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A Talker Research survey of 2,000 American adults, conducted online from Wednesday, Feb. 7, to Saturday, Feb. 10, also found that 5 percent plan to relocate overseas in the next few years, while 2 percent have already started the process of moving abroad.
Where Americans Want To Go
The study revealed that more millennials (25 percent) than any other generation are interested in making an international move.
Geographically, Midwesterners (18 percent) are the most likely to consider leaving the US., compared to residents of the Southwest, West, Southeast, and Northeast (all at 16 percent).
For 44 percent of respondents, living in another country has always been a dream, and Canada (19 percent) is the top choice. The main reasons for its appeal include:
- High-quality healthcare (41 percent)
- Scenic landscapes with opportunities for exploration (28 percent)
- A strong work-life balance (21 percent)
Coming in second is Italy (11 percent), where the main draws include:
- Cuisine (68 percent)
- Culture and people (66 percent)
- Scenery and terrain (40 percent)
England (10 percent) ranks third, with respondents citing:
- Culture and way of life (66 percent)
- Rich history (49 percent)
- Landscape (25 percent)
- Top-notch healthcare (21 percent)
Other countries Americans are considering include:
- Australia (10 percent)
- Ireland (8 percent)
- France (6 percent)
- Switzerland (5 percent)
- Costa Rica (5 percent)
- Scotland (4 percent)
- Germany (4 percent)
The study explored the reasons behind this shift and found growing financial concerns and dissatisfaction with quality of life in the US.
“Many professionals, especially younger generations, are questioning whether the traditional ‘American Dream’ is still attainable,” said Max Shak, founder and chief executive officer of Zapiy. “Skyrocketing housing costs, student debt, and healthcare expenses have made it harder for people to feel financially secure in the US.
“In contrast, many countries offer more affordable living, universal healthcare, and better work-life balance, making the idea of relocating incredibly appealing. Ultimately, this openness to moving abroad reflects a larger shift—people are prioritizing quality of life over traditional career paths and seeking environments that better align with their personal and financial well-being.”
The survey found that:
- 69 percent are worried about the direction of the country.
- 65 percent believe American society has become toxic.
- 54 percent say the U.S. is no longer affordable.
- 55 percent feel the wealth gap limits their opportunities.
- 57 percent believe work-life balance in America is substandard.
- 65 percent think the healthcare system is broken.
- 66 percent say the education system is failing.
- 39 percent feel they could improve their finances and quality of life abroad.
- 40 percent say life in the U.S. is no longer enjoyable or preferable.
A Generational Shift In Priorities
Licensed marriage and family therapist Clint Kreider believes younger generations are driving this trend due to growing skepticism about the stability of life in the US.
“Raised in the shadow of the 2008 recession and pandemic-era instability, they’ve inherited skepticism toward traditional pathways to stability,” Kreider said. “Social media amplifies this by showcasing alternatives—countries with robust safety nets, affordable education, or mandated vacation time.
“In my therapy practice, I’ve witnessed clients grappling with what I call ‘invisible attrition’: a sense that no matter how hard they work, systemic barriers—skyrocketing healthcare costs, stagnant wages, and unrelenting hustle culture—erode their ability to thrive.”
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