Where Are Americans Moving in 2025?
Something is shifting in 2025.
More and more Americans are trading in the familiar for the foreign—leaving behind the high cost of living, political polarization, and burnout of modern life in search of something different: affordability, adventure, balance, or simply a better quality of life.
Whether it’s a retiree heading to Portugal, a young professional working remotely from Spain, or a family relocating to Mexico for more space and less stress—Americans are moving abroad in greater numbers than ever before.
But the question remains: Where are they going—and why?
At SDC International Shipping, we’ve helped thousands of individuals and families make the leap from the U.S. to countries across the globe. And we’re seeing clear trends emerge—some driven by lifestyle, others by policy, affordability, or opportunity.
In this guide, we’ll explore the most popular destinations for American expats in 2025, what’s driving the trend, and how SDC makes the international relocation process smooth, stress-free, and even inspiring.
Whether you’re already planning a move or simply exploring the idea, this article will help you get clarity, avoid common mistakes, and understand what’s really possible when you take your life global.
The Most Popular Countries for American Expats in 2025
From sunny coastlines to vibrant European cities, the list of countries welcoming American expats in 2025 is growing—and so is the range of reasons people are making the leap. Some are chasing adventure. Others are seeking peace. And many are simply looking to stretch their dollars further in retirement or remote work life.
Here are the top destinations drawing Americans overseas this year—and why they’re leading the pack.
🇵🇹 Portugal: Europe’s Expat Capital
Portugal continues to top global rankings for American expats—and it’s easy to see why. With a low cost of living, modern healthcare, and an English-friendly environment, Portugal checks nearly every box for retirees, digital nomads, and families alike.
Lisbon and Porto offer a cosmopolitan European lifestyle, while the Algarve region delivers sunshine, affordability, and community. Plus, Portugal’s D7 visa and digital nomad visa make long-term stays easier than ever.
🇪🇸 Spain: Culture, Climate, and Cost of Living
Spain is emerging as a digital nomad hotspot in 2025 thanks to its relaxed lifestyle, new visa programs, and thriving expat communities in cities like Valencia, Madrid, and Barcelona.
Americans are drawn to the balance of culture, food, beaches, and affordability—especially when compared to the rising cost of U.S. coastal cities.
🇲🇽 Mexico: Close, Comfortable, and Community-Oriented
Mexico remains a perennial favorite for American expats—and it’s not just retirees anymore. With strong remote work infrastructure, flexible residency paths, and well-established expat communities, Mexico appeals to a wide range of movers.
Popular cities include San Miguel de Allende, Mexico City, Mérida, and the Riviera Maya region. Plus, proximity to the U.S. makes visits and returns simple.
🇨🇷 Costa Rica: Pura Vida Living
Costa Rica continues to attract Americans with its natural beauty, political stability, and emphasis on sustainable living. It’s a top choice for nature lovers and those seeking a slower pace of life. The new “Rentista” and “Investor” visas are opening even more doors in 2025.
🇨🇦 Canada: A Familiar Option for a Fresh Start
For those not quite ready to leave North America, Canada offers healthcare, safety, beautiful cities like Vancouver and Toronto, and relatively seamless cultural transition. It’s a top destination for families and professionals relocating for work.
🌍 Honorable Mentions:
- France – Ideal for culture-seekers, retirees, and artists
- Germany – For professionals and those looking for structure and stability
- Thailand – For adventurous digital nomads and early retirees
- Italy – For those seeking beauty, food, and a slower rhythm
What’s Driving the Global Move? 6 Reasons Americans Are Saying Goodbye to the U.S.
It’s not just wanderlust. In 2025, Americans are moving abroad for real, grounded reasons—many of which have been building for years.
From soaring living costs to the growing accessibility of remote work, a perfect storm of economic, cultural, and lifestyle shifts has pushed more people to finally ask, “Why not somewhere else?”
Here are the six key reasons behind this growing migration:
1. Cost of Living Relief
With U.S. inflation still affecting everything from housing to healthcare, many Americans are looking to countries where their dollar stretches further. In places like Mexico, Portugal, and Thailand, it’s possible to live well on half—or even a third—of what it costs in many U.S. cities.
2. Work-from-Anywhere Freedom
Remote work is no longer a trend—it’s a standard. And in 2025, many employers have embraced hybrid or fully remote models. That means professionals can now live where they thrive, not just where the job is. Countries with digital nomad visas—like Spain, Portugal, and Costa Rica—are rolling out the welcome mat.
3. Retirement Reimagined
For older Americans, retirement abroad isn’t just a dream—it’s practical. Affordable healthcare, community, and quality of life are easier to find outside the U.S. Popular retirement havens like Mexico and Portugal are growing thanks to friendly residency policies and low medical costs.
4. A Desire for Simpler Living
Many Americans are simply seeking a different pace. Life abroad can mean less screen time, more walkability, better work-life balance, and richer human connection. This is especially true for young families or professionals burned out by hustle culture.
5. Political & Cultural Frustration
From divisive politics to social polarization, some are opting out of the chaos altogether. Moving abroad offers a chance to hit reset—mentally, emotionally, and culturally.
6. Climate and Environment
More people are factoring in sustainability, green space, and lifestyle climate preferences. Countries with walkable cities, better public transit, and natural beauty are winning favor with expats of all ages.
The bottom line? Americans want more. And more of them are realizing that “more” might be waiting outside U.S. borders.
How SDC Helps Americans Relocate Abroad Without the Stress
Relocating internationally isn’t just exciting—it’s complicated. From choosing the right freight option to navigating customs paperwork and protecting your belongings, there are a lot of moving parts… and a lot of places things can go wrong.
That’s why so many Americans moving abroad in 2025 are turning to SDC International Shipping—because we know what’s at stake, and we’ve built our entire process to make overseas relocation smooth, secure, and fully supported from start to finish.
Here’s what sets us apart:
Expert Planning from Day One
Your journey begins with a free consultation and a tailored plan. We don’t just ask “where are you going?”—we ask what matters most to you. Your timeline. Your budget. Your priorities. Then we build your move around that.
Packing and Inventory Services You Can Trust
Our packing professionals use internationally approved materials and methods to prepare your belongings for long-distance travel. We’ll create detailed inventories for customs clearance, and ensure your goods are protected every step of the way.
Customs Made Simple
From visa-based exemptions to detailed forms and documentation, we handle the red tape so you don’t have to. Our experts have helped clients relocate to Portugal, Spain, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, and dozens of other destinations. We know the regulations—and we know how to get your shipment cleared fast.
Explore our customs regulations guide
Sea or Air Freight—You Choose
Depending on your timeline and volume, we’ll help you decide between air freight for speed, or ocean freight for affordability. Learn more about your freight options here.
Insurance and Storage That Works for You
We offer comprehensive international moving insurance and secure storage solutions in both the U.S. and abroad. That means you’re protected—and flexible—no matter what comes up.
True Door-to-Door Service
We handle your move from your U.S. doorstep to your destination home. That includes pickup, shipping, customs clearance, final delivery, and even unpacking. You never have to wonder where your items are, or who’s handling them. We’ve got you covered, coast to coast, and continent to continent.
No confusion. No guesswork. Just a team of seasoned pros helping you move into your next chapter—confidently and clearly.
The Right Move Can Change Your Life. The Wrong One Can Ruin It.
A successful international move doesn’t just happen—it’s planned, protected, and executed with experience. And when you’re moving your entire life across borders, how you do it matters just as much as where you go.
At SDC International Shipping, we’ve seen both sides of the story.
We’ve helped families arrive at their new homes with peace of mind, their belongings delivered safely, their documents in order, and their next chapter already unfolding.
We’ve also taken on last-minute rescue missions—calls from Americans stranded in Mexico or Portugal because their shipments were stuck in customs, lost in transit, or damaged beyond repair. In every case, the mistake was the same: trying to navigate a global relocation alone or choosing the wrong moving partner.
You deserve better.
With SDC, you’re not just shipping household goods—you’re making a life-changing move with confidence. You’ll know what to expect, who’s handling your items, and how to reach us every step of the way.
✅ Choose Success
- A guided, step-by-step moving plan
- Professionally packed belongings that arrive safely
- No customs delays or surprise fees
- Full insurance and support options
- A team that cares about your future—not just your freight
❌ Avoid Failure
- Incomplete paperwork that triggers port delays
- Mispacked or uninsured items damaged in transit
- No real-time updates or contact person
- Unexpected costs, stress, and confusion
- Starting your new life overwhelmed, not optimistic
You’re ready to live differently. Let SDC help you get there—the right way.
👉 Request your international moving quote now
👉 Or call to speak with a relocation expert at 877-339-0267
