Emotional statue of liberty with her head in hands. American state of grief and depression

(ยฉ ink drop - stock.adobe.com)

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 โ€“ 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%).

Canadian flag flying over skyline
Many Americans may be ready to leave the U.S. in the rear-view mirror and head north to Canada. (Photo by sebastiaan stam on Unsplash)

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.

American Flag Reflected in a Puddle
Two out of five Americans say living in the U.S. is no longer enjoyable. (ยฉ lmsuniyah – stock.adobe.com)

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 โ€” 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 โ€” 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 โ€“ from Canada’s healthcare system to Italy’s culinary traditions โ€“ 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 โ€“ a vision that appears to be gaining traction particularly among younger Americans.

Top 10 Countries Americans Want to Move To

  1. Canada
  2. Italy
  3. England
  4. Australia
  5. Ireland
  6. France
  7. Switzerland
  8. Costa Rica
  9. Scotland
  10. 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.

About StudyFinds Staff

StudyFinds sets out to find new research that speaks to mass audiences โ€” without all the scientific jargon. The stories we publish are digestible, summarized versions of research that are intended to inform the reader as well as stir civil, educated debate. StudyFinds Staff articles are AI assisted, but always thoroughly reviewed and edited by a Study Finds staff member. Read our AI Policy for more information.

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124 Comments

  1. Karen Reynolds says:

    I agree with Hutch below, it doesnโ€™t feel safe in migrant over-run Britain, and I should know I live in Britain and it really doesnโ€™t feel like Great Britain any more, it feels like a Middle Eastern country. It surprises me the article (Global Passport) before this one mentioned the UK as the โ€˜country of the weekโ€™ (ha) and how to move there. The UK is already well and truly โ€˜fullโ€™ to capacity and really doesnโ€™t need any more people here, yet they all still keep coming and being allowed in whether they come legally or illegally, I really donโ€™t see any future for the UK there very soon will be no actual British people left in it. I would say the UK is broken and I donโ€™t think it can be fixed!

  2. Hutch says:

    I honestly do not think it’s that bad. I interact with folks in the outside world. Everyone is very nice and helpful whether MAGA or libs, although the liberals are less nice. The mail systems still works; I still get my Social Security and pension checks on time; I can’t afford a new car, but my old one is still running; I can afford all the food I want. And lastly, I still feel safe in the U.S. I would feel less safe in migrant-overrun Great Britain or France.

    1. Asper Volta says:

      LOL I live in the US and agree with almost none of this. The postal system is still intact in spite of a Trump appointee running the place, although because USPS is “losing” money, the Republicans want to privatize it, which will undoubtedly impair or completely destroy the postal system.

      The Social Security checks show up now, but once the maniacs currently in power are done mutilating the system, this is unlikely. Because of the nefarious “DOGE” project being run by Elon Musk, there are already concerns that Social Security has been compromised, and that the chaos being introduced will disrupt the agency’s operations — including the check you get on time.

      And food? I’m food insecure. Most people I know are food insecure. And we all work full time. People are really struggling. This is one of the reasons Trump was elected — he falsely promised that he would cut grocery prices “on day one”. Since then, they’ve done nothing but go up.

      And as far as safety goes, I’ve personally almost been murdered twice, once by a neo-Nazi who tried to burn down my shop and shoot me because of a Black Lives Matter sign being up. I’ve also faced regular acts of intimidation and violence from the police, who are even more emboldened by the current regime here (Trump is even considering a presidential pardon for Derek Chauvin, the convicted murderer of George Floyd). This is after unleashing more than 1,500 Trump supporters who raided the US Capitol during the certification of election results on Jan 6, 2021, some of them with histories of serious violence (and some of them have since been arrested again for additional acts of violence). If you feel safe and content, that’s your privilege talking. And racism. The last people I worry about in the United States are the immigrants “overrunning the country”. I’m white, and I worry about threats posed by white people, first and foremostโ€”almost exclusively from the right wing. Good luck with that American Dream — sounds more like an American Hallucination.

  3. rich roberts says:

    Adios my friends. I wish you well in your new socialist home.

  4. Marty Byrde says:

    Two of the five are libtards that have TDS. They better get used to it. It’s going to be a long ride. ๐Ÿ˜‰

  5. jimS says:

    It’s really depressing to know that USA has been taken over by evil forces for last 100-113 years. And USA is the EVIL force screwing up world. But leaving USA is no option. We need to stay put and fight. What is needed is 2nd american revolution.

    1. JackMeyhoffer says:

      Sure, whatever you say, Muhammad.

  6. Dr3yec says:

    This country would a fantastic place without the liberals, who do nothing but steal our money.

  7. Stan says:

    This is indeed good news. Best of luck to all the departees.

  8. Jibbing says:

    Get tf out then. Sniveling crybabies

  9. Rich Stone says:

    They all should leave….and now!!!!!

  10. roadsterred says:

    Are they ninnies? Instead of staying to make America great again, they are choosing to leave? Haven’t they heard the the phrase that the grass always looks greener on the other side of the fence?

    1. Snowfox says:

      When you are betrayed by your government, you’re supposed to like it?

  11. Lazlo says:

    Survey size of 2,000 people from the general population speaks for 300,000,000+ people?!?!?

    Yeah, I donโ€™t think so.

  12. TJ says:

    People today care more about their โ€œpartyโ€ like itโ€™s a team versus the country as a whole. I hope they peel back all the lies and fraud and waste and wake the sheep up once and for all.

  13. Starl says:

    Good Riddance! Way too many people in the United States anyway!

  14. Beverley Wood says:

    I’m surprised Mexico is not in there. I wrote two books, that are updated annually: The Move to Mexico Bible and The Move to Canada Bible. The Canada book sells 1/10th the volume of the Mexico book. I’m surprised Mexico is not on your list!

  15. Alan H says:

    If you like your doctor, you can keep your doctor.

  16. Spencer Hohan says:

    As an “old guy”, I can only say that those that do not wish to live in America, should definitely make us strong by moving away to another country. Any country. Before going, be sure and surrender your American citizenship. We don’t want you here. Ever. Goodbye.

  17. anthony sabella says:

    More social engineering designed specifically to demoralize a culture which is actually on the mend. WE ARE SICK OF IT.

  18. anthony sabella says:

    If you make the lie big enough and provide enough mendacious stats, the left will instantly believe it without thought or reflection.