For decades, the dream of retiring abroad meant choosing one perfect place and putting down roots. Not anymore.
More and more Americans are picturing a retirement that spans two countries—or even three. Summers in Europe, winters in Latin America. An overseas home for most of the year, with regular stretches back near family in the U.S. It's a looser, more flexible approach to life abroad, one where the lifestyle and the experiences matter more than the address.
Each year, we survey International Living readers to see how their thinking about life overseas is evolving, and this year's results put a number on the shift: 83.5% said they're either interested in or actively exploring the idea of living in more than one country each year. Only 16.5% said they'd rather settle permanently in a single destination.
And that's just the headline finding. The survey also uncovered where readers most want to live, why they're considering the move at all, how soon many expect to make it happen, and the big open questions they're still wrestling with before taking the leap.
Here's what they told us.
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The Rise of the Multi-Country Lifestyle
The idea of retiring to one destination and staying there year-round is giving way to something more flexible.
We asked readers whether they'd be interested in living in more than one country each year. More than a third—35.6%—said they'd love a multi-base lifestyle outright, and another 47.9% said they're curious and actively exploring the idea. That's 83.5% of respondents open to splitting their time. Only 16.5% said they'd prefer to settle permanently in one place.
For some, that means spending the warmer months exploring Europe before heading somewhere sunnier for the winter. Others imagine splitting their time between an overseas home and regular visits back to the U.S. to see family and friends.
Instead of chasing one perfect retirement destination, readers want the freedom to choose the right place at the right time—to follow the seasons, sample different cultures, and build a lifestyle around their interests rather than a single address.
That shift in thinking shows up throughout this year's survey, and it's changing not only where people want to go, but why they're looking overseas in the first place.
Why They're Looking Overseas
Lower living costs remain the biggest draw, but it's far from the only one.
When we asked what readers hoped to gain from living overseas, 56.3% pointed to a lower cost of living. Close behind, 53.6% said they wanted the freedom to travel as much as possible, turning an overseas home into a base for exploring the world. Politics is playing a role, too.
Forty-one percent said escaping the country's polarized political climate factored into their thinking, while 37.2% said they're specifically planning to retire abroad. Another 25.2% are interested in establishing residency or creating a pathway to a second passport.
Taken together, the results suggest today's future expats aren't simply chasing a cheaper place to live. They're chasing more freedom—over how they spend their time, where they travel, and what retirement looks like.
As Jennifer Stevens, Executive Editor of International Living, puts it:
"People want more freedom and more options. They're looking for places where they can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle, access good healthcare, travel more easily, and feel part of a community."
Where Readers Want to Go
Portugal continues to top readers' wish lists, but this year's survey suggests Americans are casting a wider net than ever before.
Portugal ranked as the number one destination, with 32.2% of respondents saying they're interested in living there. Costa Rica followed at 28.2%, while Italy, Greece, Panama, Spain, France, Ireland, Mexico, and Malta rounded out the top 10 (read the full article here).
It's easy to see why these countries remain popular. They combine affordable living with good healthcare, established expat communities, rich culture, and easy access to travel—qualities that consistently rank high among International Living readers. But some of the most interesting results came from the next question we asked.
When readers were asked which emerging destinations they'd like to learn more about, Montenegro topped the list, followed by Albania, Argentina, Cyprus, the Dominican Republic, Czechia, and Paraguay.
That growing curiosity suggests today's future expats are looking beyond the traditional hotspots. They're increasingly willing to consider places that offer great value, fewer crowds, and the chance to discover somewhere before it becomes the next big thing.
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What's Holding Readers Back?
Moving overseas is an exciting prospect, but it also comes with plenty of questions.
Healthcare remains the biggest concern, with half of respondents (50.1%) citing access to quality healthcare as one of their main worries. Close behind were leaving family and friends (47.4%), understanding visa and residency requirements (41.7%), and language barriers (39.7%). Political or economic instability and safety concerns also featured prominently.
The encouraging news is that these concerns aren't new. They're some of the same questions International Living readers have been asking for decades, and they're exactly the kinds of challenges that can be planned for before making a move.
Whether it's understanding how a country's healthcare system works, choosing the right visa, or finding a community where it's easy to make new friends, good preparation can turn many of these uncertainties into manageable steps.
As Jennifer Stevens says:
"If you're seriously considering life abroad, you should be thinking about exactly these issues. What will you do about your healthcare? What visa do you qualify for? If you're worried about leaving friends and family behind, do you have a plan for staying connected while building a new community?"
The Lifestyle Readers Are Chasing
At its heart, moving overseas isn't just about saving money. It's about living differently.
When we asked readers what their ideal lifestyle looked like, small-town charm topped the list. More than half (54.8%) said they were looking for friendly communities, walkable streets, and a slower pace of life. Affordable luxury followed closely at 53.5%, reflecting a desire to enjoy everyday comforts that often cost much less overseas. Relaxed beach living also remained a top priority, with 46.4% of respondents choosing it as part of their ideal.
Taken together, the answers paint a clear picture. Readers aren't chasing luxury for its own sake, nor are they simply looking for the cheapest place to retire. They want more time, more freedom, and the chance to enjoy everyday pleasures without stretching their budget.
Whether that's lingering over lunch in a village square, walking to a neighborhood café, or spending an afternoon by the sea, it's those small, everyday moments that continue to draw people toward life overseas.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Every year, our survey offers a snapshot of how Americans are thinking about life overseas. This year's results show that the dream is evolving.
Readers are no longer focused solely on finding one place to retire. They're looking for flexibility, new experiences, and the freedom to build a life that reflects what matters most to them. For many, that means exploring more than one country, traveling more often, and creating a retirement that's rich in experience, not just affordable.
If you're somewhere along that journey, whether you're still gathering ideas or actively planning your move, we're here to help. Our editors and correspondents spend the year living, traveling, and reporting from destinations around the world. We share practical, firsthand advice on everything from visas and healthcare to real estate, taxes, and finding the right community, so you can make informed decisions with confidence.
If you're ready to move from dreaming to planning, join us at the Ultimate Go Overseas Bootcamp, September 5–7 in Tampa, Florida. Over three days, you'll meet International Living's editors, country correspondents, and overseas experts, attend practical workshops, and connect with like-minded readers—leaving with a personalized roadmap for your own move abroad. You'll also get face time with specialists in healthcare, taxes, real estate, and residency, so your questions get answers tailored to your situation.
Wherever you are in the process, one thing is clear from this year's survey: you're far from alone. Thousands of people are exploring the same possibilities—and with the right guidance, your own overseas adventure may be closer than you think.
The World’s Best Retirement Havens for 2026
The World’s Best Retirement Havens for 2026
24 Countries Compared, Contrasted, Ranked, and Rated. You don’t have to be rich to enjoy a pampered retirement, you just need to know where to go. With our 35th Annual Global Retirement Index, our experts hand you a detailed roadmap. Details—and a Special Offer—Here
By submitting your email address, you will receive a free subscription to IL Postcards, The Untourist Daily and special offers from International Living and our affiliates. You can unsubscribe at any time, and we encourage you to read more about our Privacy Policy.
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