Here’s Why Gen-Z Americans Are Opting For Expat Living

Move over millennials! Gen-Z has gotten older and they’re taking the workforce and travel industry by storm. The rising generation of consumers is setting the stage for their life expectations and desires as they age. That includes deciding where they want to reside and live their lives. According to a new study from Preply, more Gen-Z Americans are choosing to live internationally. 

The study surveyed 3,000 Gen-Z Americans to find out how they felt about where they lived. It revealed that on average, more of the participants desired to live as expats. Although the reasons varied, the majority of survey participants said a lack of social programs is the main reason they want to leave the United States. Despite coming from different backgrounds, Gen-Z agrees that expat living is the new wave.

Seeking Better Social Programs 

Preply’s survey revealed many underlying issues why Gen-Z Americans want to live outside of the US. Of the 3,000 participants, 18 percent said the high cost of living in the US discourages them from wanting to live there long-term. Additionally, another 17.7 percent said the political climate in the States drives them to seek expat living. Another 59 percent said the extreme gun violence in the US makes them want to leave.

However, the biggest driving force for the departure of Gen-Z Americans is a lack of social programs. Over 25 percent of surveyed participants said they want to live in destinations where there is an abundance of social programs available for citizens. Programs like universal healthcare, public travel assistance programs, and other government benefits.

Culture Hungry

Aside from wanting more social programs, Gen-Z Americans are hungry to have more cultural experiences. They want to not only see the world but be a part of it. For the younger generation, leaving your mark on the world isn’t as important as experiencing what’s already in it. 

This desire to experience life beyond their own neighborhoods is driving Gen-Z Americans to seek opportunities as an expat. One-fifth of survey participants are opting for expat living because they want to experience new and different cultures outside of the US.

Where Are They Going?

Gen-Z Americans who desire to reside overseas are coming from all over the country. However, some young people are more dissatisfied with where they currently live than others. According to the survey, young adults in Pennsylvania, Oregon, Texas, Kansas, and Missouri have the strongest desire to expatriate. American cities like Nashville, Boston, and Tampa had the lowest percentage of Gen-Z Americans looking to internationally relocate. 

Unlike many millennial expatriates, Gen-Z isn’t trying to move for work. Only 0.1 percent of the participants surveyed said they wanted to move abroad for digital nomad opportunities. They also are very clear about where they want to live. The UK, Canada, and Japan are the top three destinations for Gen-Z Americans looking to expatriate. Other destinations like Australia, Singapore, Switzerland, and Italy also were in the top 10. 

Young people are also being intentional about their plans for expat living. Nearly 35 percent of survey participants said they’re interested in relocating permanently to an international destination. Sixty-six percent of them said they would start a family abroad and that the older they get the more they are considering making the big move.