More than ever before, employees are able to take their work on the road. With the rapid adoption of remote work as the norm for many white-collar workers, the idea of traveling while working has never been more achievable.
As a company connecting Latin American tech workers with American companies, we were curious how many young Americans were in turn setting their sights abroad. We surveyed over 1,000 Gen Z and Millennial workers to see just how many were planning on leaving the U.S. to live abroad in the next five years– and why.
Cost of Living Driving Many Gen Z and Millennials to Live Abroad
The survey results were clear: the youth want to be on the move and live abroad. 25% of the Gen Z and Millennials we surveyed are actively planning on leaving the U.S. to live abroad within 5 years.
The vast majority (87%) want to become digital nomads to support themselves while living abroad. Digital nomads are workers that have remote jobs that aren’t place-dependent– allowing them to travel the world while doing the same job. While just over a third already have a digital nomad-friendly job, over half are planning on finding one to support themselves.
Top reasons why the youth want to leave the U.S. include looking for a change, the joy of traveling, and the cost of living. Economics are clearly top of mind, as 36% cite the U.S. economy as a factor driving them out, and over 1 in 5 cited other countries’ social programs like healthcare as an incentive to leave. Nearly 1 in 4 also want to pack up and move because of gun violence.
While just over half (55%) are planning on truly globetrotting as they live abroad, another 45% are planning on immigrating to a specific country. The most popular region to live abroad is Europe, with 2 in 5 choosing it, followed by East Asia, Latin America, and Canada.
There are some logistical concerns to moving abroad. As we speak, 62% are actively saving today to move abroad, with an average of nearly $30,000 stowed away today to do so. 70% are planning on securing a non-tourist visa to live abroad, which typically requires a job or at least proof of income. This might be a problem for the 46% who don’t know how to find work abroad. Linguistically speaking, only 42% know the language of their target country.
While just over half plan on living abroad for 3 years or less, nearly 1 in 5 future expats aren’t planning on returning to the U.S. at all.
Gen Z & Millennial International Migration Statistics
What about those not planning on leaving the U.S.? It turns out of those not planning to leave the U.S., 1 in 3 still want to. Their major barriers to immigration include finances (77%), family ties (65%), and jobs that don’t permit such a range of motion (44%).
That doesn’t mean they aren’t still a remarkably cosmopolitan generation: over 3 in 4 Gen Z and Millennials have a passport, and 1 in 3 have lived abroad before, whether through study abroad or other means.
39% feel trapped in the U.S. For many, the grass is greener, with 69% believing other countries have a better quality of life than the U.S. Over half believe the U.S. economy will worsen in the next five years and 45% don’t think it drives global innovation anymore, though just over 3 in 5 still believe that America is a global economic leader this year.
Since it’s election season, we also had to ask: 27% would leave the country and live abroad if Donald Trump wins, while 21% would do the same if Kamala Harris wins.
Whether it’s for a long time or a short while, living abroad can open your mind and show you what the world truly has to offer. We love connecting the best with the best, no matter where people call home, and we’re excited to see Gen Zers and Millennials alike do the same.
Methodology & Fair Use
In September 2024, we surveyed 1,003 Gen Z and Millennials about their plans of living and working abroad. Ages ranged from 18-45 with an average age of 42. 48% were women, 49% were men, and the remaining 3% were nonbinary.
For media inquiries, please contact media@digitalthirdcoast.net
Fair Use
When using this data and research, please attribute by linking to this study and citing Howdy.com.
