Escape Artist
  • Features
    • Interview
    • News
    • Field Notes
    • Trending
  • Your Plan B
    • Finance
    • Real Estate
    • Second Citizenship
    • Digital Nomad
    • Plan B Summit
    • Webinars
  • Destinations
    • Europe
      • France
      • Germany
      • Italy
      • Portugal
      • Scandinavia
      • Spain
      • United Kingdom
      • Rest of Europe
    • Central America
      • Belize
      • Costa Rica
      • El Salvador
      • Guatemala
      • Honduras
      • Nicaragua
      • Panama
    • Others
      • Africa
      • Asia
      • Australia
      • North America
      • South America
      • Middle East
      • Rest of the World
  • Travel Tips
    • Know Before You Go
    • Packing List
    • Food + Culture
    • Health + Wellness
  • Subscribe
Escape Artist
  • Features
    • Interview
    • News
    • Field Notes
    • Trending
  • Your Plan B
    • Finance
    • Real Estate
    • Second Citizenship
    • Digital Nomad
    • Plan B Summit
    • Webinars
  • Destinations
    • Europe
      • France
      • Germany
      • Italy
      • Portugal
      • Scandinavia
      • Spain
      • United Kingdom
      • Rest of Europe
    • Central America
      • Belize
      • Costa Rica
      • El Salvador
      • Guatemala
      • Honduras
      • Nicaragua
      • Panama
    • Others
      • Africa
      • Asia
      • Australia
      • North America
      • South America
      • Middle East
      • Rest of the World
  • Travel Tips
    • Know Before You Go
    • Packing List
    • Food + Culture
    • Health + Wellness
  • Subscribe
👤

THE NUMBER ONE SOURCE FOR EXPATS, DIGITAL NOMADS, AND DREAMERS.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
  • Your Plan B

Countries with the Best Economies for Expats

  • BY Don Halbert
  • February 9, 2014
Total
0
Shares
0
0
0

Over 6 million Americans currently claim “expat” status as they work abroad in another country.  This can be attributed to any number of reasons such as the thrill of living abroad, making more money than in the States, or just cheaper cost of living overall.  If you’re thinking of joining the ranks of millions of other expats, these countries offer the best economies as a launching point.

 

Qatar

Thanks to natural gas, the petrochemical industry is soaring here, as are construction, tourism, and technology jobs.   You can expect a low cost of living in Qatar, but be prepared to abide by Islamic law, which may be a difficult adjustment for some.

 

Germany

Germany has long been known for its excellence in technology and science, and that rings true in today’s economy.  Although it can be difficult to pin down a job due to heightened immigration regulations, if you can, you’ll be rewarded with high pay, good benefits, and one of the best educational systems in the world.

 

Turkey

If technology or finance is your industry, then Turkey may have a lot to offer you.  Although the cost of living is generally lower than many places, it has shown strong economic growth in recent years.

 

Indonesia

Indonesia has seen an economic boom which is making a lot of money for expats – some 22% are making around $250,000 annually.  In combination with the low cost of living, you can enjoy a rich and interesting lifestyle that is second to none.

 

Cayman Islands

Long known as a tax haven dream, the Islands are becoming a top destination for finance and accounting careers.  Other jobs are readily available as well, and over 70% of expats claim they have a better quality of life than before.

 

Oman

Chocked full of oil money, Oman has a very positive economic outlook.  Over a quarter of the population is expats, who have an average salary of about $10,000 a month here with almost no taxation.

 

Thailand

By far Thailand has the lowest cost of living, but also offers little in high paid employment unless you’re transferred by a large international company.  However, a little bit of money will go a long way here, so a typical hospitality industry job can support you quite fine.

 

China

The engineering, banking, pharmacology, manufacturing, and technology sectors are all exploding in China right now.  Employers are offering enticing relocation packages and if you speak Mandarin, you’re a prime candidate (although it’s not necessary).

 

Singapore

This city-state is will not save you much money due to the high cost of living, but you can count on world class career and education opportunities.  China is the only country that offers better job prospects.  Plus, there is virtually no crime here.

 

Contact Author

"*" indicates required fields

Name*
Please let us know what's on your mind. Have a question for us? Ask away.

Stay Ahead on Every Adventure! 

Stay updated with the World News on Escape Artist. Get all the travel news, international destinations, expat living, moving abroad, Lifestyle Tips, and digital nomad opportunities. Your next journey starts here—don’t miss a moment! Subscribe Now!

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Related Topics
  • cost of living
  • expatriation
Previous Article
  • Second Citizenship

The Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) Visa

  • BY Don Halbert
  • February 9, 2014
View Post
Next Article
  • Real Estate

Why You Should be Investing in International Real Estate

  • BY Don Halbert
  • February 9, 2014
View Post
You May Also Like
A three dimensional render of ascending gold coin stacks arranged like a rising bar chart on a dark blue digital grid, symbolizing financial growth and wealth.
View Post
  • Offshore banking
Diversifying Your Income Across Borders
  • BY EA Editorial Staff
  • February 11, 2026
A long wooden pier extends into the calm Caribbean Sea at sunset in Belize, with silhouettes of palm trees and lounge chairs on the sandy beach shore.
View Post
  • Belize
Why Belize Is Becoming a Standout for Living and Investment
  • BY Luigi Wewege
  • February 11, 2026
Traditional felucca sailboats glide along the Nile River in Aswan, surrounded by lush palm trees and ancient ruins under a clear, bright Egyptian sky.
View Post
  • Real Estate
Egypt’s Property Investment Blueprint
  • BY Ahmed Elnagar
  • February 9, 2026
A woman with long dark hair looks out over a calm river toward a modern city skyline with tall glass skyscrapers under a bright blue sky with soft white clouds.
View Post
  • Plan B
Tax-Friendly Destinations Around the World
  • BY EA Editorial Staff
  • February 3, 2026
Your 2025-2026 Guide to Which Countries Offer Retirement Visas
View Post
  • Plan B
Your 2025-2026 Guide to Which Countries Offer Retirement Visas
  • BY Isha Sesay
  • February 3, 2026
A young family stands on a white stone staircase in Santorini, Greece, with iconic blue-domed churches and the sparkling Aegean Sea in the background.
View Post
  • Interview
Leaving the U.S. to Build a New Life in Greece
  • BY Isha Sesay
  • February 2, 2026
Global travel routes illustrating visa programs that lead to permanent residency
View Post
  • Second Residency
Which Visas Actually Lead to Permanent Residency
  • BY Isha Sesay
  • January 28, 2026
The Financial Advantages of Becoming an Expat
View Post
  • Finance
The Financial Case for Living Abroad
  • BY EA Editorial Staff
  • January 20, 2026
Trending Posts
  • A woman with long dark hair looks out over a calm river toward a modern city skyline with tall glass skyscrapers under a bright blue sky with soft white clouds. 1
    • Plan B
    Tax-Friendly Destinations Around the World
    • February 3, 2026
  • A small squirrel monkey with a white face and orange fur clings to a vibrant green palm frond, illustrating the daily presence of wildlife in Costa Rica. 2
    • Costa Rica
    Top 10 Culture Shocks You’ll Notice When You Move to Costa Rica
    • January 30, 2026
  • Your 2025-2026 Guide to Which Countries Offer Retirement Visas 3
    • Plan B
    Your 2025-2026 Guide to Which Countries Offer Retirement Visas
    • February 3, 2026
  • A young family stands on a white stone staircase in Santorini, Greece, with iconic blue-domed churches and the sparkling Aegean Sea in the background. 4
    • Interview
    Leaving the U.S. to Build a New Life in Greece
    • February 2, 2026
  • A narrow, weathered alleyway in Stone Town, Zanzibar, featuring historic white-and-yellow buildings and a traditional wooden door under a carved stone arch. 5
    • Africa
    Inside Stone Town, Zanzibar’s Cultural Heart
    • February 6, 2026
Subscribe
Know Before You Go
  • A small squirrel monkey with a white face and orange fur clings to a vibrant green palm frond, illustrating the daily presence of wildlife in Costa Rica. 1
    • Costa Rica
    Top 10 Culture Shocks You’ll Notice When You Move to Costa Rica
    • January 30, 2026
  • The bright yellow clock tower of the Xalapa Cathedral against a blue sky, representing the city's rich culture and history for potential expats. 2
    • Mexico
    Could Xalapa Be Mexico’s Best-Kept Cultural Secret?
    • January 23, 2026
  • Welsh Patagonia 3
    • South America
    A Welsh Homeland at the Edge of Argentina
    • January 9, 2026
  • Colorful cliffside village of Positano Italy with pink and white buildings overlooking Mediterranean Sea showing Mediterranean charm for expats relocating 4
    • Plan B
    The Countries That Make Starting Over Feel Possible
    • December 26, 2025
  • Families and children playing soccer and enjoying beach activities together in Costa Rica, demonstrating community bonding and social connection 5
    • Costa Rica
    Building Community in Costa Rica
    • December 19, 2025
Learn More
  • About us
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe
  • Shop
Why Subscribe

The newly imagined Escape Artist brings you fresh content with a global focus, and sharp, up-to-the-minute coverage of the joys, challenges, and opportunities of life abroad.

For a limited time, we’re offering a special discount on all subscription deals, so be sure to lock-in these incredible savings and start receiving top-notch travel and expat content today!

Sign up for the EA Newsletter

Get important news delivered directly to your inbox and stay connected!

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Escape Artist
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookies Policy
  • Disclaimer

Input your search keywords and press Enter.

Before you go, want $50 off your Summit registration?

Subscribe, and get $50 discount code for Plan B Summit registration.

Download Your Free Guide

Fill out the form below to get instant access to your guide + receive a $50 discount code for Plan B Summit 2026!

Download Your Free Guide

Fill out the form below to get instant access to your guide + receive a $50 discount code for Plan B Summit 2026!

Download Your Free Guide

Fill out the form below to get instant access to your guide + receive a $50 discount code for Plan B Summit 2026!

Newsletter Subscription