Brits Seek Open Seas and Skies for More Than Weather

WHY THIS MATTERS: This report moves beyond anecdotal trends to quantify a fundamental economic shift driving the demand for borderless financial services. The fact that nearly seven in ten British respondents cite mitigating the UK’s steep cost of living as a core motivation proves that global mobility is now a pragmatic financial strategy, not merely a lifestyle aspiration. This validates the central thesis of the digital nomad and global citizen movement: that people are actively seeking financial arbitrage by choosing where they live, work, and spend. For fintech, this means the competitive battlefield is no longer confined to local pricing but extends to superior cross-border payments and multi-currency infrastructure. Challenger banks built for location-independence are thus securing a structurally high-growth customer segment, forcing incumbents to rapidly adapt or cede the future of transnational finance entirely.

bunq, Europe’s second-largest neobank, has released its annual Global Living Report 2026. This year’s findings highlight the dramatic benefits of global living – whether you live abroad, travel for work or a digital nomad.

The results found that – overall – Brits who live and work abroad are happier (64%), healthier mentally (49%) and more financially secure (58%). While the majority of those surveyed are traveling for new life experiences like culture (51%) or better weather (49%), financial considerations and careers also increasingly play a role. 29% of people moved abroad for a specific career opportunity while over two thirds (68%) moved to offset the cost of living in the UK. Gen Z are most likely to travel for frugality (33%) while they’re least likely to make the move for a relationship (23%) compared to other generations (25% and 25% respectively).

With the majority moving to offset the UK’s high cost-of-living, 20% have also said that living abroad allows them to save more money and 35% said it is easier to support their families.

There’s no place like home (or is there?)

Brits are split on what they miss most from home, but after friends and family, dry humour (14%), a good trip to the pub (12%), and the NHS (7%) rank highest. A third (33%) of respondents report missing an important family event like birthdays, weddings, or funerals. This is felt more intensely among younger generations as 40% of Gen Xers report not missing out on any milestones compared to 27% of millennials and 25% of Gen Z.

While all respondents report traveling having a positive impact on relationships, Gen Z are most likely to put things ‘on hold’ in favour of travel and work abroad. 26% have said they’re delaying buying a house in order to live globally and 23% are delaying having children while 24% have decided against having these things at all.

The generational divide

With price surges globally, the research found Gen X least sure about the financial impact of travel (30%) compared to Gen Z and millennials (21%). Contrary to this however, budgeting remains a strain for 19% of Gen Z and 15% of millennials, compared to only 9% of Gen Xers.

The happiest generation? Gen Z at 70%, followed by 64% of millennials and 59% of Gen X. Relationships are a key contributor to this happiness with 54% of Gen Z, 45% of millennials and 37% of Gen X reporting a positive impact. Interestingly, the inverse is true for mental health, where Gen X report the best mental health at 56% followed by 47% of millennials and 42% of Gen Z. 

Gender norms follow men and women seeking lifestyle of freedom

Overall, travelling seems to have a more positive impact on men than women. This year’s data points to men being marginally happier compared to women (66% compared to 63% respectively), and seeing improvements to their mental health (50% compared to 47% respectively). 47% of men also reported improved relationships compared to 42% of women.

Interestingly, men tend to be more focused on career opportunities as a key driver for moving and traveling (31%) compared to women (26%). 39% say they’ve grown their professional networks and have been able to better support their families while also maintaining a better work life balance than in their home country (57%). Women tend to indulge more in hobbies and new skills (43%) and focus on growing their social networks (41%).

While both men and women say culture shock is the least challenging part of working and traveling (6%), women have the edge when it comes to acclimatising to new languages, with 39% of respondents saying it’s a leading challenge compared to 46% of men. 

Of the survey findings, Joe Wilson, Chief Evangelist at bunq says: “For Brits abroad, living a global experience is no longer just a pipedream. It’s a tangible reality that works in your favour. This year’s findings highlighted that people are deliberately choosing freedom, flexibility and wellbeing over more traditional lives in their home country. 

“Whether you’re a digital nomad, expat or just a frequent flyer,, today’s global citizens expect their money to move as freely as they do.”

FF NEWS TAKE: The data confirms this is a structural, generational change that significantly moves the needle for the neobank sector. When a quarter of Gen Z are deliberately postponing major financial milestones to prioritize flexibility, the industry must pivot its product focus away from traditional mortgages and debt. The next watchpoint will be how digital-first providers leverage this loyalty to introduce embedded wealth management and advanced tax compliance features, helping these highly mobile, saving-conscious individuals manage their complex, multi-jurisdictional financial lives.