According to a 2024 report by the Association of American Residents Overseas (AARO), an estimated 5.4 million Americans live abroad. The typical reasons are improved quality of life, less hostile political climates, tax advantages, and better work-life balance.
But if we want to delve into specifics, here are some responses to a recent online thread. These North American Redditors shared why they moved out of their home country and whether it was worth it.
However, we’re considering both sides, including those who expressed slight regrets about their decisions. If you relate to any of these, share your thoughts in the comments below!
#21
Moved from the U.S. to Europe about 5 years ago, and honestly? It’s been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The slower pace of life, better work-life balance, universal healthcare (what a concept!), and just generally feeling less stressed all the time have been huge positives.
There are challenges, of course — homesickness hits hard sometimes, language barriers can be humbling, and dealing with visa stuff isn’t always smooth. But I’ve found a sense of peace and presence that I never really had back in the States. I spend more time outdoors, eat better, and weirdly… I actually know my neighbors now.
Would I recommend it? 100%, if you’re open to change, willing to adapt, and want a different perspective on life. Just don’t expect it to be a fairy tale — it’s still life, just with different pros and cons.
There are challenges, of course — homesickness hits hard sometimes, language barriers can be humbling, and dealing with visa stuff isn’t always smooth. But I’ve found a sense of peace and presence that I never really had back in the States. I spend more time outdoors, eat better, and weirdly… I actually know my neighbors now.
Would I recommend it? 100%, if you’re open to change, willing to adapt, and want a different perspective on life. Just don’t expect it to be a fairy tale — it’s still life, just with different pros and cons.
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24points
#22
Yes. Moved to Norway. Peaceful, the raw nature is quite beautiful. So much fresh air. Healthcare is really good. I just started my maternity leave which covers 100% my salary and I don't go back until January 2026. The tax is a bit but I think the government really puts it to good use. The pay isn't as big as in US but it's certainly comfortable enough for us to live an average middle class type of life. It's also safe to raise children here. I like that public transportation is really good.
I got lucky that my husband is Norwegian. When I first met him online in late 2006 I honestly didn't even know where Norway was. I only knew it was similar to Sweden 😂😅
The only things I miss in US are my family and few friends and some of the fastfoods and restaurants 😆 so I only would like to visit US but not live there.
I got lucky that my husband is Norwegian. When I first met him online in late 2006 I honestly didn't even know where Norway was. I only knew it was similar to Sweden 😂😅
The only things I miss in US are my family and few friends and some of the fastfoods and restaurants 😆 so I only would like to visit US but not live there.
23points
#23
Moved 8 years ago to the UK. Don't think I will ever move back. Life is generally better here, but I have a highly desirable skill for work here and make a good living too.
Overall it's great but there is a certain longing for home and family and friends that will bother most people. I miss my friends but I also just made new ones. You have to be willing to actually start over across the board if you want to succeed.
Overall it's great but there is a certain longing for home and family and friends that will bother most people. I miss my friends but I also just made new ones. You have to be willing to actually start over across the board if you want to succeed.
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22points
#24
Yes, yes and yes.
We left when I was 12.
My parents were able to afford private education for 4 kids + university, a 6 bedroom house, all while living in a bustling city with great public transport.
I currently work as a radiation oncologist in Santiago, Chile, with 0 school debt.
I don’t think I would be in such a great place (education and money wise) if they hadn’t left.
I have no plans to move back for now.
Great place to raise and educate a family.
We left when I was 12.
My parents were able to afford private education for 4 kids + university, a 6 bedroom house, all while living in a bustling city with great public transport.
I currently work as a radiation oncologist in Santiago, Chile, with 0 school debt.
I don’t think I would be in such a great place (education and money wise) if they hadn’t left.
I have no plans to move back for now.
Great place to raise and educate a family.
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22points
#25
US to Australia. It is worth it. I didn’t know it then but now I’m glad I didn’t have my family interrupted by all the the craziness that goes on with active shooter drills, women’s rights, and the Trump debacles.
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22points
#26
US to Portugal, definitely worth it and highly recommend.
Pros- relaxed atmosphere, friendly people, cost of living, work life balance, healthcare, great wine!
Cons- the bureaucracy is tedious and things happen easier if you’re well connected
I absolutely love my life! .
Pros- relaxed atmosphere, friendly people, cost of living, work life balance, healthcare, great wine!
Cons- the bureaucracy is tedious and things happen easier if you’re well connected
I absolutely love my life! .
21points
#27
From the US to China.
I make good money in a career that pays pennies in the US and I’m way more physically healthy.
On the other hand, healthcare can be a bit hit or miss and you’re never not a foreigner here.
For me, I like it. I’ve been here about eight years, have lost a ton of weight, gotten two masters, and gotten married out here. It works but it isn’t for everyone.
I make good money in a career that pays pennies in the US and I’m way more physically healthy.
On the other hand, healthcare can be a bit hit or miss and you’re never not a foreigner here.
For me, I like it. I’ve been here about eight years, have lost a ton of weight, gotten two masters, and gotten married out here. It works but it isn’t for everyone.
21points
#28
I found the American dream. Moving to Europe at 24 was the best thing I ever did. For nearly 20 years, I built a fulfilling life in Prague, Berlin, and Belgium, alongside strong connections in numerous other European cities (Brussels, London, Galway, Barcelona, Verviers, Liege, Faro, Budapest, Istanbul, Malta or the Balkans) and even further afield (Ao Nang, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Jordan, Mauritius).
The peace of mind that comes with parental leave, no healthcare costs, and my child's access to debt-free university is invaluable. Plus, guaranteed paid vacation makes life less stressful. I've found it far easier to have a comfortable middle-class existence abroad, a sentiment echoed by many American expats.
I really think many of us found a version of the American dream there. Immigrants creating families, maybe trading the picket fenced house for the reconstructed modern flats of Berlin or Prague.
Although I'm currently enjoying a temporary year back in the US, seeing new things and old favorites, I'm very much looking forward to returning to Europe in September to reconnect with friends and embrace a slower pace of life.
The possibility of future moves for new adventures is also exciting. While this US visit has been fun, long-term living here again is low on my list, unless it's a short-term exploration of a completely new and vibrant city. My heart and my family's future are in Europe, and if not there, then somewhere a bit more east.
The peace of mind that comes with parental leave, no healthcare costs, and my child's access to debt-free university is invaluable. Plus, guaranteed paid vacation makes life less stressful. I've found it far easier to have a comfortable middle-class existence abroad, a sentiment echoed by many American expats.
I really think many of us found a version of the American dream there. Immigrants creating families, maybe trading the picket fenced house for the reconstructed modern flats of Berlin or Prague.
Although I'm currently enjoying a temporary year back in the US, seeing new things and old favorites, I'm very much looking forward to returning to Europe in September to reconnect with friends and embrace a slower pace of life.
The possibility of future moves for new adventures is also exciting. While this US visit has been fun, long-term living here again is low on my list, unless it's a short-term exploration of a completely new and vibrant city. My heart and my family's future are in Europe, and if not there, then somewhere a bit more east.
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21points
#29
U.S. to Argentina.
I speak the language at a near native level and live in the interior. Once you get used to the idiosyncrasies inherit to Argentine culture (economic and social) it’s 100% recommended.
I used to miss home but that’s waned over the years and completely disappeared in the last few months.
I speak the language at a near native level and live in the interior. Once you get used to the idiosyncrasies inherit to Argentine culture (economic and social) it’s 100% recommended.
I used to miss home but that’s waned over the years and completely disappeared in the last few months.
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20points
#30
There are lots of pluses and minuses.
Also, just putting this out there, most people don't qualify for a visa. For most people, it isn't just filing some paperwork and paying fees. It's getting a decent education, or having marketable skills. You've also got to be healthy, and able to prove you won't be a burden on the new country. The average person just can't. If it weren't for some very specific circumstances, I wouldn't have been able to move.
That said, I did move to New Zealand as a person without a degree. I was low income in America, and I'm low income here.
The pluses would be:
A comprehensive culture and rule of law
Affordable healthcare that isn't tied to employment
Decent public transportation
Mince and cheese pie
The cons would be:
Everything is more expensive, and I make less money doing more work
Isolation. Flights away are expensive, and there isn't as much stuff to buy. Got a niche hobby? You're paying more, and have fewer options
Taco Bell here tastes like s**t.
Also, just putting this out there, most people don't qualify for a visa. For most people, it isn't just filing some paperwork and paying fees. It's getting a decent education, or having marketable skills. You've also got to be healthy, and able to prove you won't be a burden on the new country. The average person just can't. If it weren't for some very specific circumstances, I wouldn't have been able to move.
That said, I did move to New Zealand as a person without a degree. I was low income in America, and I'm low income here.
The pluses would be:
A comprehensive culture and rule of law
Affordable healthcare that isn't tied to employment
Decent public transportation
Mince and cheese pie
The cons would be:
Everything is more expensive, and I make less money doing more work
Isolation. Flights away are expensive, and there isn't as much stuff to buy. Got a niche hobby? You're paying more, and have fewer options
Taco Bell here tastes like s**t.
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17points