What 1,500 Future Expats Told Us About Their Plans
From Portugal and Spain to unexpected gems like Albania and Slovenia, here’s where 1,500 readers told us they want to live abroad next—and why.
Every year, International Living surveys its readers to understand what motivates them to consider a move abroad and where they’d go if they could pack up tomorrow. The latest results are in. And they reveal a great deal about the shifting priorities of people seeking a more affordable, meaningful, and connected life overseas.
Frustrated by the high cost of living and divisive politics at home, more Americans are making real plans to move abroad, and they’re speeding up their timelines.
One finding jumps off the page: 66% say today’s political climate in the U.S. has made them more likely to move abroad — and to do it sooner than they’d originally planned.
“It’s not just about politics,” says Jennifer Stevens, Executive Editor at International Living. “People are looking for more life — more freedom, more adventure — and they’re realizing they can find that overseas for less. For many, it’s about escaping the stress of life at home and stretching their dollars further.
“With all the uncertainty in the world, there’s a lot people have no control over, like tariffs, inflation, the deficit, the strength of the dollar. But with the right overseas strategies, an individual can create an international footprint that provides a measure of control over their own situation, no matter what happens at home. For instance, that could include moving themselves to a less expensive place, investing outside the dollar, buying property abroad and thus moving funds out of stocks and into a hard asset—or some combination of all those things.”
“People are looking for more life — more freedom, more adventure — and they’re realizing they can find that overseas for less.”
What They Want — and What Holds Them Back
When asked “What are you hoping to get from living abroad?” the top answers were clear:
Lower cost of living (62%) — to stretch retirement savings and enjoy a higher quality of life.
More travel (51%) — using a new home as a base for exploring the world.
Escape the tense political climate (43%).
Retire well, not just retire (39%).
And 21% want the security of a second residency or passport — a “Plan B” for more freedom.
But it’s not all dreamy. When asked about their biggest worries, readers named healthcare (44%), leaving family behind (43%), visas (42%), and language barriers (39%) as top concerns.
“The good news is that these challenges are solvable,” says Stevens. “That’s what International Living is here for — to show people how to navigate visas, find affordable healthcare, learn the basics of the language, and build community so they’re not alone.”
When we asked, "Where would you go if you could move abroad tomorrow?", the top choices were clear:
Why? According to respondents, they offer the kind of lifestyle that feels increasingly out of reach in North America: relaxed living, good weather, safety, strong healthcare systems, and affordability.
One reader summed it up: "I want to spend more time outdoors, eat good food, and enjoy life without constantly feeling stressed."
Read more about the top countries here:
Top 7 Countries IL Readers Are Planning to Move to Next
The Rise of the Up-and-Comers
While the top seven were no surprise, the survey also shows more Americans are looking beyond the usual expat hubs to discover fresh, affordable places with all the charm, community, and good living they want.
The up-and-coming favorites include:
“These are places our readers told us they want to learn more about; they’re tired of crowded hotspots and are hunting for a simpler, more affordable life where they can find adventure and connection,” says Stevens.
Explore the full list here:
5 Up-and-Coming Countries IL Readers Are Eyeing for 2025
Our Takeaway
Our readers are discerning, optimistic, and ready for change. Whether you're dreaming of an easy life in Portugal, planning a move to a Slovenian mountain town, or just hoping to escape your heating bills next winter, you’re not alone.
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Editor’s Note: The best way to jump-start your overseas plans—even if they’re vague right now (especially if they’re vague)—is to join me and my team of experts flying from points around the globe to Portland, OR, this August 30-September 1.
We’re gathering for three days at our Ultimate Go Overseas Bootcamp to help you sort through your best options abroad today... home in on the ones that make the most sense for you... and then put a practical, step-by-step plan in place so that you can begin to see how to get from where you are to a place you’ll love abroad.