These 15 Countries Are Luring Americans Away
People have all kinds of reasons for leaving the U.S.—some political, some personal, many just practical. Living costs, healthcare, and quality of life all factor in. And once Americans start looking abroad, certain places keep coming up. These are the countries that people are actually moving to, not just dreaming about.
Mexico
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Living costs in the U.S. tend to make retirement feel out of reach. In Mexico, a single person can manage comfortably under $900 a month. Expats can stay up to 180 days on a tourist visa, with longer options available through temporary residency permits. Over 799,000 Americans currently live there, with some citing financial sustainability as a key reason.
Canada
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The political climate in Canada tends to be calmer, with fewer abrupt policy shifts and greater public trust in institutions. That steadiness draws Americans looking for stability in daily life. Immigration policies are clear, especially for skilled workers, caregivers, and family members.
United Kingdom
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The UK stands out for those looking to work abroad without adding a language barrier. It offers strong job markets in healthcare, education, and finance, with visa pathways tailored to employer-sponsored roles. The Skilled Worker visa supports long-term employment, and many professions qualify under the Immigration Salary List.
Puerto Rico
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Moving to Puerto Rico skips a lot of the paperwork that comes with international relocation. U.S. citizens don’t need a visa or a new citizenship, which makes the transition simpler. The real draw for many is Act 60, which offers big tax incentives for business owners and investors.
Germany
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A big part of Germany’s appeal is how smoothly everyday life tends to function. That reliability has helped cities, such as Berlin, become hubs for creatives and professionals alike, while Munich continues to attract workers in fields like engineering and finance. Public transportation across the country runs efficiently, healthcare is accessible, and vacation time is respected.
Barbados
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Remote workers started paying attention when Barbados introduced the Welcome Stamp, and interest hasn’t slowed down. The visa lets people live and work on the island for a full year without changing jobs or dealing with complicated tax rules. Some decide to stay longer and transition into permanent residency.
South Korea
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Life in South Korea runs with efficiency—trains are on time, the internet is fast, and basic expenses stay reasonable. Many people come for jobs in education or tech, often through contracts arranged in advance. About 68,050 Americans live there now, drawn by the mix of structure and accessibility. Once registered, residents get access to the national health insurance system, which keeps medical costs low.
Israel
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Anyone with Jewish heritage can apply for residency in Israel through the Law of Return, which makes the process more straightforward than in many other countries. That’s a big reason people make the move, along with the pull of community, shared culture, and a sense of connection.
France
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As of 2024, 153,000 U.S. citizens have relocated to France, using long-stay visas for retirement, study, or independent income. About a third of them live in or near Paris, drawn by its culture despite the high cost of housing. Others choose cities like Lyon, where rent is more reasonable, or Montpellier, which offers lower living expenses and a relaxed pace.
Japan
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In an effort to attract additional people to rural areas, the Japanese government has started offering relocation incentives in the form of subsidies and tax breaks to both locals and foreigners. That includes Americans, who are slowly beginning to look beyond Tokyo. Smaller towns often have lower housing costs and fewer barriers to settling in.
Grenada
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The island of Grenada offers warm weather, low population density, and a laid-back atmosphere that appeals to those looking to slow things down. The Citizenship by Investment program makes it relatively easy to get started—buy property or contribute to a government fund.
Australia
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Moving to Australia isn’t exactly cheap, but for many, the costs feel proportional to what they earn. Salaries in fields of education and tech can match up with the higher day-to-day spending, especially in major cities. Public healthcare through Medicare helps cut down medical expenses, and the costs of groceries and transport are manageable.
St. Lucia
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Many who move to St. Lucia end up in Castries or Soufrière, where groceries, schools, and banking are easy to access. Living costs stay reasonable, particularly outside the main tourist areas. Expats find it easy to connect with locals through schools, small businesses, and neighborhood events.
Portugal
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Rising housing costs and healthcare expenses in the U.S. have pushed many to look elsewhere, and Portugal keeps landing near the top of the list. The D7 visa offers a path for those with passive income or retirement funds, without requiring a job offer. It’s relatively low-hassle, with renewals built in and access to public medical services.
Panama
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U.S. dollars are used nationwide, which takes the currency exchange headache out of Panama. Expats can also access modern services, including private hospitals and reliable amenities. Smaller towns like Boquete offer cooler temperatures and a lower cost of living, which is why they are popular for long-term stays.