Living abroad isn't just about new scenery or fresh food. For many expats, it is about living better with less stress, more movement, and stronger health. So, where are people actually thriving in 2025?
According to international health experts and expat surveys, seven countries are getting it right. They have got the healthcare, culture, and clean living to help you stay fit, feel good, and sleep better at night.
New Zealand
New Zealand tops the charts when it comes to health and happiness. It is not just the mountains and lakes. This country nails work-life balance. People actually leave work at a decent hour.
Brooke / Unsplash / Experts say that if you want a full lifestyle reset as an expat, New Zealand is the place.
The food scene is built for wellness. There is strong support for plant-based diets, clean eating, and local, fresh produce. Plus, the country invests heavily in preventative care, which means fewer hospital visits and more people staying healthy in the first place.
Spain
Next up: Spain doesn’t just score high in quality of life rankings. It owns them. The secret? A way of living that doesn’t feel forced. You walk more, eat better, and spend time with people. The Mediterranean diet here is a tradition full of olive oil, fresh veggies, and lean proteins.
Healthcare is strong and affordable. Even private insurance is reasonably priced. And the pace of life? Slower, social, less stress. Add in sunshine, beaches, and plenty of parks, and you have got a country where feeling good becomes your new normal.
Netherlands
In the Netherlands, fitness is built into daily life. Most people cycle, not just for fun, but to get places. It is normal to see kids, parents, and even grandparents biking to work, school, or the market. You are active all the time, even if you never set foot in a gym.
On the food front, there is a growing trend toward plant-based and low-salt meals. Grocery stores are stocked with healthy options, and restaurants make it easy to eat clean. Combined with a top-ranked healthcare system, the Netherlands turns wellness into a lifestyle, not a chore.
Norway
Apart from being beautiful, Norway is clean in every way that counts. The air is fresh. The water is pure. Green spaces are everywhere. And outdoor living is seasonal and cultural. Norwegians hike, ski, and stay active all year long, regardless of the cold.
Michael / Unsplash / In 2025, Norway is one of the best places for a healthier expat lifestyle.
Health spending is high, and it shows. The system supports early intervention and quality care. Mental health is taken seriously, too. While the cost of living can be steep, what you get in return is a healthy, grounded lifestyle in one of the world’s safest, cleanest countries.
Switzerland
Switzerland delivers healthcare that feels first-class. The system is fast, efficient, and high-quality. Preventive care is a big deal here, so you will likely catch small issues before they turn into big ones. Mental health services are accessible and well-funded.
The environment helps, too. Lakes, forests, and clean streets encourage outdoor activity. The country’s health culture is smart. Add in excellent infrastructure and a focus on balance, and it is no wonder Switzerland ranks high across health and safety indexes.
Japan
Japan doesn’t just have a long life expectancy. It has long, healthy lives. That is thanks to the Washoku diet, like lots of fish, rice, vegetables, and small portions. Processed food exists, but it is not the norm. Meals are thoughtful and balanced.
Healthcare in Japan is top-tier and widely available. Preventative checkups are common, even encouraged.
Australia
Australia nails the balance between staying active and feeling relaxed. With year-round sunshine and access to beaches, it is easy to move more and stress less. Walking, swimming, and cycling are all part of the culture. And the food? Fresh, local, and often straight from the farmer’s market.
Universal healthcare keeps costs low and quality high. The focus is on wellness, not just treatment. Aussies also value time off.