GreenMe Editorial team A global survey shows why millions move abroad: quality of life, balance, and culture matter more than money. From Canada to Italy, the real luxury is choosing where to feel at home.
@Canva
There are those who do it for love, others because of a job offer, and many simply because they need a change of scenery. Moving abroad is no longer just a romantic dream. It has become a practical, sometimes urgent, decision: a way to reinvent yourself and find a better balance between work and life.
Quality of life above all
A global survey of 4,800 people, commissioned by Remitly, reveals that quality of life is the number one reason why millions decide to leave their home country. It’s not only about higher salaries. What people truly want is to live in safer, cleaner places, with efficient healthcare systems and a stronger sense of future for themselves and their families.
Close behind comes the desire for a more balanced lifestyle. Some long to slow down the frantic pace of modern work, while others are drawn to cultures that promote daily well-being. Career opportunities rank third, followed by economic factors such as more affordable housing and mortgages, and finally, the pull of adventure and personal growth.
Canada, Australia, Japan
The survey crowns Canada as the most desired destination, where accessible healthcare, community spirit and an enviable standard of living come together. Next is Australia, famous for its sunny weather and laid-back rhythm. In third place, Japan, where deep-rooted tradition meets safety and world-class cuisine.
Also in the top ten are the United Kingdom and the United States, both long-time magnets for professionals seeking opportunity. And yes, several European countries remain attractive for their mix of history, food and landscapes, with Italy holding steady in sixth place.
Why people dream of italy
Italy continues to charm those looking for a new start. Food tops the list of reasons foreigners would move there, followed by culture—art, fashion, music, and traditions that turn entire cities into open-air museums. Then comes the natural beauty, from the Dolomites to the Amalfi Coast. Finally, there’s the relaxed lifestyle, centered on family, community, and the pleasures of simplicity. It’s the idea of living where time seems to slow down.
Beyond moving, a new identity
In the end, relocating abroad is never just about changing your mailing address. It’s about rewriting your everyday life—and perhaps even your future. The survey makes clear that people today are not simply chasing jobs or higher incomes. They are seeking places where they can live more fully, with balance and well-being.
Whether it’s the “Canadian dream,” the “Australian sun,” or the “Italian taste,” the real luxury in 2025 may not be wealth at all. It’s the freedom to choose the right place to finally feel at home.
And if you look at the United States, the narrative takes a different turn. Many come for career growth or education, but others leave disillusioned by soaring healthcare costs, expensive housing, or safety concerns. The American Dream, once the ultimate migration story, now competes with a global marketplace of dreams—where lifestyle, not just opportunity, sets the tone.
