The Top 10 Countries Americans Are Moving To Now
If you’ve noticed more friends daydreaming about Lisbon or scanning real estate in Montreal, you’re not alone. The American urge to move abroad is no longer a quirky fantasy reserved for retirees or digital nomads.
It’s a full-blown trend, and it’s picking up speed. Political whiplash, rising costs, and a sense that the American social contract is fraying have sent a record number of U.S. citizens searching for a new place to call home. The numbers, the anecdotes, and the Google search spikes all point to a country quietly plotting its own escape routes.
The Push: Why Americans Are Looking for the Exit
The reasons for this new wave of American wanderlust are as layered as a New York deli sandwich. The cost of living, especially housing and healthcare, has become a Sisyphean struggle for many. In 2024, housing costs jumped 5.7%, and transportation costs soared 9.4%. Healthcare spending hit $4.9 trillion, or $14,570 per person, with little to show for it in terms of outcomes or access. The U.S. now ranks last among 11 high-income countries for healthcare system performance, according to the Commonwealth Fund. For many, the math just doesn’t add up anymore.
But it’s not just about dollars and cents. The political climate, especially after the 2024 presidential election, has left many feeling unmoored. The re-election of Donald Trump triggered a 1,514% spike in emigration-related searches. For some, it’s about escaping a country that feels too divided, too conservative, or simply too unpredictable. A recent survey found that 56% of Americans considering a move abroad cited the U.S. being “too conservative,” while 53% pointed to the country’s deep divisions as per CNBC.
The Pull: Where Americans Are Going and Why
So, where are Americans looking to land? Portugal tops the list, with its affordable cost of living, temperate climate, and a Golden Visa program that’s become the stuff of legend among expats. Spain, the UK, Canada, Italy, and Ireland are also high on the wish list. Each offers its own blend of stability, healthcare, and lifestyle perks. For those with a taste for the tropics, Mexico and Costa Rica beckon with their lower costs and vibrant expat communities as per Gamin Traveler.
Portugal, in particular, has become the poster child for American expat dreams. Lisbon’s cobblestone streets are now dotted with American accents, and the Algarve’s beaches are a magnet for retirees and remote workers alike. The country’s Golden Visa program, which offers residency in exchange for investment, has made the transition smoother for those with the means. But it’s not just the wealthy making the leap. Digital nomad visas, ancestry-based citizenship, and more flexible work arrangements have opened the door for a broader swath of Americans.
Canada remains a perennial favorite, especially for those who want to stay close to home but crave universal healthcare and a more predictable political climate. New Zealand and Australia attract those seeking a slower pace and a closer relationship with nature. The Caribbean, with its investor visa programs, is luring both retirees and entrepreneurs.
The Human Side: Stories from the Edge
Behind the statistics are real people making real decisions. Doris Davis and Susie Bartlett, an interracial lesbian couple from New York, decided to move to Europe if Trump won a second term. Their story isn’t unique. Expatsi, a relocation company, saw its site traffic jump from 8,000 to 51,000 visitors in a single month after the 2024 election. About 5% of their clients have already moved, and another 25% are deep in the paperwork stage.
For some, the move is about safety—escaping the threat of gun violence or seeking a more inclusive society. For others, it’s about adventure, growth, or simply the hope of a better work-life balance. The motivations are as varied as the people making the leap, but the common thread is a sense that the American dream is easier to chase elsewhere.
The New Expat Economy
This exodus isn’t just a personal journey; it’s big business. Companies like Expatsi are booming, offering everything from relocation scouting trips to visa consultations. Their revenue is up nearly 20,000% year-over-year. The business of helping Americans leave America has never been better.
Governments abroad are taking notice, too. Countries like Portugal, Greece, and Malta are rolling out the red carpet for American investors and remote workers. The influx of American capital and talent is reshaping local economies and, in some cases, sparking debates about gentrification and cultural change.
What’s Next: Is This the New Normal?
Nearly one in five Americans is now weighing the possibility of leaving the country within the next five years. Among Gen Z and Millennials, the numbers are even higher. This isn’t just a blip; it’s a generational shift. The U.S. may still be the land of opportunity, but for a growing number of its citizens, that opportunity lies somewhere else.
Whether this trend will continue depends on what happens next in American politics, the economy, and the global landscape. But for now, the message is clear: the world is open for business, and Americans are ready to pack their bags.
The Top 10 Countries Americans Are Moving To
Based on the most recent surveys, expat data, and relocation trends from 2024-2025, here are the top 10 countries Americans are moving to, along with a quick note on what’s drawing them in:
1. Portugal
Portugal is the undisputed favorite, thanks to its affordable cost of living, temperate climate, welcoming visa programs (like the Golden Visa and digital nomad options), and a lifestyle that feels both relaxed and cosmopolitan. Lisbon and the Algarve are especially popular among retirees and remote workers.
2. Spain
Spain’s Mediterranean lifestyle, excellent healthcare, and vibrant cities like Barcelona and Madrid attract Americans seeking culture, sunshine, and a slower pace. The non-lucrative visa is a favorite among retirees.
3. United Kingdom
Despite Brexit, the UK remains a top choice for Americans, especially those with ancestral ties or work opportunities. London’s global city status and the shared language make the transition easier.
4. Canada
Proximity, universal healthcare, and a familiar culture make Canada a perennial favorite. Cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal are magnets for professionals and families alike.
5. Italy
Italy’s ancestry-based citizenship, rich culture, and stunning landscapes draw Americans looking for a deeper connection to their roots or a romantic new chapter. Florence, Rome, and small towns in Tuscany are expat hotspots.
6. Ireland
Ireland’s tech boom, friendly locals, and ancestry-based citizenship programs make it a top pick, especially for younger professionals and those with Irish heritage.
7. France
France’s quality of life, world-class healthcare, and the allure of Paris or the French countryside continue to attract Americans, especially artists, retirees, and families.
8. Mexico
Mexico’s affordability, proximity, and vibrant expat communities (think Mexico City, Puerto Vallarta, and Mérida) make it a go-to for both retirees and digital nomads.
9. New Zealand
New Zealand’s natural beauty, political stability, and straightforward visa options appeal to those seeking adventure, safety, and a strong sense of community.
10. Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s “pura vida” lifestyle, affordable healthcare, and established expat enclaves (like Tamarindo and San José) are irresistible for Americans craving sunshine and simplicity.
Honorable Mentions:
Australia, Germany, Panama, Greece, and the Caribbean islands including the Dominican Republic (especially for those seeking investor visas or a tropical lifestyle) are also seeing a steady influx of Americans.