This year, despite a 30% reduction in moving-abroad-related Google searches, American moves outside of the country don’t seem to be slowing down. In fact, more Americans moved to the UK, Mexico, and Canada so far in 2023 than at this time last year.
In this year’s study, we chart the updated numbers of Americans moving abroad, look at top destinations overall, and highlight the fastest-growing areas in recent years.
Less Googling, More Moving: Moves to Top Destinations Hold Steady as Search Interest Declines
In the first nine months of 2023, there were around 59,000 monthly Google searches in the United States for “moving abroad” or “moving to <insert country>”.
“Not only has the UK overtaken Mexico as the top destination overall, but Canada received fewer U.S. citizens as new residents (10,415) than France (12,220), Spain (11,156), and Germany (10,510).”
Impressive as that number is, it’s 30% less than in 2022 when the average number of monthly searches for moving abroad and related keywords was 84,020. This includes a 53% reduction in searches for “moving to Canada”, and an 81% year-over-year drop in searches for “moving to Spain”.
Only a handful of countries saw a higher search interest in 2023. Searches for moving to the Middle Eastern countries of Bahrain (+50%) and Saudi Arabia (+43%) spiked the highest, while Belgium (+18%) and South Africa (+15%) saw a moderate increase in relocation interest.
But while the search interest in moving abroad is waning, the number of U.S. citizens moving to some of the top destination countries in 2023 is increasing year-over-year.
The United Kingdom, for example, had over 11,500 Americans move there from January through June 2023, about 30% more than in the first six months of 2022. The number of Americans who moved to Canada (+10%) and Mexico (+1%) in the first eight months of 2023 is higher than in the same period last year.
Steady Flow: American Moves Abroad Hit Five-Year High in 2022
According to official statistics, almost 160,000 U.S. citizens relocated to one of 40 different countries for work, study, or family reasons in 2022. Which is more Americans leaving the country than any year since 2017.
The most popular destinations for Americans moving abroad include countries such as Mexico, Canada, the UK, all the countries of the European Union, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Costa Rica, and Israel.
2022’s figure is not only the highest number going back five years, but it also represents a 16% increase in the number of moves abroad compared to 2021. In fairness, the years 2020 and 2021 were significantly affected by the pandemic, resulting in a significant decrease in moves abroad and travel in general.
Taken together, over 821,000 U.S. citizens relocated to one of these 40 countries since 2017.
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Move Over, Canada: Top Destinations for American Moves Abroad in 2022
If Americans are leaving the country in record numbers, where are they going? Traditionally, the top destinations have been America’s neighbors Canada and Mexico, and the United Kingdom, with whom the U.S. has significant historical ties.
In 2022, however, the top destinations looked different. Not only has the UK overtaken Mexico as the top destination overall, but Canada received fewer U.S. citizens as new residents (10,415) than France (12,220), Spain (11,156), and Germany (10,510).
As Canada drops a few places in the destinations ranking, Japan is on its way up. Having been closed for entry due to the COVID-19 pandemic longer than most countries, it only properly reopened in 2022 to see 6,642 U.S. citizens relocate there — more than twice as many moves than in 2021 (2,983).
Surf’s Up: Fastest-Growing Destinations for Americans Leaving the U.S.
Japan may have recorded a significant bump in the number of U.S. citizens relocating there, but it’s actually a return to normal numbers after the steep drop caused by COVID.
Portugal has seen the greatest influx of moves (+195%) from the United States compared to before the pandemic. Known for being one of the sunniest countries in the world, with a relatively low cost of living, and beautiful beaches, it became a top destination for digital nomads during the pandemic years.
New Zealand — another country with world-renowned beaches and scenery — is the second fastest-growing destination for Americans moving abroad, with 146% taking residence there in 2022, compared to 2019.
On the other hand, countries such as Brazil (-50%), Ireland (-33%), and South Korea (-31%) saw the number of Americans moving decline compared to pre-pandemic levels.
Why We Leave: Some Reasons Behind Americans Moving Abroad
While we don’t have hard data on the specific reasons why Americans decide to leave the United States, there are a few factors we can pinpoint.
“According to official statistics, almost 160,000 U.S. citizens relocated to one of 40 different countries for work, study, or family reasons in 2022. Which is more Americans leaving the country than any year since 2017.”
According to a recent Washington Post analysis, one reason for the rise of Americans moving to Mexico is that ethnic Mexicans (who were born in the U.S. and have U.S. citizenship) decide to move to Mexico with family. Deportations, unfortunately, also play a part.
The same analysis picks out “a sense of adventure” as one of the forces driving Americans to move abroad, such as wanting to work or study somewhere completely different. More pragmatic reasons include lower cost of living, lower taxation, and better quality of life, as CNN’s reporting suggests.
There is some anecdotalevidence that the rise of remote work and the digital nomad movement is responsible for some Americans leaving the U.S., but it’s difficult to estimate how permanent those moves are and how many people are making them.
Sources and Methodology
Only moves with stated reasons indicating a certain degree of permanence were analyzed, including work, study, and family. Military moves were excluded, as were the moves for temporary purposes, such as temporary business and tourism.
The number of monthly searches was taken from Google Ads API as the total average monthly search volume for keywords of the type “moving to <insert country>” (e.g., “moving to Canada”, “moving to Mexico” and “moving abroad”.
Have you ever dreamed of retiring in a beautiful, exotic location, where the weather is warm, the scenery is breathtaking, and the cost of living is low?
If so, you’re not alone. Millions of Americans have chosen to retire abroad as expats in pursuit of a better quality of life. However, retiring abroad can be a complex and challenging process. There are many factors to consider, such as finances, housing, visas and permits, and international moving.
But don’t worry: we’ve broken down everything you should know about how to retire abroad as an expat, including the benefits of retiring abroad, the most popular and expat-friendly places to retire, how to plan your retirement abroad, tips for financial preparation, finding housing, and managing logistics.
Benefits of Retiring Abroad
There are a lot of reasons why people choose to retire overseas. For one, it can provide an improved lifestyle, with the potential to enjoy warm climates and a more relaxed pace of life. There’s also plenty of opportunity for adventure! Whether you choose popular destinations like Spain or Mexico, or opt for somewhere a bit more off the beaten path like Belize or Thailand, exploring your new surroundings will keep your retirement years exciting and full of new experiences.
And on top of that,one of the biggest advantages of retiring abroad is the ability to live on less and make your retirement savings go much further. In fact, there can be several financial benefits, including:
Lower cost of living: Many countries offer a lower cost of living in general than in the United States, which means retirees can live a comfortable lifestyle without having to spend as much money. In fact, there are many safe cities where it’s possible to live on less than $2,000 per month.
Lower healthcare costs: Healthcare costs in many countries are lower than in the U.S. Some of these countries with lower healthcare costs include Brazil, Singapore, Panama, and Malaysia. In many countries, it’s even possible to buy private coverage for significantly less than you would pay here.
Tax benefits: Some countries offer tax benefits for retirees, including reduced or waived taxes on retirement income. Nicaragua, for instance, allows retiree residents to bring $20,000 of personal goods in once, duty-free, as well as bring $50,000 of building materials for a house or business and not pay sales tax.
Affordable housing: In most countries, rental prices, homes, and property taxes are more affordable than in the U.S.
Popular and Expat-Friendly Places To Retire Abroad
There are several countries all around the world that make attractive destinations for retirement. The best places have welcoming cultures, low cost of living, and many other benefits that make them ideal places to retire.
Mexico
Pro: Mexico offers all the benefits of retiring abroad while being right next door to the U.S., making it easy to visit friends and family.
Mexico offers retirees plenty of activities to keep busy with its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and friendly people. Retirees can take advantage of Mexico’s superb healthcare services, including access to U.S.-based medical facilities, making it an alluring choice for Americans seeking a new home that’s not too far away. Its tropical climate also makes it an excellent place to live year-round.
Costa Rica
Pro: Costa Rica’s healthcare system is widely regarded as the best in Latin America.
Costa Rica is another great destination for retirees due to its stunning landscapes, unique wildlife, and outdoor experiences like zip lining through the jungle canopy or whale watching off the coast. The country boasts a stable political environment and is known for being a peaceful country, which can provide retirees with a sense of security and safety. Costa Ricans (called Ticos) are known for being friendly and welcoming to foreigners: Costa Rica also offers a special retirement program called “Pensionado” which provides a number of benefits to foreign retirees, including discounts on goods and services, import tax exemptions, and more.
Panama
Pro: Panama has one of the most comprehensive retiree programs for expats in the world, known as the Pensionado Visa.
Panama is another top choice when it comes to retiring abroad. Aside from the great weather and culture, Panama has a territorial tax system, which means income earned outside of the country is not subject to Panamanian income tax. This can be advantageous for retirees who rely on retirement income from pensions, investments, or other sources that are held in the U.S. Not to mention, Panama has a well-developed infrastructure, including modern roads, reliable utilities, and high-speed internet access. Plus, it’s relatively close to the United States, with direct flights to several U.S. cities, making it easier for retirees to visit family and friends back home.
Spain
Pro: The largest country in Southern Europe, Spain offers European sophistication and first-world infrastructure at an affordable cost.
If you’re willing to relocate a bit further, Spain is another popular retirement destination. Spain has a vibrant cultural and social scene, and there are plenty of expat groups catering to retirees. Spanish cuisine is world-renowned, and you can enjoy local markets, tapas bars, and fine dining establishments. The cost of living in Spain is also generally lower than in many Western European countries and the United States.
Thailand
Pro: Thailand’s cost of living is one of the best you’ll find; a couple can live comfortably for about $1,700 per month.
It’s not just Spanish-speaking countries that make great expat retirement destinations. You can find an amazing home on the other side of the globe in countries such as Thailand. Here, there’s a well-established expat community, particularly in popular destinations like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket, which can help you connect with others and build a social support network.
But Thai people are also known for their friendliness and hospitality. Additionally, Thailand’s location in Southeast Asia also makes it an excellent base for exploring neighboring countries like Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Malaysia.
Of course, the world is your oyster, and these are just a few popular destinations. There are pros and cons to retiring in any country, so choose a location that fits your ideal lifestyle.
How To Plan Your Expat Retirement
Financial Preparation
Retiring abroad can offer many financial advantages — namely, a lower cost of living. But that doesn’t mean moving overseas will always save you money. You still need proper planning to ensure your expat retirement is financially beneficial and sustainable.
There are several one-time and ongoing expenses you’ll need to plan for before moving, including:
Visa and immigration fees, which are around $100 or less for many countries
Travel expenses, including flights, ground transportation, excess baggage fees, travel insurance, and temporary accommodations
Shipping and storage, including customs fees, taxes, and insurance
Costs of settling in, such as setting up utilities, buying new appliances, or purchasing new clothes suitable for the local climate
Living expenses, including rent or mortgage payments, security deposits, home furnishings, etc.
Health insurance and medical expenses
Local transportation, whether you plan to use public transportation or buy a car
Expenses related to staying connected, such as mobile phone plans, internet access, and postage for mailing packages or letters
Entertainment, including exploring your new surroundings, dining out, attending events, and enjoying local attractions
Apply for senior discounts
Fortunately, there are some ways to cut the cost of some of these items. Many airlines, hotels, and shipping companies offer discounts to students, military personnel, or seniors.
Many countries also have their own senior discount programs. In Costa Rica, for example, residents over age 65 can take advantage of the “gold citizens” program that provides discounts on groceries, eyeglasses, clothing, transportation, and more, with thousands of participating retailers across the country. Panama has a similar program called “Pensionado,” which offers substantial discounts such as 25% off utility bills, 15% off dental exams, 30% off transportation services, and much more. You can see the whole list here.
“The online travel community often recommends allocating $5,000 to $8,000 per person as a starting budget [for moving abroad].”
You should also compare plans between service providers and negotiate the lowest rates possible. Locals and expats can also offer valuable advice on cost-saving strategies, affordable housing, and other resources.
Set up a new bank account
In addition to the expenses above, you’ll also need to plan for costs associated with getting your finances set up in a new country. For example, you might need to pay fees to open bank accounts or transfer money overseas.
Find out the exchange rate
Also take into consideration the exchange rate and how it might affect the value of your money. An exchange rate is the value of one country’s currency expressed in terms of another country’s currency. In other words, it is the rate at which one currency can be exchanged for another. For example, if the EUR/USD exchange rate is 1.20, it means that you need 1.20 U.S. dollars to buy one euro.
Calculate your tax difference
It’s important to plan for taxes as well. Each country has its own tax laws, which may be different from what you’re used to back home. In particular, consider how taxation will affect any income or investments you earned in the U.S. versus while living abroad.HSBC offers several tax guides for popular countries and regions. When in doubt, it’s a good idea to consult with a tax professional, which can save you money in the long run.
Get a feel for the cost of living
Remember that the cost of living can vary significantly from one country to another, so research your destination to better understand what costs are like. You can also reach out to expat online communities and forums, as well as subscribe to expat blogs for first-hand advice on managing expenses when moving overseas.
Should You Rent or Buy?
Finding the right housing when retiring abroad is one of the most important steps in your relocation process. Whether you choose to rent or buy, it’s essential to understand what options are available and how they fit into your budget.
Renting
Renting can be a good way to transition to living in a new location without fully committing right away. You can give yourself time to get acquainted with the region and decide if you really want to stay for the long haul.
If you go this route, be sure you fully understand all rental agreements before signing them, including any additional fees you may be responsible for. Also, be aware of the landlord-tenant regulations in your new country so that you can avoid any potential conflicts. And importantly, never sign a lease sight unseen. It might require extra trips back and forth, but you should always view a property (and the surrounding neighborhood) in person before making a deal.
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Buying
Alternatively, buying property overseas can provide stability and security. But it comes with its own set of considerations. Researching local real estate markets is essential; this includes looking at property prices, taxes, insurance costs, etc., as well as researching legal requirements for foreign buyers in the target country. In fact, it may be worth hiring a local attorney to review any contracts or financing agreements before committing.
“Look for [moving] companies with experience, positive reviews, and affiliations with professional organizations like the International Association of Movers (IAM) or FIDI Global Alliance.”
When it comes time to find properties, you can start by browsing online property listing websites like Zillow, which have filters for location, price, and property features. You can also try sites such asSabbatical Homes,Expatica.com, andSublet.com. These websites can provide a good starting point for your search, but it also helps to work with a local real estate agent who knows what properties are on the market that will meet your needs, and that may not be listed on major sites.
Getting a Visa
One of the most important steps when preparing to retire abroad is finding out what residency permits or visas are needed to live in your desired location. There are many types, depending on the reason for moving and how long you plan to stay. For instance, you might qualify for a family visa if you’re reuniting with a loved one overseas, or a spouse visa if your partner resides abroad. In general, it’s more expensive and involved to establish permanent residency than to get a temporary or tourist visa.
The steps for obtaining a visa to retire abroad can vary depending on the country you plan to retire in. However, here are some general steps that you can follow:
Check the visa requirements: Some countries may have a retirement visa program, while others may require you to apply for a regular tourist visa or a long-term residence permit. Start by visiting the official government website of the country you wish to move to — most countries have an immigration department dedicated to providing information about visas. You can also consult with the U.S. embassy, which should be able to provide you with application guidance and documentation requirements. Again, expat blogs and forums are another good place to get insider information. Keep in mind these can be helpful for getting a general understanding of the options available, but always verify information with official sources, as rules and regulations may change.
Gather the required documents: You will need to gather the required documents such as your passport, proof of income or savings, medical insurance, police clearance certificate, and other documents that the country may require.
Apply for the visa: You can apply for the visa at the nearest embassy or consulate of the country you plan to retire. Some countries may allow you to apply online or by mail.
Attend an interview (if required): Some countries may require you to attend an interview before they grant you the visa.
Wait for the visa to be processed: The visa processing time can vary depending on the country and the type of visa you are applying for. It’s important to apply for the visa well in advance of your planned departure date to give enough time for everything to be verified and approved.
It’s important to note that the process of obtaining a retirement visa can be complex. If you’re unsure about the process or have a unique situation, consider consulting an immigration lawyer who specializes in the country you’re moving to. They can provide expert advice and help you navigate the application process.
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What about citizenship?
Some countries may also provide the opportunity for foreign individuals to become citizens after a certain amount of time spent living there. You may want to consider applying since it brings many advantages.
For instance, you may gain the right to vote and participate in the political process, which can be especially important if you’re looking to influence policies and decisions that affect your life abroad. Holding a passport from a country with strong international relations can also grant visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to a larger number of countries, making travel easier and more convenient. Plus, you may be able to access programs that provide better healthcare, higher education, and government support.
“Healthcare costs in many countries are lower than in the U.S. Some of these countries with lower healthcare costs include Brazil, Singapore, Panama, and Malaysia.”
Another logistical consideration is getting yourself assimilated into the new culture. For example, you probably want to learn the local language so you can more easily communicate and navigate the country. It can be a good idea to take classes or sign up for an online language learning program before moving.
How To Move Internationally
Finally, you’ll need to plan out the actual process of moving. As you might imagine, relocating overseas is a bit more complex than moving to an apartment the next town over.
Hire a reputable moving company: They’re responsible for getting your belongings to your destination in one piece, so finding and hiring a professional, responsible company is key. Begin by researching reputable international moving companies that specialize in overseas moves. Look for companies with experience, positive reviews, and affiliations with professional organizations like the International Association of Movers (IAM) or FIDI Global Alliance.
Contact the companies for quotes: Be sure to provide them with accurate information about your belongings, destination, and desired timeline. Make sure quotes include all the services you think you need, such as packing, loading, transportation, insurance, customs clearance, and delivery. Contacting three companies at a minimum will help you get a good spread of options.
Confirm the details of your move: Once you’ve chosen a moving company, give them the information about pick-up and delivery dates, packing and unpacking services, and insurance coverage.
Ensure your move is protected: Get a written contract that outlines all the agreed-upon terms. Since international moves can be riskier than domestic moves due to the longer distances and multiple handling stages, you may want to consider purchasing additional insurance coverage to protect your belongings against potential damage or loss during transit.
Budget for moving expenses: The more stuff you have, and the heavier it is, the more it will cost to move. The online travel community often recommends allocating $5,000 to $8,000 per person as a starting budget.
Don’t forget your pets!: You may need multiple vet visits to get them medically cleared to move internationally. Additionally, some countries require pets to be quarantined upon arrival at the owner’s cost. There may also be pet import fees.
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Retiring abroad as an expat can be an exciting and fulfilling experience. It offers the opportunity to live in a new culture, experience a different way of life, and potentially save money on living expenses. However, it also comes with its own unique challenges.
To ensure a successful retirement abroad, it’s essential to plan carefully, do thorough research, and seek advice from professionals who are familiar with the laws and regulations of your target country. With the right preparation and support, you can make your dream of retiring abroad a reality.
2022 Study: Where Americans Are Actually Moving Abroad ????✈️
Mexico is the top destination for Americans moving abroad, followed by the U.K., Canada and Australia
So far in 2022, ~75% more Americans have moved to Mexico than Canada
Portugal has seen the biggest percentage increase in Americans moving in (+122% from 2019-2021)
Japan had the highest % drop of Americans moving in (-53% fewer in 2021 compared to 2019)
A five-year low, 2020 saw just under 74,000 Americans relocate abroad
Canada, Spain and the U.K. are the most Googled moving destinations this year
In our last study on Americans moving abroad, we detailed the places Americans who leave the country target, as well as explored some of the reasons driving them to leave.
In this study, we examine what countries Americans have been moving to, where they’re thinking of moving based on their Google searches, and how both of those trends have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Going South? Mexico Tops U.K. and Canada as Americans’ Top Destination
Based on the most recent data, over 16,000 U.S. citizens moved to Mexico as temporary or permanent residents in 2021. That’s more than any of the 15 most common destination countries for American moves abroad (more on this later).
“Last year, 34% more Americans relocated to Mexico than to Canada.”
Moves to Mexico outnumber those to the United Kingdom (14,626), and Canada (11,955), which are the second and third most popular destinations. The fourth most popular destination is Australia, where an estimated 7,948 Americans relocated in 2021.
Spain rounds off the top five, welcoming 7,173 Americans as new residents this year, overtaking other European destinations like France and Germany, as well as countries farther afield, such as Israel, Japan, and New Zealand.
Where to Now? Where Americans Are Ending up in 2022
While the statistics on moves this year haven’t been published by most of the countries we analyzed, we do have specific figures on the number of Americans who moved to Canada, the U.K., and Mexico in 2022.
Some 10,594 Americans moved to Mexico in 2022, which is 75% higher than those who moved to Canada (6,025). And this isn’t the first time Mexico-bound moves outnumber moves to Canada either.
Last year, 34% more Americans relocated to Mexico than to Canada. In the last five years, Mexico attracted an accumulative 13% more U.S. citizens than America’s neighbor to the north.
If migration to Mexico continues at its current pace, the country will receive over 18,000 U.S. citizens as new residents, a new five-year high.
Interestingly, more Americans are even moving across the Atlantic to the U.K. than across their northern border. (As many as 8,324 U.S. citizens have relocated to the United Kingdom so far in 2022, which is 38% more than the number of those who moved to Canada.)
Yet while still high, the total tally of Americans moving to the U.K. and Canada in 2022 currently projects at 14,269 and 10,328 respectively—both below their 2021 levels.
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Goodbye, Japan! Hello, Portugal! Unique Trends in U.S. Moves Abroad
Between 2017-2019, the raw number of Americans moving into one of the top 15 countries we profiled was roughly around 104,000 Americans a year.
The COVID pandemic made a significant dent in that number in 2020, bringing the number down to under 74,000 Americans leaving for new countries, roughly a 29% drop.
Yet as COVID restrictions have eased and vaccination programs have been introduced across the world, moves abroad picked up the pace again in 2021 (the last year for which government data has been released); moves abroad reached 97,806 last year— almost on par with the pre-pandemic years.
Based on countries that published their immigration statistics for 2022, the number of Americans moving to one of the top 15 countries in our analysis may return to six-digit figures by the end of 2022. However, with an estimated 100,975 moves, ex-pats likely will remain just below pre-pandemic levels.
Countries Defying the Numbers
Overall, there are still outlier countries that saw a significant jump in their total of American immigrants during 2021. Chief among them is Portugal, with 2,475 U.S. citizens relocating to this European country last year. That’s ~122% more Americans who moved there than in either 2020 or 2019!
“Canada may not be topping the rankings of move destinations, but it sure dominates moving intent. Americans typed ‘moving to Canada’ into Google approximately 21,000 a month in 2022, far more than similar keywords for other countries.”
Other countries that saw a significant percentage increase in the number of U.S. inbound moves post-pandemic include New Zealand (+78% in 2021 versus 2019), Costa Rica (+47%), and Israel (+40%).
That said, not all countries saw a return to pre-pandemic moving levels. With 2,983 moves last year, U.S. migration to Japan is still 53% below the 2019 levels. (This is no surprise, as the country has only just recently opened its borders to individual tourists.)
Elsewhere, six major countries that are traditionally among the most popular destinations for Americans saw fewer Americans moving to them in 2021 as compared to 2019. These countries are:
Italy (-41%)
France (-28%)
Germany (-24%)
Ireland (-21%),
U.K. (-20%),
South Korea (-16%)
Moving Intent: Most Searched Moving Abroad Destinations in 2022
Canada may not be topping the rankings of move destinations, but it sure dominates moving intent.
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Americans typed “moving to Canada” into Google approximately 21,000 a month in 2022, far more than similar keywords for other countries.
Surprisingly, the second most searched-for moving destination is not Mexico, but Spain, with 8,100 monthly searches so far this year. It’s just ahead of the three English-speaking countries: the ever-present U.K. (7,670 monthly searches), Australia (5,080), and New Zealand (3,800).
The top 20 most-searched-for-moving destinations are grouped as follows:
Some of these countries have historical ties to the United States, such as Japan (2,850 monthly searches), Ireland (2,140), and the Netherlands (1,190). Yet many are simply known for their relative prosperity and robust social welfare systems, such as Switzerland, Iceland, Germany, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.
Then there are places most known for their warm, pleasant climates and comparatively lower cost of living, like Portugal, Costa Rica, Mexico and Belize.
Lockdown Dreams Vs. COVID Reality: As Intent To Move Abroad Peaked in 2020, Actual Moves Plummeted
After diving deeper into Americans’ plans to move abroad, an interesting trend emerged. The number of searches for keywords around moving abroad was at a five-year high in 2020.
During the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic (also an election year), America saw 102,000 monthly searches related to moving abroad, or to a particular country. This was a whopping 40% increase from the year prior!
However, this five-year high in searches ironically overlapped with a five-year low in actual moves abroad. Again, just under 74,000 Americans moved into one of the top 15 destination countries in 2020. That’s around 30% fewer than in either 2018 or 2019.
In 2021, moving abroad-related searches went back down, with about 28% fewer searches compared to 2020. Yet wanderlust has interestingly recovered in 2022; there have been 92,000 monthly searches for moving abroad, including to specific countries.
While still behind the 2020 peak of Canadian obsession, the current volume of searches is still higher than in the pre-pandemic years.
Mixed Picture: Reasons Why Americans Leave the United States
In absence of hard data, it’s hard to pinpoint the exact reasons that are pushing Americans to move abroad. A recent article in Entrepreneur suggests the recent strengthening of the dollar and the rise of remote work play a part.
Reports in Forbes and Bloombergbothhint that the prospect of home ownership getting further out of reach is what is pushing Americans out of the country. In this vein, remote work and remote-work-specific visas are cited as contributing factors for defectors.
The truth is it’s still too early to definitively tell whether recent political events in the U.S. will shape immigration. However, what we do know is there continues to be an increasing number of reports of young Americans and people of color leaving the country in search of a safer and more equitable place to live.
Sources and Methodology
The top 15 countries outlined in this study are a combination of countries with most U.S. citizens living abroad (based on International Migrant Stock data, see Origin and Destination file) and the countries most searched as destinations for “moving to <insert country>” queries based on Google search volume data for 2022 obtained by Google Ads API. Only moves with stated reasons indicating a certain degree of permanence were analyzed, including work, study and family. Military moves were excluded, as were the moves for temporary purposes, such as temporary business and tourism.
The number of monthly searches was taken from Google Ads API as the total average monthly search volume for keywords of the type “moving to <insert country>” (e.g., “moving to canada”, “moving to mexico” and “moving abroad”.)
Data was collected in September 2022. Browse the data in the interactive table below.
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But while the search interest in moving abroad is waning, the number of U.S. citizens moving to some of the top destination countries in 2023 is increasing year-over-year.
