The Disruptive Long-Term Costs of International Migration on Subjective Well-Being

Abstract People often move internationally to improve their personal situation. Yet, integration into the host society can be challenging and have negative immediate consequences on individuals’ well-being. This paper explores the relationship between international migration and subjective well-being for a sample of European individuals. We use an instrumental variable panel data approach to estimate the monetary cost of individuals’ well-being post-migration. Specifically, we estimate the average cost an individual is willing to bear to accept the potential negative effects of international migration on their well-being. Our results reveal a negative relationship between international migration and subjective well-being. Our estimates suggest that an average migrant is willing to accept an increase of EUR 1164 (roughly USD$1605) in their monthly overall income to migrate across international borders and endure a negative impact on their well-being as captured by their level of life satisfaction. This negative association is particularly pronounced the more years since migration and among those from lower-middle-income countries. Our work highlights the importance of studying the determinants of well-being for individuals and contributes evidence to inform policies seeking to improve the local conditions of recent migrants and their adaptation to the new environment.