Last updated on January 28th, 2026 at 12:38 pm
Does moving abroad improve quality of life? Well, that depends.
But for me, the answer is yes.
Not because I had a crappy life back in the US, quite the contrary. We loved the fabulous life we created in Chicago. We just knew there were other options out there.
According to the State Department, in 2020, more than 9 million Americans were living abroad (not including the military). I wonder what that number would be now, given the current political climate.
9 million people can’t be wrong, right?
We might just be on to something.
I think many Americans don’t realize they can live a full and happy life elsewhere, let alone enhance their quality of life by moving abroad.
Below are the reasons why moving abroad has increased the quality of my life.
Affordable AND High-Quality Healthcare
One of the things that improves quality of life is access to affordable and good healthcare, and other countries excel at this. You won’t go into debt for a doctor’s appointment or a hospital stay. In Mexico and Malaysia, it’s first-class healthcare for pennies on the dollar.
As an American, I always assumed good healthcare was exorbitant. It certainly is in the US.
However, I was honestly amazed by the quality of healthcare when we moved to Malaysia, a so-called developing nation. Not only was it affordable, but the doctors are every bit as good as they were in America. It’s why we originally started a medical tourism business there.
And Mexico is no slouch when it comes to good healthcare. Quite the contrary. I was just as mind-blown when we moved to Mexico in January of 2022, and needed healthcare.
Every doctor I’ve ever been to has been trained in the US, UK, or Australia. These aren’t some bush doctors who shake a coconut and give me a potion to drink. These are first-rate docs in extremely modern hospitals.
From little pharmacies to major surgeries, I’ve had it all in both countries. And, god forbid I ever need surgery or major healthcare, it’s unlikely I would ever go back to the US for it.
It’s not just the quality of the doctors and hospitals that are different; it’s the whole system. If you need to see a specialist, you don’t need a referral. You just go.
If you need tests or labs, they can happen on the same day, too. In Malaysia, the nurse will walk you to the next doctor, where you’ll wait for the test, x-ray, scan, whatever. And most of the time, you’ll be able to get your results that day or in a few days. No waiting months for an answer.
In Mexico, you can typically have your labs done on the same day. Otherwise, the doctor’s office, which requires the labs, can call and make an appointment for you. But I’ve had bloodwork and MRIs done the same day the doc gave me the orders to do so.
Malaysia and Mexico aren’t the only countries with outstanding healthcare. Medical tourism is booming in a lot of countries – Thailand, Panama, India, Costa Rica, you get my point.
If you are considering traveling to Mexico for treatment or any sort of surgery, reach out to Matt at Vallarta Unified Healthcare Solutions with any questions you might have. He knows his stuff.
Affordable AND Gorgeous Housing
If I am going to write about things to improve the quality of life, living in a fantastic home is one of them. I mean, just having a roof over your head will improve your quality of life, so I’m not being ungrateful, but having a beautiful home that makes you feel happy to wake up in it every day, tops off my list.
We lived in a beautiful condo in Chicago with a rooftop deck and a perfect skyline view. It was centrally located with a 10-minute drive from downtown and the beach. We had 1800 square feet with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. When we moved in 2013, we rented it out for $3000 (USD).
The same condo in Malaysia would cost under $800.
When you choose to move to a new country, EVERYTHING is unfamiliar. So, having a home that makes you feel good, a happy place, is even more important.
It’s not just about the money. Because I wouldn’t be improving anything if I lived in a cheap sh!thole. My home is my happy place, and it makes me even more thrilled that the apartment we live in overlooks the ocean.
When we moved out of the US in 2013, people thought we were going to live in a grass hut. Our Penang apartment was more spacious than our Chicago abode, not as modern, but we had a pool, were surrounded by jungle, and had a full-on ocean view. We only paid $656.
Our Mexico apartment isn’t as big as our Malaysia one. But we have an ocean view, a swimming pool, a hot tub, and a rooftop deck with a BBQ. It is also 5 blocks from the beach and would cost us at least $4000 in Chicago. Here it is $1600.
That combo of happy home and more affordability is a pu-pu platter of delight that increases my quality of life on the reg.
Inexpensive Luxuries
Things that are costly in America are reasonable overseas; hell, some are downright cheap, comparatively. Things like massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, and all kinds of self-care are low-priced.
Taking care of myself has never been so cheap and easy.
It’s totally normal to go for a massage… weekly if you want. Or have a masseuse come to you for a few hours. It’s no biggie.
In Malaysia, we had a cleaning lady who came weekly and was THE BEST! She walked around singing and smiling and working away. For four hours, we paid her $19. In Puerto Vallarta, a weekly cleaner costs about $25-30 for the same half-day. If I remember correctly, our cleaning crew in Chicago, who would come in once a month for a couple of hours, cost us $80.
In Malaysia, going out for dinner or having a date night can be a white tablecloth affair, and still, it won’t cost as much as a nice restaurant in Chicago. Same in Vallarta. You stuff your face with $1 tacos or go out for a fancy meal at half the cost.
Even at the fanciest places.
Back in the US, we’d go out for dinner once a week, maybe. Here, we eat out multiple times a week, because we can.
Having all these little luxuries at my fingertips def improves my quality of life.
Work-Life Balance
Americans aren’t known for their work-life balance.
Honestly, I think it is practically impossible to have that in the US. Most people are wholly consumed by their jobs; we certainly were. Owning two businesses meant we never had time off unless we left the country, and even then, we checked in with work.
One of the most significant benefits of living in a more affordable country with a high-quality lifestyle is finding that balance.
It is def something that I still struggle with, but that is entirely on me. Old habits die hard, I guess. Also, I like writing and editing. So spending hours behind my computer isn’t a hassle. It’s a joy… for the most part.
However, since life isn’t as costly here, we don’t have to make a zillion dollars to live. Living abroad usually comes with fewer financial obligations because we own less, need less, and have less.
Don’t get me wrong, I still want to make good money, and I work hard for it. But because we choose to live in a less expensive country, we can save money. It’s very different than working your butt off just to pay the bills. Knowing that eases the stress levels and certainly improves our quality of life.
My Final Thoughts
There are so many ways to improve the quality of life. It is all subjective. For me, moving abroad was beneficial and certainly enhanced mine. But it isn’t for everyone.
Affordability is def an underlying thread here, but it takes other things besides money to better your lifestyle. The thing about moving overseas from the US is that pretty much everything is more affordable. Does a cheaper cost of living provide a better quality of life? Not necessarily, and I wouldn’t sacrifice quality for price.
We live in a beautiful country, with all the things we need to make a happy home for less. We do not want for anything. That makes sense to us.
It’s why retiring abroad is becoming so much more common and widely accepted these days. If you know you could live in a different country on a fixed budget and not have to scrimp, why wouldn’t you? For a lot of people, it is a no-brainer.
Tell me in the comments below… Are you ready to join the 9 million? Do you think moving abroad would increase your quality of life? And for my expat friends, did moving abroad improve yours?
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Kirsten, great post and I can’t disagree. I’m stil living in the west but moved from US to France where life is calmer. You’re right, the rat race is tiring especially living in NY. Most of my friends and family don’t understand how I’ve uprooted myself from the Philippines to New York, found my way around, settled and worked hard. Then after being rooted, I’ve decided once again to uproot myself to explore another continent. I enjoy the tranquillity and calmness, being able to sit in a cafe for hours, reading a book, doing homework or listening to people converse (i was trying to learn french so was trying to pick up the proper pronunciation and NOT eve’s dropping as I could care less what their topic was hahaha) over a glass of wine or cup of coffee. Still trying to figure out how I could settle here permanently as I’m not yet ready to return either in Asia or US but they are always an option. Cheers to you!
Ana, I totally get you! Even if your friends don’t. It’s hard for people to understand our choice and honestly, they don’t need to. You do you. And keep on moving! Good luck to you!
I discovered your blog about 5 hours ago and have been pouring through it. I really appreciate your posts as they are adding additional (and needed) dimensions to my dream of moving to Penang and trying out the Expat lifestyle.
My wife and I were supposed to come to Malaysia in late March as I have been attracted to Malaysia but have never been. My wife is from Guam and we already spend time in Asia and both of us feel a great connection to Asia and SE Asia – lvoe the food and culture.
I am a remote worker living in the heart of Silicon Valley. My wife took an early retirement from the airlines. We just finished putting our fourth child through college. About year ago, we looked at each other and asked “What are we doing here?” I grew up in the Bay Area, the changes are so vast, my hometown has become foreign to me. While I have a good job, I have always had to side-hustle to support my family, because the Bay Area cost of living, cost of education and cost of healtcare is overwhelming if you are making less than $250k/yr. (I am way below).
So we are in the homework stage now. We can get a positive cash flow of about $2500/mo by renting our house. So maybe that can support a lifestyle abroad? We are IL subscribers and have gone through the list of the Portugal, Panama, Costa Rica etc. recommendations. Malaysia keeps cropping up as #1 in my mind because of the culture, friendliness of people, food (a big one for us), access to quality lifestyle (which is cost of living, but I put more emphasis on value) and access to healthcare/personal care (30 years as a ticket agent took its toll on my wife – she needs her massages). As soon as we can travel internationally again, we will come to Penang.
Sorry for the long comment, but I wanted to let you know how much I am enjoying your posts and am deriving great value. Much appreciated!
Hi William!
I am so glad you found me. Sorry for the delay in responding. I was on a road trip and had no luck finding internet!
The homework stage is a fun one but it sounds like you already have a feel for SEA so it is a great place to start, especially since it keeps popping back up in your mind. And for good reason, it really checks all the boxes you listed.
Depending on how fancy your lifestyle is, you can easily live in Penang for $2500. We do. Actually, we spend around $2000 a month here. Please let me know if there is anything I can do or help you with. It goes without saying that when you plan your trip here, let me know. Mark and I will happily meet you guys out for a bite.
Until then, keep in touch!
Kirsten
You make it sound so lovely – and I know that it is!
Hey Emelie, It certainly can be. Just like moving anywhere, there are pros and cons.
Every word you said rings so true with us. We are lucky to spend time here and in our North American home and it is only family and friends that takes us back there. Our lifestyle here is excellent and a bonus that it’s a third less expensive than back home. The medical care here is outstanding and available immediately which is a blessing in itself. It was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made to made Malaysia our home. Love your blog. LPE
Hi LPE, thanks for the comment and the love!
You guys get the best of both worlds – spending time with friends & fam in North America but living here most of the year.
XO,
K
As always, you nailed it Kirsten! Great job! Healthcare is definitely top-notch here in Penang. We are constantly amazed at how fast something can be taken care of and at such an affordable price. Very minor surgery to remove a couple of cysts that was quoted at almost $2k in the US was around $250 here – and scheduled the same day as the appointment for the doctor to look at it! Also, full bloodwork and testing is done within a few hours, including a meeting with a doctor afterward to review complete results of EVERYTHING (including a booklet with all of our details and CD of the ultrasound)! All of that for a little over $100 USD!! If Malaysia can do all of this within a few hours, why does it take a week+ for the US to get back to us with results??? Incredible! Pretty difficult to think about moving back for us!!
Thanks, Patti!
The whole US healthcare system is astounding… and not in a good way. I had to go to a minute clinic in the US a couple of years ago. Spent 15 minutes with a Dr, got some antibiotics, and it cost me $300USD. I have never spent that little time with a doc here, let alone the cost. It was a real shocker.
XO,
K
Healthcare is just broken in the States. It’s a terrible shame the choices people have to make in the system. Risking insolvency is simply horrific.
The culture of work-life balance is really at the top of our list. We’ve been abroad for 7 years. There really isn’t any going back to the work culture.
Great observations and your timing is excellent!
Hello Ian,
Thanks for being here. You are so correct, US healthcare is simply broken. No one should have to choose between their health and a roof over their head or financial stability. No one!
I agree the work-life balance outside of the US is so refreshing.
Kirsten, you’re spot on here. My mantra since starting early retirement in Thailand is “Earn your money in the West, retire in Asia.” Housing, food, local travel, little luxuries, everything you mention, especially medical care, is far cheaper. It makes your earnings or savings go so much farther so as you say you can slow down and actually enjoy your lifestyle. Thanks again for another great post.
Hi Michael,
I like your motto! Words to live by over here!
Great post, and I completely agree with it all! It’s why we left the grind in Melbourne, paying crazy amounts of rent for a home we rarely saw because we were always away working. Living in Penang let us slow down and enjoy life, eat out regularly and relax with friends. You can’t put a price on that!
Thanks, Wendy!
It’s hard to leave the grind when it is all you know. But once you know how different life can be, there is no going back to the old ways. You’ll forever be trying to figure out how to keep that balance.
XO,
K