But has an obvious ignorance of math:
Social Security data provides a glimpse into just how many people relocate overseas to retire. According to the latest numbers, about 463,480 retired U.S. workers received their Social Security benefits in foreign countries at the end of 2024. That represents a 7% increase from the total number of U.S. workers receiving benefits overseas five years prior. About one-third, or 170,000, received their Social Security benefits in Europe.
Some in Seattle area retire abroad to save money | The Seattle Times
The total number of ALL social security beneficiaries rose by 6.22% from 2020 to 2025 – almost matching the “7% increase”. In other words, almost exactly the same % of retired people in 2025 as in 2020 who received Social Security benefit checks in another country. This actually shows that there is essentially no increase in those moving abroad to retire. (64.8 million SS beneficiaries in 2020 versus 69.1 million in 2025.)
The total percent of Americans living abroad (not including temporary military assignments) is estimated at 1.6%.
The total percent of Americans who have retired abroad is estimated at 1% + or -. About half of those are people with prior dual citizenship who retired “back home”, those with a right of descent ancestry who retired “back home” to be closer to their family, or who were already living abroad. For example, a US couple that has been working in Toronto, owns their own home there, and has permanent residency status, may choose to retire in their home and neighborhood. That is about half of the Americans who retire abroad. That leaves another 1/2% or so who choose to retire abroad – which is very close to zero.