The American Dream once meant the same thing to almost everyone: work hard, raise a family, own a home. For generations of immigrants, that vision pulled them across oceans. But for an increasing number of Americans—especially younger ones—that dream has a new zip code. A recent Preply survey found that nearly half of young Americans want to leave the US. What changed?
Why They Want Out
The numbers are striking. More than a quarter of respondents cited social programs—most notably the lack of universal healthcare—as their primary motivation for wanting to move abroad. Another 18% pointed to the high cost of living. But beneath these practical concerns lies something harder to quantify: a creeping sense that the grind isn't paying off the way it used to.
When creators post videos titled "Why I'm Never Moving Back to the U.S.," the comments fill with variations on the same theme: expensive healthcare, rising crime, a political system that feels broken. Evan Lorezca, who runs the YouTube channel The Savvy Expat, left Illinois—where he says high crime rates made his family feel unsafe—and relocated to the Philippines. His channel chronicles the adjustment. The pattern is familiar: leave, adapt, and explain to followers back home why the grass looked greener from here.
Gun violence deserves special attention. Among respondents who said they're considering emigrating, 59% identified it as a major factor. In 2019, US firearm-related deaths were five times higher than in comparable countries like France and Switzerland. For young people who've grown up with active-shooter drills, this isn't abstract—it's part of the daily calculus of staying.
Where Are They Going?
The UK, Canada, Japan, and various European countries top the list. Gen Z in particular has developed an appetite for Japanese culture, listing Japan as the third most popular destination. A closer look at the numbers reveals why: metropolitan rent in Tokyo runs roughly comparable to US cities, groceries are about 18% more expensive, but restaurant meals are 45% cheaper than in the US. The biggest shock comes in healthcare costs. A typical annual health insurance premium for an American worker hits around $7,911. In Japan, the same coverage costs roughly $1,000.
The Nuance Nobody Talks About
Here's what the emigration narrative glosses over: Americans still largely believe their country is one of the greatest in the world. Pew Research data from 2023 shows Americans' opinion of the US declined only modestly since 2019, and only 27% agree that "there are other countries better than the U.S." Meanwhile, people abroad still admire US technological advancements, entertainment, and military strength—even while ranking the American healthcare system dead last among things they respect about the country.
So what's really happening? It seems less about rejecting America and more about a generation running the numbers and deciding they'd like options. Most will likely stay. But the fact that nearly half are at least daydreaming about an exit tells you something important about where the country's promise—and the anxiety—sits right now.
What This Means for American Culture
The irony is thick. For decades, the world watched America export the idea that anyone can make it here. Now, Americans are shopping for their own escape routes. This shift won't reverse overnight, especially if healthcare costs keep climbing and headlines keep getting worse. But it also won't trigger a mass exodus. The dream is wounded, not dead.
Who Should Care
This matters most to policymakers tracking labor trends, educators concerned about talent flight, and anyone watching how social media reshapes national identity. If the people most vocal about leaving are also the youngest and most digitally connected, their grievances—and their alternatives—will keep shaping the conversation.
| Factor | US | Japan | UK | Canada |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (metro) | Baseline | Similar | London 29.5% lower | Varies |
| Groceries | Baseline | 18% higher | Comparable | Comparable |
| Restaurants | Baseline | 45% cheaper | Comparable | Comparable |
| Healthcare | $7,911/year | ~$1,000/year | Universal | Universal |
Key takeaways
- Nearly half of young Americans have considered leaving the country
- Healthcare costs and gun violence are top motivations for emigration
- Japan offers comparable rent but dramatically cheaper healthcare
- Most Americans still believe the US is one of the world's best countries
- The trend reflects practical anxiety more than outright rejection of America
Frequently asked questions
Are most Americans actually leaving?
No. While nearly half of young Americans have considered it, the numbers actually emigrating remain small. The trend reflects anxiety and aspiration rather than mass exodus.
Why is healthcare such a major factor?
The US lacks universal healthcare, and costs are extreme. Annual premiums for American workers average around $7,911 compared to roughly $1,000 in Japan. For a generation already burdened by student debt, this gap feels unsustainable.
What countries are most popular for relocation?
The UK, Canada, Japan, and various European nations top the list. Gen Z shows particular interest in Japan, drawn by cultural appeal and surprisingly manageable living costs.
Do Americans still believe in the American Dream?
Most still do, according to Pew Research. Only 27% of Americans agree that other countries are better than the US. But the dream increasingly includes having options—and for many, that means a backup plan beyond US borders.
How does cost of living in the US compare to other countries?
Generally higher than Europe due to healthcare costs, inflation, and other factors. However, US wages are also higher on average, and Americans spend less of their income on taxes than Europeans.
Inspired by reporting from: 2.boredpanda.com