Top Reasons Californians Are Choosing to Move Overseas this Year
California has always been a place where dreams are born.
Golden beaches, vibrant cities, a melting pot of cultures — it’s long been a magnet for innovators, adventurers, and dreamers.
But in today’s fast-changing world, many Californians are asking a new question:
“What if the dream is waiting somewhere else?”
Across San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and beyond, more and more Californians are choosing to take their talents, families, and ambitions overseas — seeking new opportunities, lower costs of living, and a different kind of lifestyle.
At SDC International Shipping, we’ve seen this trend firsthand. Every year, more of our neighbors are trusting us to guide their move — not just to a new home, but to a new chapter of their lives.
If you’ve been thinking about moving abroad, you’re not alone — and you’re definitely not without a guide.
Skyrocketing Cost of Living
One of the biggest reasons Californians are looking abroad?
The cost of living at home is simply unsustainable for many families, young professionals, and retirees.
Housing Costs:
Home prices and rent in major California cities have continued to climb, making homeownership a distant dream for many. By contrast, countries like Portugal, Mexico, and Spain offer affordable housing options — sometimes at a fraction of the price.
Healthcare Costs:
Even with insurance, healthcare expenses in the U.S. continue to rise. Meanwhile, many countries abroad offer high-quality healthcare at far lower costs — with options for both public and private healthcare systems.
Everyday Expenses:
From groceries to utilities to transportation, daily life abroad can be significantly more affordable. Your dollar often stretches much further, allowing for a better lifestyle, more travel, and greater financial freedom.
Pro Tip: If you’re looking to stretch your retirement savings or build a better quality of life for your family, exploring international options could be one of the smartest moves you make.
And when you’re ready, SDC International Shipping will be there to move your household safely, securely, and stress-free.
Remote Work and Global Job Opportunities
One of the biggest game-changers in recent years?
The freedom to work from anywhere.
Thanks to widespread adoption of remote work, Californians are no longer tied to expensive ZIP codes just to chase career opportunities. More companies are offering fully remote positions, freelance contracts, or hybrid setups that make living abroad not only possible — but practical.
Countries around the world are embracing this shift, rolling out special visas and incentives designed to attract remote workers, digital nomads, and entrepreneurs.
Examples include:
- Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa: Offering long-term residency to remote workers.
- Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa: Opened new pathways to live and work legally.
- Costa Rica’s Rentista Visa: Perfect for self-employed professionals and freelancers.
Imagine this:
Logging into your morning Zoom meeting from a balcony in Lisbon, a beachfront café in Playa del Carmen, or a sunny coworking space in Barcelona — all while enjoying a lower cost of living and a higher quality of life.
At SDC International Shipping, we specialize in helping remote workers and families relocate with minimal disruption — managing everything from packing services to customs clearance paperwork.
When your office can be anywhere, the world truly opens up.
Quality of Life Abroad
If there’s one thing Californians value, it’s quality of life:
Time outdoors, strong communities, and meaningful work-life balance. But for many, the rising pressures at home — cost of living, stress, and overcrowding — are making it harder to find that balance.
Moving abroad can change that.
What expats often find overseas:
- A Slower, Healthier Pace: Many international cities emphasize longer lunches, shorter workweeks, and a deeper appreciation for leisure and family.
- Community Connection: Smaller communities abroad often foster tighter social networks, local traditions, and greater overall well-being.
- Outdoor Living: Whether it’s the beaches of Portugal, the hiking trails of New Zealand, or the piazzas of Italy, daily life abroad often encourages more time outdoors and less time in traffic.
True quality of life isn’t just about where you live — it’s about how you live.
And when you’re ready to make that shift, SDC International Shipping is here to help, offering secure household moving services and storage solutions to ensure your transition is as smooth as possible.
Favorable Immigration Programs
Not long ago, moving abroad could feel complicated — mountains of paperwork, long visa wait times, unclear paths to residency.
Today, things are different.
Across Europe, Latin America, Asia, and beyond, countries are actively competing to attract new residents. Many have introduced favorable immigration programs that make it easier than ever for Californians to settle abroad legally and securely.
Examples of friendly immigration pathways:
- Portugal’s Golden Visa and D7 Visa: Great for retirees, remote workers, and investors.
- Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa: Perfect for individuals with independent income streams.
- Mexico’s Temporary Resident Visa: Allows Americans to live south of the border for up to four years.
- Australia’s Skilled Worker Program: Offers visas to professionals with in-demand careers.
Pro Tip:
Before you move, research your destination’s visa options carefully — and make sure your paperwork is in order. Need help navigating the logistics of international shipping? That’s where we come in.
SDC International Shipping doesn’t handle immigration paperwork directly, but we make everything else easy — from packing your household goods to completing customs paperwork.
With the right visa and the right moving partner, your global transition can be smooth, secure, and exciting.
How SDC International Shipping Makes Moving Abroad Easy
We get it — moving across the ocean feels overwhelming at first.
It’s not just logistics. It’s your memories, your heirlooms, your life packed carefully into boxes heading toward a new beginning.
That’s why we approach every move with a simple promise:
Take care of everything — so you can focus on what matters.
Here’s how we make international moving easy:
- Personalized Moving Plans:
We build custom timelines, quotes, and moving plans that fit your life and your needs — not a one-size-fits-all model. - Expert Packing and Shipping:
Our professional packing services use internationally approved materials and detailed inventories to protect your belongings. - Clear, Honest Pricing:
No surprise fees, no hidden charges. Compare our international moving quotes and see the difference. - Customs and Delivery:
We handle all customs clearance paperwork and final mile delivery to your new home overseas. - Insurance and Storage Options:
We offer international moving insurance for full peace of mind, and secure storage solutions if you need extra flexibility.
Bottom Line:
You focus on building your new life abroad — and we’ll focus on making sure your belongings get there safely, securely, and stress-free.
When you choose SDC International Shipping, you’re not just choosing a mover.
You’re choosing a partner who believes your journey deserves expert care from start to finish.
Conclusion: Start Your Global Journey with SDC
The world is wide open — and for more and more Californians, the next chapter isn’t here at home, but somewhere across the ocean, across a border, or across the horizon.
Whether you’re seeking a lower cost of living, a new career opportunity, a better work-life balance, or simply a fresh start, moving abroad can be one of the most exciting and empowering decisions you’ll ever make.
At SDC International Shipping, we don’t just move boxes — we move futures.
We treat your move with the same care and attention we’d want for our own families.
From your first conversation with us to the final delivery at your new home, we’re here to guide you, protect your belongings, and make your transition as easy and exciting as it should be.
🌍 Ready to take the first step?
👉 Request your free international moving quote with SDC International Shipping today — and let’s start building your future, wherever in the world you want to call home.
