Lisbon, Portugal: A Welcoming Haven for Expats
Lisbon continues to shine as a favorite among expats, and it’s not hard to understand why. The city’s mild climate means you can enjoy sunny days almost all year, and the cost of living remains affordable compared to other Western European capitals. The 2024 Expat Insider Survey by InterNations confirms Lisbon’s top ranking for ease of settling in, highlighting the city’s friendly atmosphere and excellent public services. English is spoken widely, which takes the stress out of daily interactions for newcomers. Portugal’s Golden Visa program remains popular, allowing investors and their families to secure residency with relatively straightforward paperwork. Healthcare is both affordable and high-quality, with many doctors and clinics offering services in English. Lisbon’s vibrant culture, festivals, and safe neighborhoods add to its appeal, making it easy for expats to feel at home quickly. The city’s relaxed pace and mix of tradition and modernity keep people coming back year after year.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: Affordable and Multicultural
Kuala Lumpur is a magnet for expats seeking affordability and diversity. According to the 2023 Mercer Cost of Living Survey, Kuala Lumpur stands out as one of the world’s most budget-friendly cities for foreigners. English is commonly used in both business and daily life, removing language hurdles that often make moving challenging. Malaysia’s government continues to improve its visa programs, with the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) scheme offering long-term residency for those who meet financial criteria. Public transportation, from the efficient rail network to widespread taxis, makes getting around simple and cheap. Healthcare is modern and accessible, attracting retirees and young families alike, with international-standard hospitals throughout the city. Kuala Lumpur’s food scene is a delicious melting pot, and its international schools make it easy for expat kids to adjust. The city’s tropical weather and energetic vibe create an inviting environment for people from all walks of life.
Valencia, Spain: Mediterranean Comfort and Ease
Valencia’s relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle has made it a rising star among expats, especially in recent years. The city’s warm weather, golden beaches, and affordable living costs are a huge draw. The 2024 Expat Insider report praises Valencia for its friendly locals and smooth public services, making it easy to settle in. Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa offers a straightforward path for non-working expats to gain legal residency. Valencia’s healthcare system consistently ranks among the best in Europe, with both public and private hospitals offering excellent care. Expats find comfort in the city’s growing international community, which provides valuable support and social connections. Efficient public transportation and a slower pace of life compared to cities like Madrid or Barcelona add to the city’s appeal. Valencia’s blend of old-world charm and modern amenities makes everyday life surprisingly easy for newcomers.
Tallinn, Estonia: Digital Innovation and Simplicity
Tallinn stands out for its digital-first approach, making life easier for expats, especially those in tech or entrepreneurship. Estonia’s e-Residency program, recognized in the 2023 Global Innovation Index, lets foreigners set up and manage businesses entirely online, cutting down on red tape. Everyday tasks like banking, healthcare appointments, and government paperwork are mostly digitized, which saves time and stress. Tallinn is known for being safe, and the cost of living is moderate compared to other European capitals. English is widely spoken, particularly among young people and professionals, making integration smooth. The city is compact, with plenty of green spaces and a lively café culture, enabling a balanced and enjoyable lifestyle. Tallinn’s supportive environment for digital nomads and startups attracts a steady stream of international talent, keeping the expat community vibrant and welcoming.
Mexico City, Mexico: Vibrant Culture and Growing Expat Community
Mexico City is increasingly popular among expats looking for an affordable, energetic lifestyle. The 2024 Expat Insider Survey highlights the city’s affordable housing and easily accessible healthcare as key reasons expats find life here straightforward. The Mexican government offers a range of visa options, including a temporary resident visa that’s relatively easy to secure for those with sufficient income. Mexico City’s public transportation network is one of the largest in Latin America, making it simple to navigate its sprawling neighborhoods. While Spanish is the main language, English-speaking enclaves and services are on the rise, especially in expat hotspots. International schools and coworking spaces are expanding, creating a supportive environment for families and remote workers. The city’s blend of history, art, food, and welcoming locals helps expats quickly find their place. Despite its size, Mexico City’s neighborhoods have a community feel, making it surprisingly easy to adapt.
Auckland, New Zealand: Quality of Life and Natural Beauty
Auckland consistently ranks high for quality of life, as reflected in the 2023 Mercer Quality of Living Survey, which recognizes its safety, excellent healthcare, and top-tier education. New Zealand’s skilled migrant visas remain accessible, simplifying the move for professionals and their families. The city’s clean environment, with parks, beaches, and hiking trails, offers a unique balance between urban life and nature. English being the main language removes communication barriers, helping newcomers settle in without stress. Auckland’s population is famously diverse and welcoming, making it easy for foreigners to build new social circles. The city’s economy is robust, especially in technology, healthcare, and education, providing plenty of job opportunities. While the cost of living is on the higher side, most expats believe the lifestyle benefits outweigh the expense. Auckland’s blend of urban convenience and stunning landscapes creates a surprisingly easy environment for expats.
Prague, Czech Republic: Historical Charm with Modern Convenience
Prague’s appeal to expats lies in its mix of fairy-tale beauty and functional modernity. Living costs remain lower than in Western Europe, with affordable rent and everyday expenses. The Czech government has simplified visa application processes, and there are clear paths for long-term residency, particularly for skilled workers and entrepreneurs. English is widely spoken in the city’s business and tourist sectors, which makes daily life smoother for newcomers. Prague’s public transportation system is extensive, reliable, and cheap, connecting every corner of the city. The city is home to a thriving expat community, offering plenty of meetups, networking events, and support groups. Cultural life is rich, with theaters, music venues, and green parks providing a high quality of life. The 2024 Expat Insider report gives Prague strong marks for ease of settling in and personal finance, underlining why so many expats find it easy to call Prague home.
Budapest, Hungary: Affordable Living and Rich Culture
Budapest draws expats with its affordable cost of living and deep cultural roots. Rent, utilities, and groceries are much cheaper here than in most Western cities, according to recent World Bank and OECD data. Hungary’s updated visa policies make it easier for foreigners to obtain residency, especially for students, retirees, and remote workers. English is increasingly spoken in central districts, in business, and among the younger population, reducing language-related stress. The city’s public transport system, with trams, metro lines, and buses, is both comprehensive and affordable. Healthcare is accessible and affordable, with a good mix of public and private options that cater to the expat community. Budapest’s history, architecture, and world-famous thermal baths offer endless opportunities for leisure and exploration. Coworking spaces and international meetups help new arrivals quickly settle into local life.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Modern Infrastructure and Tax Benefits
Dubai continues to attract expats with its promise of a tax-free salary and a luxurious lifestyle. The UAE’s introduction of long-term visas, such as the 10-year Golden Visa, has made it much easier for skilled professionals and investors to secure residency. The city’s infrastructure is world-class, with sleek public transport, top-tier hospitals, and modern housing options. English is the main language for business and daily life, and the city’s multicultural population ensures newcomers rarely feel out of place. Dubai’s reputation for safety is well-earned, with consistently low crime rates reported by government and independent studies. Although living costs are high, generous salary packages and benefits often balance the scales for expats. Dubai’s fast-paced economy offers ample opportunities, especially in technology, finance, and hospitality. The city’s blend of tradition and innovation creates a surprisingly easy environment for expats to succeed.
Chiang Mai, Thailand: Affordable and Relaxed Lifestyle
Chiang Mai is a favorite among expats seeking an easygoing lifestyle without breaking the bank. The cost of living is among the lowest for a city of its size, with affordable apartments, cheap street food, and low healthcare costs. Thailand’s visa system, including the Smart Visa and retirement options, provides flexible solutions for different expat needs. English is spoken in most tourist and expat areas, especially in the bustling Old City and Nimmanhaemin district. While public transport is limited to songthaews (shared taxis) and tuk-tuks, the city is compact and easy to navigate. Chiang Mai’s warm, dry winters and friendly locals make it a welcoming place to settle. Modern hospitals and clinics cater to the expat community, offering international standards of care. The city’s laid-back pace, vibrant markets, and strong expat networks make it surprisingly easy to adapt and enjoy life.
Berlin, Germany: Dynamic and Inclusive
Berlin remains a beacon for expats searching for creativity, diversity, and opportunity. The city’s comprehensive public services, highly rated healthcare, and education are regularly recognized in the 2024 Mercer Quality of Living Survey. Germany’s streamlined visa and residency processes have become even more accessible, especially for skilled workers and entrepreneurs. English is widely spoken in Berlin, particularly in the tech sector and among younger generations, easing integration for newcomers. The public transport network is vast and reliable, making it easy to get around without a car. Berlin’s cost of living is reasonable compared to other major European capitals, especially for accommodation and food. The city’s welcoming and open-minded atmosphere helps expats build social and professional networks quickly. Berlin’s arts, music, and nightlife scenes ensure there’s always something exciting to discover.
Montreal, Canada: Bilingual and Welcoming
Montreal is celebrated for its high quality of life and the unique blend of North American and European influences. The city’s cost of living remains lower than other major Canadian cities, making it attractive to newcomers. Canada’s immigration system, especially the Express Entry program, offers a relatively fast track to residency for skilled professionals. Montreal’s bilingual culture can be an adjustment, but most services and neighborhoods are accessible in English, and there are plenty of language learning resources. The city’s public transportation system is extensive, clean, and affordable, with a well-connected subway and bus network. Montreal’s cultural diversity is reflected in its food, festivals, and vibrant neighborhoods, helping expats feel at home quickly. Healthcare is publicly funded, and the city boasts excellent hospitals and clinics. The city’s thriving universities and tech industries offer plenty of job opportunities for skilled expats.
