The Burrow
Oct 4, 2024
Looking to move? The pandemic has sparked a new mindset for some to think about relocating overseas, amid high cost-of-living pressures and greater remote working flexibility for some roles.
But where do people want to move the most and why?
As home loan comparison experts, we surveyed more than 3,000 people and analysed online search data to find out what countries are at the top of the list for Australians, Americans and Canadians.
These were the results.
| Rank | Australia’s Most Desired Countries | USA’s Most Desired Countries | Canada’s Most Desired Countries |
| 1 | Japan | New Zealand | Spain |
| 2 | New Zealand | Costa Rica | Costa Rica |
| 3 | Switzerland | Ireland | Australia |
| 4 | United States | Portugal | Portugal |
| 5 | United Kingdom | Japan | Japan |
| 6 | Canada | Switzerland | New Zealand |
| 7 | Thailand | Canada | Switzerland |
| 8 | Spain | Spain | Ireland |
| 9 | Ireland | Australia | Mexico |
| 10 | Singapore | Mexico | United States |
| 11 | Italy | Thailand | Italy |
| 12 | Portugal | Italy | Thailand |
| 13 | Sweden | Iceland | Norway |
| 14 | Norway | Netherlands | Sweden |
| 15 | Netherlands | Norway | Iceland |
| 16 | Germany | Sweden | Netherlands |
| 17 | France | Germany | Germany |
| 18 | Finland | France | United Kingdom |
| 19 | Denmark | Finland | Finland |
| 20 | Vietnam | Georgia | Panama |
Australians, Americans and Canadians had varying preferences when searching for relocation destinations online. Japan, New Zealand and Switzerland all ranked highly across all three nations.
These were the key findings:
Percentages were rounded to the nearest whole number
Across all Australians, Americans and Canadians combined, it’s clear that younger people want (or already have made) an overseas move.
The majority of baby boomers (58-year-olds and above) have not considered a relocation in the past 12 months – despite retirement representing an opportunity to move overseas.
In contrast, just more than 40% of Generation Z (18- to 25-year-olds) adults have thought of moving overseas.
Of the participants who have considered or have done a relocation overseas, these were the key findings:
For Australians, Americans and Canadians who have considered relocating to another country, the majority cited a desired change in lifestyle or wanting a fresh start as the key reason for relocating.
Being closer to family or friends, financial reasons, and career opportunities were among the top reasons, too.
The below tabs reveal country-by-country results.
Percentages were rounded to the nearest whole number
Percentages were rounded to the nearest whole number
Percentages were rounded to the nearest whole number
Combined, 79% of participants said they have not considered relocating to another country in the past year.
Compare the Market’s General Manager of Money, Stephen Zeller, said there are still benefits in staying in your home country.
“While moving overseas may be a good choice for some, it could be a daunting and costly change of lifestyle for others,” Mr Zeller said.
“In Australia, the increase in net overseas migration has had a larger impact on the rental market since those who choose to emigrate typically rent rather than buy.
“However, demand has outstripped property supply in Australia with a resurgence in interest rates, rise in interstate migration, and an increase in material costs and labour shortages which have caused delays in new home constructions.
“Combined with a rise in cost-of-living expenses, it has become increasingly difficult to own a home.
“But with some smart budgeting, comparing what home loan offers are available and considering using an offset account to help reduce repayments, entering the property market is still possible.”
Compare the Market offers a home loan comparison service, calculators and report tools to help Australians find a suitable option and own a home.
Compare the Market commissioned PureProfile to survey a nationally representative sample of 1,005 Australians, 1,001 Americans, and 1,000 Canadians in July 2024.
Using Google Keywords Planner, Australia, USA and Canada search volume data (between August 2023 to July 2024) was collected for 187 different countries in the following phrases:
The search terms were in English and excluded the origin country.
Additional sources: