I feel compelled to correct a false impression / missatement I may have given.
The intention of this topic is general and each individual has their own specific situation going on IF they either choose to or are forced to repatriate.
You know -- things like age, financial assets, current income, ability to go back to work or not, future earning power if any, existing home in the US or not, social support network family and friends to help with the transition if any, health status, etc.
So you see its impossible to make grand statements about everyone as each person has their own unique set of circumstances.
So the premise here is that because of the objective reality of high inflation and somewhat out of control housing costs / rents SOME expats will feel that going home is an exercise in masochism, some won't be able to afford it at all, some will face fewer obstacles but will still be moving to a much lower quality of life and for others there will be no problem at all or even a financial and quality of life upgrade
OBVIOUSLY this thread is focused on groups that would face great quality of life downgrades if they could do it at all.
If you're set and in the gravy this topic doesn't really apply to you.
Now as I said the focus is on groups who would suffer going back I have sometimes artificially taken the role of someone with a low social security check say 1200, no US housing, low assets, low or no earning power if able to still work, and less than wonderful social family network That actually represents a lot of real people!
Obviously a person like that is well screwed if they repatriate now.
What I would like to correct is any impression I may have given that I am the same as that hypothetical person.
For example I personally would be able to buy a 75k house for cash. So that would make a big difference in feasibility for me or anyone else who could do that.
Of course liveable houses at 75k aren't exactly super abundant and in 5 years time for example who knows.