The Bittersweet Life

Episode 628: When Moving Abroad Makes Coming Home Unaffordable


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Lots of Americans move abroad to a lower-cost-of-living country in hopes of making their salary stretch further. And if they manage to continue earning an American salary from abroad (even a modest one), they can go on to lead prosperous and comfortable lives far beyond what would be possible in the States.

But what happens when they decide it's time to move home?

A recent article in the New York Times, They Went Abroad to Save Money. Moving Back Seems Unaffordable looks at this conundrum, and we continue the discussion by musing on the article and its subjects, as well as scrutinizing Tiffany's lifestyle as a long-time expat. (Could SHE afford to move back to the States?)

And is this all just an issue of people blind to their privilege who don't want to give up their cushier lifestyle?

Be sure to weigh in with your thoughts, especially if you are an expat who has moved back home (a repat, like Katy).

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COME TO ROME WITH US: Our 4th annual Bittersweet Life Roman Adventure is taking place this year from 1 to 7 November 2026! If you'd like to be part of an intimate group of listeners on a magical and unforgettable journey to Rome, discovering the city with us as your guides, find out more here.

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NEW TO THE SHOW? Don't be afraid to start with Episode 1: OUTSET

BOOK: Want to read Tiffany's book, Midnight in the Piazza? Learn more here or order on Amazon.

TOUR ROME: If you're traveling to Rome, don't miss the chance to tour the city with Tiffany as your guide!

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The Bittersweet LifeBy Expat, Repat, Travel, Rome, Seattle, Books, Art, Italy, Wonder

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