More Californians and Americans Are Choosing to Live Abroad: Here’s Why
California Residents Seek New Lives Abroad Amid Declining Population
The California Department of Finance reported to NBC Los Angeles that nearly half of the recent outflow from Los Angeles County correlates with the 2025 wildfires. This trend is part of a broader movement, as an increasing number of Californians are choosing to relocate overseas.
Experts suggest that rising living costs are a significant driving factor for many Americans opting to leave the United States. Individuals are finding that relocating offers not only financial relief but also enhanced quality of life.
Jennifer Kemp, a resident of Spain, emphasized her cost savings, stating, "Literally, I live off about 25% of what it would take for me to live in the States." Kemp is currently on a digital nomad visa, which allows her to work while abroad.
Parrie Hartley, another expatriate residing in Spain, echoed similar sentiments about her move. "America is great for maybe entrepreneurship or making a lot of money and your career. But I feel that Europe and Spain in general is really good for the work-life balance," she said.
Other contributing factors to this trend include the pursuit of affordable housing and increasingly strict immigration policies within the U.S. The narratives shared by Kemp and Hartley reflect a nationwide trend of slowing population growth, particularly in California, where Los Angeles County has experienced a significant decline.
U.S. Census data indicates that the population of Los Angeles County fell by nearly 54,000 between July 2024 and July 2025—roughly equivalent to the seating capacity at Dodger Stadium. Such population shifts can lead to notable consequences; California’s first population decline in 2020 resulted in the loss of one congressional seat.
Shawna Lum, founder of Move Overseas Now and a longtime L.A. resident now living abroad, reported a surge in interest for her services. "We had 1,700 people signed up. My normal numbers from the past two years are anywhere from 800 to 1,000 people signed up," she said.
Lum conducted a survey among her clients and found that concerns regarding quality of life, healthcare, and political climate were paramount. "Life story situations like, ‘Hi, I’m an LGBTQIA individual, and I have two children. We don’t feel safe here,’" Lum noted.
Visa options vary by country, ranging from student visas to those accommodating remote work. Some nations even offer visas for individuals who can demonstrate passive income.
As more Californians consider life beyond U.S. borders, the implications of this exodus on communities and the economy continue to unfold.
