Why Oklahomans Are Searching "Move Abroad" More Than Anyone Else in America
According to Google Trends data analyzed by MoveBuddha, Oklahoma leads all 50 states in searches for "move abroad," "move overseas," and "moving out of the US." This is not a coastal elite phenomenon — it is a broad-based, deeply felt restlessness among Americans who live in the heart of the country and are asking whether there is something better somewhere else. For many of them, the answer is yes. And Brazil is one of the most compelling options available.
Why Oklahoma Leads the Nation in "Move Abroad" Searches
Oklahoma's high search volume for international relocation reflects a combination of factors that are not unique to the state but are concentrated there. Economic stagnation — Oklahoma's median household income is among the lowest in the nation. Healthcare access challenges — Oklahoma has one of the highest rates of uninsured residents in the country. A sense of political and cultural frustration that crosses party lines. And a historical pattern of migration — the original Dust Bowl exodus of the 1930s sent "Okies" fleeing for California, and that spirit of seeking something better has not disappeared.
The MoveBuddha analysis found that Oklahomans are not just venting — they are doing serious research. The state ranks among the top in practical searches like "visa requirements abroad," "best countries for retirement," and "how to move to another country." This is a population that is genuinely considering the move, not just expressing frustration.
The Economic Case for Oklahomans Moving to Brazil
Oklahoma has a relatively low cost of living by US standards, which means the financial argument for moving to Brazil is different than it is for someone from New York or San Francisco. The savings are real but more modest in absolute terms. However, the income picture is important: Oklahoma's median household income is around $58,000 per year, and many Oklahomans earn significantly less. For someone earning $40,000 to $60,000 per year remotely, Florianópolis is transformative. That income, which provides a modest middle-class life in Oklahoma, funds a genuinely comfortable lifestyle in Brazil — with beach access, excellent food, and private healthcare.
Healthcare: The Biggest Driver
Oklahoma's healthcare situation is a significant driver of the state's emigration interest. Oklahoma has one of the highest rates of uninsured residents in the country, and the cost of healthcare for those who are insured is substantial. Private health insurance for a family in Oklahoma can cost $1,500 to $2,000 per month with high deductibles. In Brazil, a comprehensive private health plan costs $150 to $300 per month per person. For Oklahomans who have been making difficult choices between healthcare and other necessities, this comparison is not abstract — it is life-changing.
The Remote Work Opportunity for Oklahomans
Oklahoma has a growing remote work economy, particularly in technology, energy, and professional services. Tulsa Remote, a program that paid remote workers to move to Tulsa, attracted thousands of applicants and demonstrated that remote workers are willing to relocate for quality of life improvements. Many of those remote workers are now asking the next logical question: if I can work from Tulsa, why not work from somewhere with better weather, lower costs, and beach access? The answer for many is Brazil.
What Oklahoma Expats Find in Florianópolis
Oklahomans who make the move to Florianópolis often describe the experience as a revelation. The outdoor lifestyle — beaches, hiking, water sports — is accessible in a way that Oklahoma's landlocked geography cannot offer. The food is excellent and inexpensive. The social culture is warm and community-oriented in ways that resonate with Oklahomans' own values around hospitality and connection. The healthcare is accessible and affordable. And the financial relief — the sense of not being one medical bill away from financial crisis — is something many describe as the most profound change of all.
Making the Move from Oklahoma
Oklahomans considering the move to Brazil face fewer financial barriers than residents of more expensive states — they typically have lower debt loads and lower fixed costs to unwind. The primary requirements are a remote income source (or retirement income), $20,000 or more in savings for the transition, and the willingness to navigate the visa process. Brazil's Digital Nomad Visa requires proof of remote income of at least $1,500 per month — a threshold that many remote workers and retirees can meet. The move from Oklahoma City or Tulsa to Florianópolis is a significant life change, but the search data suggests that hundreds of thousands of Oklahomans are already thinking about it seriously.