Why Do Americans Move So Much More Than Europeans?

*Updated on 4/25/2025
There is much to say about Europe’s beauty and charm, which makes a good reason for its residents to travel and possibly relocate every once in a while. In comparison with Europe, residents in the USA tend to move much more frequently, and in fact, many decades of data paint a clear picture of no less than a phenomenon.

What’s on this page?

As statistics show, about a quarter of the USA’s residents reported moving within the country over the past five years. Some American residents also reported moving from USA to Europe, for work or even for a cultural refreshment. In Europe, it is reported that less than a quarter of most countries moved within the past five years.

Table of Contents

Americans Around the World

The tendency and frequency of relocating by American residents are not confined to long-distance and international relocation. The U.S. Census Bureau reported that the average American resident relocates more than 11 times within their lifetime. According to a survey conducted across 16 European countries by a real estate company, the average European resident moves roughly four times in their lifetime.

The main reason for the massive tendency to relocate so often is mostly related to work requirements. Aside from that, it might be for love or other family reasons. Based on a post published on the blog of the New York Fed, it is noted that between 1998 and 2013, a little more than half of the interstate migrants said they moved for employment-related reasons. This is also an important reason for moving from the USA to Europe.

How Can This Phenomenon Be Explained?

You could say that this is an immigrant tendency rooted in American culture, and it is also part of Americans’ fixation on their work. The United States is a vast country compared to most European countries, and the universally spoken English language makes a move easier. Moving from the USA to Europe, however, often requires learning at least the basics of a new language.

In contrast with the fact that Americans constantly remain mobile, it is noted by the New York Fed that United States workers are relocating a little less than they used to. According to collected data, decades ago in the 1980s, three percent of working-age American residents relocated to different states every year. By 2010, that figure had been reduced by half.

GET A FREE QUOTE FOR INTERNATIONAL MOVING

Why Is There A Decline in Relocation Recently?

The decline in relocation among American residents has persisted into 2025, driven by a combination of economic, social, and workplace factors. While the Great Recession (2007–2009) initially contributed to reduced mobility by tightening finances and limiting job opportunities, its impact has waned. Instead, more recent economic pressures, evolving workplace dynamics, and demographic shifts are shaping relocation trends.

One significant factor is the aging of the American workforce. Older workers, particularly those nearing retirement, are less likely to relocate due to established community ties, homeownership, and a preference for stability. In 2023, the U.S. Census Bureau noted that return-home moves for those aged 65 and older increased, suggesting a preference for staying in or returning to familiar places rather than relocating for new opportunities.

The rise of two-income households continues to play a role. Coordinating a move for two careers is logistically complex, as both partners may face challenges finding suitable employment in a new location. This is compounded by time constraints, as dual earners often lack the bandwidth to manage the demands of a major relocation.

Workplace culture has also transformed significantly since 2021. The widespread adoption of remote and hybrid work models, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has reduced the need to relocate for jobs. Many employees now have the flexibility to work from anywhere, diminishing the incentive to move for career advancement. According to a 2024 report by North American Van Lines, while some workers are returning to offices or adopting hybrid schedules, the ability to work remotely continues to drive moves to more affordable, family-friendly suburbs or mid-sized cities rather than cross-country relocations.

Economic factors further deter relocation. High housing costs, persistent inflation, and stagnant wage growth make moving less financially viable for many. In 2023, home affordability reached historic lows, with mortgage interest rates hitting their highest levels since 2022, according to HireAHelper’s 2023-2024 Migration Report. The “lock-in effect” also plays a role: homeowners with low mortgage rates from prior years are reluctant to sell and buy at higher rates, reducing overall mobility. Additionally, rising costs of living in desirable urban centers, coupled with high taxes in states like California and New Jersey, have pushed residents to seek more affordable regions, but these moves are often shorter distances or within the same state.

Finally, a cultural shift toward prioritizing quality of life over career-driven relocation has emerged. Many Americans are choosing to stay put or move closer to family, driven by personal rather than professional motivations. In 2023, HireAHelper’s customer survey found that nearly 30% of movers cited “moving in with family” or “being closer to family” as their primary reasons, surpassing job-related moves. Climate concerns, such as wildfires, hurricanes, and extreme weather, also influence decisions, with some avoiding high-risk areas altogether.

In summary, the decline in relocation reflects a complex interplay of economic constraints, flexible work arrangements, demographic trends, and shifting priorities. As these factors evolve, relocation services must adapt to meet the needs of a less mobile population seeking affordability, stability, and personal fulfillment.

It Is Also A Cultural Issue

Beyond work and family obligations, cultural aspirations continue to drive some Americans to relocate from the USA to Europe. Many individuals, couples, and families are drawn to Europe for a change of pace, seeking a lifestyle that feels slower, more community-oriented, or culturally enriching. European cities, with their historic charm, walkable streets, and vibrant café cultures, offer a distinct contrast to the often fast-paced, car-centric lifestyle of many American suburbs and cities. In 2023, a survey by International Van Lines highlighted that Americans moving to countries like Portugal, Italy, and Spain frequently cited “quality of life” and “cultural immersion” as top motivations, with Portugal’s affordable cost of living and relaxed vibe making it a particularly popular destination.

The appeal of Europe is further amplified by practical factors. Post-Brexit, some Americans have turned to countries like Ireland and Malta, which offer favorable visa programs, such as Ireland’s Immigrant Investor Programme or Malta’s digital nomad visa, to establish residency. The rise of remote work has also enabled more Americans to relocate without needing local employment, allowing them to prioritize lifestyle over career constraints. However, challenges like high taxes and bureaucratic hurdles in some European nations can deter long-term stays, leading some to opt for shorter-term relocations or seasonal residencies.

Conversely, Europeans continue to move to the USA, chasing opportunities and the allure of the “American dream.” While job-related relocations remain a key driver—particularly in tech hubs like San Francisco, Seattle, and Austin—cultural motivations also play a role. Some Europeans are drawn to the USA’s entrepreneurial spirit, seeking to launch startups or break into industries like entertainment, particularly in Los Angeles. In 2024, Allied Van Lines reported that the UK, Germany, and France were among the top European countries sending migrants to the USA, with many citing career flexibility and the chance to experience America’s diverse landscapes and cultures. The USA’s vast open spaces, national parks, and regional diversity—from urban metropolises to rural heartlands—offer a unique appeal compared to Europe’s more compact geography.

Cultural exchange flows both ways, but the motivations have evolved. For Americans, Europe represents a chance to embrace a slower, more intentional lifestyle, while Europeans are often attracted to the USA’s dynamism and opportunity. Social media platforms like X have amplified these desires, showcasing idyllic European villages or bustling American cities, inspiring moves driven by personal fulfillment rather than necessity. However, economic realities—such as the strong U.S. dollar in 2023–2024 making Europe more affordable for Americans, or high U.S. living costs deterring some Europeans—shape the feasibility of these cultural relocations.

How to Go Through an International Relocation

If you are included in this group of people who want to relocate to a new country, you must make a to-do list before beginning the process. First, sort out your finance, research and learn about living costs in your destination country, and prepare accordingly. Once you have consulted with your bank about the best way to keep easy access to your money from your new home, apply for a visa to your country of choice.

If you are an American who is moving from the USA to Europe, you’ll need to make sure your driver’s license can be accepted where you are moving to and handle all needed paperwork. In addition, this will be a good time to check that your personal documents are up to date as well as your credit cards.

Moving from the USA to Europe

Once you handle all personal issues, you need to find a reliable international moving company. Usually, international moving companies offer two methods of shipping for the entirety of your belongings. The First and more expensive method is shipping by air, where the shipment takes only a few days of travel. The second and more budget-friendly method is shipping by sea, which can take longer than a few days, depending on the ship’s route.

Either way, make sure to choose someone you trust and enjoy the ride!

Your friends from high school have drifted off to the east coast or another country. There are so many reasons Americans move, some bad and some good. Some move on a whim. The best part of moving is you can always go back home!

Read More: 10 Best Countries to Move to in Europe ( for Americans )

Top 5 Reasons Americans Move

Here you have some of the biggest reasons Americans move so much:

Family Grows So Fast

The top reason families and individuals leave to purchase a better home. As a family grows, sometimes it’s just easier to upgrade and make a larger investment. In some instances, it becomes difficult to pay for a house, so people seek other opportunities, whether it’s renting or buying something smaller.

Goodbye Relationship!

Divorce rates are high, but that doesn’t mean everyone is breaking up. For those that are ending their relationship, moving can help heal the heart. Being in the same apartment or neighborhood can remind you of your lost love. Starting fresh will bring a new perspective to your situation. A lot of people will leave for self-discovery or to forget their past.

Family First

Blood is thicker than water, they always say. Sometimes, however, issues arise. Problems do arise in every family, but sometimes it can be a bit overwhelming. This can lead to people moving to get away and get some breathing room. Other times, family life is going great, but the neighborhood may not work out, so families move elsewhere.

Relocating For Work

There’s no better feeling than attaining your dream job. Now that many companies are outsourcing or building overseas getting transferred is quite common. Many young adults jump at the opportunity to explore a new culture abroad. Landing the dream job is such a success, so moving is a no-brainer.

Traffic is a Nightmare

Anyone living in Los Angeles knows that traffic is horrendous. This is one of the major reasons why people end up moving. Commuting 2 hours each way to a job is a complete nightmare. When people invest years into a job but suffer an exhausting commute, it’s time to move. Life becomes so much better when you have a shorter commute to work. The entire day is not wasted, and you can enjoy the fresh air.

When you are ready to move, contact SDC International Shipping for a variety of shipping options. We are licensed, bonded, and insured. Our staff can move you anywhere in the U.S. or around the globe. Call us today for a free estimate!

GET A FREE QUOTE FOR INTERNATIONAL MOVING

Rate this post

International Moving From USA to Any Destination

Fill out the form for your free quote