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Data sources
Every number in ExpatAce is sourced from a third-party dataset, dated, and linked to the original source. We do not estimate or guess. If reliable data isn't available for a destination, that destination is not scored.
Numbeo — Cost of Living
The world's largest crowd-sourced cost of living database. We use city-level data for rent, groceries, restaurants, utilities, and local transport. All-in monthly cost estimates in ExpatAce reflect your specific profile — party size, bedrooms, and budget — applied against Numbeo's city averages.
Global Peace Index — Safety Scores
Published annually by the Institute for Economics and Peace, the GPI ranks 163 countries across 23 indicators including conflict, societal safety, and militarisation. We use the country-level GPI score to screen destinations and weight safety in our city scoring. Countries below our safety threshold are excluded from results entirely.
PISA — Education Rankings
The OECD's Programme for International Student Assessment measures reading, mathematics, and science performance across 80+ countries. We use PISA scores to rate education quality for subscribers who select education as a priority in the quiz. Only relevant if you have school-age children.
IRS — US Tax Treaties and FEIE
Tax treaty data is sourced directly from IRS.gov treaty pages and updated when changes are reported. FEIE eligibility and Foreign Tax Credit applicability are assessed by country. We flag special local tax programmes (such as Portugal's NHR) where these exist for new residents. This is general information, not tax advice.
Official Government Sources — Visa Data
Visa names, minimum income requirements, and typical PR timelines are sourced from official government consulate and immigration authority websites for each country. These are subject to change — always verify current requirements with the relevant embassy or a licensed immigration attorney before applying.
Expat Community Size — Estimated
Expat community size ratings (Small / Medium / Large / Very Large) are estimates derived from Facebook group membership data, US State Department registration data, and published expat survey data. These are indicative only — not precise counts.
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How the scoring works
When you complete the quiz, your answers are compared against our database of 102 cities across 49 countries. Each city receives a match score from 0–100 based on how well it fits your specific answers. Your top 5 are returned in ranked order.
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Budget filter — hard gate
Your stated monthly budget is applied as a hard filter first. Any city where the all-in monthly cost for your profile (party size + bedrooms) exceeds your budget is scored zero and excluded from your results entirely. A city can score perfectly on every other dimension — if it's unaffordable for your profile, it doesn't appear.
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Safety filter — minimum threshold
Countries below our GPI safety threshold are excluded regardless of other factors. We do not show unsafe destinations regardless of how well they match your other answers. The threshold is reviewed annually against the current GPI rankings.
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Weighted scoring across remaining factors
Cities that pass the budget and safety filters are scored across the remaining quiz dimensions. Each dimension is weighted based on what research shows matters most to North Americans making permanent relocation decisions.
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Top 5 returned
The 5 highest-scoring cities are returned as your matches, ranked by total score. Cities with identical scores are ranked by cost efficiency — more affordable city first.
| Factor | Weight | What it measures |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living | How well the city's all-in monthly cost fits within your stated budget | |
| Safety | Country-level GPI score, weighted more heavily if you flagged safety as a priority | |
| Climate match | How closely the city's climate profile matches your selected preference | |
| Setting | Urban / suburban / coastal / rural match against your stated preference | |
| Expat infrastructure | English availability, North American expat community size, international connectivity | |
| Education | PISA ranking — only applied when you indicated school-age children in your party |
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What's included and excluded
Our database covers 102 cities across 49 countries. Not every country in the world is included — we apply specific criteria for inclusion.
✓ Included
- Countries with a GPI safety score above our minimum threshold
- Countries with reliable Numbeo cost of living data at city level
- Countries with established long-stay visa pathways for Americans
- Countries with at least one established expat community
- Cities with a minimum population base for practical daily life
- Countries with a functioning US Embassy or Consulate
✗ Excluded
- Countries with a Level 3 or Level 4 US State Department advisory
- Countries with no reliable cost of living data
- Countries where long-stay visas for Americans are unavailable or highly restricted
- Countries with active armed conflict or significant civil unrest
- Cities where we cannot verify basic infrastructure and services
- Countries sanctioned by the US Government
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Limitations you should know about
Our data is as accurate and current as our sources allow. But there are real limitations that every ExpatAce user should understand before making any decisions.
Cost data reflects averages, not guarantees
Numbeo data is crowd-sourced and reflects averages across a city. Your actual costs will depend on neighbourhood, lifestyle, and specific circumstances. A 2-bedroom apartment in central Lisbon costs significantly more than one in the suburbs — our estimate reflects a city-wide average, not a specific rental.
Visa rules change frequently
Visa income thresholds, application requirements, and PR timelines are updated by governments without notice. We verify and update our visa data regularly, but always confirm current requirements directly with the relevant embassy or a licensed immigration attorney before applying.
Tax information is general and not advice
Tax treaty data and programme information (FEIE, Foreign Tax Credit, NHR, etc.) is general educational information. Your personal tax situation depends on your income sources, residency status, and individual circumstances. Always consult a qualified US expat tax professional before making any decisions.
Safety scores are country-level, not city-level
The Global Peace Index scores are national averages. Safety can vary significantly within a country — and even within a city. Our safety score reflects the country's overall position, not specific neighbourhood conditions. Always research current local safety conditions independently.
102 cities is not the whole world
Our database covers the cities most commonly chosen by Americans relocating abroad based on published expat survey data. There are many excellent destinations not yet in our database. The absence of a city does not mean it's a poor choice — only that we have not yet added it.
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Update schedule
Data freshness matters when you're making a permanent life decision. Here is how often each data source is refreshed.
Numbeo costs
Quarterly
Last updated: March 2026
GPI safety
Annually
GPI 2025/26 edition
PISA education
Every 3 years
PISA 2022 (latest)
Visa data
As reported
Verified 2025/26
IRS tax data
Annually
IRS 2025/26
Full database
Quarterly
Next review: June 2026
Important: ExpatAce is an independent information aggregator. Nothing on this site or in our email series constitutes legal, tax, financial, immigration, insurance, or investment advice of any kind. All data is general in nature and may change. Cost estimates are averages and will vary in practice. Visa and tax rules change frequently. Always conduct your own research and, where appropriate, consult a licensed professional — including an immigration attorney, US expat tax advisor, and financial planner — before making any relocation decisions. ExpatAce is not a law firm, tax practice, investment advisor, or insurance broker.