How Much Money Do You Need to Move Abroad?

6 min read. By Aalijah Herron. Updated 2026-10-03.

There is no single price tag for moving abroad. Costs vary enormously by country, city, visa type and lifestyle. The good news is that you can build a reliable personal number in three parts.

Part 1: One-time moving costs

These are the expenses you pay once, mostly before or right after you arrive:

Visa application fees, document costs, translations and any required background checks or authentications.
Flights, plus shipping or storage for belongings.
A security deposit and first month's rent, and sometimes agent fees.
Setup costs like a phone, adapters, bedding and basic household items.
Medical checks or insurance premiums that your visa may require.

Part 2: Your monthly cost of living

Add up what a normal month will cost in your target city, using real listings and local price research instead of averages from social media:

Rent and utilities.
Groceries and eating out.
Health insurance and out-of-pocket care.
Transportation.
Phone and internet.
Visa renewals, residency fees and taxes.
Travel back home and fun money. Do not skip this line.

Part 3: Your safety buffer

Many planners suggest arriving with several months of living expenses saved, often three to six months or more, so a delayed paycheck or surprise bill does not force you home. Your visa may also require you to show a minimum amount of savings or income, so check the official requirements early.

Plan your income

Decide how you will earn while abroad: remote work, a local job, freelancing, a business, or savings and passive income. If your income is in a different currency than your expenses, build in a margin for exchange-rate swings and transfer fees.

Remember taxes

If you are a U.S. citizen, you generally still file U.S. tax returns while living abroad, and you may also owe tax in your new country. Talk to a tax professional who understands expat situations before you move so there are no surprises.

Ways to lower your costs

Move to a smaller city or a quieter neighborhood.
Rent a furnished place at first, so you ship less.
Sell or donate what you do not need instead of paying to ship it.
Compare local health insurance with international plans.
Travel in your first year with purpose, not impulse.

Our Gettin' Gone workbook includes a budgeting section built for exactly this kind of planning.

Baby Abroad shares planning guidance, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Visa rules, fees and requirements change often, so always confirm details with the official government or embassy website for your destination.