An early retirement is only one of the many aspects of international living that makes the expat lifestyle so lucrative to so many people. However, the primary reason that millions of Americans every year are choosing to leave the home country behind for a brighter future in other countries is the simple fact that the cost of living is so much cheaper in places like Chile, Bulgaria or Mexico that the comparison is obvious enough even a child can see the benefits.
For example, consider the fact that Mexico City and New York City are equal in every way. They have the same violent crime rates, they have the same number of residents, they have the same ranking on an international level in terms of global commerce, and they are both considered alpha cities. Yet while the cost of living for bottom of the barrel existence in New York City is around $50,000 a year, you could have an upper middle-class existence in Mexico City for a mere $10,000 a year. That's a $40,000 a year price difference.
When you put the numbers in place, you can quickly see why so many expats are moving abroad with their Western jobs and their Western salaries, because while it might cost a fortune to live in the United States you can go to another country that has similar amenities and creature comforts along with first-class medical care, but a fraction of the cost of living. All you need is the ability to receive your salary in a digital format, either through electronic bank transfers or through PayPal or a merchant account. Once that is set in place, all you have to do is apply for a renter's visa from your preferred host country and you can get right to living the expat lifestyle with little more than your laptop and the clothes on your back.
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