Goodbye US, hello Europe: Why more Americans making such move

According to a new article, FT features that for centuries, Europeans have flocked to America in search of a better life. But now, a growing number of Americans are considering the reverse — a move to Europe. 

With rising dissatisfaction and the allure of a more balanced lifestyle, many are trading in the hustle of American life for the charm and security of European living. Could the European dream be the new ideal for disillusioned Americans?

According to Gallup, the percentage of Americans wanting to leave the US surged from 10 per cent in 2011 to 21 per cent last year, a jump that occurred before Donald Trump's presidency and the policies that followed.

The growing interest in emigrating from the US is driven by a sense that life in Europe may offer a better quality of living. For years, author of the article Simon Kuper believed America was the ultimate destination, even marrying an American and having children. But eventually, they chose Paris over the American dream. Through visits and maintaining relationships with friends and family in the US, Kuper has come to realise that, apart from political issues, many Europeans lead a better life than most Americans.

However, the ultra-wealthy Americans continue to thrive under favourable policies. For most, especially those under 35, Europe is becoming more appealing. Young people struggling with high housing and childcare costs in major US cities are finding Europe offers an attractive alternative — one where they can build a new life, learn a new language, and adapt to a different culture.

Thanks to remote work, moving to Europe has never been easier. Americans can now earn a US salary while living in Mediterranean countries. Technology makes staying connected to loved ones simple, and while Europe can be tough for immigrants from poorer countries, it remains welcoming to Americans. Countries like Portugal and the Netherlands offer residency options even to those who might struggle to get a car loan back home.

Living in Europe may mean a lower salary, but the cost of living is significantly more affordable. According to the World Bank, the average income in the Eurozone is 75 per cent of that in the US, after adjusting for purchasing power. Although Americans might need to cut back on consumer goods, housing, education, and healthcare are more accessible. The average family health insurance premium in the US is $25,572, which is higher than the average post-tax wage in many European countries.

While the move to Europe may come with a psychological cost — American achievements often don’t hold the same weight in Europe — the emotional rewards can be great. In the US, life can feel like constantly managing risks, such as healthcare and future education costs. In Europe, these concerns are mitigated by social safety nets, offering a sense of relaxation and security that’s hard to find in the US.

Europeans also work about an hour less per day, giving them more free time. Instead of constantly comparing yourself to wealthier peers, in Europe, you might find yourself among the wealthier individuals in your new social circle.

The move to Europe also offers an escape from the daily tensions in the US. A European friend of mine, living in the American South, sometimes avoids leaving his house to escape encounters with Trump supporters. He explains, “No, I came for an interesting job and a worse quality of life.”

Finally, moving to Europe offers a health benefit. American life, with its car-dependency, long work hours, and processed foods, can take a physical toll. The US obesity rate is 42.9 per cent, nearly four times that of France.

Europe consistently outperforms the US in quality of life metrics, including life expectancy, happiness, and carbon emissions. With a much lower debt-to-GDP ratio, Europe has found a way to balance sustainable living with prosperity.

In 2015, Donald Trump declared that “the American dream is dead.” For those seeking a new path to prosperity, perhaps it’s time to try the European dream instead.

By Naila Huseynova