The idea of living abroad has long captured the imagination of adventurous spirits. For many, it’s the ultimate lifestyle upgrade: more sunshine, better food, lower living costs, and the thrill of the unfamiliar. Whether you’re a remote worker in Lisbon, a retiree in Chiang Mai, or a corporate professional in Dubai, life as an expat privileges often looks—and feels—pretty luxurious.
But behind the palm trees and passport stamps, there’s another layer to this story. While “living the dream” abroad can be exciting, it’s often built on a foundation of unspoken privilege—advantages that are rarely acknowledged but deeply influential.
Let’s unpack what makes life overseas feel so “luxe” for expats—and why it’s important to recognize the forces that make that luxury possible.
The Cost of Living Sweet Spot
One of the biggest draws for many expats is the cost of living. In cities across Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America, you’ll often hear expats talk about how they’re “living like royalty for a fraction of the price.”
And in some ways, they are. A Western salary—especially if earned remotely—can stretch much further abroad. That can mean:
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Renting a high-rise apartment with a view.
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Hiring domestic help.
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Dining out daily without breaking the bank.
But this luxury is not just the result of good budgeting—it’s the result of global income inequality. Many locals in these destinations can’t afford the lifestyle expats easily adopt. That gap creates a unique kind of privilege: the ability to access a better standard of living than many locals, simply by virtue of where you’re from or what currency you earn in.
Social Status, Reimagined
Another unspoken perk of expat life? Perceived status.
In many parts of the world, being a foreigner from a high-income country can come with unearned respect—or at least curiosity. Expats may find doors open more easily, job offers appear with less friction, and treatment in social or service settings can be more favorable.
This isn’t always a conscious bias, but it’s real—and often racialized. A white Western expat might be welcomed with open arms in a place where people of other nationalities or backgrounds face far more scrutiny, even if they’re equally educated or skilled.
It’s a form of privilege that’s easy to miss when you’re benefiting from it daily.
The Privilege of Choice
Perhaps the most luxurious part of being an expat is freedom of choice.
Many expats are in a position to:
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Choose their host country based on lifestyle, not necessity.
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Move to a new city if the vibe isn’t right.
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Go home if things don’t work out.
This is not the case for most migrants, refugees, or even locals in difficult economic situations. Where some move abroad for fun or fulfillment, others move because they have no other option—and they often face stricter rules, fewer rights, and greater risks.
expat privileges life, when chosen freely and with resources, becomes a version of luxury travel: flexible, exciting, and often temporary. That’s a privilege worth naming.
The Expat Ecosystem
Luxury isn’t just about personal choices—it’s also about infrastructure. In many popular expat destinations, there’s a well-oiled ecosystem designed to make life easier for foreigners:
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International schools and hospitals.
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English-speaking real estate agents.
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Expat meetup groups and relocation consultants.
This infrastructure supports expats in living comfortably while staying somewhat insulated from the realities of local life. It can be a source of comfort—but it also reinforces social separation and inequality.
In other words, the ease of integration for some is directly tied to the resources and assumptions built around their identity.
Gratitude Without Guilt
None of this is to say expats should feel guilty for living abroad. The ability to work, explore, and build a life in a new place can be incredibly rewarding and educational. But acknowledging the privileges that make this life possible is essential.
Being conscious of these realities can help create a more respectful and equitable relationship between expats and the communities they live in. It can shift mindsets from “I’m lucky to escape my home country” to “I’m fortunate to be welcomed into someone else’s.”
So what does that look like in practice?
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Pay fair prices and avoid exploiting local labor or housing systems.
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Learn the language, even if only a little—it shows care.
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Contribute meaningfully, whether by supporting local businesses, volunteering, or mentoring.
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Listen and learn, especially about the challenges locals face.
Final Thoughts
Living abroad can feel like the ultimate lifestyle upgrade—but it’s also a position of privilege. The ability to choose where and how you live, to thrive in a system designed for your comfort, and to enjoy luxuries others can’t access isn’t just good luck—it’s part of a global structure that benefits some more than others.
Recognizing these truths doesn’t take away from the joys of expat life—it enriches them. Because the real luxury? It’s not just in the beaches or brunches. It’s in having the awareness and humility to understand the world you’re moving through—and to live in it with care.
