Why 66% of International Living Readers Are Moving Abroad Sooner

International Living Reader Survey
From daydreams to departure—what's fueling the move abroad.|©iStock/fokkebok

Every year, we at International Living take the pulse of our readers. We want to know what you’re dreaming about, what’s holding you back, and what you need next.

These answers help shape everything we do: the destinations we scout, the local experts we interview, and the boots-on-the-ground guides we write.

This year, nearly 1,500 readers shared their hopes, fears, and plans for living overseas. And if you’ve ever wondered, “Am I the only one thinking of leaving?” — you’re not alone. Far from it.

One stat jumped off the page: 66% told us that today’s political climate in the U.S. has made them more likely to move abroad, and to do it sooner than they’d planned.

That’s not just about politics. For many, it’s about a better, freer way to live — lower costs, less stress, and more adventure.

One reader put it best: “I want a place that values community, health, and a good life for less money.”

Who’s Dreaming of a New Life Abroad?

Dreaming of a relaxed beach life? Nearly half of readers are too.
Dreaming of a relaxed beach life? Nearly half of readers are too.|©iStock/anyaberkut

So, who’s dreaming of this new life abroad?

  • Two-thirds (66%) of you are 65 or older — proof that age doesn’t slow down the urge to explore.

  • Almost one in three are between 50 and 65, thinking ahead about retirement and what comes next.

  • A small but growing number are in the 36–49 age range.

When asked “Have you ever lived abroad before?”, 44% said yes, but a majority, 56%, said no. That means for most readers, this isn’t a repeat adventure; it’s a first-time leap into something new.

Why They Want to Go: More Life, Less Cost

Affordable real estate is a key motivator for those planning the leap.
Affordable real estate is a key motivator for those planning the leap.|©iStock/AndreyPopov

When asked “What are you hoping to get from living abroad?” — the answers were clear:

  • Lower cost of living (62%) — People want to stretch their retirement savings, pensions, or remote income. Many countries make that possible while upgrading your lifestyle.

  • More travel (51%) — Using a new home as a base to explore the world is a top dream.

  • Escape the combative political climate (43%)

  • Retire well, not just retire (39%)

  • Second residency or second passport (21%) — Many want more freedom to live and invest overseas, and the security of a “Plan B.”

  • Real estate opportunities — A big chunk asked about affordable rentals, buying local homes, or investing in properties that help fund their new life. Some want to test the waters with short-term stays; others want to put down roots.

Where Readers Want to Go — and Where They’re Curious About

Walkable towns and affordable living: Portugal tops the dream list.
Walkable towns and affordable living: Portugal tops the dream list.|©iStock/Armando Oliveira

No surprise, some destinations keep topping wish lists:

Want more details? Check out the full list of top destinations readers are planning to move to next and up-and-coming countries catching their eye for 2025.

What Readers Fear Most

A big dream always comes with questions. When we asked “What worries you most?”, here’s what stood out:

  • Access to quality healthcare (44%)

  • Leaving family and friends behind (43%)

  • Visa and residency worries (42%)

  • Language barriers (39%)

  • And practical “what ifs”: What if my partner won’t go? What about my pet? Will I feel isolated?

The good news? These challenges aren’t deal-breakers; they’re solvable. For practical solutions to these common worries, check out: The 7 Greatest Challenges of Moving Overseas — And How to Resolve Them.

What Kind of Life They Want

Small-town charm and community connection are top lifestyle goals.
Small-town charm and community connection are top lifestyle goals.|©iStock/jack-sooksan

A fresh start overseas isn’t just about where; it’s about how you want to live.

When we asked, “What’s your dream lifestyle?” here’s what readers said:

  • Small-town charm (54%) — Friendly neighbors, farmers markets, and community life.

  • Affordable luxury (53%) — A house cleaner, good wine, fresh food, nights out. The small pleasures that cost less abroad.

  • Relaxed beach life (48%), or easy access to nature and adventure.

A strong thread ran through your answers: people want a simpler, more connected life, not just lower bills, but a higher quality of life.

Ready to Take Your Next Step?

Every year, this survey reminds us: people don’t just want information — they want encouragement, connection, and real-world advice they can trust.

So, whether you’re dreaming of a winter escape, a part-time roving lifestyle, or a brand-new forever home abroad, or some combination of all those things, we’re here to help make that happen.

This August in Portland, we’d love to explore this “other” world with you, and help you find a place that looks just like the one you see in your daydreams.

In other words: We’ll help you put your own plan in place for a more interesting, more international life. You really can escape for a few months each year to recharge… or go abroad full-time. You can find a home in a getaway you love, and buy it with an eye to both enjoyment and profit.

You have so many good options abroad today. You won’t hear about them on the evening news, but we’ll bring them straight to you.

There’s no one-size-fits-all destination. You have your preferences; the person next to you has theirs. But we’re 100% confident an ideal spot does exist for you… a place where the climate suits, the activities feel just right, and life day-to-day falls well within your budget.

We’d like to invite you to discover that place and craft your personal plan with our International Living experts when we gather this August for our Ultimate Go Overseas Bootcamp.

Share