A new survey of 2,000 adults across France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom has found that an overwhelming majority—roughly nine in ten—would consider moving abroad. Conducted on behalf of digital insurance firm Feather, the poll reveals that only about one in ten respondents in each country definitively ruled out relocating.
The cost of living crisis emerged as the dominant push factor. Among British respondents, 53% cited it as a reason to leave, followed by 48% of French, 43% of Germans, and 32% of Italians. The findings underscore how economic pressures are reshaping mobility patterns within and beyond the continent.
Spain Leads, but Preferences Vary by Country
Spain is the clear overall favorite. Both British and Italian respondents named it as their top choice—24% and 20% respectively. For the French, Spain came second (16%), behind Canada (17%). Germans, meanwhile, showed a preference for staying close to home: 17% picked Austria, followed by Spain and Switzerland at 12% each.
Britons demonstrated the greatest willingness to move far afield, with 19% choosing Australia, 15% Canada, and 10% New Zealand. Despite Dubai’s reputation as an expat hub, only 3% of British respondents considered it—a figure that may reflect geopolitical tensions, as the survey was conducted in late June, shortly after Iranian strikes on the UAE.
Italy also featured prominently for the French (14%), while just 12% of Germans named it as a preferred destination. The results highlight how linguistic ties, geographic proximity, and cultural familiarity shape migration aspirations across Europe.
The Rise of the ‘Semi-Pat’
Beyond traditional relocation, the survey points to a shift toward more fluid lifestyles. Travel expert Holly Rubenstein, host of The Travel Diaries podcast, told Feather that the classic model of settling permanently in one country is fading. “The emerging version is much more fluid—spend six months somewhere, work remotely, test a lifestyle, and build connections across several places,” she said.
Rubenstein added that Generation Alpha, those born after 2010, will grow up with remote connection as the norm. “For them, career, friendships and identity won't need to sit in just one place,” she noted. This trend aligns with the growing number of European entrepreneurs embracing the digital nomad lifestyle, as highlighted in a recent guide for business owners.
The survey also comes amid broader environmental and health challenges across the continent. Wildfires Rage Across Southern Europe as Spain Declares Emergency Near Madrid, a reminder that climate factors may increasingly influence where Europeans choose to settle. Meanwhile, West Nile Virus Spreads Across Southern Europe: 21 Cases in Greece highlights health considerations for those eyeing Mediterranean destinations.
For now, the data suggests that intra-European mobility remains strong, driven by economic necessity and a growing appetite for flexible, multi-location living. As remote work becomes entrenched, the continent’s internal migration patterns may continue to evolve—with Spain well-positioned to remain a prime destination.
