More Americans want to leave the country and live overseas. Many say cost of living is the top reason why

Almost half of Americans have considered or plan to move abroad to improve their happiness, according to a Harris poll published today.

Specifically, the poll found that four in 10 Americans have at least thought about leaving the country within the next few years. And among Gen Z and millennials, almost one in five respondents reported “seriously considering” an imminent move.

The results show that Americans are becoming increasingly disillusioned with the “American Dream” as the cost of essentials like rent, healthcare, and education continues to rise. 

Here are three main takeaways from the poll:

Home ownership and cost of living are top of mind

Per the new poll, 68% of Americans are in agreement about two key statements: “These days I feel like I am surviving instead of thriving,” and “Homeownership is no longer attainable for most American citizens.”

Of those who said that they’d consider moving out of the U.S., 49% reported cost of living as their primary consideration. Dissatisfaction with the current political leadership ranked as the second highest concern.

Sentiments around cost of living revealed in this poll are backed up by several recent reports.

In early February, an update from the Labor Department showed that the consumer price index—an inflation barometer that considers essential costs like gas, groceries, and cars—was up 3.3% year-over-year, compared to the previous January.

For the past six months, inflation rates have hovered above the Fed’s 2% target. Meanwhile, Zillow’s most recent Home Value Index found that, “As elevated mortgage rates dampen demand for home purchases, many potential buyers are staying renters for longer,” predicting a 3.7% rise in single-family rents for 2025.  

The current economic reality can be even more disheartening for families: Based on a recent analysis by the National Women’s Law Center, the average family would need to earn at least $180,000 annually in 2025 to comfortably afford the national cost of infant care.

Who is more likely to be eyeing the exit?

According to the new Harris Poll, these converging economic factors are more likely to push away younger, non-white, and LGBTQ+ Americans. 

While only 25% of Gen X and 26% of baby boomers said they’d considered moving abroad, 63% of Gen Zers and 52% of millennials said the same, respectively. Additionally, LGBTQIA+, Hispanic, and Black respondents were all more likely to consider moving.

Dual citizenship is attractive for young Americans

Younger Americans also expressed a greater desire than their older counterparts to obtain dual citizenship, with 66% of Gen Zers and millennials affirming that they were at least somewhat interested in pursuing it for travel freedom, economic opportunities, and better access to public services.

The top 10 countries that Americans would consider moving to, in order, are as follows:

1. Canada
2. The U.K.
3. Australia
4. France
5. Italy
6. Japan
7. Mexico
8. Spain
9. Germany
10. New Zealand

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