Americans Are Leaving the U.S. in Record Numbers. Here's What's Driving the Trend

Places like Portugal, Ireland, Thailand and Bali are becoming increasingly popular permanent destinations

NEED TO KNOW

• More Americans left the U.S. than moved in during 2025 — a trend not seen since 1935
• Rising costs, remote work, and lifestyle changes are driving Americans to countries such as Portugal, Thailand, and Ireland
• Experts say the trend spans diverse demographics and could significantly impact the U.S. population in the coming years

A growing number of Americans are choosing to leave the United States and build new lives abroad — and the trend is happening at levels not seen in decades.

In 2025, the United States experienced a rare period of negative net migration, meaning more Americans left the country than moved in — something which hasn’t happened since 1935, according to a recent Wall Street Journal report. 

While exact figures are difficult to track, estimates suggest at least 180,000 U.S. citizens relocated overseas last year, and the true number is likely higher. 

Experts say this rise is due to a mix of economic pressures and lifestyle changes that have made moving abroad more appealing and accessible for many Americans.

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For some people, the decision is largely financial, per the WSJ. Rising housing costs and everyday expenses, like food and healthcare, in many parts of the United States have pushed some Americans to look for outside options. Places like Portugal, Ireland, Thailand and Bali become particularly popular destinations.

The growth of digital and remote work has also played a major role in the increase in emigration, according to the outlet. Many Americans can now keep their U.S.-based jobs and salaries while living in countries with lower overall costs of living, meaning their U.S. dollar stretches further. 

However, financial considerations are only part of the picture for some. A number of Americans say they are seeking a different pace of life or stronger social safety nets, while others say they feel safer and less stressed living abroad, according to the WSJ. 

“You don’t face the prospect of your 5-year-old going into a kindergarten and doing an active shooter drill,” one American ex-pat who now lives in Berlin said while speaking to the outlet. 

“The wages are higher in the U.S. but the quality of life is higher in Europe,” he added.

Although Americans moving abroad for work or education isn’t new, researchers say the current increase stands out because it includes a broader range of people and motivations than in the past. Those who moved abroad ranged from a variety of different demographics, from retirees, to students, to families with children.

Experts note that tracking the exact number of Americans who leave the country remains challenging because the United States does not maintain a comprehensive system for counting citizens who move abroad, per the WSJ. Instead, estimates rely on data from foreign governments and visa records. 

This means the true number of Americans living overseas may be significantly higher than official figures suggest, according to the outlet.

Demographers additionally noted that the upswing in people leaving the U.S. by choice, combined with the Trump administration’s strict deportation and immigration policies, could have a significant impact on the U.S. population in the coming years, per a January 2026 report from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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