Wealthy Americans Eye Exits as Costs Rise
In a striking signal about the mood of the country rich men: wealthy Americans, a majority say they would consider leaving the United States within the next five years. A May 2026 survey of 1,733 households earning above $200,000 found that six in 10 respondents would at least entertain expatriation as a strategic move for 2027 and beyond.
The findings, released this week by Apex Capital Partners, arrive amid a broader narrative about U.S. migration patterns and the tax landscape facing high-net-worth families. While headlines often focus on political divides, the data highlights cost and policy considerations as primary drivers behind any potential exit plans.
“This isn’t about fleeing hardship,” said Nuri Katz, founder of Apex Capital Partners. “It’s about preserving wealth and lifestyle through careful planning, with second citizenship programs and international investments playing a bigger role than ever.”
Who and What the Survey Shows
Key details of the Apex survey:
- Sample: 1,733 U.S. households with annual gross income above $200,000; conducted in May 2026.
- Willingness to move: 60% would consider leaving the United States within five years if circumstances stay the same or worsen.
- Financial rationale: Among those considering a move, 68% cited cost of living and taxes as the top motivator; 54% pointed to the political climate; 39% mentioned healthcare access.
- Other factors: Public safety (29%) and education quality (21%) rounded out the top five reasons cited by respondents.
The results come as overall U.S. net migration shifted to a negative balance in 2025 for the first time in decades, a trend observers say may be driven in part by the behavior of affluent households reframing their long-term residence plans.
Motivations Behind the Consideration
Cost pressure stands out as a consistent theme for the country rich men: wealthy. For many, the calculus isn’t only personal satisfaction; it’s about the ability to protect and grow wealth in environments with more favorable tax and regulatory settings.
- Taxes and living costs: The majority say high tax burdens and costly living expenses erode the advantages of high earnings.
- Healthcare and safety: Access to high-quality care and predictable safety metrics influence relocation decisions for families with complex needs.
- Quality of life and convenience: Proximity to business hubs, schools, and social networks remain important, but not at the expense of long-term financial health.
In the interview series accompanying the release, Katz noted that wealthy individuals are often weighing jurisdictional advantages, residency rights, and path-to-citizenship options when evaluating destinations outside the United States. “This is a global mobility moment for capital,” he said.
Where Might They Go—and Why?
Destinations that frequently top the list for second citizenship or residency programs include Europe, the Middle East, and parts of the Americas. The appeal varies by family and business needs, but several patterns have emerged among advisory firms serving the affluent:
- European hubs offering favorable tax regimes and stable legal frameworks.
- Caribbean and Mediterranean locations with simpler residency pathways and lifestyle benefits.
- Strong healthcare ecosystems and education systems that support multi-generational wealth planning.
While the survey doesn’t name specific countries, industry insiders say programs that grant residency or citizenship through investment have become more accessible, with processing timelines and costs adapting to a more mobile high-net-worth client base.
Implications for the U.S. Economy and Policy
Analysts say a sizable portion of the country rich men: wealthy could influence domestic consumer demand, charitable giving, and even real estate markets in luxury corridors. If a meaningful share of high-income households relocate or lock in residency abroad, tax receipts and long-term financing for public services could feel the impact over time.
Policy makers may respond with a dual focus: preserving competitiveness to keep the wealthy urban core intact, while addressing concerns around housing affordability, healthcare costs, and predictability in the tax regime. Some observers view the numbers as a call for clearer, long-term incentives that balance wealth preservation with national priorities.
What This Means for Individuals and Families
For readers managing personal finances in a high-earning band, the Apex findings offer a reminder that wealth planning extends beyond investment allocations. Multinational residency options, dual citizenship considerations, and cross-border estate planning can significantly affect after-tax outcomes and liquidity needs.
- Asset protection and diversification: Many families are exploring structures that safeguard assets while maintaining global access.
- Tax efficiency across borders: Planning often involves optimizing two or more tax regimes, recognizing the compliance complexities and costs.
- Educating heirs: Long-term planning increasingly emphasizes safeguarding educational and lifestyle opportunities for children and grandchildren.
Experts caution that there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Decisions hinge on personal circumstances, business interests, and the evolving global political economy. Still, the data makes clear that the country rich men: wealthy segment is actively weighing options, not merely reacting to headlines.
Methodology and Important Notes
Apex Capital Partners conducted the survey to gauge how high-earning households view residency, citizenship, and mobility in a shifting global landscape. While the responses provide timely insights, the firm emphasizes that the results reflect intentions rather than guarantees of action. Individual factors—marital status, family considerations, business ties, and real estate holdings—will shape actual moves.
The findings should not be read as a forecast of mass expatriation, but as a signal that the country rich men: wealthy class is actively analyzing where to live, how to structure wealth, and which jurisdictions best align with their long-term goals.
Bottom Line
As of mid-June 2026, the country rich men: wealthy segment is increasingly vocal about the possibility of relocating their lives and assets abroad. The six-in-ten figure from the Apex survey underscores a broader reckoning with cost, policy, and quality of life at the highest end of the income spectrum. For the U.S., the challenge will be to respond with policies that retain business leaders and keep the nation attractive for global capital, while ensuring sustainable fiscal and social outcomes for all Americans.
In a world where wealth can travel with a click, the country rich men: wealthy are redefining what it means to stay, and what it means to prosper, inside and outside the United States.
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