Moving Abroad: Pros and Cons Every American Should Honestly Consider
Every article about moving abroad either makes it sound like paradise or warns you that it will ruin your life. The truth, as with most things, is more nuanced. We moved to South Brazil several years ago, and here is our honest assessment of the pros and cons — the things we wish someone had told us before we left.
The Real Pros
Dramatically Lower Cost of Living
This is the most tangible and immediate benefit. In Florianopolis, South Brazil, we live in a furnished apartment near the beach, eat well, have comprehensive health insurance, and enjoy a full social life for under $2,000 per month. In any comparable US coastal city, the same lifestyle would cost $5,000–$8,000 per month. The financial relief is profound and immediate.
Better Work-Life Balance
Brazilian culture does not glorify overwork. Businesses close for lunch. Weekends are genuinely for rest and family. The pace of life is slower in a way that initially feels foreign to Americans but quickly becomes deeply appealing. Many expats report that their productivity actually improves because they are less chronically stressed.
Access to Nature and Outdoor Lifestyle
Florianopolis has 42 beaches. The island's interior is covered in Atlantic Forest. The weather is warm year-round. If you currently live in a landlocked US city or a cold climate, the access to natural beauty is transformative. We surf, hike, and swim in the ocean regularly — activities that would require expensive travel in the US.
Excellent Private Healthcare
Brazilian private healthcare is high quality and remarkably affordable. Our comprehensive health insurance costs $80 per month each. Doctor appointments are available within days, not weeks. Specialists are accessible without referrals. For Americans accustomed to the US healthcare system, this is one of the most pleasant surprises.
Personal Growth
Living in a foreign country forces you to develop skills and resilience you never knew you needed. Navigating bureaucracy in Portuguese, building a new social network from scratch, learning to cook Brazilian food — these challenges are genuinely enriching. Most expats describe the experience as one of the most growth-inducing periods of their lives.
The Real Cons
Language Barrier
Portuguese is not widely spoken in the US, and most Brazilians outside of tourist areas do not speak English. The first few months can be genuinely difficult — navigating government offices, understanding utility bills, and making friends all require language skills you probably do not have yet. This is manageable but real. Budget 6–12 months to reach functional Portuguese.
Bureaucracy
Brazilian bureaucracy is legendary in its complexity. Opening a bank account, registering as a resident, and navigating the visa process all involve paperwork, in-person appointments, and patience. Having a local guide or consultant who has been through the process is invaluable.
Distance from Family
This is the hardest part for most expats. Being far from aging parents, siblings, and close friends is genuinely painful at times. International flights from Brazil to the US cost $600–$1,200 and take 10–14 hours. You will miss important events. Video calls help but do not fully substitute for physical presence. Be honest with yourself about how much this will affect you before you commit.
Cultural Adjustment
Brazilian culture is warm, social, and relationship-oriented in ways that are wonderful but also require adjustment. Time works differently — 'I'll be there at 7' means 7:30 at the earliest. Personal space norms differ. These are not insurmountable differences, but they require genuine cultural humility to navigate.
US Tax Complexity
Americans cannot escape US taxes by moving abroad. You will still file US tax returns every year, potentially pay self-employment taxes, and navigate FBAR requirements if you have more than $10,000 in foreign bank accounts. This is manageable with the right accountant but adds complexity and cost.
Who Should Move Abroad — and Who Should Not
Moving abroad is genuinely life-changing for people who are motivated by the right reasons: lower cost of living, adventure, personal growth, and a desire for a different pace of life. It works best for remote workers, retirees, and entrepreneurs who have location-independent income.
It is not a good fit for people who are running away from problems — relationship issues, debt, or career dissatisfaction — rather than running toward something. The problems you bring with you will still be there, just in a foreign language.
The practical requirements are clear: you need a way to earn money online (or retirement income) and approximately $20,000 in savings as a cushion. If you have those two things and a genuine desire for a different kind of life, moving abroad is very likely the right decision.