If you’re fed up with the dreary UK winters and fancy a change of scene, there’s one European gem that’s been crowned the top destination for families considering a move abroad.
William Russell, specialists in international health insurance, have conducted research into various countries, assessing key factors like childcare and housing costs, as well as flight connectivity to the UK, to determine the best spot for family relocation.
Portugal emerged victorious in their findings, not just scoring high across the board but particularly shining when it came to financial aspects.
The report highlighted that “Families in Portugal benefit from affordable childcare, costing 5% of household income on average, and the average monthly cost of essential utilities is very low at £94.”
Moreover, “Additionally, property prices in Portugal are very affordable, with an average apartment price per square metre of £209, while the average cost of a flight from London is just £24, making it easy to stay connected with your extended family back home.”
Beyond the financial perks, Portugal offers a gentler climate which promises easier winters. While night time temperatures can dip to around 2C, daytime temperatures often pleasantly sit around 20C, reports the Express.
Should Portugal not quite be what you’re looking for, the study also names a runner-up as the second-best place for families to consider.
Sweden secured the second spot due to its affordable childcare, averaging at 4% of household income, and housing 10 of the world’s top universities, offering ample opportunities for children as they grow into adulthood.
Additionally, Sweden boasts one of the lowest average annual hours worked at 1,440.5, suggesting a superior work-life balance than other countries, with more time available to spend with family.
Best countries to relocate to
Rank |
Country |
Net Childcare Costs (% of household income) |
Top Universities |
Paid maternity, parental and home care leave |
Average Hours Worked 2022 |
Child-Friendly Attractions |
Population |
£ on way flight from London |
Rent price |
£ average apartment price |
£ utility bills |
Family Relocation Score |
1 |
Portugal |
5% |
4 |
30.1 |
1635.1 |
2693 |
10,223,150 |
£24 |
£1,212 |
£209 |
£94 |
6.33 |
2 |
Sweden |
4% |
10 |
55.7 |
1440.5 |
789 |
10,536,338 |
£59 |
£1,060 |
£329 |
£78 |
6.26 |
3 |
Italy |
0% |
19 |
47.7 |
1694.5 |
16060 |
61,021,855 |
£24 |
£1,039 |
£276 |
£170 |
6.22 |
4 |
Spain |
6% |
15 |
16.0 |
1643.5 |
8345 |
47,222,613 |
£24 |
£1,107 |
£213 |
£108 |
6.19 |
5 |
Finland |
12% |
4 |
161.0 |
1498.1 |
518 |
5,614,571 |
£74 |
£987 |
£347 |
£101 |
6.04 |
6 |
Latvia |
0% |
0 |
94.0 |
1553.2 |
148 |
1,821,750 |
£59 |
£579 |
£157 |
£263 |
5.74 |
6 |
Hungary |
5% |
1 |
160.0 |
1699.6 |
483 |
9,670,009 |
£46 |
£549 |
£191 |
£118 |
5.74 |
7 |
Japan |
8% |
11 |
58.0 |
1607 |
3951 |
123,719,238 |
£525 |
£760 |
£312 |
£129 |
5.63 |
7 |
France |
9% |
12 |
42.0 |
1511.4 |
11785 |
68,521,974 |
£24 |
£1,134 |
£451 |
£147 |
5.63 |
8 |
Estonia |
3% |
1 |
82.1 |
1770.4 |
193 |
1,202,762 |
£107 |
£722 |
£234 |
£217 |
5.56 |
9 |
Greece |
7% |
3 |
51.7 |
1886.3 |
3723 |
10,497,595 |
£27 |
£658 |
£196 |
£186 |
5.33 |