Why Americans Are Eyeing Life Overseas in 2025: The Top Motivations
A closer look at the biggest reasons readers tell us they’re ready to move overseas.
Every year, we ask International Living readers what’s driving their dream of life overseas. The responses are always revealing—not just a list of practical concerns, but a window into the bigger hopes and frustrations shaping retirement and lifestyle choices today.
For many, the question is simple: “Why now?” Why leave behind what’s familiar, and what exactly do people hope to gain?
This year’s answers make it clear: it’s not just about escaping something—it’s about building something better. Rising costs, healthcare worries, and political fatigue are part of the story. But just as strong is the pull of new adventures, warmer climates, stronger communities, and the chance to rewrite life on your own terms.
So what are the most common motivations we’re hearing right now? And what do they tell us about where readers’ heads—and hearts—are?
This year’s results are clear:
Lowering cost of living – 61.7% say this is their biggest motivator. With housing, healthcare, and everyday expenses continuing to climb in the U.S., many are looking overseas for a more affordable quality of life.
Travel as much as possible – 51.2% want to make global travel part of everyday life. Living abroad makes hopping between countries both easier and cheaper.
Escaping the combative political climate in the U.S. – 42.9% cite this as a key reason to look beyond American borders, searching for calmer, less divisive communities.
Retirement – 39.4% simply want to enjoy a comfortable retirement in a welcoming, affordable setting.
Securing a second passport – 23.8% see this as a crucial motivator, giving them flexibility, security, and the freedom to choose where they belong.
Wintering someplace warm – 20.4% aren’t necessarily looking for full-time expat life, but love the idea of escaping cold winters for sunshine and affordability.
Other factors, like pursuing overseas real estate or learning a new language, were also mentioned—but the six above stand out as the real heart of the matter.
Over to You
Those are the top motivations we’re hearing from readers right now. But we’d love to hear from you:
👉 What’s driving your own dream of life overseas?
Is it the cost of living? A sense of adventure? A chance to reset?
Share your motivations in the comments; we’re always inspired by your stories.
Looking for Inspiration?
This year’s survey revealed why so many are considering a move abroad: lower costs, better quality of life, political calm, retirement dreams, and even second passports or winter escapes.
Every month in International Living Magazine, we go beyond the numbers—sharing real stories from expats who’ve already made the leap, plus practical guidance on visas, budgets, and the best places to live.
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I invested in real estate in North Cyprus in 2004 and I do not regret that decision. The high cost of living is only one of the negatives about retirement in the USA.
You've pretty much covered all our bases!
> Cost of living lower? Check. Our "normal" rent is under $1000 USD; the rent on my former apt. in California is now $2950.
> We've hit 43 countries in 6.5 years of nomadic travel, and there's only a few we did NOT like enough to consider returning to.
> Politics? In-fighting? We stopped paying attention years ago, and live in the moment(s)
> as warm weather wimps, we have total control over our environment, winter AND summer. We don't always catch it right, but there's only been a few unbearable times.
> At ages 71 & 72, we know the end is coming SOME time; that we cannot control. But we CAN control the "where" options.
Norm & Kat