The Best Islands to Live On: Top Picks for Your New Paradise
Dreaming of trading rush-hour traffic for swaying palms? Of swapping briefcases for beach bags? You’re not alone. The allure of island living, with its promise of a slower pace, stunning beaches, and connection to natural beauty, captivates millions.
But moving beyond vacation fantasies to find the best islands to live on requires careful consideration. It’s not just about finding cool islands to live on; it’s about discovering good islands to live on that match your lifestyle, budget, and long-term goals.
Whether you crave the vibrant energy of a tropical island hub, the quiet solitude of remote islands to live on, or the perfect balance for families, this guide explores the best island to move to.
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Why Choose Island Life?
- Embracing the “Island Time” Mentality: The slower pace encourages presence, reduces stress, and fosters a greater appreciation for simple joys—a walk on the sandy beaches, fresh fruit from a local market.
- Deep Connection with Nature: From towering mountains and rich natural surroundings to pristine beaches and abundant wildlife, islands offer unparalleled access to the natural world—hiking trails, snorkelling reefs, and simply breathing cleaner air become part of daily life.
- Stronger Sense of Community: Smaller populations often foster tighter-knit communities where people look out for each other. Knowing your neighbors is the norm, not the exception.
- Unique Cultural Immersion: Living on an island means integrating into its distinct rhythms, traditions, cuisine (fresh food!), and history, offering a richer experience than any short visit.
- Adventure at Your Doorstep: Island hopping, water sports, exploring parklands, and discovering hidden coves become readily accessible parts of your routine.
However, the best island to live on isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. It requires balancing paradise with practicality.
Finding Your Perfect Island
Before packing your bags for those islands you can live on, ask yourself these crucial questions:
Budget & Cost of Living
Island living often comes at a premium. Research the cost of living thoroughly – housing (beachfront property is a dream, but usually pricey!), groceries, utilities, transportation, and import taxes. Hawaii and many Caribbean hotspots are notoriously expensive. Places like Portugal’s Azores or Thailand offer more affordability.
Employment & Income
How will you earn a living? Employment opportunities can be limited, especially outside tourism. Remote work is a game-changer for many, but it requires reliable internet. Research local industries. Are there more jobs in specific sectors? What are the rules for working legally?
Lifestyle Preferences
- Vibrant vs. Quiet: Do you crave vibrant nightlife, restaurants, and cultural events (think Oahu or Malta)? Or do you prefer secluded peace (think smaller Greek isles or remote Pacific islands)
- Family Needs: For the best islands to live on for families, prioritize safety, quality public school systems (or international schools), healthcare access, and family-friendly activities.
- Amenities & Infrastructure: What level of development do you need? Reliable electricity, high-speed internet, modern healthcare facilities, and public transportation aren’t guaranteed everywhere.
- Accessibility & Connectivity: How easy is getting on and off the island? Are there direct flights to the mainland or other countries? Vital for visiting family, business travel, or even receiving goods.
- Climate & Environment: Tropical storms/hurricanes are a reality in many desirable regions (the Caribbean, Southeast and Eastern Asia, and the South Pacific). Research the seasonal weather patterns – is it pleasant year-round, or are there challenging rainy/monsoon seasons? Consider air quality and potential for natural disasters.
- Culture & Language: How comfortable are you immersing yourself in a new culture? Is it an English-friendly island, or will you need to learn a new language? Respecting local customs is essential for integration.
- Healthcare: Access to quality healthcare facilities is crucial, especially for families or those with ongoing medical needs. Proximity to hospitals and specialists matters.
Lush Landscapes of Oahu & Greek Islands
The dream of island life often conjures images of swaying palms and turquoise waters, but for many, the true soul of paradise lies in its flourishing nature.
These verdant escapes offer more than stunning backdrops; they signify fertile ground, abundant water, cooler microclimates, and a profound connection to nature.
While visions of arid cacti might dominate perceptions of some islands, destinations like Oahu, Hawaii, and certain Greek island gems defy expectations, boasting vibrant greenery that thrives year-round or persists remarkably through seasonal shifts, often intimately tied to their rugged coastlines.
Oahu, Hawaii: The Gathering Place of Verdant Peaks and Rainforest Coast
Often associated with the bustling energy of Honolulu and Waikiki Beach, Oahu holds a secret: its dramatic, rain-drenched interior and windward coast are a masterpiece of fertile landscapes. While the leeward (western) side basks in sunshine, the trade winds dump life-giving rain on the eastern side.
Global Gems: The Best Island to Live in the World Contenders
All the islands consistently rank highly for overall livability, balancing beauty, infrastructure, and opportunity.
Malta (Mediterranean)
- Why It Shines: A unique blend of rich history (ancient temples, medieval cities), beautiful landscapes, a thriving economy (especially tech/finance/gaming), the best tropical island with English as a primary language, excellent healthcare, and safety. Easy access to Europe via single-leg journeys. Relatively affordable within the EU.
- Considerations: It can feel crowded, there are limited sandy beaches compared to purely tropical islands, and there is summer heat.
- History buffs, digital nomads, families seeking EU stability, sun-seekers wanting culture.
Singapore (Southeast Asia)
- Why It Shines: Ultra-modern city-state offering unparalleled efficiency, safety, world-class healthcare and education, a massive global business hub with endless work opportunities, incredible cleanliness, and a fascinating cultural melting pot (Chinese, Malay, and Indian). Easy access to all of Asia.
- Considerations: very high cost of living (especially housing), strict laws, limited natural space/island feel compared to others, and humidity.
- Career-focused expats, families valuing safety/education, and lovers of urban energy and convenience.
The Hawaiian Islands: Pacific Perfection
The Hawaiian Islands are synonymous with paradise. Each offers a distinct flavor:
Oahu: The Heartbeat of Hawaii
- Why It Shines: Home to Honolulu, the state capital and largest city, offering the most work opportunities (diverse industries), vibrant nightlife, world-famous Waikiki Beach, cultural landmarks (Iolani Palace, Diamond Head), top-tier healthcare, and public transportation. You experience all the islands’ energy here.
- Considerations: Populated island; highest cost of living in Hawaii; can feel less “islandy” and more urban.
- Those needing career options, city lovers who want beach access, and families wishing for amenities.
Big Island (Hawaii Island): Diverse & Dramatic
- Why it Shines: Enormous size offers incredible diversity—active volcanoes (Hawaii Volcanoes National Park), rich natural surroundings (Hilo side), pristine beaches (Kona side), towering mountains (Mauna Kea), and even a unique green sand beach (Papakōlea)—slower pace than Oahu. More affordable housing options exist outside Kona.
- Considerations: Requires a car; limited city transportation; Kona side drier/sunnier, Hilo side wetter/lusher; job opportunities more limited than Oahu, often tied to tourism/agriculture (historically sugar cane).
- Nature lovers, adventurers, those seeking space and diversity, and retirees.
Maui: The Balanced Beauty (Often dubbed the Best Hawaiian Island)
- Why It Shines: Strikes a renowned balance between resort luxury (Kaanapali, Wailea), charming towns (Paia, Makawao), pristine beaches, world-class whale watching, the scenic Road to Hana, and vibrant natural beauty. It offers more job opportunities than Kauai but has less hustle than Oahu.
- Considerations: Very high cost of living, especially housing; traffic congestion can occur; recovering from recent wildfires impacting some areas.
- Those seeking a blend of beauty, amenities, and activity; retirees with a budget; and professionals in tourism/hospitality.
Kauai: The Garden Isle - Serenity Found
- Why it Shines: Unparalleled natural beauty—the dramatic Napali Coast, lush landscapes drenched in rain, pristine beaches, and sky-high mountains (Waimea Canyon). The ultimate slower pace and focus on nature, a strong sense of community.
- Considerations: Limited job opportunities are heavily reliant on tourism; the highest rainfall of the main islands; fewer urban amenities; requires a car; and the cost of living remains high.
- Nature enthusiasts, retirees, artists, those seeking peace, and adventurers.
Caribbean Dreams: Sun, Sea & Culture
Puerto Rico: Ease & Opportunity (US Territory)
- Why It Shines: US citizens can move without immigration hassle. Blend of Caribbean culture and US infrastructure. Relatively lower cost of living than the USVI or many Hawaiian Islands. Gorgeous beaches, lush landscapes (El Yunque rainforest), vibrant culture (San Juan), and a growing economy. Straight-through flights to the US mainland.
- Considerations: Hurricane risk; economic challenges persist in some areas; traffic in San Juan.
- US citizens seeking an easy transition, culture lovers, those valuing US connections, and entrepreneurs.
US Virgin Islands
- Why it Shines: It is a US territory (easy move for citizens). Pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters (St. John is primarily a national park). A strong tourism economy drives job opportunities on an English-speaking island.
- Considerations: high cost of living (mainly imports); hurricane risk; limited space/amenities on smaller islands (St. John); traffic on St. Thomas.
- US citizens want Caribbean ease, are beach lovers, and are tourism industry professionals.
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
- Why It Shines: Major global financial hub = abundant high-paying job opportunities (finance, law). Very safe.
- Considerations: Extremely high living expenditure (one of the highest globally); can feel transient due to expat workforce; limited cultural depth compared to others; hurricane risk.
- High-earning professionals in finance/services, safety seekers, and diving enthusiasts.
Best Islands to Live On for Families
Finding the best tropical island to live on adds layers: safety, iconic buildings, education, healthcare, activities, and community.
- Malta: Excellent international schools, very safe, good healthcare, English-speaking, family-friendly activities, and EU stability.
- Singapore: Unparalleled safety, top-ranked schools (international and local), world-class healthcare, incredibly clean, vast array of family activities (zoos, parks, museums).
- Oahu, Hawaii: Best healthcare in Hawaii, diverse public school options, plus excellent private/international schools, endless activities (beaches, parks, cultural sites)
- Cyprus (especially Paphos/Limassol): Safe, good international schools, lower living expenses than many EU options, warm climate, gorgeous beaches, and English widely spoken. EU member. Family-oriented communities.
- Balearic Islands, Spain (Mallorca, Menorca): EU membership, good infrastructure, international schools (especially Mallorca), gorgeous beaches, family-friendly culture, Mediterranean food. Good healthcare. Menorca offers a remarkably relaxed pace.
Moving to an island to start over by beautiful beaches
Seeking the best islands to move to and start over often means prioritizing affordability, welcoming communities, and a simpler life.
- Portugal (Madeira or Azores): Both offer significantly lower daily living costs than most places in Western Europe, stunning scenery, safety, and welcoming communities. Portugal’s D7/D8 visas are attractive for retirees/remote workers. Madeira has a milder climate and more urban feel (Funchal), while the Azores are wilder and more remote.
- Thailand (Phuket, Koh Samui, Koh Lanta): Very affordable expense of living, warm community, delicious meals, beautiful beaches, established expat communities. Good value healthcare. Digital nomad visas are available. Offers both vibrant (Phuket) and laid-back (Koh Lanta) options.
- Mexico (Isla Mujeres, Cozumel): Proximity to the US/Canada, lower standard living costs, established expat communities, gorgeous beaches, warm climate. Familiarity for North Americans. Requires navigating Mexican residency.
- Grenada offers a Citizenship by Investment program, low-stress living, friendly locals, scenic shores, and spice entire island charm. Lower standard living costs than many of its neighbors.
Living the Dream: Embracing the Reality
Moving to one of the best islands to live on is transformative, but it’s not without adjustments:
- Island Time is real: Bureaucracy, services, and social events often run slower. Patience is essential.
- The “Small Island” Effect: News travels fast. Privacy can be different. Everyone might know your business.
- Import Dependence & Cost: Many goods are imported, leading to higher prices and limited selection, especially on remote coasts where people live. Embrace local fresh food!
- Distance from “Home”: Being far from family and friends can be challenging. Travel costs add up. Time zone differences matter.
- Seasonal Shifts: Many islands have a high season (tourists, higher prices) and a low season (quieter, sometimes rainier). The year-round population experiences both.
- Integration Takes Effort: Learning some language, understanding customs, and respecting the locals is key to moving beyond being a perpetual tourist.
Making the Move: Practical Steps
- Visit Extensively: Don’t move based on a few weeks’ vacation. Rent for a month or two in different seasons. Experience daily life.
- Research Visas & Residency: Requirements vary massively. Consult official government sources or an immigration lawyer. Can you work? Retire? Invest?
- Budget Meticulously: Factor in all costs—housing, utilities, meals, transport, healthcare, taxes, and insurance.
Secure - Income/Employment: Have a solid plan before you move. Remote work? Local job offer? Retirement income? Understand tax implications.
- Connect with Experts: Online forums and local groups are invaluable for practical advice and building a support network.
- Manage Expectations: Paradise has challenges. Focus on the overall lifestyle benefits, not perfection.
Your Coastline Awaits
Finding the best island to live on in the world is deeply personal. There’s no single answer, only the perfect fit for you. Is it the dramatic green landscapes and volcanic energy of Hawaii’s Big Island? The ancient charm and laid back lifestyle of a Greek island?
The efficient modernity and opportunity of Singapore? The affordability and warmth of Thailand? Or the stunning coasts and ease of Puerto Rico?
By assessing your priorities – budget, career, family needs, lifestyle desires, and tolerance for adventure versus convenience.Research relentlessly, visit purposefully, and embrace the realities alongside the rewards.
Life on the coast isn’t just a change of address; it’s a profound shift in perspective, offering a unique blend of natural wonder, community, and a chance to redefine your life on your terms.
So, start exploring – your perfect island living paradise is out there. Ready to Dive Deeper? Explore our guides on “South Beach Activities” for inspiration on the vibrant coastal living of other countries, and discover how the essence of coastal life can become your everyday reality.
FAQs
What is the best island in the world to live on?
There are no other islands for living– it depends on your priorities:
Singapore
Malta
Oahu, Hawaii
Azores, Portugal (EU access, low cost, safety)
Greek Islands
What is the cheapest and safest Caribbean island to live on?
Grenada is the best islands to live in forward islands.
40% cheaper than the US Virgin Islands ($1,800/month for a couple)
Low violent crime, English-speaking, stable government
Citizenship-by-investment program, gorgeous coastline.
What are the safest islands to live on?
Singapore | Southeast Asia | Low crime, strict laws, clean streets | Professionals/families |
Malta | Mediterranean | EU stability, community policing | Retirees/digital nomads |
Åland | Finland | Minimal crime, Nordic welfare system | Quiet lifestyle seekers |
Iceland | North Atlantic | World’s safest country (GPI) | Nature enthusiasts |
JP: Okinawa | Japan | Longevity culture, low violence | Health-focused residents |
What island can Americans move to?
Americans can relocate to these islands without visas:
Puerto Rico
US Virgin Islands
Guam / Northern Mariana Islands