10 Reasons Why LIVING ABROAD is BETTER (than staying in the United States)

The United States frustrates us. In fact, it frustrated us SO MUCH back in 2017 that we LEFT! Now, after living abroad for 6 years, our only regret is not leaving sooner!

The idea for this video was sparked by some criticism we received about us "bashing the U.S. all the time." The argument was that we only moved abroad because it was cheaper and "cheaper is never better."

So in this video, we share 10 reasons why living abroad IS JUST BETTER than staying in the United States, and only one of the reasons is the dramatically lower cost of living.

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[colleenh.]

In the USA the health care is not about care - it’s about profits

[anitamendez]

You are not “bashing” the U.S., you are telling the truth and accepting the reality about the many negative changes in the U.S. As we know, the truth can be offensive to those who do not recognize it or accept it.

[jaanaprall]

I moved to Portugal from Northern California, and am astounded at what a difference it has made for me. I have dual citizenship with Denmark and have spent a lot of time in Europe over the years, but moving back full time, it has really hit home how stressful the U.S. has become. When I talk to friends in the U.S. on the phone they are talking so fast and you can hear that they are not even breathing normally. It has been quite shocking. And, everyone is talking about how long they have to work to retire, which for many is so long that I wonder if they will be so sick and worn down that they won't have time to enjoy it. I am 56 and am so glad I made the change now. I encourage anyone who is at the end of their rope to look into options abroad.

[martypoll]

I retired to Thailand in 2017. I agree with all your points. Along the same line as meeting friendly expats i would add that living abroad separates you from the daily news and controversies and anxiety of living in the States. Sure, I read the US news but when I walk out the door I easily leave all that behind and very quickly I just didn't care about what you in the US worry about. Actually, living in a foreign country, that is largely non-English speaking, isolates you from any local gossip as well. Life is just so much less stressful and more relaxing to be able to get away from it all. And thankfully, you discover that when you meet up with other expats they don't want to talk about that stuff either. We have so much more in common and other things to talk about.

[ItsNotMe]

Healthcare in this country is a joke. The healthcare exchange is a joke. Most people can't afford any insurance. Before I retired, my son and I were on a policy and it was over $700 a month. That's insane. You pay exorbitant prices for the insurance, but because you pay such high prices for ins., you can never afford to go to a doctor! What if they find something wrong with you? You cannot afford to ever be sick in the U.S. Only wealthy people can get sick.
I could not wait to turn 65 and get on Medicare. How pathetic is that?
Even Congress members don't brag about the United States having the best healthcare system in the world anymore like they used to do. Bernie exposed that lie. He ripped that bandaid right off.
I can't wait to get out of here.

[kitthornton]

Kathleen and I left the U.S. and settled in Ecuador two and a half years ago. I can't really add much to what Amelia and JP said, except to say that we have had the same experience - better health, less stress, far lower cost of living, and living in Cuenca, we have so many cultural opportunities and social engagements that we could run ourselves ragged if we wanted to.

If you're living in the U.S. on a fixed income, especially if that income is less that $4000 a month, you'd be better off here, by far. It takes some work and planning to pull it off, but you could be living a better life in months here in Ecuador.

[eddieherman]

We live most of the year in Playa Guiones, Costa Rica 🇨🇷 and we love it. It is expensive here compared to other Central and South American countries but, still more affordable than US. Going on 7 years and couldn’t be happier.

[Kevinscleaningtips]

Hi Amelia and JP, I really enjoy your program. My wife and I moved from California to the Welsh countryside seven years ago and we love it here. Life is much slower here and relaxing. We are both in our later 60's. My wife was originally born in Wales. I was a, second generation, native California and I haven't missed it. Keep up the good work. Americans can have an alternative way of life!

[robson]

I am an immigrant from eastern europe living in the US. A close friend of mine is asking me almost everytime I see him how is my career going ? I find it very nosy and intimidating to be honest. I tell him that I am happy where I am because it should not be his concern. I thought it was just him but looks like it's an american thing.
When I meet my friends from my home country, I don't ask them about it cause I know where they work and if they changed their career they would tell me. Some of them work in factories and I don't really care, they are my friends and I like them for who they are.

I love your videos BTW. Everytime I learn something new about the US.

[Kim-mzco]

To many people who have decided to stay in the US, telling the truth IS "bashing". I'm glad to see the accusations don't hinder you. Those folks are welcome to make videos about why the US is the best place to live if that's how they feel about it. Many of us who have moved away know better. Keeping the truth out there for those ho only get the US propaganda might literally save lives. Best wishes from Cambodia.

[kevinreily]

Living abroad and not needing a car is a wonderful thing.
I figure I save $3000 every month not having a car & my much lower rent here in Thailand.
Viva expat life.

[vanhalen]

I am a big fan of this channel and this video was right on the money. What I realized recently is that the US healthcare system as currently operated will not change soon enough for me. So, I agree with the decisions Amelia and JP have made for their lives. Bravo.

[peggywankowski]

Let th haters hate & keep their head in th sand. You’re only being honest & telling it like it is. 💞

[glb_tvlr]

This video is SPOT ON! It's not bashing, it's the TRUTH! People in the U.S. just don't want to accept it. I was in the military and saw that there's so much more out there, and I'v been all over. I officially left in 2012 and it was the best decision ever! Now, I still go back to visit my family, but I'm ready to get back on the plane after about 2 days.

Life is just so much better overseas.

[MikeGlanville-cl]

When living abroad during the military and as a contractor we were always told to trust your gut. By walking about you feel more what's going on around you, you can read the people by their everyday habits, if something is not right you pick up on it . I have always felt more at ease away from the states, its as if a huge load is lifted off my shoulders when leaving .

[Mexicobeanpole]

We left the US, and we wish we had done it 5 years earlier.

[mikebailey]

US healthcare concerns, very true. Very happy for the two of you.

[danspencer]

It's easy to stay in touch with friends and family, too! I don't miss anything about the U.S. Weather, lower cost of living and your other points are all important factors. The lifestyle is just better.

[tomcat]

Interesting list and indeed, it is somewhat strange here in the U.S. with the "What do you do for a living?" comments. Work is just too ingrained in this society.

[CAMcCoy]

Hey guys! Hola from Lima, Peru once again. We retired here (early) 9 years ago and have never regretted it for a minute. We too enjoy the lower cost of living, the extended family (my wife’s), the opportunity to travel, we’ve been to Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Ecuador & Colombia just recently and love to see both the similarities and differences of each South American Country. . .I have taught some while here & served in a non-profit for a number of years here, but we’re now both officially retired (again). Medical Support is great & at a reasonable price. We’re both in our “Tercer Edad” (above 60) so that is very important to us. We go back to the USA to see friends and family usually once a year. Life is good here & while there are some things we miss, like the ubiquity of great Herbal remedies, we sometimes have friends who can transport them for us from the US to Peru. Saludos, & Happy Trails to y’all. Don’t hesitate to wrap up your obligations & migrate South. . .vale la pena!!! (It’s worth it)!!