Americans on the move
Across the U.S., more residents are packing up and leaving their states behind. Rising costs, political tensions, and shifting job markets are pushing many to look for better opportunities elsewhere.
At the same time, international tourists are rethinking visits. Travel advisories, tariffs, and safety concerns are leading to fewer arrivals in 2025. The result? Popular states are facing a double hit, losing both locals and global visitors.
Nevada’s Vegas problem
Las Vegas, once the symbol of endless fun, is showing cracks. According to estimates by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, visitor numbers dropped 6.5% in mid-2025, leaving nearly a million fewer people walking the Strip. Casinos are reporting emptier tables and fewer big spenders.
But beyond tariffs and politics, everyday visitors say the real problem is greed. Locals and tourists alike point to soaring resort fees, overpriced food, $20 bottles of water, parking charges, and poor service as reasons they’re staying away.
California losing shine
California’s appeal has dimmed on the global stage. International arrivals are expected to fall by 9.2% in 2025, the first dip since the pandemic. Rising prices tied to tariffs and negative perceptions are making trips less attractive.
Cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco are seeing fewer return visitors. Surveys show 40% of international tourists don’t plan to come back within five years, threatening billions in hotel and travel revenue.
New York’s tough year
New York, often a first stop for travelers, has seen one of the steepest drops. Tourist arrivals fell 17% this year, marking a sharp shift for a state that thrives on its global image.
Concerns over safety, strict immigration policies, and political rhetoric are pushing visitors toward other destinations. Broadway, museums, and hotels are all feeling the strain of thinning crowds.
Nationwide travel decline
The U.S. overall is seeing fewer global visitors. International arrivals are forecast to fall 8.2% in 2025 compared to pre-pandemic numbers, adding up to about 13 million lost trips.
That translates into serious money. Economists estimate around $12.5 billion in lost tourism spending this year alone, cutting into state budgets and local economies.
Advisories keep travelers away
Several countries are warning citizens to think twice before booking trips to the U.S. Governments in Canada, Europe, and Asia have raised concerns over safety and rising travel costs.
These advisories don’t just affect leisure trips. They also impact business travel and international events, with conferences being moved to other countries offering calmer conditions.
Hotels hit hardest
Hotels in major cities are reporting lower occupancy rates. California and Nevada are among the hardest hit, with international cancellations growing month by month.
Empty rooms don’t just hurt hotel chains. Local restaurants, taxis, and event venues also lose business when guests no longer fill beds.
Jobs at risk
Tourism is a massive job creator, from hotel staff to tour guides. With fewer visitors coming in, service jobs are disappearing in states that rely heavily on international tourism.
Nevada and New York, where large parts of the economy depend on visitors, are already reporting layoffs and reduced hours across the hospitality industry.
Residents eyeing exits
It’s not just tourists leaving; residents are also planning their departures. Recent surveys show that around 42% of Americans are considering moving abroad in search of lower costs and a better quality of life.
This trend is especially visible in expensive cities like San Francisco and New York, where housing and healthcare are pushing families to consider new lives overseas.
High costs drive people out
Living in the U.S. has become pricier than ever. Rising housing, food, and transportation costs are squeezing household budgets to the breaking point. More families are cutting back on basics, and even middle-income earners feel the crunch.
For many, the numbers no longer add up. Cheaper lifestyles abroad make relocation tempting, even if it means starting fresh in a new country. Cities once considered aspirational are now seen as unaffordable traps.
Healthcare sticker shock
Healthcare is another major push factor. Premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs in the U.S. remain some of the highest among developed nations. Families often face medical debt even with insurance.
Families are moving to countries with universal healthcare systems, where they can access services at a fraction of the cost. The peace of mind from knowing care is accessible is a strong motivator for relocation.
Political fatigue rising
The political climate in the U.S. has left many feeling drained. Polarization, heated rhetoric, and stricter policies have pushed both residents and visitors to reconsider their ties. Constant tension makes everyday life feel heavier.
Some Americans are openly citing the 2024 election as the turning point that pushed them to explore life outside the country. Political fatigue is no longer limited to news junkies; it’s affecting families across income levels.
Safety concerns grow
Public safety is another pressure point. Crime concerns, natural disasters, and strained emergency services are making some states less attractive to both residents and tourists. Even neighborhoods once considered safe feel less stable now.
For example, insurance crises in Florida have worsened after repeated hurricanes, pushing both homeowners and visitors to safer, more stable destinations. Residents worry that future disasters will only deepen financial losses.
Mexico draws Americans
Mexico has become the top choice for Americans leaving the U.S. Affordable living costs, modern healthcare, and proximity make it an easy transition. Cultural similarities also ease the adjustment process.
Retirees especially favor Mexico for its relaxed lifestyle and accessible visa paths, while staying close enough to family across the border. Coastal towns and urban hubs alike are seeing growing American communities.
Canada offers calm
To the north, Canada remains popular with relocating Americans. Its universal healthcare, safety, and scenic landscapes make it attractive despite high housing costs in cities like Toronto and Vancouver. Strong social systems also appeal to parents raising children.
English-speaking communities and strong economic stability also add to its appeal for families seeking a safer environment. Many see Canada as a place to reset while staying connected to U.S. culture.
Europe welcomes expats
Countries like Germany, Spain, and Portugal are seeing an influx of Americans. Lower living costs, better work-life balance, and easy visa programs have opened doors. Affordable housing and long vacations make the switch even sweeter.
Many are choosing these countries for career opportunities, affordable healthcare, and access to rich culture without the heavy price tags of U.S. cities. These moves often turn short-term relocations into permanent lives abroad. And speaking of shifts, here’s why American tourists are falling out of love with Las Vegas.
Businesses fleeing California
California isn’t just losing residents, it’s also losing its biggest employers. Chevron, Tesla, Oracle, McKesson, and Hewlett-Packard Enterprise have all moved their headquarters to states like Texas, citing high taxes, strict regulations, and soaring costs. Chevron alone estimates it will save over $200 million a year after relocating to Houston in 2024.
While only about 3% of California firms have left, the ones departing carry major weight. With nearly 700,000 residents also gone between 2022 and 2023, the state’s economy faces mounting strain. Empty offices, fewer jobs, and shrinking tax revenue are testing California’s once unstoppable business climate. Read about the real reasons businesses are fleeing California (and what it means for you).
Do you see these shifts as temporary setbacks or long-term changes? Tell us what you think and whether it affects your travel plans.
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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.
