For a growing number of Americans, the traditional story of the “American Dream” – a stable job, a house with a white picket fence and upward mobility – is being replaced by a very different vision. Instead of aspiring to stay rooted in the United States, some are packing up and heading overseas. In videos on TikTok and YouTube, Americans show off lives in places like Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, or Ho Chi Minh City, marveling at how far their dollars go. They chat about affordable healthcare, lower rents, and calmer communities. At the same time, polls show many back home feeling disillusioned: nearly half of Americans say the old dream no longer holds true. The irony is striking: even nations like Vietnam – once the site of a bitter Cold War conflict – now figure into the hopes of young Americans seeking a better life. This phenomenon is reshaping what it means to dream in 21st-century America.
The Evolution of the American Dream
The “American Dream” has never been a fixed idea. In the early 20th century it drew immigrants seeking freedom and prosperity; after World War II it conjured images of suburban homes and solid middle-class jobs; by the turn of the millennium it had come to mean a college degree, a career, and homeownership. But today’s economic and social realities have made that classic script feel outdated for many. A house in the suburbs, once a symbol of success, now seems out of reach for younger generations. Buying even a modest home can consume half of a household’s income. Meanwhile, many are saddled with tens of thousands of dollars in student debt, and healthcare costs that can ruin a budget. Simply put, the old checkpoints of success – college, car, house, pension – often cost far more than the average American can afford.
As a result, new visions of “success” are emerging. For some, success means financial stability, no matter where in the world you achieve it. A Millennial in California might conclude, “Why not earn a U.S. salary while enjoying a vastly cheaper lifestyle in Asia or Latin America?” This is not mere escapism. It reflects a deep reevaluation: life satisfaction, good health, and time for family or leisure are increasingly seen as the true goals. In fact, recent surveys show a majority of Americans would willingly take a pay cut for a better work-life balance. The beaches of Phuket or the rainforests of Bali offer exactly that perspective – and online, plenty of Americans testify that they’ve found it.
Economic Pressures Back Home
The economics at home play a huge role in this exodus. The cost of living in the U.S. has soared over the last decade, outpacing wage growth. Housing is the most glaring example: U.S. median home prices jumped to around $410,000 in 2023, meaning the typical American family must now spend a record 41% of their income on mortgage payments – far above the historically recommended 30%. Meanwhile, many working Americans carry student loan debts often exceeding $30,000, with interest. Retirement costs, college tuition, childcare, and even weddings have become so expensive that analysts estimate achieving the traditional milestones of marriage, kids, a home, and retirement might require around $3.4 million over a lifetime – far beyond the average family’s total earnings.
Healthcare is another crushing burden. In 2022, Americans spent roughly $14,000 per person on medical care, far higher than any other nation. Even with insurance, unexpected emergencies can leave families with insurmountable bills or force them to ration care. For a family of four, annual insurance premiums plus out-of-pocket costs can easily reach $20,000 or more. In contrast, many of the countries now attracting American expats offer modern healthcare at a fraction of the cost, sometimes free at the point of use or heavily subsidized by taxes.
These financial strains make the cost-benefit balance look very different. A schoolteacher in a Midwestern town might earn $40,000 a year and wonder: “Why should I struggle to pay $1,500 a month for a small apartment in Ohio, when I could live in Bangkok, rent included, for $600?” Or an entrepreneur in Silicon Valley facing a $5,000 monthly rent for a one-bedroom condo might think of renting a beachfront home in Thailand or Malaysia for even less. In both cases, disposable income goes much further abroad. A few thousand dollars each month can cover a very comfortable life in many Asian cities, whereas that same sum buys only bare survival in expensive U.S. markets.
It’s not just spending power. With growing automation and global competition, some Americans feel that stable well-paying jobs are harder to find at home. Industries like manufacturing and even tech have sent roles overseas or automated them, squeezing middle-class opportunities. Many who can work remotely find it much more advantageous to do so from a country with lower costs. For example, an IT worker earning $80,000 in the U.S. could easily live like a local earning a fraction of that in Vietnam or Thailand, using the difference to save or simply enjoy life more. In a sense, Americans are taking advantage of the globalized economy: they earn in a strong currency and spend in a weaker one.
Political and Social Discontent
Economic factors alone don’t tell the whole story. Social and political concerns also push some people to look abroad. In recent years, American politics has been deeply polarized, with heated debates over gun rights, healthcare policy, racial justice, and immigration. Many Americans, especially younger generations, feel anxious or disillusioned by constant partisan conflict and social upheaval. A split society – where neighbors often have starkly different views on rights, reality, and the direction of the country – can make everyday life stressful. For those who feel their values or safety are under threat, relocating to a society with a more stable or welcoming culture can be tempting.
For example, issues such as rising gun violence make some parents wonder if it’s safer to raise children in a place with stricter gun laws. Others point to climate and environmental concerns: Americans living in areas prone to hurricanes, wildfires, or droughts see how costly and frightening these disasters can be. Some people even jokingly compare the political situation in the U.S. to living in a reality TV show gone wrong – and consider escaping to a quieter corner of the world.
This sense of disenchantment isn’t uniform. Not all Americans are fleeing; it’s a choice mostly open to those with certain privileges or skills. But those who have the freedom to move – such as retirees, digital workers, or savvy entrepreneurs – often cite a yearning for a simpler, more community-oriented life. They contrast bustling American cities or isolated suburbs with villages or foreign towns where neighbors chat on street corners, local markets open all night, and people look out for one another. On social media, one TikTok user might wistfully narrate how her greatest worry in Vietnam is whether she wants pho or banh mi for dinner – a far cry from worrying about mortgage rates or healthcare premiums. These are relatable aspirations: safety, community, appreciation of small things.
The Rise of the Global Nomad Mentality
Several modern trends have made it easier for Americans to act on these desires. The rise of remote work is chief among them. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated a shift that was already underway: many companies proved that employees could perform well from anywhere. As a result, a generation of workers in tech, media, marketing, education, and even finance now have the flexibility to choose their location. Remote work, freelancing platforms, and the gig economy allow many Americans to take their U.S. salaries overseas while still holding onto their careers.
Consider the phrase some expats mention: “earn dollars, spend dong.” It captures the logic succinctly. If you have a laptop job, why not base yourself in a country where the cost of living is 60-70% lower? This way, a modest U.S. income can fund a very comfortable lifestyle abroad. Visa programs have popped up to encourage this mobility: Thailand offers long-term work visas and even retirement visas for foreigners, Malaysia has long been inviting retirees through its “MM2H” (Malaysia My Second Home) initiative, and Vietnam has experimented with digital nomad visas. Essentially, governments in these countries are saying: “Come spend your money here and help our economy.” Their hospitality resonates with Americans tired of red tape and shrinking benefits at home.
Beyond work, the cultural zeitgeist is shifting. Younger generations value experiences over possessions more than ever. Adventure travel, cultural exploration, and wellness are hot topics. It’s a classic pattern: once a generation has exhausted the consumerism of electronics and cars, they start seeking meaning and life stories. These same Americans now watch social media influencers who blog about their apartments in Chiang Mai or Penang and dream of doing the same. The internet has created a community of “digital nomads” and global travelers who share tips and hype. It’s easy to be swept up by these narratives: countless TikTokers show off how their new foreign kitchen costs less than dinner in LA, or how they hired a full-time housekeeper for what a part-time cleaner costs back in New York. Their message: “You can live better for less – why not give it a try?”
Countries on the New Dream List
So which countries are drawing Americans, and why? Southeast Asia and East Asia have emerged as top contenders. The list often includes places like Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam – and yes, even China. Each offers its own package of benefits.
Thailand: Tropical Comfort and Community
Thailand often tops the list of dream destinations. Its tropical climate, golden beaches, and vibrant street markets already made it a tourist hotspot. For expats, especially in cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and on islands like Phuket or Koh Samui, there is plenty of comfort and infrastructure. English is widely understood in tourist and urban areas, making it easier for newcomers to settle in.
The financial appeal is strong: many daily essentials cost a fraction of U.S. prices. A nice meal at a Thai restaurant might be $3–$5. Renting a modern one-bedroom apartment in Chiang Mai’s city center can be around $300–$500 per month. Even in Bangkok, a foreigner can find decent housing for under $1,000 easily, compared to thousands in American metros. For a couple living together, some report that $2,000 per month covers rent, utilities, food, cleaning help, and still leaves savings. Meanwhile, Thailand’s healthcare – especially in private hospitals – rivals Western standards but costs far less. An American who grew up paying $300 a month for insurance might find a full doctor’s visit in Bangkok costs only $10–$20.
On a lifestyle level, many Americans praise the Thai culture of “sanuk” (enjoyment) and “mai pen rai” (no worries). Communities in Chiang Mai, a northern city popular with retirees, organize social events for foreigners, and it’s common to find ex-pat clubs, yoga studios, and health-food cafes. The slow pace of life and focus on family resonates with those burned out by 24/7 city grind. One expat often cited in blogs talks about swapping her hectic California life (two jobs, frantic traffic) for renting a riverside house in Chiang Mai where she can garden, scooter to markets, and sleep without worrying about crime. Police presence is lighter, gun violence virtually nonexistent, and neighbors share fruits from their trees – a far cry from alarm sirens and competitive anonymity in many U.S. cities.
Thailand does have challenges – seasonal monsoons can flood cities, and occasionally there is political unrest or a military coup in the background – but these risks are often seen as distant. For many Americans, those seem minor compared to daily life in some parts of the U.S. Additionally, the Thai baht being a relatively stable currency means Americans can largely ignore exchange rate shocks. In short, Thailand offers a blend of modern convenience (malls, high-speed internet, international schools) and very low-day expenses. No wonder it retained its title as one of the world’s top countries for expats. As one blogger put it, “Here, I don’t need three jobs just to survive – I have time to enjoy life.”
Malaysia: A Multicultural Middle Ground
Malaysia is another destination drawing American interest. Known for its stability and multicultural society, Malaysia strikes many as an easy transition. English is an official language alongside Malay, so moving in professionally or socially is straightforward. Popular areas include Kuala Lumpur (the capital), Penang, and the quieter city of Malacca. Each city offers a unique mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian and indigenous cultures. For Americans, this diversity means ample Western comforts: supermarkets stock familiar brands, and restaurants serve both local and international cuisine.
The cost of living in Malaysia is also low. International Living magazine notes that a couple can live “exceptionally well” on around $2,500 per month. One can rent a modern 3-bedroom condo in a nice neighborhood for under $1,000. Imported goods (like wine or foreign gadgets) are pricier than local products, but overall groceries, dining out, domestic help, and utilities are cheap. Healthcare is both affordable and high-quality; many Americans say a visit to a private hospital is a fraction of what it would cost in the U.S. Malaysia has a well-developed infrastructure – good roads, reliable internet, and English-speaking medical staff – which makes day-to-day life comfortable.
Malaysia also tries to attract foreigners. Its previous “Malaysia My Second Home” program gave long visas to retirees and those who could prove they had income or savings. (That program is currently being revamped, but it shows how welcoming the country has been.) The tropical climate is warm year-round, the beaches (like Langkawi or Tioman) are beautiful, and the food is famously good – from hawker center noodles to Indonesian-style curries. For Americans used to only rain and snow, the idea of a warm winter is appealing.
Safety is often mentioned: crime rates in Malaysia are relatively low. Strict gun laws mean gun violence is almost unheard of. Some do worry about religious conservatism (Malaysia is a predominantly Muslim country), but most expats say as a foreigner you can live largely by your own rules, and that the society is tolerant of different lifestyles. On balance, Malaysia presents itself as a balance between old and new Asia: it has modern skyscrapers and fast internet, but also rich traditions and lush nature. Many Americans feel comfortable there, especially those drawn to city life with a tropical flavor.
Vietnam: From Enemies to Embracers
Perhaps the most poignant example of this trend is Vietnam. A country that was once enemy territory for Americans is now being eyed with open arms. Vietnam’s economy has been booming, and with it, the country has become surprisingly affordable. International surveys rank Vietnam as one of the cheapest countries for expats. In Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Hanoi, or the laid-back central coast cities like Da Nang and Nha Trang, Americans find modern conveniences and rock-bottom prices. Housing is very affordable: a nice serviced apartment in a central location can cost as little as $400–$600 a month. Local meals are often $1–$2, and a professional massage or scooter rental can run less than what one might pay for luxury services in the U.S.
Healthcare in Vietnam is improving rapidly; Ho Chi Minh City has several international hospitals with English-speaking staff at costs far below American prices. Expats routinely say they pay out-of-pocket for medical procedures at these hospitals, and the bills still only come to a few hundred dollars – the price of a deductible back home.
Culturally, Vietnam offers an energetic blend of tradition and youthful enthusiasm. Coffee culture is huge – Vietnamese iced coffee is famous – and expats often remark on how easy it is to start their day with a street vendor’s coffee for 50 cents. The locals are known for their friendliness and resilience (often citing the wartime past with a sense of irony, telling Americans, “You won the war but we won the peace!”). Crime against foreigners is low; many expatriates say they feel very safe letting children play outside, a luxury not universal in parts of the U.S.
For many Americans, Vietnam feels like a diamond-in-the-rough: it might not have all the luxuries yet, but the combination of safety, low cost, and a rising economy is intoxicating. Tech and education jobs are growing (several American companies invest in Vietnamese start-ups), and the country is fairly easy to travel around. There’s beach life in the South (Phu Quoc Island), historical sites in the North (Ha Long Bay), and cheaper real estate prices than even some neighboring countries. Even the tropical climate, with two monsoon seasons, is something people adapt to – after all, so did people in Florida or Hawaii.
The “war” legacy is often mentioned as an ironic talking point. Older Americans recall wartime warnings, but younger ones see it as ancient history. Instead, they tell stories of weekend treks in the jungle, temple stays, and learning to haggle at floating markets. For many, the transformation of Vietnam symbolizes a larger truth: the world has changed dramatically, and so have Americans’ aspirations.
China: The Global Behemoth
China is a different story, but worth mentioning. It’s a major global economy and has attracted Americans for decades – first as students and businesspeople, and more recently as professionals and teachers. Some Americans still choose to move to Chinese cities like Shanghai, Beijing, or Shenzhen for big career opportunities. The allure there is China’s sheer scale and efficiency: world-class public transit, skyscrapers, high-speed trains, and a booming tech sector that can offer lucrative jobs.
Living in China can be very cheap in terms of everyday expenses (outside the biggest cities, rent can be extremely low). An American living in a mid-sized Chinese city might pay a few hundred dollars for a modern apartment, while enjoying amenities like food delivery, electric scooters, and 5G internet. Culture shock is real – language and censorship can be barriers – but many Americans who work in international companies or teach English find they can adapt. Notably, Americans in China often come for professional reasons, rather than retirement, and they tend to gather in cosmopolitan expat circles in big cities.
However, unlike the more “laid-back” targets like Thailand or Vietnam, moving to China often means embracing a very fast-paced, highly regulated environment. Americans there sometimes must deal with bureaucracy, limited Internet access (though VPNs help), and an occasionally bristling political atmosphere. For that reason, China tends to attract a specific subset of Americans – those interested in finance, tech, or cultural exchange – rather than the retirement community. It’s on the list because some do leave the U.S. for it, but its appeal is different: it’s about opportunity in a different kind of market, rather than the low-cost paradise narrative.
The Social Media Effect
YouTube vlogs and TikTok reels have played a crucial role in publicizing this migration narrative. Influencers and everyday people alike document life in Chiang Mai apartments or tour Kuala Lumpur condos, captioning their videos with comparisons of cost and lifestyle. Hashtags like #expatlife and #digitalnomad have millions of views. A quick social-media scroll can show viewers a two-bed condo in Thailand that costs less than many one-bed U.S. apartments, complete with panoramic city views – often accompanied by a voiceover praising the peaceful night markets and friendly neighbors.
These online snapshots serve two functions. First, they inspire curiosity. If a middle-class American sees someone else thriving abroad, it plants the seed: “Maybe that could be me.” Second, they create a form of peer support and knowledge-sharing. Expat forums and Facebook groups are filled with practical tips: how to get a visa, where to find an international school, which insurance covers foreigners abroad, how to open a bank account. The community vibe can make the leap seem less intimidating.
But it’s important to note that social media can glamorize and oversimplify. Most viewers only see the highlights reel – serene beaches, exotic food, friendly local festivals – not the hassles of paperwork, bureaucratic delays, or language barriers. Behind the camera, many expats juggle two jobs (one in the U.S., one freelance gig abroad) or carefully budget to maintain their lifestyle. Some deal with loneliness and homesickness, or surprise bills back in the States. Yet these complications are rarely the click-baity part of a TikTok.
Still, the trend is self-reinforcing. A viral video of life in Bali leads thousands to comment, “We’re moving next year!” which encourages more people to try it, which in turn produces more content. It becomes not only an economic calculation but a cultural phenomenon. In a way, social media has made the idea of a borderless dream accessible and normal to a generation that grew up online.
The Global Perspective: Is the American Dream Waning?
This trend isn’t happening in a vacuum. It reflects a larger shift in global attitudes. For decades, countries around the world have seen the U.S. as a land of opportunity; families saved money to send children to American universities, and engineers in India and China flooded U.S. tech hubs. Now, that dynamic is changing. Many developing countries are growing fast, offering their own opportunities.
In Asia, for instance, governments and economies have largely recovered from the 20th-century upheavals and present new models of success. China’s “Chinese Dream” is about building a modern state where citizens can prosper at home, just as it used to be said that the American Dream beckoned all over the world. Similarly, rising tech sectors in India, Southeast Asia, and Latin America mean that ambitious young people in those regions may no longer see it as necessary to move to the U.S. to achieve a comfortable life or exciting career.
At the same time, Americans hear more about problems at home and positives abroad. With global news and social media, people know that “other places have Netflix, stable democracies, and good schools.” So the aura of the American Dream has dimmed somewhat on the world stage. The idea that “if you work hard and come to America, you’ll succeed” doesn’t resonate as strongly when people see Americans themselves looking for greener pastures elsewhere.
In short, many no longer see the U.S. as the only place to build a modern life. Some youngsters from Mexico, for example, are now equally likely to dream of a business success in China or the U.S., depending on where the opportunity lies. In Europe, younger generations might be tired of austerity and consider moves abroad as well. The American Dream, once a global export, is now just one of many “dreams” – and its appeal is partly diluted as the world multiplies its own success stories.
It’s also worth noting that Americans themselves are changing their ideals. Gone for many are the days when success was defined by corporate titles and suburban mortgages. The “new dream” often emphasizes quality of life over material markers. It is not necessarily anti-American to say “We found a better life elsewhere” – it can simply mean that, for some, personal dreams no longer align with staying within U.S. borders.
Consequences and Implications
This exodus of dream-chasers has consequences on multiple levels. For the individuals involved, it can mean a better life – lower expenses, greater freedom, and daily joy. Many become informal ambassadors, learning new languages and bridging cultures. But they may also face challenges: adapting to local norms, managing long-distance relationships, or grappling with tax obligations (the U.S. still taxes citizens abroad). Some expats talk about the bureaucratic headaches of filing IRS forms or losing access to Social Security because they left. There can also be moments of culture shock: simple things like not understanding medical insurance, or more profound issues like navigating a society with different values.
For American society, a significant migration outward could be a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it can relieve some demographic pressures: fewer people competing for scarce jobs or homes, and less stress on public services. On the other hand, America may lose innovative and energetic people who could have contributed domestically. If schoolteachers, engineers, or entrepreneurs go abroad, that’s a brain drain of talent and tax revenue. There’s also a symbolic dimension: if tens of thousands of Americans are deciding the U.S. is not worth staying in, it sends a message about the state of the country’s promise.
However, the actual numbers should be kept in perspective. Even with millions of U.S. citizens overseas (census estimates range widely, perhaps around 4–9 million), that’s still only a few percent of the U.S. population. The trend is meaningful and growing, but it’s not a mass exodus. Many of the same people continue to invest in U.S. assets and companies from afar, so they are not fully leaving the U.S. system. Plus, there’s a rotating door effect: some expats eventually come back, bringing new skills or savings home.
For the destination countries, the influx of Americans (and other foreigners) can boost local economies. Expats spend money on housing, food, and services, which can create jobs. For example, digital nomads often rent local housing, hire local assistants, eat in restaurants, and otherwise inject dollars into the economy. Countries like Thailand and Malaysia sometimes actively court foreign retirees because of this. But there are downsides too: in some popular towns, housing prices have surged because foreigners can outbid locals. This is a concern in places like Bali and parts of Thailand, where local youths have to move farther out because city centers become too expensive. The cultural impact is mixed; some communities welcome the diversity and business, others feel alienated by areas becoming “tourist bubbles.” These are challenges that some governments are now addressing (e.g., zoning laws or foreign property restrictions).
Finally, there’s the bigger picture: the American Dream is no longer strictly tied to America. In the internet age, opportunities and lifestyles can be global. For many Americans, what once was seen as success in the U.S. – career, home, assets – can now be reinterpreted as success anywhere. Some think of it this way: The United States gave people the idea that life could be better with hard work. Now, globalization has given Americans the choice of where that better life might be. In practice, that means a Texan tech worker might live in Tokyo, an Oregon designer might retire in Cambodia, or a New York teacher might start a café in Da Nang. The “dream” has become malleable.
The New Dream Defined
So, what exactly is the “new American dream” for those heading abroad? It varies, but common themes emerge. Many describe it as the freedom to live affordably and meaningfully – often not in terms of possessions, but in terms of personal fulfillment. It might be economic security with breathing room. Instead of owning the biggest house, the new dream might be owning any home without mortgage stress. Instead of driving the latest SUV, it might be driving a scooter on coastal roads and visiting a fresh market daily. Instead of climbing the corporate ladder, it might be crafting a career on one’s own terms – teaching English by day in Bali and freelance graphic design by night.
Importantly, the new dream is not necessarily anti-American. Many expats still feel a strong affinity for American values, but they feel those values – like hard work and entrepreneurship – can be honored outside U.S. soil. Some even send money back home, or split their time between countries. The idea that “the grass is greener” is not just cliché here; for some, statistically it is greener in places where the grass (and water, and sunlight) is cheaper.
This redefined dream also places a higher value on community, leisure, and health. Expats often say they have more time for friends and family abroad. They enjoy more leisure – like more vacation days, or the practice of “siesta” in some Asian cultures, or simply shorter commutes thanks to local urban designs. Many cite improved health, eating fresh tropical produce and exercising without the U.S. gym obsession. In a pragmatic sense, the new dream is about making trade-offs: sacrificing some comforts or career prestige for less stress and more life satisfaction.
A Dream Without Borders
In many ways, Americans pursuing this new dream abroad are simply following a historical pattern: whenever one part of the world closes off or fails to deliver, people naturally look elsewhere for opportunity. Just as in the 1800s Americans went west for gold and land, today some go west (or south) for a better life. The difference is that today’s pioneers share their stories instantly online, turning wanderlust into a cultural moment.
This shift doesn’t necessarily spell doom or decline for the United States. But it does signal that the definition of success is changing. The “American Dream” is no longer exclusively American. It’s a global dream of personal well-being, attainable in Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam or beyond. As one thought-provoking commentator put it, “the dream is where you can find your happiness and security – and if that’s not the U.S., so be it.”
In the end, Americans moving abroad are asserting a fundamental right that many citizens of other countries always had: the right to seek a better life anywhere in the world. For years the U.S. was seen as the ultimate destination for dreams, but in today’s interconnected era, a rising number of Americans realize their personal dreams could flourish halfway around the world. That realization is reshaping both what the “American Dream” means and where it can be found.