Why more Californians and Americans are moving outside the U.S.

There’s been a stronger push to move outside the U.S. as more Californians and Americans are opting to live overseas, according to some experts.

Among many reasons, the cost of living pushed some Americans to uproot their lives.

Jennifer Kemp, who has been living and working in Spain, said she’s spending a lot less than she would have in her homeland.

“Literally I live off about 25% of what it would take for me to live in the States,” Kemp, who is on a digital nomad visa, said.

Parrie Hartley, who also lives in Spain, said moving to Europe is one of the best decisions she’s ever made.

“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,” Hartley said.

Other factors include the search for more affordable housing and stricter immigration policies.

The stories of Kemp and Hartley are not unique as there’s slower growth in population across the country. California and Los Angeles County saw a decline in population.

The population of LA County was dropped by nearly 54,000 from July 2024 to July 2025, according to U.S. Census data. The figure, 54,000, is a little under the seating capacity of Dodger Stadium.

Population drops can mean losses. In 2020, California’ first population decline in state history contributed to one fewer seat in the House of Representatives.

The California Department of Finance told NBC Los Angeles that roughly half of the outflow from LA County in the latest data followed the 2025 wildfires.

Shawna Lum, founder of Move Overseas Now, said among some people who sought help from her company, they were naturalized and lived in the U.S. for a decade. But recently, they voluntarily left the country.

Lum, an LA native who has been living overseas since 2015, said more people are seeking her services as her company helps Americans relocate to Europe and Latin America.

“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.

Lum said when she conducted a survey with her 200 clients, quality of life, health care and politics topped the list of why.

“Life story situations like, ‘Hi, I’m an LGBTQIA individual, and I have two children. We don’t feel safe here,'” Lum said.

Visas are vary: There are student visas, visas to do remote work and in some countries, there are one available for people who can show they have passive income.