deposit + first month: $1,000–$2,400. Deposits are typically 1–2 months' rent. Mexico City apartments in Roma, Condesa, or Polanco run $500–$800/month. Smaller cities and towns are significantly cheaper.
• Interim housing (2–4 weeks): $400–$900. Airbnbs in Mexico City run $30–$60/night. Hostels start at $10–$15/night. Merida and Oaxaca are cheaper.
• Health insurance (6 months): $600–$1,200. SafetyWing covers Mexico from about $85/month. IMSS (Mexico's public system) is available to temporary residents for roughly $500/year. Comprehensive private plans run $150–$200/month.
• Emergency fund (3 months): $2,700–$4,800. Based on $900–$1,600/month total living expenses.
• Setup miscellaneous: $200–$400. Mexican SIM card (Telcel), CURP registration, initial groceries, transit card.

Total realistic range: $6,000–$10,000. The low end assumes a smaller city, the 180-day tourist visa, basic insurance, and a minimalist setup. The high end assumes Mexico City, the Temporary Resident visa, comprehensive insurance, and a comfortable emergency fund. The proximity factor — same time zones, $200 flights home, familiar cultural cues — makes Mexico the easiest “test run” destination for Americans.

Germany: $12,000–$18,000

Germany is the most expensive destination on this list, but it also offers the strongest legal protections, the most robust healthcare system, and a clear path to permanent residency and citizenship. Berlin is the most popular city for expats; Munich is significantly more expensive; smaller cities like Leipzig or Dresden offer meaningful savings.

• Flight from the US: $400–$800 (one-way economy with luggage, direct flights from major US hubs).
• Visa fees: $800–$3,000. The freelance visa itself costs about €100, but the total process is expensive: mandatory public or private health insurance (€200–€400/month), notarized translations, Anmeldung (address registration), business plan translation, and possible legal consultation.
• Security deposit + first month: $3,600–$5,600. German law caps deposits at 3 months' cold rent (Kaltmiete). Berlin one-bedrooms run €900–€1,400/month, making the upfront payment substantial. You will also likely need to pay a Provision (broker fee) in some markets.
• Interim housing (2–4 weeks): $1,000–$2,000. Furnished short-term apartments in Berlin run €50–€100/night. Finding a permanent apartment in Germany is notoriously competitive — budget for up to 4 weeks of temporary housing.
• Health insurance (6 months): $1,200–$2,400. Germany requires health insurance by law. Public insurance (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung) costs roughly 15% of income. Private plans for freelancers start at €200–€400/month depending on age and health status.
• Emergency fund (3 months): $4,500–$7,500. Based on $1,500–$2,500/month total living expenses.
• Setup miscellaneous: $400–$700. German SIM card, bank account setup (which can take weeks), BVG transit pass, IKEA basics (German apartments are often rented without kitchen appliances), GEZ (broadcasting fee) registration.

Total realistic range: $12,000–$18,000. The low end assumes Berlin, a straightforward freelance visa, and minimal furniture needs. The high end assumes a competitive rental market, comprehensive private insurance, and a fully stocked kitchen. The notable quirk of the German market: many apartments come without a kitchen, meaning you may need to buy and install one yourself ($1,000–$3,000), which pushes the upper budget even higher.

Hidden Costs Most People Forget

The budget categories above cover about 85% of your total relocation cost. The remaining 15% comes from a set of expenses that rarely appear in budget guides but consistently catch people off guard. These are the costs that turn a carefully planned $8,000 move into an $11,000 one.

Apostille Fees

An apostille is a government certification that makes your documents (birth certificate, marriage certificate, degree, background check) legally valid in another country. Most visa applications require apostilled documents. In the US, apostille fees vary by state: $2–$20 per document at the Secretary of State's office, but many people use expediting services that charge $75–$200 per document. If you need 4–6 documents apostilled, budget $100–$1,200 depending on whether you do it yourself or use a service.

The real cost is often time, not money. Some states take 4–8 weeks to process apostilles by mail. If you are on a tight timeline, you will pay rush fees. Start the apostille process at least 2–3 months before your planned departure date.

Background Checks

Many countries require an FBI background check (or equivalent from your home country) as part of the visa application. The FBI channeler process costs $18 for the check itself, plus $30–$50 for fingerprinting at a local facility. Processing takes 12–18 weeks by mail, or 3–5 business days with an approved FBI channeler ($50–$150). The background check then needs to be apostilled (see above) and, in some cases, translated.

Total cost for a background check, apostille, and translation: $150–$500. Total time: 2–20 weeks depending on your method. This is the single item that derails the most visa timelines because people start it too late.

Document Translation and Notarization

If you are applying for a visa in a non-English-speaking country, you will almost certainly need certified translations of your key documents. Certified translation costs vary by language and document length:

• Standard documents (birth certificate, marriage certificate): $30–$75 per document
• Longer documents (university transcripts, employment contracts): $75–$200 per document
• Notarization: $10–$25 per document in the US, but some countries require a sworn translator (traductor jurado) which costs significantly more in-country

For a typical visa application requiring 4–6 translated documents, budget $200–$600 for translation and notarization combined. Germany and Portugal are particularly demanding about document translations. Mexico and Thailand are more lenient, often accepting English-language documents.

Interim Housing and Double Rent

Here is a cost that is invisible in spreadsheets but hits hard in practice: the overlap period where you are paying for housing in two places. If you have a lease in the US that does not end on your departure date, you are paying double rent. If your new apartment abroad is not available on the day you arrive, you are paying for temporary housing on top of the deposit you just put down.

Common scenarios and their costs:

• Breaking a US lease early: 1–2 months' penalty rent ($1,500–$4,000)
• Overlap with US lease: 1–2 months of US rent while starting abroad ($1,500–$3,000)
• Airbnb while apartment hunting abroad: 2–4 weeks at $30–$100/night ($420–$2,800)

The financially optimal approach: time your US lease end date to your departure date, and book a month-to-month furnished apartment in your destination for the first 1–2 months while you search for permanent housing. Accept that you will pay a slight premium for this flexibility — it is significantly cheaper than double rent.

Bank and Currency Conversion Fees

Most US banks charge 2.5–3% on international transactions and ATM withdrawals. On $2,000/month in spending, that is $50–$60 lost to fees every month. Over a year, that adds up to $600–$720 in unnecessary costs.

The fix is straightforward: open a Wise (formerly TransferWise) or Revolut account before you leave. Both offer mid-market exchange rates with fees of 0.3–0.5%. Charles Schwab's checking account reimburses all ATM fees worldwide. Set these up before you move — some accounts require a US address to open. For a deep dive, see our expat banking guide.

Pet Relocation

If you have pets, this is a budget line item that can rival your own flight costs. International pet transport ranges from $1,000 to $5,000+ depending on the destination, the size of your animal, and whether you use a pet relocation service. Requirements include microchipping, rabies vaccination (with specific timing requirements), USDA health certificates, and sometimes quarantine. See our pet relocation guide for country-by-country rules and costs.

Other Forgotten Costs

• International driving permit: $20 through AAA, valid 1 year. Required in many countries to rent vehicles or drive legally.
• VPN subscription: $5–$12/month. Essential for accessing US-based streaming services, banking apps that geo-restrict, and some work tools.
• Mail forwarding service: $10–$30/month. US Postal Service will forward mail for free for a limited time, but long-term expats need a virtual mailbox service to maintain a US address.
• Pre-departure medical and dental: $200–$1,000. Get comprehensive checkups, fill prescriptions, and handle any dental work before you lose access to your US providers and insurance.
• Storage unit (if keeping belongings in the US):$80–$300/month. A small unit for boxes and furniture you cannot bring or sell.

Putting It All Together: Your Personal Savings Target

Now you have the categories and the country-specific numbers. Here is the formula to calculate your personal savings target:

Total Savings Needed = Flight + Visa Fees + Security Deposit + First Month's Rent + Interim Housing + 6 Months Health Insurance + 3–6 Month Emergency Fund + Hidden Costs Buffer (15%)

That last item — the 15% hidden costs buffer — is the difference between a budget that works on paper and one that works in real life. Every single person who has moved abroad will tell you that unexpected costs appeared. Apostille rush fees. A deposit that was higher than quoted. A required document you did not know about. An appliance you had to buy. The 15% buffer absorbs these without touching your emergency fund.

Here is what the formula produces for each destination:

• Thailand (budget path): $5,000 base + $750 buffer = roughly $5,750
• Thailand (comfortable path): $8,000 base + $1,200 buffer = roughly $9,200
• Mexico (budget path): $6,000 base + $900 buffer = roughly $6,900
• Mexico (comfortable path): $10,000 base + $1,500 buffer = roughly $11,500
• Portugal (budget path): $10,000 base + $1,500 buffer = roughly $11,500 (plus ~$10,000 proof-of-funds)
• Portugal (comfortable path): $15,000 base + $2,250 buffer = roughly $17,250 (plus ~$10,000 proof-of-funds)
• Germany (budget path): $12,000 base + $1,800 buffer = roughly $13,800
• Germany (comfortable path): $18,000 base + $2,700 buffer = roughly $20,700

These numbers look large, but context matters. The average American spends $3,500/month on basic living expenses domestically. In Thailand, that same quality of life costs $1,000/month. Within 3–5 months of arriving, you have already recovered the cost of the move in savings. In Mexico, the payback period is roughly 5–8 months. Even in Portugal, you break even within a year compared to a mid-tier US city. The move is an investment, not just an expense — and one that starts paying dividends the month you arrive.

How to Save for Your Move: Practical Timelines

Knowing your target number is half the battle. The other half is building a savings plan that gets you there. Here are realistic timelines based on monthly savings capacity:

• Saving $500/month: Thailand in 10–16 months. Mexico in 12–20 months. Portugal in 20–30 months. Germany in 24–36 months.
• Saving $1,000/month: Thailand in 5–8 months. Mexico in 6–10 months. Portugal in 10–15 months. Germany in 12–18 months.
• Saving $2,000/month: Thailand in 3–4 months. Mexico in 3–5 months. Portugal in 5–8 months. Germany in 6–9 months.

While you are saving, use the time productively. Apply for your passport renewal (if needed), start the apostille process for your documents, order your FBI background check, research neighborhoods in your target city, and join expat Facebook groups and subreddits for your destination. Every week of preparation you invest before departure pays off in reduced stress and avoided costs after arrival. For a complete step-by-step timeline, see our moving abroad checklist.

Frequently Missed Planning Steps

Based on our analysis of thousands of expat community discussions and the patterns we see from WhereNext users, here are the planning steps that trip up the most people:

• Starting the FBI background check too late. The standard mail-in process takes 12–18 weeks. If you need it for a visa application, start it 4–5 months before your planned departure.
• Not checking passport validity requirements. Most countries require your passport to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date. If your passport expires in 8 months, some countries will deny entry. US passport renewals currently take 6–8 weeks for routine processing.
• Assuming your US health insurance works abroad. Most US health insurance plans provide zero coverage outside the country. Even travel insurance from your credit card typically maxes out at 30–60 days and excludes pre-existing conditions.
• Forgetting about taxes. US citizens owe federal income tax on worldwide income regardless of where they live. The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) can exclude up to ~$126,500 (2024) of foreign earnings, but you must file. See our expat tax guide.
• Not setting up a US virtual mailbox. You will continue receiving important mail at your US address — tax documents, bank statements, jury duty notices, insurance correspondence. A virtual mailbox service ($10–$30/month) scans and forwards your mail digitally.
• Closing all US bank accounts. Keep at least one US bank account active. You will need it for tax refunds, maintaining a US financial footprint, and as a backup payment method. Some accounts require a US address, which is where the virtual mailbox comes in.
• Not budgeting for the return option. Even if you plan to stay indefinitely, keep enough accessible savings to fly home on short notice. A last-minute international flight costs $800–$2,000. Having this as a floor in your emergency fund removes the worst-case financial stress from the equation.

The Bottom Line: How Much Do You Actually Need?

The answer to “how much money do I need to move abroad?” is not a single number. It is a range defined by your destination, your visa pathway, your comfort level, and your risk tolerance. But here are the honest, data-backed guardrails:

• $5,000–$8,000 gets you to Southeast Asia with a solid safety net. Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia are all achievable in this range.
• $6,000–$10,000 covers Latin America comfortably. Mexico and Colombia are the strongest options.
• $10,000–$18,000 is the realistic range for Western Europe. Portugal on the lower end, Germany and the Netherlands on the higher end.

These are not “minimum viable” numbers. They include an emergency fund, realistic interim housing, insurance, and a buffer for hidden costs. They assume you are being financially responsible, not reckless. If you are reading Reddit threads from people who say they moved to Bali with $1,500, understand that they either had unreported income, were living in conditions most people would not accept, or ran out of money within months.

The move abroad is one of the best financial decisions you can make — if you do it with enough runway. A $5,000–$8,000 investment in a move to Thailand pays for itself within 3–5 months through lower living costs. A $12,000 investment in a move to Portugal pays for itself within 8–12 months. After that, every month is money in your pocket that would have been spent on inflated US rent, overpriced groceries, and healthcare premiums that buy less coverage every year.

Start with the numbers. Build your savings target using the categories in this guide. Pick your destination based on data, not Instagram. And when the account balance hits your target, buy the ticket. For a data-driven shortlist of countries that match your specific priorities and budget, take the WhereNext quiz — it scores every country across cost, safety, healthcare, infrastructure, visa access, lifestyle, and economic stability, weighted to what matters most to you.