Buzz around the subject of expatriation from the United States has grown louder in the light of controversial decisions from President Donald Trump and his administration.
Expatriating, or leaving your native land to live and work in another country, often becomes more appealing following an election. This leaves the question, however, of where on Earth to go.
Previously, the Citizen Times covered countries that will pay U.S. citizens to relocate. Now, let’s look at which countries American expatriates are choosing – and why.
Here’s what we know.
More: Considering leaving the US? These European towns will pay you to relocate
Where do Americans move?
WorldPopulationReview.com published a list of the most common destinations of Americans who expatriated in 2024. The full list of 10 countries:
So, why these countries in particular? Here’s what we know about 2024’s top three, and why Americans might choose these locations.
How to move to Mexico
Mexico welcomed 26.55% of 2024’s U.S. expats, a total of 799,248.
As an immediate neighbor to the U.S., it’s probably no surprise that Mexico tops the list, beating out Canada with more than twice the amount of movers.
The International Citizens Group explains that American citizens can stay in Mexico for up to 90 days without a visa, or 180 days with a tourist visa. Mexico offers several types of residency visas, each with unique requirements and paperwork.
Applying for a temporary residency visa, which allows you to live in Mexico for more than 180 days and up to four years, is usually the first step. To qualify for Mexican citizenship, U.S. residents must reside in Mexico on a temporary or permanent resident visa for five years to qualify for naturalization, with some exceptions.
San Miguel de Allende in Guanajuato.
Is Mexico safe? Cost of living in Mexico, where to live, more
Cost of living: According to research from the ICG, the cost of living in urban Mexico is about 60% less than in major U.S. cities. ICG data shows that a single person spends approximately $889 per month on rent, food, and essentials in Mexico, compared to $2,454 in the U.S.
Safety level: Mexico is ranked 138 out of the 163 countries on the 2024 Global Peace Index.
Where to live: ICG suggests Mexico City, Merida and Guadalajara for U.S. expats.
More: Is Trump ending taxes on overtime, tips? What to know about Feb. 25 budget resolution
How to move to Canada
Canada welcomed 9.08% of 2024’s U.S. expats, a total of 273,226.
Like in the case of Mexico, Canada is an immediate neighbor to the U.S., so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that it’s a popular choice for former U.S. citizens.
There are many residency options listed on Canada’s “Immigrate to Canada” website including immigrating as a skilled worker; by providing care for children, the elderly or those with medical needs; through sponsorship by a family member with citizenship in Canada and more.
Canada no longer offers a temporary resident to permanent resident pathway.
A 2015 view of the Toronto skyline.
Is Canada safe? Cost of living in Canada, where to live, more
Cost of living: The cost of living in Canada varies widely. According to Taxes For Expats, it is generally about 10% more expensive than in the U.S. Housing costs in major cities like Toronto and Vancouver remain high, with the average home prices exceeding 750,000 CAD ($529,400 U.S. dollars). Health care costs are generally lower, however, due to Canada’s public health care system.
Safety level: Canada is ranked 11 out of the 163 countries on the 2024 Global Peace Index.
Where to live: Taxes For Expats suggested Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal as some options for American expats.
How to move to the UK
The United Kingdom welcomed 5.67% of 2024’s U.S. expats, a total of 170,771.
American citizens moving from the U.S. to the UK can travel, work and live for up to six months at a time – but if you want to work, you will have to find a work visa. As for the long term, expats who plan on staying in the UK beyond the standard five years associated with a Skilled Workers visa can apply for Indefinite Leave To Remain. The application is available to those with valid visas who have been living and working in the UK for five years.
Anyone considering moving to the UK should remember that guidelines for living and working in the UK vary between its different countries.
Liverpool in northwest England.
Is UK safe? Cost of living in UK, where to live, more
Cost of living: The ICG warns that housing costs in the UK are high, with the average resident spending about 40% of their income on housing. However, there are many small cities, towns, and villages across the UK that are affordable.
Other costs, including groceries, transportation and entertainment can vary widely. The ICG provided a few examples: “Expect that staples like rice, oranges, tomatoes, onions, and bananas will cost less than 2 GBP a kilogram. Single-use transportation tickets generally come in at 2 to 4 GBP a ride. Cinema tickets average out at 10 GBP but can range from 5 to 15 GBP depending on the style of theatre and its location.”
Safety level: The UK is ranked 34 out of the 163 countries on the 2024 Global Peace Index.
Where to live: Edinburgh, Birmingham and Glasgow were at the top of the ICG’s list of suggestions. However, as it is comprised of four separate countries, it’s worth doing plenty of your own research.
More: Economic blackout: Friday boycott in NC, US targets corporations, protests Trump policies
Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: What country are most US citizens moving to? Where to go to get out
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(758x346:760x348)/Valerie-Bertinelli-drew-barrymore-show-022825-962f64a1acfd4ea78a3dd7366eb61846.jpg "‘Maybe My Traumas Got in the Way’")
