• Record number of Americans choosing to move abroad
• Rising living costs and remote work drive the trend

The United States has recently seen an unprecedented surge in citizens choosing to leave the country and settle abroad, a phenomenon not seen in decades.

Recent data indicate that U.S. net migration in 2025 was negative, meaning more Americans left the country than moved in—a situation not recorded since 1935, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Although exact numbers are hard to verify, estimates suggest around 180,000 Americans relocated overseas last year, with the actual figure likely much higher.

Experts attribute this increase to a combination of economic pressures and lifestyle changes, making moving abroad a more attractive and accessible option for many Americans.

Financial factors play a key role for some. Rising housing costs and daily expenses, such as food and healthcare, have pushed many to seek alternatives abroad, with countries like Portugal, Ireland, Thailand, and Bali becoming increasingly popular destinations.

The rise of digital and remote work has also contributed, allowing Americans to keep their U.S.-based jobs and salaries while living in countries with lower living costs, effectively stretching their income further.

Yet finances are not the only consideration. Some Americans are seeking a slower pace of life or stronger social safety nets, while others report feeling safer and less stressed living abroad.

Researchers note that this wave of migration includes a wider range of demographics than in the past—from retirees and students to families with children—making it broader than previous trends.

Tracking the exact number of Americans moving abroad remains challenging due to the lack of a comprehensive U.S. system for registering citizens living overseas. Estimates rely mainly on foreign government data and visa records, suggesting the real numbers may be much higher than official statistics.

Demographers also warn that this voluntary exodus, combined with strict immigration and deportation policies during the Trump administration, could significantly affect the U.S. population in the coming years, according to a January 2026 report from the U.S. Census Bureau.