A Trend Backed by Real Numbers

New data from expat tax provider MyExpatTaxes shows an 80 percent year-on-year increase in new account registrations during the 2026 tax season compared to the same period in 2025, offering concrete evidence that a rise in American interest in relocating abroad is translating into real, completed moves rather than just online searching and speculation.

What the Surveys Already Suggested

The increase lines up with broader survey data on the topic. A recent Harris Poll found that 42 percent of Americans have either considered or made concrete plans to relocate abroad, with the interest particularly pronounced among younger generations weighing cost of living, healthcare, and lifestyle against staying in the United States. Separately, researchers estimate that more than 180,000 Americans relocated abroad in the past year alone, and the Association of Americans Resident Overseas puts the total number of US citizens living outside the country at roughly 5.5 million, with some historical estimates placing the figure closer to 9 million.

From Considering to Actually Going

What distinguishes 2026's trend from earlier waves of interest in moving abroad is the practical follow-through. MyExpatTaxes' registration data reflects people who have actually relocated and are now navigating the real logistics of the move, including foreign income exclusions, foreign bank account reporting requirements, and expat-specific tax filing deadlines -- exactly the kind of paperwork that only becomes urgent once someone has actually left the country, not while they are still deciding.

The Practical Takeaway

For anyone considering a similar move, the practical lesson is the same one echoed across relocation guides and expat communities: the three pillars of a stable move abroad are securing legal residency, understanding your tax obligations in both countries, and arranging proper healthcare coverage before you go, not after you arrive.