The 11 Best Cities for Expats: Where to Live, Work, and Thrive Abroad

The world is becoming increasingly interconnected, and being an expat is no longer an unusual choice: millions of people live outside their country of birth and find professional opportunities abroad to grow their careers, improve their quality of life, explore different cultures, and change their pace of life.

I have found that when considering cities to live in as an expat, these factors play a crucial role in the decision-making process.

Being an expat is not only about finding a job abroad. It is about choosing cities to live in that offer safety, affordability, opportunity, and a high quality of life. Discovering cities to live in as an expat can be an exciting journey, filled with diverse cultures and new experiences.

Certain cities rank highly because they balance strong job markets, modern infrastructure, cultural richness, and welcoming international communities. I would note that this is just my opinion, and there are plenty of other great cities out there, but these are my best recommendations this year.

Here are the top 11 cities to live in as an expat based on a variety of different factors.

1. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai is a global expat hub known for tax-free income, modern, futuristic infrastructure, and great employment opportunities. It also offers an excellent quality of life. Those working in finance, technology, medicine, aviation, education, and entrepreneurship will find many amazing opportunities.

In addition to the high standard of living, there is excellent healthcare and incredible global connectivity. While the cost of living in Dubai can be higher, especially for housing, salaries, and lifestyle appeal, this makes Dubai one of the best cities to live in as an expat from around the world.

I visited Dubai last year, and I have to say it was one of the most amazing cities I have ever visited. There is so much to do there, and I might want to live and work there in future.

2. Doha, Qatar

Doha is rapidly emerging as one of the top expat cities in the world. It is especially attractive to academics, professionals, and individuals working with global organizations.

Compared to faster-paced cities, Doha offers a quieter and more structured environment. This makes it more appealing to long-term residents than to short-term lifestyle seekers. There is also tax-free income, extremely high safety, modern and state-of-the-art infrastructure, and world-class healthcare.

Popular areas to live in include the Pearl, West Bay, and Msheireb. These offer high-quality housing and are very walkable. Doha has a diverse expat population and is well-integrated into professional life. It is especially noteworthy in the education, diplomacy, energy, and research sectors.

The city is definitely well set up for expats, and there is a thriving community there, so you won’t feel alone.

3. Lisbon, Portugal – A Top European City to Live in as an Expat

Lisbon has become a very desirable expat city, and one of the most popular ones in Europe, since there is a rare combination of affordability, mild climate, excellent healthcare, and a relaxing pace of life.

Many retirees, students, digital nomads, and young professionals move to this city where English is widely spoken. Additionally, there are straightforward residency pathways, a unique cafe culture, and historic neighborhoods. These make you feel at home quickly.

Lisbon offers a higher quality of life at a lower cost than cities such as London or Paris. This is why Lisbon continues to attract a growing international population.

4. Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is one of the best cities for lifestyle, with excellent beaches, historic architecture, great food, and a vibrant social atmosphere. It is an attractive spot for younger people, such as expats. Spain also has a fantastic healthcare system, adequate public transportation, and a well-established expat community. Although housing prices are slowly rising, you can still find exceptional housing options at not too high a price. Barcelona offers excellent cultural value and quality of life. If you prefer climate and social life over a high salary, then Barcelona is the right place to move to.

5. Mexico City, Mexico

Mexico City is an underrated and dynamic expat destination, combining rich culture, strong cuisine and arts scenes, affordability, and a rapidly growing international population. Some of the best neighborhoods to live in are Roma, Polanco, and Condesa, as they are well-developed, walkable, and have many cafes, parks, and coworking spaces.

There is also high-quality, affordable healthcare, while daily costs are lower than in major North American or European cities. For expats seeking great value and culture, Mexico City is a spectacular choice. Note that Mexico City can be a very affordable place for foreigners and is definitely worth your consideration.

Read more: Why Mexico has become a popular choice for expat retirees?

6. Bangkok, Thailand – One of the Most Affordable Cities to Live in as an Expat

One of the best cities in the world for those seeking affordability without sacrificing comfort is Bangkok. It has excellent healthcare, a low cost of living, incredible food, and one of the largest expat communities.

Bangkok is particularly popular with remote workers, digital nomads, and retirees. Although this city can be chaotic at times, you will find plenty of convenience, warmth, comfort, and lifestyle flexibility. This makes this city popular among expats who seek value for money and freedom.

7. Melbourne, Australia – One of the Best Cities to Live in as an Expat

Melbourne is one of the most livable cities in the world. It is known for its coffee culture, cultural scene, education system, and healthcare. The city is popular with students and professionals. Australia has strong labor protections, high wages, and a great emphasis on work-life balance. This makes Melbourne a fantastic destination for long-term expats. Although this city is far from Europe and North America, the great distance is worth the quality of life.

8. Berlin, Germany

Berlin stands out for its affordability compared to other European capitals. It is also known for its creative energy and international atmosphere. Many artists, academics, students, and entrepreneurs from around the world move to this city.

If you do not speak that much German, no problem at all: English is widely spoken, and there is also excellent public transportation, generous social services, and reliable healthcare. Despite bureaucracy being a challenge, Berlin is one of the most accessible major cities in Europe for Expats.

9. Tokyo, Japan – A Structured and Safe City to Live in as an Expat

Tokyo is known for being safe, clean, and one of the most effective urban environments in the world. While the cost of living is high, there is high-quality infrastructure, healthcare, and public services.

The city is very appealing to academics, professionals, and long-term expats. They are intrigued by living in a highly organized society deeply rooted in cultural traditions. Tokyo will reward adaptation and commitment. This makes it a suitable city for expats who want structure and long-term stability.

I visited Japan a few years back and was amazed by the country – the food, culture and much more. The country really works and has become a very desirable place for tourism, but it is also a great place to live.

10. Singapore

Singapore is one of the most stable, clean, and well-governed cities in the world. It is highly efficient and globally connected, making it a top choice for expats seeking long-term security and strong professional opportunities.

As a major financial, logistics, and technology hub, Singapore attracts professionals from banking, academia, research, tech, and multinational corporations. English is one of the official languages. This significantly overcomes language barriers and integration concerns for expats.

While the cost of living is higher, especially for owning, salaries are usually enough to combat these expenses, especially for skilled professionals. There is also very good healthcare and public transportation.

Singapore best suits expats who want predictability, efficiency, and career advancement, rather than a slower pace of life. It is also a gateway to Southeast Asia, making it the perfect place for regional travel and international work.

I would note that Singapore is a fairly strict city and country, known for strict laws and strong enforcement, which contribute to its safety, cleanliness, and efficiency. I recommend that expats be mindful of rules around public behaviour, fines, visas, and employment regulations, as penalties can be severe and ignorance is not an excuse. Like with most countries, respect for local laws and customs is essential for living and working smoothly in Singapore.

11. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur is becoming an increasingly popular expat destination. It appeals to those seeking affordability, modern infrastructure, and cultural diversity.

The city provides a high standard of living at a lower cost than many Western and East Asian capitals. This makes Kuala Lumpur a strong option for long-term residents and professionals. English is widely spoken, which simplifies daily life and supports smoother professional integration.

Kuala Lumpur also has excellent private healthcare, modern shopping, and dining options, and a well-developed transportation network. Some of the neighborhoods in Kuala Lumpur to live in are Mont Kiara and Bangsar. They have become very popular among expats because of their safety, amenities, and global communities.

If comfort and a cosmopolitan lifestyle without financial pressure are what you are looking for, this central city in Southeast Asia is an ideal place to move to.

Some Final Thoughts & Tips

It is essential to choose the proper city. While making that decision is the expat’s personal choice based on their goals, priorities, and lifestyle preferences, this article provides guidance on the many amazing cities to consider. Some cities offer greater financial opportunity and security, while others lean more toward culture and lifestyle, and others provide greater affordability and long-term stability.

All these cities mentioned can support international residents in a variety of ways. Each city offers excellent infrastructure, safety, healthcare, and social networks. These make moving abroad easier and not only possible, but also sustainable.

Whether you prefer a relaxed lifestyle in Lisbon or modern living in Dubai, each city offers strong opportunities for expats. From the cultural richness of Mexico City to the safety of Doha and the efficiency of Singapore, these cities support career growth and belonging.

As global mobility continues to expand, cities that balance livability with opportunity remain the most popular destinations for expats. For those who want to adapt to new ways of life and cultures, these cities offer more than a new place to live. They also give you the chance to reshape where and how you live.

The Importance of Health Insurance

Before you move to a new country such as the ones noted above, it is crucial to purchase health insurance to avoid a sizeable medical bill, but also a plan that will cover you regionally and back in your home country. I never go abroad without some insurance coverage in place, but it’s even more vital for someone living abroad as an expat or global nomad. Having health coverage means you will have easier access to essential medical services, such as emergency care, treatment for illnesses or injuries, hospital stays, and doctors’ visits. This prevents you from facing a tremendously large medical bill. Note that no coverage will cover everything or everyone, so talking to an expert is critical.

Purchasing health coverage is the right decision before relocating or travelling in general, since you can have the best healthcare access, while also feeling less worried about facing a medical emergency abroad.