The American Dream is no longer an accessible reality for most of us. Living costs are rising, healthcare is unaffordable, politics are instable. Many are searching elsewhere, including me. The work-life-balance in the U.S. has gotten steadily worse since I was born. International relocation is more appetizing than ever. And leaving the USA is the best decision I ever made. I strongly suggest you do the same.
Continents to Consider
- Asia
Asia is home to diverse cultures, economies, and landscapes, from the Himalayas to bustling metropolises. It is actually the most populated continent, and exactly where I chose to move, with good reason. Some of the cheapest places to live abroad can be found in Asia. Most of this site is focused on making the move to Asia, and my blog is focused mainly on my move to Asia, how, and why I did it. - Africa
Africa is the second-largest continent and contains over 50 nations, including Egypt, South Africa, and Nigeria. Africa is not entirely hear about on the news. I know that few people think of Africa as a moving destination, but there are some wonderful, English-speaking gems there which I have or will explore some day, and I will be exploring them on this site. - North America
Home to Canada and Mexico, North America is not just the U.S. Life abroad doesn’t need to be on a different continent. This is an obvious choice, and life in Mexico is often one of the first places people look into when considering leaving the US. Remember, wherever you first move isn’t where you need to stay, and Mexico is a great place to “wet your feet,” as they say. Many of my expat friends call it “USA lite.” - South America
South America includes countries like Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Peru. Places like Uruguay and Argentina are much like living in Europe on a budget. I strongly recommend all of them. The Rio De Plata is not like the rest of South America, and not what you might think. I am not saying anything negative about the rest of South America, simply saying that Uruguay and Argentina stand out as distinctly European-like choices in South America. - Europe
Europe is a diverse continent known for rich history, modern cities, and economic influence. Western Europe is often a bit expensive. But Eastern European countries like Poland, Romania, and Bulgaria have emerged as awesome budget Europe options. There is much more to Europe than Western Europe. Check out these countries as well: Bulgaria, Romania, Georgia, Serbia, Albania, Montenegro, and North Macedonia are all worth looking into. (expatarrivals.com, nomadlist.com) - Australia (Oceania)
Australia is a giant continent with unique wildlife, vast deserts, and modern cities like Sydney and Melbourne. Oceania also includes island nations like Fiji and New Zealand. These options can be a little on the expensive side, and probably won’t be discussed much on this site. But it will be discussed here! And all places should be considered. I would move to many of these places if I could afford it. (australia.com) - Antarctica
The coldest and least inhabited continent, Antarctica is covered in ice and primarily serves as a hub for research. Only consider migrating here if you’re a scientist who is fed-up with humanity(scientificamerican.com)
Of course I’m not going to cover every single one of these places. I am mainly focused on the budget options, with some exceptions. I can actually afford to visit them and spend time there. When I cover Antarctica some day, you’ll know I’m doing well.
Living Abroad: There’s Something for Everyone
Remote work is rising, expat communities are getting stronger, and internet is becoming more available. Moving abroad has never been this easy. Chances are you alread work online, or can find work online. There is no point in paying for life in the USA. It is no longer worth the cost of living, and I never felt as though I was enough there. This is exactly why I moved to Asia. Countries across Asia, South America, and Europe provide incredible opportunities for those seeking a lower cost of living. They also provide better healthcare and a stronger work-life balance. Take advantage of them while you can.
The Affordability is Undeniably Great
If the cost of living abroad isn’t enough to sell you on the idea, keep looking into it. Whether you’re looking for a quiet village in Eastern Europe, a beachside paradise in Southeast Asia, or a thriving metropolitan hub in Latin America, there’s a place out there that fits your needs. You might think expat life is not for you, but after witnessing the diversity of the world, I assure you there is something for everyone. Expats and digital nomads are finding a better quality of life abroad—one with less stress, more adventure, and a community of like-minded individuals who have chosen to step away from the grind of corporate America.
Now is the time to consider living abroad. It’s time to rethink what “home” really means. Life in the U.S. has become increasingly difficult, and moving abroad is no longer just a dream for the wealthy or retired—it’s a real, viable option for anyone willing to take the first step. Embrace the digital nomad lifestyle and start fresh in a new country. The world is more open than ever, as remote work destinations have becoming a viable option in reviving local economies. Leaving the U.S. is easier than you think, whether you are looking to work abroad, or for the best places to retire overseas, the hardest part is the initial decision. Life abroad is safe and within reach of anyone willing to take the leap.
Living abroad is definitely an adjustment at first. But it gets better every day.