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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.
Top 10 Countries Americans Want to Move To
- Canada
- Italy
- England
- Australia
- Ireland
- France
- Switzerland
- Costa Rica
- Scotland
- Germany
Survey Methodology
Talker Research surveyed 2,000 general population Americans; the survey was administered and conducted online by Talker Research between Feb. 7 and Feb. 10, 2025.
We have good friends in Canada and I’ve been saying for 2 years if Trump won I would to Canada. I just don’t know if I can afford to.
America hasnt been an enjoyable place to live since before the Vietnam war. Since then, its not been a good place to be. An astute observer could have seen what has lead to the America we have today. This nation turned its back on God and this nation’s founding principles. So now we have this immoral mess.
See your ass later!
hey let them leave America go to like Europe etc……… who will protect them in another country when America falls lol — anyway Democrats are replacing citizens with uh those from uh other countries lol
Who will protect you complainers and misfits in your new “home country” and it’s definitely not as perfect as you imagined? Guess who?! NO ONE!!! You will be on their own and there is no 911 there to call and cry to in Mexico, Turkey, Botswana! As for the rest of us real Americans, we will be back here at home enjoying life and laughing at you all. Bon Voyage!
Sure. Tell us you have no clue about life outside the US without telling us. LOL I moved 20 years ago and couldn’t be happier. It’s even better than I imagined. So much for your wacky ideas about people crying. We don’t need 911. Life is great here.
Most of the social tension is from the very people that want to leave
Nobody will cry if Hollywood and the rest of the America haters were to leave.
Amen brother!
it is not the poor and un-educated that are leaving…
Define “educated” as it’s become a synonym for indoctrinated and lacking common sense
Seeing common sense isnt common anymore, shouldn’t that phrase be rephrased to uncommon sense?
For those that want to leave- bye-bye! This appears to be a liberal, hate Trump, hate the USA article, that we’ve become used to from the left, who are apparently panicked with the changes being made and that are coming. The statistics mentioned are suspect, at least to me because without a huge survey base it would be extremely difficult to arrive at the conclusions mentioned.
Must be a delusional maga
The problem for Americans wishing to relocate abroad is that unless you are loaded financially and/or have a job in the desired relocation country, Americans can’t stay very long in many places. It varies, 3-6 months is what is kind of a standard visa length. If you have no employment or don’t have a couple of million to invest in the host country, that is.
That’s just wrong. Just finished 10 years in Spain without either.
Should have stayed there, we could do without you!
Per Bill Gates and numerous others we have a population problem and I might add, a housing shortage. See ya!!
Everyone that doesn’t belong here will die or leave. This land was not acquired with honesty or righteously but with rape, theft, lies and much blood shed. Your ancestors left you with a mighty debt that cannot be paid. What I say here prophecy… and not of hate. Mr. Trump and team are simply fulfilling prophecy that your religious leaders fails to examine, acknowledge or share with you.
No doubt lots of liberals say they want to go. I say give them a free ride to any other country and don’t let them back in.
the future is not about LIBS & RadRites (aka conservatives), , , but instead is about “haves/have nots”. The have nots are going to be SkaRewed Royale!!!
The US has become the land of uneducated, fake Christians that want to control everyone’s lives. But after this downfall, all these anti-Americans will realize they’re now servants of the billionaires. Education was never a priority for the right-wingers. They’ll still blame others for their poor decisions.
We can agree they won’t be missed by proud Americans.
Yet, millions still want to come here.
For better or worse, and without intending to do so, America is creating the new global civilization that is emerging – both by the people who choose to go somewhere else, and the people who choose to come here.
Will it be better than what we have? At the least, it should be more dynamic.
The most difficult thing about moving to another country isn’t the language barrier, learning different customs, or even missing your family back home. It is complying with that country’s immigration laws.
You can’t just show up and tell them you want to live there now. You have to bring money (in many cases lots of money) and either already have a job offer or bring an in-demand skill with you. Barista/waitress is NOT an in-demand skill. Wanting to do something and actually being able to do it are two vastly different things.
America has a lot of things to learn from these countries you mention, when it comes to immigration…after all the damage the Biden administration has done with the letting in of millions of illegal immigrants.
Yet, millions still want to come here.
For better or worse, and without intending to, America is creating the new global civilization that is emerging, both by the people who choose to go somewhere else, and the people who choose to come here.
Funny. None of them want to move to Mexico.
First I do not believe this crap however liberals are just so stupid it could be. Don’t let the door hit you on the way out
As long as they are all Democrats, go for it!
good luck
Amen
Its like a cold civil war. The far left, when in power, savors making the right declare personal pronouns and oft belittle the roles of men. The far right, when in power, gets their rocks off drinking lib tears by any cruelty possible, even if it means they have to suffer too. The two sides just want to torment one another for vengeance and smug pleasure with no room for empathy.
Meanwhile everyone in between the extremes have to suffer watching the country tear itself apart. Perhaps its those in the center that want out.
It’s amazing that just 35 days ago everything was OK in America.
Maybe for liberals. It was hell for the rest of us.
True, that is when I moved here from Switzerland and fell in love with “the American way” – ready for a divorce now as everything has gone quite sour…