US Expat Relocation Report
Where in the world would you choose to live if you could go anywhere? For many expats, this isn’t just a daydream—it’s a life-changing reality. At Greenback Expat Tax Services, we understand the unique challenges that come with living and working abroad. Drawing on our recent survey of 325 US expats and 200 hiring managers, we’ve identified the top global relocation destinations and the factors that drive these choices.
In this report, we’ll reveal the cities that attract the most interest, explore how recent global events have influenced relocation plans, and share actionable insights from international hiring managers on what it takes to stand out in competitive job markets. With our research, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of the expat landscape and how to thrive in it.
Key Takeaways
- London, United Kingdom; Toronto, Canada; and Tokyo, Japan, are the top cities where expats are living today.
- Nearly 20% of expats plan to relocate in the next year.
- Bangkok, Thailand; London, UK; and Toronto, Canada, are the top cities attracting expats planning to relocate.
- Over 50% of expats fear a recession, with 1 in 3 worrying about losing their jobs and 2 in 5 about their overall job security.
- Recent global events are influencing future relocation plans for 2 in 5 expats.
- Nearly 60% of hiring managers anticipate an increase in expat hiring in the next 6 months.
- 34% of hiring managers would cut expats first when reducing costs.
Top Expat Destinations and Why They Chose Them
When it comes to picking a new home abroad, expats weigh several key factors to determine the best fit for their needs and lifestyle. This section reveals the most popular countries and cities where US expats currently reside, alongside the primary motivations behind their choices.
US expats have found new homes in some of the world’s most vibrant and diverse countries. Leading the pack are the United Kingdom, Canada, and Japan, with their blend of rich culture, modern amenities, and welcoming communities. Not far behind, expats have also flocked to Mexico, Spain, Germany, and Australia, while Portugal, South Africa, and Italy continue to captivate those seeking a new adventure.
Among international cities, London stood out as the most popular choice for expat living. Here’s the full top 10 list:
- London, UK
- Toronto, Canada
- Tokyo, Japan
- Madrid, Spain
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Seoul, South Korea
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Johannesburg, South Africa
- Sydney, Australia
- Dublin, Ireland
Quality of life was the main priority for many expats, with 54% saying it was their top reason for choosing where to settle. The UK, Japan, Canada, Spain, and Italy, in particular, appealed to expats for their high living standards. Expats also pinpointed the following cities as places where quality of life influenced their decision to relocate:
- London, UK
- Toronto, Canada
- Tokyo, Japan
- Madrid, Spain
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
Personal relationships were the top reason 45% of expats relocated, while lifestyle preferences attracted 42% to destinations that matched their personal tastes and interests. Social services and infrastructure, like public transportation and utilities, were the most important factors for 30% when choosing their new homes.
Cost of living, a major factor for 34%, was especially important in expats’ decisions to move to Japan, the UK, Spain, Mexico, and Portugal. At the city level, these were the top choices for those balancing affordability with other lifestyle benefits:
- Tokyo, Japan
- Seoul, South Korea
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Madrid, Spain
- Berlin, Germany
While some of these countries’ cities, such as Tokyo, Japan, may have a higher cost of living, they were still top choices for expats due to their strong economies, vibrant cultures, and high quality of life.
We also found that expats spent an average of two to three years in their chosen countries before embarking on their next relocation adventure.
Expats’ Future Destinations and Relocation Plans
As expats continue to explore new horizons, many are already looking ahead to their next destinations. We’ll next highlight the cities where expats are planning to relocate and the factors driving their choices.
Nearly 20% of expats said they plan to relocate within the next year, with their sights set on some of the world’s most dynamic and culturally rich cities. Bangkok, Thailand, topped the list as a favored future home, followed by familiar favorites like London and Toronto. Expats were also interested in relocating to:
- Barcelona, Spain
- Maastricht, Netherlands
- Shanghai, China
- Valencia, Spain
- Kyoto, Japan
- Uppsala, Sweden
- Lima, Peru
Safety was the most important factor when considering a new location, with 78% of expats emphasizing its significance. Work-life balance and economic stability were equally important, each influencing 70% of expats’ decisions. The cultural scene also played a significant role for 49% of those surveyed, while 27% said climate was a key consideration. About 1 in 6 sought places with established expat communities to ease their transition.
The top motivations driving these relocation plans were varied, but economic opportunities stood out as the primary reason for 52% of expats. Quality of life and lifestyle preferences were also important, attracting 38% and 36% of respondents, respectively. Cost of living influenced 31% of those planning to move, while proximity to family and friends was a key reason for 28%.
How Global Events Shape Expat Relocation
Let’s now explore how concerns about the economy, job security, and political climates influence expats’ relocation plans and the top destinations considered “recession-proof” by those looking for stability.
Over half of the expats surveyed expressed fears of an impending recession, with 1 in 3 worried about losing their jobs and 2 in 5 concerned about their overall job security. Recent global events have impacted the plans of 2 in 5 expats, prompting many to reconsider their relocation strategies.
In response to these challenges, 44% of expats reported being more cautious about the political or social climate of potential new locations. Meanwhile, 40% decided to stay put, choosing the familiarity and security of their current home over the uncertainties of moving.
A significant portion, 35%, have begun to prioritize finding locations with a lower cost of living, while another 35% have started exploring remote work options as an alternative to relocation. Additionally, 31% of expats changed their focus to destinations offering better job opportunities.
Expats also labeled several cities as “recession-proof” destinations. They agreed these would be the top 10 destinations to offer resilience during economic downturns:
- Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Zurich, Switzerland
- Oslo, Norway
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Tokyo, Japan
- Stockholm, Sweden
- Copenhagen, Denmark
- Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- London, UK
- Seoul, South Korea
What Employers Look for in Expat Candidates
As expat professionals navigate the complexities of working abroad, understanding what hiring managers prioritize can make all the difference in landing a new gig. Our final section uncovers the skills and qualities employers value most in expat candidates, along with insights into the job market and hiring trends.
When it comes to hiring expats, problem-solving and critical thinking skills topped the list, with 70% of hiring managers placing high value on these abilities. Team collaboration and interpersonal skills, as well as time management and organizational capabilities, were equally important to 62% of employers.
Building strong connections is key to succeeding as an expat. While professional skills are important, how expats connect and network in their new environment can set them apart. Many hiring managers emphasized the importance of both traditional and digital networking strategies.
Language proficiency and multilingual abilities, along with flexibility and adaptability, were also critical to 61% of hiring managers. Cultural adaptability stood out as an essential quality, with 4 in 5 hiring managers agreeing that it’s necessary for expats to successfully integrate into the local workforce.
Establishing a strong online presence is crucial in today’s job market. Expats who are visible online and actively engage in professional communities can enhance their chances of being noticed by potential employers.
Over 70% of hiring managers also believed their local job markets are supportive of expat employment, particularly in the following industries:
- Finance
- Tech
- Marketing
- Manufacturing
- Healthcare
Looking ahead, nearly 60% of hiring managers anticipated an increase in expat hiring within the next six months. Despite this optimism, there was a divide about cost-cutting measures: 66% of hiring managers were committed to retaining expat employees, even during financial constraints, while 34% said expats would be the first to let go when reducing costs.
Regarding expat benefits, 40% of companies said they plan to enhance their packages in the upcoming year, while 38% didn’t anticipate any changes. However, 22% were considering reducing benefits as a cost-saving measure.
Making Informed Decisions in a Globalized World
Expats are making thoughtful decisions about where to live and work, prioritizing what matters most to them—be it quality of life, job security, or a sense of belonging. This report not only offers expats valuable insights but also serves as a useful resource for employers, HR professionals, and policymakers who want to better understand the trends and factors shaping these choices. So whether you’re planning your next international move or crafting policies for a global workforce, this report offers valuable insights to help you make more informed decisions in our increasingly interconnected world.
Methodology
We surveyed 325 US expats to determine the top global relocation destinations, focusing on the cities that attract the most interest and the driving factors behind these choices. The average age of the expats surveyed was 34, with 35% identifying as male, 62% as female, and 3% as non-binary. We also surveyed 200 managers of expats and host country nationals to gather actionable insights on how expats can distinguish themselves in competitive job markets. Among them, the average age was 32, with 44% identifying as male and 56% as female.
Greenback Expat Tax Services
Empowering US expatriates with peace of mind, Greenback Expat Tax Services offers comprehensive tax preparation and consulting services designed for the unique needs of Americans abroad. Our team of seasoned professionals leverages advanced technology to deliver accurate, timely, and worry-free tax solutions.
Fair Use Statement
We allow the redistribution of these findings solely for noncommercial purposes, provided you include a hyperlink back to this page.
When you live in the US, tax day is simple: April 15th! When you move abroad, it’s not so straightforward! Learn about all the expat deadlines and extensions you need to know to file.
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