Fed up: 2 in 5 Americans say living in U.S. no longer enjoyable

As economic pressures mount and social tensions rise, many Americans are setting their sights beyond U.S. borders for a better quality of life

NEW YORK — In the shadow of rising housing costs, healthcare concerns, and growing social divisions, a striking number of Americans are considering a future outside the United States. According to a recent survey, 17% of American adults want to move internationally within the next five years, potentially signaling a significant shift in the country’s population.

The survey, conducted by Talker Research, found that 5% of Americans plan to take actual steps toward living abroad in the next few years, while 2% have already started the process of moving to another country.

Millennials Lead the Way

Millennials emerged as the group most eager to move internationally, with a quarter (25%) wanting to relocate abroad – higher than any other generation surveyed.

This trend likely reflects the unique challenges faced by millennials, who have experienced multiple economic downturns, rising student debt, and increasingly unaffordable housing throughout their adult lives.

Regionally, Midwesterners (18%) showed slightly more interest in moving abroad than Americans in the Southwest, West, Southeast, and Northeast (all at 16%).

For many Americans, the desire to live abroad isn’t just a reaction to current problems. The survey found that more than four in ten respondents (44%) have always wanted to experience life in another country, suggesting that for many, this represents a long-held dream rather than just an escape plan.

Top Destinations: Canada Leads the Way

When asked about preferred destinations, Canada emerged as the clear frontrunner, with 19% of potential expatriates naming it as their top choice. The appeal of America’s northern neighbor appears to be multifaceted, with respondents citing Canada’s high-quality healthcare (41%), its diverse landscape offering ample opportunities for exploration and recreation (28%), and the nation’s practical approach to work-life balance (21%) as primary attractions.

Italy secured the second position on the list of desired destinations, capturing the interest of 11% of respondents. The Mediterranean nation’s renowned cuisine ranked as its most compelling feature (68%), followed closely by its rich culture and warm people (66%). Italy’s breathtaking scenery and varied terrain also factored significantly in its appeal (40%).

England rounded out the top three destinations (10%), with potential American expatriates drawn to its culture and distinctive way of life (66%), rich historical heritage (49%), diverse landscapes (25%), and quality healthcare system (21%).

Other countries that registered significant interest among survey participants included Australia (10%), Ireland (8%), France (6%), Switzerland (5%), Costa Rica (5%), Scotland (4%), and Germany (4%). This diverse list spans multiple continents and cultural spheres, indicating that Americans’ international aspirations are global in scope rather than limited to specific regions.

Why Americans Want to Leave

The survey examined the key reasons driving Americans to consider moving abroad. The findings show significant concerns about both American society and the challenges of building financial security.

Almost seven in ten respondents (69%) worried about the direction the United States is heading, while a majority (65%) described American society as having become “toxic.”

Money worries were a major factor. More than half of respondents (54%) said living in the U.S. is no longer affordable, while 55% believed the gap between rich and poor limits their opportunities. Nearly four in ten (39%) thought improving their finances and quality of life would be easier in another country.

Work-life balance was another concern, with 57% of respondents calling America’s approach inadequate. Even more troubling were views on essential systems, with strong majorities agreeing that American healthcare (65%) and education (66%) systems are broken.

These negative views have changed how many see life in America compared to other countries, with 40% saying living in the U.S. is no longer enjoyable or preferable to other nations.

Expert Perspectives

Experts commenting on the survey emphasized the importance of younger generations’ openness to living abroad. “Younger generations, in particular, are driving this trend,” says Clint Kreider, a licensed marriage and family therapist at Still Water Wellness Group. “Raised in the shadow of the 2008 recession and pandemic-era instability, they’ve inherited skepticism toward traditional pathways to stability. Social media amplifies this by showcasing alternatives — countries with robust safety nets, affordable education or mandated vacation time.”

Kreider described a pattern he sees in his therapy practice: “In my therapy practice, I’ve witnessed clients grappling with what I call ‘invisible attrition’: a sense that no matter how hard they work, systemic barriers (skyrocketing healthcare costs, stagnant wages and unrelenting hustle culture) erode their ability to thrive.”

Max Shak, founder and chief executive officer of Zapiy, linked these trends to changing ideas about success. “Many professionals, especially younger generations, are questioning whether the traditional ‘American Dream‘ is still attainable. Skyrocketing housing costs, student debt and healthcare expenses have made it harder for people to feel financially secure in the U.S.”

Shak added: “In contrast, many countries offer more affordable living, universal healthcare and better work-life balance, making the idea of relocating incredibly appealing. Ultimately, this openness to moving abroad reflects a larger shift — people are prioritizing quality of life over traditional career paths and seeking environments that better align with their personal and financial well-being.”

For the 17% of Americans contemplating international relocation, the decision involves complex calculations balancing career opportunities, healthcare access, education systems, cultural amenities, and social environments. The specificity of their destination preferences – from Canada’s healthcare system to Italy’s culinary traditions – indicates thoughtful consideration rather than mere escapism.

How America Would Be Impacted

If the survey’s findings translate into actual migration patterns, the implications could be significant. The potential movement of even a small percentage of the U.S. population to international destinations would represent millions of Americans establishing new lives abroad.

Such movement could affect domestic labor markets, particularly if those departing represent disproportionate numbers of specific professions or skill sets. It could also influence political dynamics, both by changing the composition of the domestic electorate and by creating more internationally distributed American communities with ties to multiple nations.

From a global perspective, increased American migration to countries like Canada, Italy, and England could strengthen cultural and economic ties between these nations and the United States, potentially fostering new transnational communities and networks.

The survey also highlights the practical challenges involved in international migration, from visa requirements and employment considerations to the emotional complexity of leaving behind family, friends, and familiar surroundings. For many Americans, the idea of living abroad may simply remain an appealing but unrealized dream rather than an imminent reality.

Nevertheless, the survey points to a noteworthy shift in how Americans conceptualize their future possibilities. The willingness to consider life beyond national borders represents an expanded vision of where and how one might pursue happiness, security, and fulfillment – a vision that appears to be gaining traction particularly among younger Americans.