More Americans Seek Life Abroad in Eastern Europe

Younger generations drawn to lower costs, slower pace in countries like Romania, Bulgaria, and Poland

Apr. 11, 2026 at 8:48am

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An abstract, impressionistic scene of a dimly lit European street at dusk, with soft, blurred pools of warm light and color reflecting off the wet pavement, conveying a sense of tranquility and a slower pace of life.The allure of a more relaxed European lifestyle draws a growing number of Americans to lesser-known destinations in Eastern Europe.Poland Today

A growing number of United States citizens are relocating to lesser-known European Union destinations, specifically in Central and Eastern Europe, to seek a higher quality of life, lower costs of living, and more flexible paths to residency. The trend reflects a broader desire among Americans, particularly younger generations, to find alternatives to the high costs and work pressures of the US.

Why it matters

While Western European countries have historically been popular choices for American expats, these nations have begun tightening their immigration rules. In contrast, Eastern European countries are providing more enticing options, including tax incentives and more flexible citizenship requirements. This shift represents a broader desire among Americans to find a better work-life balance and quality of life compared to the demands of the US.

The details

Drivers of the Eastern European relocation trend include affordability, safety, and the ability to pursue personal passions. Some Americans are drawn by family ties, while others are attracted to the specific systemic advantages of certain nations like Estonia's tech-savvy environments and Albania's low cost of living and accessible residency options. These destinations offer a combination of lower financial barriers and modern infrastructure that allows expats to maintain their professional lives while reducing their overall cost of living.

  • In May 2024, Antoni Scarano and his wife Samantha Attaguile moved to a small village in Sibiu county, Romania after reclaiming Scarano's Romanian citizenship.
  • In May 2025, Natalie Boruk, whose parents immigrated to the US from Poland, moved from Virginia to Krakow, Poland.

The players

Antoni Scarano

A musician from New York who was born in Romania and adopted by a US family following the fall of the Soviet Union. In 2019, he reconnected with his birth family in Romania and later moved there with his wife in 2024.

Samantha Attaguile

Antoni Scarano's wife, who moved with him to a small village in Sibiu county, Romania in 2024.

Natalie Boruk

A US citizen who moved from Virginia to Krakow, Poland in May 2025. Her parents had immigrated to the US from Poland.

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What they’re saying

“Now that we've been here for a year and a half, we realize that living in a country is very different than visiting a country.”

— Antoni Scarano, Musician

“The reception from my relatives was the Eastern European red carpet. It turned into a big love fest.”

— Antoni Scarano, Musician

The takeaway

This trend highlights how younger Americans are seeking alternatives to the high costs and fast pace of life in the US, with Eastern European countries providing more affordable options and a slower lifestyle that appeals to those looking for a better work-life balance.