A lot of people want to leave the United States for a number of different reasons. Those motivational factors include the embarrassment of Donald Trump and his polarizing, extremist political behavior (no reason to beat around the bush, it actually has a name: “The Donald Dash”), discrimination, cost of living, lack of access to obtainable healthcare, fear of developing fascism and overall violence. The list is endless, but for each individual, that fear can be confirmed by what we’ve seen take place in this country throughout most of the 21st century.
While moving to Canada and other English-speaking countries like Australia, England, Ireland and Scotland may seem desirable and less complicated because of the lack of a language barrier, it’s not as easy as having a passport, packing your bags and hopping on a plane. A lot of LGBTQ+ folks of all ages have given serious thought to moving abroad – not giving up American citizenship – but choosing a place that feels safe until the political, economic and cultural storm calms down.
At the top of the list for most individuals is moving to a location without that language barrier, somewhere with more civility and a similar culture. As fate would have it, most of the easiest places to gain less complicated entry and longtime residency are countries with substantially different cultures and languages.
Figures, doesn’t it? But we’ll come back to those a little later in a follow-up story. First, let’s take a look at (in alphabetical order) English-speaking countries with similar cultures and the challenges you can face if you decide on a move.
Australia
If you grew up in the United States and your friends and family are all here, Australia is a long way away and flights generally take more than 20 hours. If you want to live and work there, obtaining a visa can be difficult. Australia does not offer an automatic path to residency for U.S. citizens, and most long-term migrants must qualify through a skilled worker, employer-sponsored, business, investment, family or partner visa program. Many visas require applicants to meet age limits, pass health and character checks and show that their occupation appears on Australia’s skilled occupation lists. Housing costs can present another significant obstacle, particularly in major cities such as Sydney and Melbourne. Sydney is consistently ranked among the world’s least affordable housing markets. As of 2026, renting a one-bedroom apartment in a desirable central Sydney neighborhood generally costs between $2,000 and $3,000 per month in American dollars.
In Melbourne, a comparable one-bedroom apartment may range from approximately $1,500 to $1,850 per month, depending on location and amenities. Median house prices for purchase in many Sydney suburbs exceed $800,000, with some areas significantly higher. Beyond housing, newcomers should prepare for higher costs for groceries, utilities, transportation and insurance than they may be accustomed to in many parts of the United States. Same-sex marriages are legal there and the country is generally progressive, though discrimination and microaggressions towards the LGBTQ+ community are not uncommon.
Canada
Canada can be an appealing destination because of its public healthcare system, political stability and generally high quality of life. However, moving there permanently can require jumping through a number of hoops you never expected. Canada uses a competitive immigration system that typically favors applicants with in-demand job skills, education, work experience, language proficiency or family connections. The amount of money needed varies widely (the American dollar is currently valued at a higher rate than the Canadian dollar, although that can change quickly), but immigration programs often require proof of settlement funds ranging from several thousand dollars for a single person to substantially more for families. Moving expenses, visa fees and transportation can add thousands of dollars to the total cost. Monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in a desirable area ranges from $1,600 to more than $2,000 American dollars. Purchasing a home often requires several hundred thousand dollars, with prices in the largest cities frequently exceeding $850,000.
Pluses: the American dollar currently stretches further, costs in general are less, same-sex marriage is legal across the land and LGBTQ+ protections are federally enforced nationwide. Negatives: very specific federal requirements that most folks can’t make prevent permanent residency, and the climate is radically different from the Carolinas: it’s cold and it snows. A lot.
England
Most Americans cannot simply move and stay permanently in England, they usually need a work, family, student or other qualifying visa. They can be approved within several weeks to a few months, but permanent settlement can take five years or longer. Moving costs, flights, shipping personal belongings, visa fees and initial housing expenses can easily total $5,000 to $15,000 or more. Most property owners also require a security deposit and advance rent payments. In London, a one-bedroom apartment currently rents (on average) from $2,500 to $3,500 per month. Similar accommodations in smaller cities and towns generally cost less. Purchasing property varies widely by location, but average home prices in England are often between $380,000 and $750,000, with London prices usually much higher.
The overall cost of living is high. Utilities, transportation, groceries and council taxes add significantly to monthly expenses. Americans may also face challenges adjusting to different healthcare procedures, banking requirements, tax rules and workplace customs.
As you would expect, the positives for LGBTQ+ folks include a thumbs up on same-sex marriage and legal protections. If you’re comfortable with the flight time and distance from American friends and family, England might just be the place for you if you’ve got an adequate stockpile of cash.
Ireland
Americans will need a work permit, student visa, retirement permission or another qualifying immigration route. Securing legal residency can be competitive, particularly if you do not have a job offer from an Irish employer. Initial visa or work permit processing may take several weeks to a few months, while long-term residency applications can take much longer.
Housing can also be a challenge: Ireland is currently experiencing a housing shortage, especially in Dublin. A one-bedroom apartment in Dublin typically rents for about $2,000–$2,700 American dollars a month, while homes in smaller cities such as Cork or Galway may be somewhat less expensive. Purchasing a home in Dublin generally costs $600,000 or more.
Most Americans should expect to have at least $10,000–$20,000 available for moving expenses, deposits, temporary housing, shipping belongings and emergency savings. Government fees and immigration-related costs can add several thousand dollars more.
It can be expensive to live in Ireland, particularly in Dublin. A single person can easily spend $2,400–$3,500 per month including rent, food, transportation and utilities. Healthcare costs are generally lower than in the United States, but taxes are higher. Despite these challenges, many Americans find Ireland attractive because of its safety, English-speaking population, strong worker protections and access to the broader European Union. Good stuff for LGBTQ+ folks: same-sex marriage has been recognized since 2015, and national level protections for those in our community provide a comfortable sense of security.
Scotland
The biggest hurdle is obtaining the legal right to live and work – as mentioned earlier – in the United Kingdom. It can’t be said enough: make sure you acquire the correct visa, and they’re not always so easy to acquire.
A realistic moving budget is between $8,000 and $20,000 or more. In Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital, a one-bedroom apartment often rents for $1,200–$1,600 per month. Want to buy a home? Average home prices are approximately $375,000. The cost of living is generally lower than in major U.S. cities such as New York or San Francisco but can still be costly when factoring in utilities, groceries, transportation and taxes. Other challenges include adapting to a different healthcare system, building a new credit history, understanding UK tax rules and adjusting to Scotland’s climate, which is cooler, wetter and darker during winter than most of the United States.
LET’S BE REALISTIC
It can be challenging to seek out long term residency in practically every country on the globe. With the exception of a very few – although they each have their very own distinctive drawbacks – moving to another country is never easy, but it is achievable.
While most people genuinely feel sincere about leaving for another country that might offer a greater sense of economic stability and overall safety, most don’t make the move. They just talk about it, perhaps do a little digging and research on the internet, and then they typically stay put. They hunker down. They compromise. And that’s okay. We all do what we can to survive and live our best lives within our means.
But, living in America is not for everyone. At least 180,000 Americans relocated abroad in 2025, with that number expected to climb this year as our country experiences its first net-negative migration (more people leaving than entering) since the Great Depression.
In total, between four million and nine million U.S. citizens currently live overseas (that includes many who have moved years before Trump ever ran for office, although right-wing extremist politics have long been a motivating factor).
Many LGBTQ+ Americans who can are choosing to emigrate to nations with stronger civil protections, healthcare access and social acceptance. Here’s a list of countries popular with our community, despite any language barriers.
The Netherlands: Standing out as a major draw due to the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT), which makes it highly accessible for U.S. citizens to start a business and relocate.
Spain: Consistently ranked as one of the world’s most welcoming countries, popular for its vibrant culture, high safety ratings, and affordable cost of living in hubs like Madrid and Barcelona.
Germany: Highly sought after for its safety and progressive policies, particularly in major cosmopolitan cities like Berlin.
Portugal: Another European haven offering a high quality of life, favorable residency programs (like the D7 or Digital Nomad visas) and immense social acceptance.
Mexico and Costa Rica: Top choices for those who want to stay geographically close to the United States and enjoy a lower cost of living.
Significant communities are also developing in Albania, Bali, Ecuador and Panama. Like the aforementioned countries, they all come with advantages and drawbacks.
This story is meant for our readership to make an informed decision about what is logical and realistic. It is not an endorsement to leave the life you have established behind, nor is it designed to encourage you to stay and endure unwanted anxiety, financial insecurity or fear for your personal well-being. Do your own research. Make your own decisions. Assess your surroundings, and decide what is right for you.
