What Would Bring Expats Back to the US?
What would it take to bring American expats back to the land of stars and stripes? At Greenback Expat Tax Services, our experience helping expats navigate the complexities of international living and US tax compliance uniquely positions us to explore this. We surveyed 250 expats about their motivations and hesitations regarding a potential return to the US.
From cost of living to cultural cravings, our study weighs the many factors influencing expats’ decisions and reveals what it might take to entice American expatriates back to their homeland.
Key Takeaways
- The most important factors that would make expats consider moving back to the US are the cost of living (53%), healthcare access and quality (44%), and work-life balance (30%).
- 52% of expats save more money in their current country due to a lower cost of living and higher take-home pay.
- The top tax reforms that would influence expats to move back are tax incentives or credits for returning citizens and lower personal income tax rates.
- More than 4 in 5 (84%) expats said that improving access to healthcare would influence their decision to move back to the US.
- The top 3 US food cravings that would influence expats to move back are Mexican-American (Tex-Mex), BBQ, and American-style pizza.
Repatriation Decisions
Living abroad can be an exciting adventure, but let’s dive into what it would take for Americans overseas to pack their bags and head back to the States. We asked expats about the factors that might tempt them to return, and their answers were pretty revealing.
The cost of living topped the list, with over half (53%) saying it would be a major factor in their decision to move back. For instance, Europe has a lower cost of living than the US due to lower healthcare expenses and less inflation.
Healthcare wasn’t far behind, with 44% citing access and quality as key considerations. And let’s not forget about that work-life balance: 30% of expats said this would play a big role in their decision to return.
But many expats are pretty happy with their current situations. A majority (68%) felt their adopted country had a better healthcare system, making a return to the US less appealing.
Half of the expats we talked to also mentioned enjoying higher-quality food and goods in their current country of residence. And for those with families or planning to start one, over 1 in 3 (37%) appreciated the more generous parental leave policies in their current countries.
Financial Factors Affecting Expats’ Return
Many Americans abroad have found greener pastures when it comes to finances. But could the right changes back home tip the scales? Let’s see what our expats had to say about money matters.
Living costs can make a big difference in quality of life, and it seems many expats have found a sweet spot. Over 1 in 4 (26%) reported that the cost of living in their current country is significantly lower than in the US—by more than 30%.
This financial breathing room isn’t just about day-to-day expenses—52% of expats said they’re able to save more money in their current country thanks to a combination of lower living costs and higher take-home pay.
But what about taxes? We asked expats what changes might make them consider a return to American soil.
Two reforms came out on top: tax incentives or credits for returning citizens, and lower personal income tax rates.
When returning to the US after living abroad, it’s crucial to understand how the move will affect your tax obligations. Failure to meet them could lead to penalties or additional requirements.
Career Prospects and Benefits
Job opportunities and workplace benefits could play a big role for many expats considering a move back to the US. Here’s what our survey revealed about these important factors.
The American job market still appealed to many expats. Nearly 1 in 3 (30%) felt that the US offers more job opportunities than their current country of residence. But it’s not just about having a job—it’s about feeling secure in that position. A substantial 75% of expats said that job security and opportunities would be very important factors in their decision to move back.
Healthcare was another issue for expats. More than 4 in 5 (84%) said that improved access to healthcare in the US would influence their decision to return. Family-friendly policies also factored in, with 30% of expats saying a longer maternity leave would make moving back to the US more attractive.
Food and Culture: The Taste of Home for American Expats
While living abroad offers new culinary experiences, many expats still have a soft spot for American cuisine and culture. Let’s dig into what our survey uncovered about expats’ food cravings, cultural preferences, and political views.
When it came to food quality, American expats seem to be enjoying their international fare: 70% said the food quality in their current country surpasses that of the US. However, there’s still room for improvement back home—41% of expats said they’d consider moving back if the FDA enhanced its food and goods standards.
But what about those distinctly American flavors? The top three US food cravings that might lure expats back are:
- Mexican-American (Tex-Mex)
- BBQ
- American-style pizza
Even with access to diverse international cuisines, these comfort foods seem to hold a special place in expats’ hearts.
Beyond food, various aspects of American culture still appeal to expats living abroad. Here are the top American cultural elements that expats would consider moving back for:
- US holiday traditions: 24%
- Live music and festivals: 18%
- Entertainment: 16%
- Access to theme parks: 16%
- Access to museums and galleries: 16%
- Major sports leagues: 12%
Home Sweet Home?
While many US expats enjoy aspects of their lives abroad—such as better healthcare systems and lower costs of living—there’s still a strong pull towards certain American experiences and cultural touchstones. However, significant improvements in healthcare access, job opportunities, and tax incentives could further tip the scales for many expats considering a move back home.
The path to bringing expats back is multifaceted. The question remains: Will America rise to the challenge and create an environment that welcomes its citizens back and entices them to stay?
Methodology
We surveyed 250 expats living abroad to explore what would make them consider moving back to the US. Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding.
About Greenback Expat Tax Services
Greenback Expat Tax Services is dedicated to making US tax compliance seamless for expatriates around the globe. Combining expert knowledge with innovative digital solutions, we provide personalized, reliable tax services that allow you to focus on your international adventure without the stress of tax complexities.
Fair Use Statement
This data can be shared for noncommercial purposes by crediting the original article and providing a link to our study.
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