As the UK prepares for an autumn budget in which Chancellor Rachel Reeves is widely expected to announce tax rises on November 26, a new relocation guide has highlighted countries that long-term residents say offer lower costs, warmer weather, stronger public services or tax advantages.
The survey, aimed at Britons considering moving overseas, compares housing prices, taxes, healthcare provision, cost of living and immigration rules across more than a dozen destinations from Spain and Portugal to Australia, Florida and Canada. It frames the decisions many households are weighing now against the prospect of higher inheritance and capital gains taxes at home.
Spain tops the list for many British expatriates drawn by weather and lower housing costs. More than 370,000 Britons live permanently in Spain, according to the guide, which notes that a two-bedroom semi in Almeria can be found for roughly £147,500 compared with a UK average house price of about £299,331. Mortgage rates in Spain are quoted in the guide at roughly 2.8–3.2 percent, below current UK averages. The country offers public healthcare for residents who contribute to social security and a cost of living the guide estimates to be about 23 percent lower than in the UK, though top income-tax bands can reach around 47 percent.
Portugal is presented as another low-cost southern European option, with an average house price in the mid-five figures and more than 47,700 UK citizens living there. The guide highlights Portugal’s favourable climate, public schooling for resident children and a flat 28 percent rate on certain investment income, while noting income-tax bands that rise to 48 percent at higher salary levels.
Italy and France are positioned for those prioritising culture and lifestyle. Italy, with tens of thousands of property options in rural regions, is described as cheaper than the UK in average living costs and offers targeted tax schemes to attract foreign workers. France, which hosted an estimated 170,000 Britons as of 2025, is described as having a buyers’ market in some regions and high-quality state schools; the guide warns, however, of rising petty crime in urban tourist areas.
Nordic and Mediterranean alternatives are also covered. Sweden is framed as a high-service option with strong public education and healthcare; municipal income taxes typically range from about 30–35 percent and higher earners face additional national levies. Cyprus is highlighted for its warm climate, low average property prices per square metre and several tax incentives for residents.
The guide turns to Anglophone options outside Europe for those seeking high wages or perceived ease of integration. Australia and New Zealand are cited for strong labour markets, outdoor lifestyles and public services, but the guide flags high house prices in Australia and restrictions on foreign buyers in some markets. New Zealand is described as having temperate weather, low crime and subsidised healthcare for longer-term work visa holders.
Several parts of the United States feature prominently. Florida and Texas are singled out for tax advantages and job growth: Florida has no state income tax and no inheritance tax, while Texas levies no state income tax but records higher violent-crime figures in some areas. The guide notes that large British expatriate communities exist in both states and that housing costs vary considerably by city and county.
Emerging and lower-cost destinations make the list as well. South Africa is presented for its low cost of living and favourable climate, though the guide cautions about rising violent crime and stresses the importance of private healthcare and security arrangements. Canada is noted for its outdoor lifestyle and strong education system; the guide also points to national restrictions on foreign home purchases intended to curb price inflation.
The relocation guide aggregates data on childcare, schooling and healthcare accessibility that many prospective emigrants consider crucial. Across several European countries covered, state schooling is free for resident children, while international private schools command fees comparable with UK private education. Healthcare access ranges from universal resident entitlements where social contributions are paid, to systems requiring private insurance for temporary residents.
Immigration rules and practical hurdles figure in the guide’s advice. Long-term residence typically requires visas, residency permits or proof of income and health insurance; rules differ widely by country and by whether applicants are retirees, workers, investors or family migrants. Some countries featured offer special tax or residency routes aimed at retirees or remote workers; others restrict property purchases or prioritise applicants with job offers.
Experts quoted in the guide stress that costs and taxes are only part of the decision. Housing availability, local labour markets, language, schooling options and health-care access are presented as weighing heavily in individual choices. The guide also points to recent trends: higher numbers of retirees in southern Europe, rising interest in U.S. states without income tax, and continued demand for Commonwealth countries with English-language public services.
For households weighing a move, the guide recommends early research into visa eligibility, tax residency rules and the transferability of pensions and savings. It also suggests visiting any shortlisted location at different times of year to assess climate, public services and day-to-day costs before committing to a move. As Britain approaches the upcoming budget, the guide frames emigration as one of several financial and lifestyle responses households are considering in response to potential tax changes and rising living costs.