Americans Leaving the US in 2026: Top Destinations

In 2025, the United States recorded more people leaving than arriving for the first time since 1935. That's not a political talking point — it's a demographic milestone calculated by the Brookings Institution. An estimated 150,000 Americans relocated overseas in 2025, and 2026 is on track to exceed that number. If you're seriously considering joining them, here's what the data actually shows — and where people like you are landing.

No single crisis is pushing people out. It's a convergence of pressures that have been building for years and finally crossed a threshold for millions of Americans. **Cost of living.** US housing costs have risen roughly 47% since 2020. Healthcare is the defining issue for many — one American who moved to France reported her $36,000-per-year asthma medication dropped to $3,000. That kind of arithmetic changes the calculus fast. **Political and cultural climate.** Relocation coaches report a significant uptick in clients citing political uncertainty as a primary factor — not just discomfort, but genuine concern about long-term stability. British citizenship applications from US nationals hit a record 8,790 in 2025 — 42% above the previous high set just the year before. **Remote work made it structurally possible.** When your income doesn't require physical presence in the US, the cost premium of staying becomes optional. Over 30 countries now offer dedicated digital nomad or remote worker visas, removing the biggest practical barrier that held previous generations back. **Dollar-to-lifestyle arbitrage.** A Social Security check that barely covers rent in Phoenix can fund a comfortable life in Lisbon, Medellín, or Chiang Mai. That math is increasingly obvious, and Americans are acting on it.

### 1. Portugal Portugal's D8 Digital Nomad Visa targets remote workers earning at least four times the Portuguese minimum wage (roughly €3,680/month as of 2026). Lisbon has become a legitimate tech hub, with coworking spaces and a startup ecosystem that rivals smaller European capitals. Porto and Madeira are quieter alternatives with lower housing costs and growing nomad communities. The path to EU residency makes Portugal uniquely attractive among nomad destinations — you're not just renting a desk, you're building toward permanent status. ### 2. Mexico Mexico doesn't have a dedicated digital nomad visa, but its Temporary Resident Visa is relatively easy to obtain and requires income documentation that most remote workers can meet. Mexico City, Playa del Carmen, and Oaxaca dominate nomad rankings for a reason: fast internet, abundant coworking spaces, US-aligned time zones, and costs roughly 50–65% lower than equivalent US cities. The shared time zones with US employers are a practical advantage that Southeast Asia can't offer. ### 3. Thailand Thailand launched its Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) in 2024, offering a 5-year visa with 180-day stays per entry — one of the most flexible long-term arrangements available anywhere. Chiang Mai remains a global benchmark for affordable nomad living, with monthly budgets under $1,500 covering comfortable accommodation, food, and coworking memberships. The tradeoff is the time zone gap with US clients — typically 11–12 hours behind the coasts.

The expat narrative tends to focus on sangria and sunsets. Here's what the Instagram accounts skip: - **Bureaucracy is real.** Visa applications are slower and less predictable than advertised. Processing times for Portugal's residency permits have stretched to 12+ months. Budget for delays. - **Banking is harder than expected.** Many US banks restrict accounts for long-term expats. Establishing local banking takes time and sometimes requires in-person visits before you've arrived. - **US taxes don't stop.** Americans owe US taxes on worldwide income regardless of where they live. The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (up to $132,900 in 2026 (source: IRS.gov, adjusts annually)) and Foreign Tax Credits help, but you'll need an expat-specialized CPA. - **Healthcare quality varies wildly by location.** "Universal healthcare" covers a wide range. Major cities in Portugal, Spain, and Germany offer world-class care. Rural areas — even in good countries — may require travel for specialist appointments. - **The community you find matters as much as the country.** Moving to a popular expat hub versus an undiscovered town creates radically different experiences. The former offers support; the latter offers authenticity but can feel isolating. The countries where Americans are landing aren't random. Portugal, Mexico, Spain, and Thailand dominate because they've built the infrastructure — visa pathways, expat communities, and services — to receive us. The question isn't whether moving abroad is possible. It's whether it's right for your specific situation. Start with the details. Explore GoMoveAbroad's country guides to get the on-the-ground specifics — visa requirements, cost of living breakdowns, and what American expats actually say about living there. *Published: March 14, 2026 | GoMoveAbroad | [Legal Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or immigration advice. Visa requirements and tax laws change frequently — consult qualified professionals before making any relocation decisions.]*