Yes — and in record numbers.
As someone who works directly with clients from North America relocating to Serbia, I get this question all the time from locals:

“Is it true that people actually want to leave the U.S. and Canada?”

The short answer? Yes. More and more individuals, couples, and families from both countries are actively exploring alternatives, and Serbia is one of them.

There’s a common belief in Serbia that things are better abroad. Many locals feel disillusioned by the situation here, often seeing Canada or the U.S. as some kind of utopia. But what they don’t see is the growing discontent within those very countries.

Media portrayals don’t show:

• The crushing cost of living

• The loss of cultural values

• The decline in work-life balance

• The division and instability growing in Western societies

We’ve worked with all types:

• Foreigners with no Serbian roots seeking a more peaceful life

• Second-generation expats reclaiming citizenship by descent

• People returning to their roots after time in Canada, the U.S., or Western Europe

• Professionals and entrepreneurs starting fresh in a more business-friendly environment

Many have realized that the “dream” sold to them abroad is no longer what it used to be.

According to a recent New York Post article:

• 17% of Americans say they’d like to move abroad within the next 5 years

• 5% are actively planning a move

• 2% already have a relocation process underway

And the number one destination? Canada. But ironically, many Canadians are trying to leave. More on that in a moment.

The same survey revealed the top reasons Americans cite for wanting to move to Canada:

1. Universal healthcare

2. Outdoor lifestyle and beautiful landscapes

3. Perceived better work-life balance

Let’s break those down.

1. Universal Healthcare? Not What You Think

Yes, healthcare in Canada is publicly funded, but that doesn’t make it high quality. Wait times are brutal — often 1 to 2 years for basic procedures — and many Canadians are being offered MAiD (medical assistance in dying) instead of treatment.

2. Beautiful Landscapes? Sure... If You Like -40°C

Canada is gorgeous — in the summer. But harsh winters, especially in Ontario, Alberta, and northern B.C., make the outdoors largely inaccessible for much of the year.

3. Work-Life Balance? Not Really

The myth of better balance is just that — a myth. Most Canadians work:

• 10–12 hour days

• Commute 1–2 hours each way

• Deal with crushing taxes (PST, GST, federal tax, carbon tax)

By the time you get home, it’s time to sleep and do it all again.

A Better Dwelling article recently reported that Canadians are leaving in record numbers. And we’re not talking retirees or backpackers — we’re talking:

• Young professionals

• Skilled tradespeople

• Educators

• Entrepreneurs

“Canada’s temporary population boom may be over, but its long-term resident outflow is just beginning.” — Statistics Canada, Q1 2025

Because they’re realizing that:

• Cost of living is unsustainable

• Job market is oversaturated

• Opportunities are better elsewhere

• They’re losing control over their time and money

Brain drain is real. And Serbia is quietly benefitting.

Let me share my own story.

I spent years working in the skilled trades in Canada — completing a five-year electrician apprenticeship and then earning my Master certification. But over time, I was pushed out of opportunities:

• Overrun by untrained, fast-tracked newcomers

• Pressured to work constant overtime

• Paid the same as people with no experience

So I left. I came to Serbia, where I:

• Started my own business

• Found better quality of life

• Pay 10–15% taxes (not 40–50%)

• Can enjoy midday coffee without being rushed

Serbia isn’t perfect. No country is. But it offers things that many people in North America have lost:

• Stronger family values

• More community-oriented living

• Affordability

• Lower taxes

• More freedom

• Real work-life balance

Here, people still sit down for coffee in the middle of the day. They value relationships, not just transactions. Life isn’t just about work — it’s about living.

If you're an American considering a move to Canada, ask yourself:

• Why are Canadians leaving?

• Is the cost of living sustainable for you?

• Are you ready for long wait times and brutal winters?

• Do you understand the tax system — and how it compares to alternatives like Serbia?

You might find that Serbia offers more of what you’re actually looking for, without the stress and costs.

At Relocation Serbia, we’ve helped dozens of Canadians and Americans relocate — some with Serbian roots, some without. And what they find here often surprises them:

• Peace of mind

• More time for family

• Real human connection

• A chance to build something meaningful

If you're traveling through Europe this season, make Serbia one of your stops. Don’t believe the propaganda — come experience the culture, food, and lifestyle firsthand. Walk the streets. Sit down for coffee. Talk to people.

Then decide if this is the life you’re truly looking for.

And if it is? We’re here to help. Reach out to Relocation Serbia, and we’ll make your move as smooth and supported as possible.