The research team at My Baggage used data from Google Trends, the World Bank, and Google Keyword Planner using terms like “Move to [Country],” “Relocate to [Country],” and “Immigrate to [Country]” to analyze the most sought-after countries for relocation based on global search volumes.
Top 10 Countries People in the United States Most Want to Move to:
| Rank | Country | United States Search Volume per 10M |
| 1 | Canada | 54.13 |
| 2 | Australia | 12.47 |
| 3 | Ireland | 12.40 |
| 4 | New Zealand | 9.21 |
| 5 | Portugal | 8.32 |
| 6 | Switzerland | 6.53 |
| 7 | Costa Rica | 6.01 |
| 8 | Spain | 5.49 |
| 9 | Japan | 5.12 |
| 10 | Mexico | 4.75 |
| 10 | Norway | 4.75 |
My Baggage’s internal data also showed where US citizens are relocating to over the past 18 months:
- Australia (100% increase)
- France (30% increase)
- Spain (20% increase)
- Ireland (20% increase)
- UK (10% increase)
Paul Stewart, Founder of My Baggage, commented:
“The overwhelming preference for Canada among US residents considering relocation is striking, yet understandable given its proximity, cultural similarities, and the perception of a strong social safety net. However, it’s important to remember that search interest doesn’t always translate directly to actual relocation.
Our internal data at My Baggage shows some interesting differences between online searches and real-world moves. For instance, while Canada tops the search interest, we’ve seen a significant increase in moves to Australia. Moving abroad is a complex process involving numerous factors such as immigration policies, job prospects, healthcare systems, and personal ties, which can influence the final decision beyond initial online searches.
The diversity in the top 10 list, ranging from nearby options like Canada and Mexico to far-flung destinations like Japan and New Zealand, suggests that Americans are considering a wide variety of factors in their relocation dreams. Whether it’s the laid-back lifestyle of Costa Rica, the historical allure of Europe, or the unique culture of Japan, this data offers valuable insights into the aspirations of US residents. Nevertheless, anyone contemplating an international move should carefully weigh all aspects of relocation before making such a life-changing decision.”