Although estimates differ from organization to organization, there are millions of Americans leaving the country to live abroad. And the number is growing. The Association of Americans Resident Overseas (AARO) states more than 8 million Americans live abroad as of 2024. This is a significant increase in comparison to statistics from 2022, when the Federal Voting Assistance Program stated 4.4 million US citizens lived abroad.
Such a dramatic increase must have a cause, surely? After all, it is very unlikely that these people picked up their lives and moved to a new country with no reason. Maybe some of them truly want to see sunnier skies, while it might be a more metaphorical sunny sky through financial freedom and a more stable political environment that others are chasing.
If you want a clear answer, then do not fret – that is exactly what you will learn by reading this post. Below, three of the key reasons why Americans are moving abroad have been outlined.
More Affordable Healthcare
In August 2025, Gerald F. Kominski, who is a professor emeritus at UCLA’s Fielding School of Public Health, said, “…the United States is the most expensive health care system in the world…” and that this was a “strong motivation” to move abroad. It is important to understand that medical bills are a major cause of bankruptcy in the US. Deductibles, high premiums, and unexpected bills have a devasting impact on people’s finances.
Countries that offer universal healthcare systems are a big draw for Americans. These medical services are typically easier to access and more affordable. However, one of the most accessible options for US citizens chasing more affordable healthcare is Mexico. While this is often due to easy border crossings, procedures in Mexico are considerably cheaper. Plus, many hospitals are accredited and have well-trained medical staff.
But there are some considerations to keep in mind when considering a move from America for cheaper healthcare. Most countries will require insurance for Americans abroad to access medical attention, whether you are suffering from a common cold or have been seriously injured. This should be kept in mind before making such a big move.
Political Dissatisfaction
If you live in a country that you believe has a volatile and unpleasant social environment due to deep divisions in the political system, are you likely to stay? This is how some Americans feel. Political polarization has become a key issue in the US, with more extreme and opposing views on policies and values. In some cases, this has caused some people to feel their way of life is being threatened.
This is concerning for certain groups, like some within the LGBTQ+ and racial minority communities. Fear that their rights might be at risk by the current political climate is a driving force for moving to a more accepting country. Although this may seem like a drastic change at times, it is an adjustment these individuals are willing to take to live their lives freely.
Remember the US has generally become more accepting on many moral and social issues over the past few decades. However, this trend has slowed or even reversed in some areas recently. Immigration, for example, has been a subject where public opinion has reversed due to Trump’s “deport them all” approach, which is viewed as heavy-handed.
Concerns Over Gun Violence
Although gun violence is a relatively common issue in America, this doesn’t mean people are numb to it. The high-frequency of gun-related deaths and mass shootings is another reason why some people are choosing to live elsewhere. These individuals want to feel safer in a country with stricter gun laws. They want a life that does not involve constant worry about such violence.
According to Brady United, 327 people are shot in the US every day. This is an overwhelming statistic, especially when you consider that Americans are 26x more likely to be shot and killed than those in high-income countries. For parents especially, fear over their children’s safety because of school shootings is a powerful motivator for leaving.
Moving to countries where gun laws are significantly stricter, like Japan or the United Kingdom where most firearms are illegal, eases this fear. It also results in a feeling that other countries prioritize life over guns, while it could be argued that America does not.
To conclude, understanding why so many Americans choose to leave the US can be complex. There are numerous reasons – more than the three listed above – that could be the primary cause, differing from individual to individual. Such a big choice will change lives, so it isn’t one to be considered lightly.
The hope is that this post will have taught you why American expats are on the rise, and it might not be solely about chasing better weather.
