In a report that’s timely given the recent exodus of Americans considering moving abroad, InterNations’ Expat Insider 2024 reveals the top cities to live in the world. With input from over 12,500 expats living in 53 cities across 35 countries, this year’s ranking provides valuable insights into what makes a city an ideal place to call home.
Valencia Takes the Crown
After slipping to third place last year, Valencia, Spain has reclaimed its spot as the number one city in the world. Expats praise the city’s affordable lifestyle, beautiful beaches, rich culture, and pleasant climate. While it ranks 31st in the working abroad index, expats are drawn to Valencia for its quality of life, with 27% moving there for a better standard of living.
Spain Dominates the List
Valencia is not alone in Spain’s success story. Five Spanish cities make it into the top 25, including Malaga (second overall) and Alicante (third overall). Malaga impresses with its ease of settling in index, while Alicante shines in expat essentials, thanks to affordable housing and digital infrastructure.
Global Standouts
Beyond Spain, other top-performing cities include Panama City and Mexico City, which excel in personal finance and ease of settling in. Bangkok, Thailand, rounds out the top five with its low cost of living and welcoming atmosphere. The United Arab Emirates also makes a strong showing, with Abu Dhabi (eighth) and Dubai (ninth) ranking high in expat essentials.
The U.S. and Canada Fall Short
Unfortunately, no American city appears in the top 25 for the second consecutive year. New York City, ranked 28th, struggles with affordability and work-life balance, while Canadian cities fare even worse. Vancouver drops to last place (53), plagued by limited career prospects and housing costs that are among the highest globally.
The Full List
For those interested in exploring the best cities to live in, here are the top 25:
1. Valencia, Spain
2. Malaga, Spain
3. Alicante, Spain
4. Panama City, Panama
5. Mexico City, Mexico
6. Bangkok, Thailand
7. Madrid, Spain
8. Abu Dhabi, UAE
9. Dubai, UAE
10. Vienna, Austria
11. Lisbon, Portugal
12. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
13. Basel, Switzerland
14. Muscat, Oman
15. Athens, Greece
16. Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
17. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
18. Amsterdam, Netherlands
19. Copenhagen, Denmark
20. Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
21. Barcelona, Spain
22. Zurich, Switzerland
23. Stockholm, Sweden
24. Taipei, Taiwan
25. Nairobi, Kenya
And the Bottom 10
On the other end of the spectrum, the following cities rank among the lowest:
1. Vancouver, Canada (ranked 53 out of 53 countries overall)
2. Hamburg, Germany (ranked 52 out of 53 countries overall)
3. Toronto, Canada (ranked 51 out of 53 countries overall)
4. Munich, Germany (ranked 50 out of 53 countries overall)
5. Istanbul, Turkey (ranked 49 out of 53 countries overall)
6. Cologne, Germany (ranked 48 out of 53 countries overall)
7. Milan, Italy (ranked 47 out of 53 countries overall)
8. Berlin, Germany (ranked 46 out of 53 countries overall)
9. Frankfurt, Germany (ranked 45 out of 53 countries overall)
10. Rome, Italy (ranked 44 out of 53 countries overall)
Source: Forbes
