Americans Are Rethinking Retirement Abroad—and More Than 83% Are Interested in This New Way of Living Overseas

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to life abroad. But for an increasing number of Americans, splitting time between multiple countries is an even more attractive option.

A new survey by International Living revealed that interest in “multi-base living,” as the company calls it, is increasing among Americans who want to move abroad. The report, which surveyed more than 700 people interested in living overseas, found more than 83 percent were interested in or actively exploring the concept of living in multiple places throughout the year rather than relocate full-time to one destination.

For some, the report found, that translates to splitting time between overseas and home. Others said they would consider living in two completely different countries other than the United States.

“The biggest surprise in this survey is how flexible people’s thinking has become,” Jennifer Stevens, the executive editor of International Living, said in a statement shared with Travel + Leisure. “They’re no longer asking, ‘Where should I retire?’ They’re asking, ‘How do I use international destinations to create the life I want?’ For many, that means spending part of the year in one country and part in another.”

When it comes to where they’re going, popular destinations like Portugal and Costa Rica continue to dominate the rankings. However, interest in more under-the-radar countries like Albania and Montenegro is surging, per the company. In fact, Americans are becoming “increasingly adventurous and sophisticated in their overseas planning, looking beyond traditional expat hubs in search of value, opportunity, and unique lifestyles.”

Overall, More than 56 percent of surveyed respondents said a lower cost of living was a primary motivation for wanting to move abroad. That was closely followed by the freedom to travel at 53.6 percent and the desire to escape the political climate in the U.S. at 41 percent.

Generally, relocating abroad requires complicated logistics, but those surveyed were not blind to the potential challenges: about half of respondents said access to quality healthcare was a major concern, while over 47 percent cited unease about leaving family and friends behind. Residency and visa requirements were the third-most commonly reported concern, while just over 39 percent of people cited potential language barriers as a worry.

Other popular preferences for expats relocating included small-town charm, walkable streets, beach communities, and affordable luxury. “Taken together, the answers paint a clear picture… They want more time, more freedom, and the chance to enjoy everyday pleasures without stretching their budget,” the company wrote.

These are the top 10 most popular destinations expats are interested in living, per the report.

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