Why So Many Americans Think Moving Abroad Is Impossible — And Why That’s Just Not True

Breaking the Myth: Why Moving Abroad Isn’t as Hard (or Expensive) as Most Americans Think

If you’ve ever dreamed of moving abroad but instantly talked yourself out of it, you’re not alone. A lot of Americans believe it’s just too hard, too expensive, or too risky to pack up and start over in another country. But the truth? Most of what we believe about moving abroad is based on outdated fears, bad information, and plain old misinformation.

Let’s break it down and get clear with facts, not fear.

1. Most People Don’t Know Their Visa Options

When Americans think of living abroad, they usually assume you need to marry a local, get sponsored by a foreign company, or be rich enough to “buy” residency. But that’s just not the case anymore.

As of 2025, over 50 countries now offer digital nomad visas including Spain, Portugal, Costa Rica, Colombia, and Thailand that allow remote workers to live legally for 6 months to 5 years. If you’re retired, countries like Panama, Ecuador, and Mexico offer retirement visas with benefits like tax breaks, healthcare discounts, and streamlined paperwork.

✅ Fact: According to InterNations 2024, fewer than 3 in 10 Americans surveyed were aware of these options. So it’s not impossible it’s just unfamiliar.

2. People Think It’s Too Expensive — It’s Usually Cheaper

Another myth? That you need six figures in the bank to make the move. The truth: many countries offer a significantly lower cost of living while delivering a higher quality of life.

Take a look at the monthly average cost of living for a single person in 2025:

• Mexico City – $1,150 (Numbeo)

• Lisbon, Portugal – $1,600

• Chiang Mai, Thailand – $900

• Medellín, Colombia – $1,000

Compare that to $3,500+ in New York, Los Angeles, or Miami and that’s not counting health insurance or childcare.

✅ Fact: According to the 2025 Expat Insider Report, over 68% of U.S. expats say their money goes further abroad, especially when it comes to rent, groceries, and healthcare.

You don’t have to be rich you just have to be strategic.

3. U.S. Media Pushes Fear, Not Facts

Turn on the news and you’ll hear about crime in Mexico, protests in Europe, or a “healthcare crisis” somewhere overseas. But that’s not the full picture.

What you don’t often hear? That international healthcare is often better and drastically cheaper than the U.S. system. Many countries offer high-quality private care at a fraction of the price with shorter wait times and no surprise billing.

✅ Fact: In 2024, the U.S. ranked #38 in global healthcare efficiency (World Health Organization), while countries like Spain, Portugal, and Costa Rica ranked in the top 20.

✅ Fact: Over 60% of American expats say they trust their host country’s healthcare system more than the U.S., according to Statista 2025.

4. Most Americans Have Never Traveled Internationally

If you’ve never left the U.S., the idea of living abroad can feel like a fantasy. But it’s closer than you think.

✅ Fact: As of 2024, only 37% of Americans hold a valid passport (U.S. State Department). Without travel experience, many people rely on second-hand stories usually the scary ones to shape their beliefs.

But once people take that first international trip and see how normal, affordable, and doable it is the fear starts to break down.

5. The Process Feels Overwhelming — But It Doesn’t Have to Be

Google “how to move abroad” and you’ll get a mess of Reddit threads, conflicting YouTube videos, and expired blog posts. It’s no wonder people feel overwhelmed.

But the process isn’t as complicated as it seems when you break it down into four key pieces:

1. Income: Remote job, freelance, pension, or savings.

2. Visa: Research and apply for one that fits your lifestyle.

3. Housing: Temporary at first, then long-term after arrival.

4. Paperwork: Passport, healthcare, and a relocation checklist.

Once you line up those essentials, the rest is just logistics. Thousands of people are doing it every day solo travelers, retirees, couples, families.

✅ Fact: Over 9 million Americans currently live abroad, and that number is expected to grow steadily into 2026 (U.S. State Department / Global Citizens Report).

Final Thoughts: It’s Not Hard — It’s Just New

Most Americans aren’t scared because moving abroad is hard. They’re scared because they’ve never been shown how to do it. And that’s the difference.

Moving abroad requires planning, yes. But it’s absolutely doable with less money, more freedom, and better quality of life than most people expect. If you’ve been waiting for a sign, this is it.

You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to take the first step.

Want help figuring out your plan to move abroad?

Check out the 2025 Guide to Earning Income and Building a Life Overseas — it’s the straight-talking roadmap to help you move without going broke!