Expat American Dream: Why U.S. Citizens Are Relocating Abroad
The American Dream is going global. More U.S. citizens move abroad for better life, lower costs, and more affordable healthcare.
This trend reflects a shifting mindset, where the traditional markers of success are being reevaluated. For many, the relentless pursuit of wealth and status has given way to a yearning for balance, fulfillment, and experiences that transcend material possessions. They are willing to accept a pay cut in exchange for a lifestyle that emphasizes well-being, cultural immersion, and a slower pace of living.
Demographics and Trends
A March 2024 poll from Monmouth University found that 34% of U.S. citizens would move overseas if they had the means. This desire to relocate is reflected in the increasing number of U.S. citizens living abroad - around 9 million, double the number estimated in 1999 according to the State Department.
The trend of Americans seeking opportunities and lifestyles outside the U.S. is on the rise. Young people, in particular, are drawn to the prospect of experiencing different cultures, lower costs of living, and alternative ways of life. As remote work becomes more prevalent, the barriers to relocating are diminishing, allowing this expat movement to gain momentum.
Reasons for Relocation
The desire for a better quality of life is the primary driving force behind many Americans' decisions to relocate abroad. They seek a lifestyle that prioritizes:
Well-being and work-life balance
Personal fulfillment over wealth accumulation
More affordable cost of living
Access to quality healthcare
A slower-paced environment
Many are willing to accept a lower income, sometimes up to a 20% pay cut, in exchange for these benefits. For others, the high cost of living in the United States, coupled with economic challenges and societal pressures, has become increasingly burdensome. Relocating to countries with lower living expenses and a more relaxed way of life offers a reprieve from these stressors.
Where are they relocating to?
Mexico, Canada, Italy, Germany, Israel, Greece, Portugal, and Spain top the list of most popular destinations for American expats. These countries attract expats with their alluring mix of lower living costs, high-quality healthcare systems, and a coveted work-life balance.
The lower cost of living in destinations like Mexico, Portugal, and Greece is a significant factor. Affordable housing, healthcare, and daily expenses allow Americans to stretch their dollars further, enabling a more comfortable lifestyle on a modest income.
Healthcare accessibility and quality are also major considerations. Countries like Canada, Germany, and Spain boast comprehensive public healthcare systems, providing expats with affordable and reliable medical care.
Beyond financial advantages, the pursuit of a better work-life balance drives many Americans abroad. Places like Italy and Spain are renowned for their emphasis on leisure, family time, and a slower pace of life – a stark contrast to the often hectic American work culture.
The impact of remote work
The rise of remote work has significantly influenced the decision of Americans to move abroad. It has provided the flexibility to perform jobs from anywhere in the world, making it easier for individuals to maintain their U.S. income while living abroad. They can enjoy a lower cost of living and better quality of life.
Digital nomad visas have gained popularity since 2020, offering remote workers the chance to legally reside in foreign countries under specific conditions. This has made it more accessible for Americans to relocate and work abroad, contributing to the growth of the expat community worldwide.
Don't miss a thing!
Don't miss a thing as we explore better ways to travel, live, and invest around the world.
Conclusion
The expat American dream is becoming a reality for an increasing number of U.S. citizens. Driven by the desire for a better quality of life, lower living costs, and more affordable healthcare, Americans are seeking greener pastures abroad. Popular destinations like Mexico, Canada, and European countries offer the allure of a slower pace, rich cultural experiences, and a more balanced lifestyle.
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Expat American Dream: Why U.S. Citizens Are Relocating Abroad
The American Dream is going global. More U.S. citizens move abroad for better life, lower costs, and more affordable healthcare.
This trend reflects a shifting mindset, where the traditional markers of success are being reevaluated. For many, the relentless pursuit of wealth and status has given way to a yearning for balance, fulfillment, and experiences that transcend material possessions. They are willing to accept a pay cut in exchange for a lifestyle that emphasizes well-being, cultural immersion, and a slower pace of living.
Demographics and Trends
A March 2024 poll from Monmouth University found that 34% of U.S. citizens would move overseas if they had the means. This desire to relocate is reflected in the increasing number of U.S. citizens living abroad - around 9 million, double the number estimated in 1999 according to the State Department.
The trend of Americans seeking opportunities and lifestyles outside the U.S. is on the rise. Young people, in particular, are drawn to the prospect of experiencing different cultures, lower costs of living, and alternative ways of life. As remote work becomes more prevalent, the barriers to relocating are diminishing, allowing this expat movement to gain momentum.
Reasons for Relocation
The desire for a better quality of life is the primary driving force behind many Americans' decisions to relocate abroad. They seek a lifestyle that prioritizes:
Well-being and work-life balance
Personal fulfillment over wealth accumulation
More affordable cost of living
Access to quality healthcare
A slower-paced environment
Many are willing to accept a lower income, sometimes up to a 20% pay cut, in exchange for these benefits. For others, the high cost of living in the United States, coupled with economic challenges and societal pressures, has become increasingly burdensome. Relocating to countries with lower living expenses and a more relaxed way of life offers a reprieve from these stressors.
Where are they relocating to?
Mexico, Canada, Italy, Germany, Israel, Greece, Portugal, and Spain top the list of most popular destinations for American expats. These countries attract expats with their alluring mix of lower living costs, high-quality healthcare systems, and a coveted work-life balance.
The lower cost of living in destinations like Mexico, Portugal, and Greece is a significant factor. Affordable housing, healthcare, and daily expenses allow Americans to stretch their dollars further, enabling a more comfortable lifestyle on a modest income.
Healthcare accessibility and quality are also major considerations. Countries like Canada, Germany, and Spain boast comprehensive public healthcare systems, providing expats with affordable and reliable medical care.
Beyond financial advantages, the pursuit of a better work-life balance drives many Americans abroad. Places like Italy and Spain are renowned for their emphasis on leisure, family time, and a slower pace of life – a stark contrast to the often hectic American work culture.
The impact of remote work
The rise of remote work has significantly influenced the decision of Americans to move abroad. It has provided the flexibility to perform jobs from anywhere in the world, making it easier for individuals to maintain their U.S. income while living abroad. They can enjoy a lower cost of living and better quality of life.
Digital nomad visas have gained popularity since 2020, offering remote workers the chance to legally reside in foreign countries under specific conditions. This has made it more accessible for Americans to relocate and work abroad, contributing to the growth of the expat community worldwide.
Don't miss a thing!
Don't miss a thing as we explore better ways to travel, live, and invest around the world.
Conclusion
The expat American dream is becoming a reality for an increasing number of U.S. citizens. Driven by the desire for a better quality of life, lower living costs, and more affordable healthcare, Americans are seeking greener pastures abroad. Popular destinations like Mexico, Canada, and European countries offer the allure of a slower pace, rich cultural experiences, and a more balanced lifestyle.
Featured Posts
Subscribe to our newsletter
Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter that features the best of travel, investment, and culture of the cities you love the most.
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Sep 20, 2025
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How I Flew Business Class for $160 on an $8,198 Flight
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Expat American Dream: Why U.S. Citizens Are Relocating Abroad
The American Dream is going global. More U.S. citizens move abroad for better life, lower costs, and more affordable healthcare.
This trend reflects a shifting mindset, where the traditional markers of success are being reevaluated. For many, the relentless pursuit of wealth and status has given way to a yearning for balance, fulfillment, and experiences that transcend material possessions. They are willing to accept a pay cut in exchange for a lifestyle that emphasizes well-being, cultural immersion, and a slower pace of living.
Demographics and Trends
A March 2024 poll from Monmouth University found that 34% of U.S. citizens would move overseas if they had the means. This desire to relocate is reflected in the increasing number of U.S. citizens living abroad - around 9 million, double the number estimated in 1999 according to the State Department.
The trend of Americans seeking opportunities and lifestyles outside the U.S. is on the rise. Young people, in particular, are drawn to the prospect of experiencing different cultures, lower costs of living, and alternative ways of life. As remote work becomes more prevalent, the barriers to relocating are diminishing, allowing this expat movement to gain momentum.
Reasons for Relocation
The desire for a better quality of life is the primary driving force behind many Americans' decisions to relocate abroad. They seek a lifestyle that prioritizes:
Well-being and work-life balance
Personal fulfillment over wealth accumulation
More affordable cost of living
Access to quality healthcare
A slower-paced environment
Many are willing to accept a lower income, sometimes up to a 20% pay cut, in exchange for these benefits. For others, the high cost of living in the United States, coupled with economic challenges and societal pressures, has become increasingly burdensome. Relocating to countries with lower living expenses and a more relaxed way of life offers a reprieve from these stressors.
Where are they relocating to?
Mexico, Canada, Italy, Germany, Israel, Greece, Portugal, and Spain top the list of most popular destinations for American expats. These countries attract expats with their alluring mix of lower living costs, high-quality healthcare systems, and a coveted work-life balance.
The lower cost of living in destinations like Mexico, Portugal, and Greece is a significant factor. Affordable housing, healthcare, and daily expenses allow Americans to stretch their dollars further, enabling a more comfortable lifestyle on a modest income.
Healthcare accessibility and quality are also major considerations. Countries like Canada, Germany, and Spain boast comprehensive public healthcare systems, providing expats with affordable and reliable medical care.
Beyond financial advantages, the pursuit of a better work-life balance drives many Americans abroad. Places like Italy and Spain are renowned for their emphasis on leisure, family time, and a slower pace of life – a stark contrast to the often hectic American work culture.
The impact of remote work
The rise of remote work has significantly influenced the decision of Americans to move abroad. It has provided the flexibility to perform jobs from anywhere in the world, making it easier for individuals to maintain their U.S. income while living abroad. They can enjoy a lower cost of living and better quality of life.
Digital nomad visas have gained popularity since 2020, offering remote workers the chance to legally reside in foreign countries under specific conditions. This has made it more accessible for Americans to relocate and work abroad, contributing to the growth of the expat community worldwide.
Don't miss a thing!
Don't miss a thing as we explore better ways to travel, live, and invest around the world.
Conclusion
The expat American dream is becoming a reality for an increasing number of U.S. citizens. Driven by the desire for a better quality of life, lower living costs, and more affordable healthcare, Americans are seeking greener pastures abroad. Popular destinations like Mexico, Canada, and European countries offer the allure of a slower pace, rich cultural experiences, and a more balanced lifestyle.
Featured Posts
Subscribe to our newsletter
Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter that features the best of travel, investment, and culture of the cities you love the most.
Related Stories
Sep 20, 2025
Live Abroad
How I Flew Business Class for $160 on an $8,198 Flight
Read more
Sep 19, 2025
Travel Abroad
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Sep 19, 2025
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