Dreaming of becoming an expat? That is to say, a daring adventurer who uproots their life and moves it to some exciting, exotic foreign land? Go you! Life as an expatriate is an interesting one to say the least. It one full of rich cultural experiences, unique challenges, meaningful connections, and new, refreshing perspectives. It’s easy to get blinded by excitement but we encourage you to slow down and really do your homework before you pull the trigger on a specific location.
In your search for the perfect expat community, you’ll want to take into consideration several factors including (but not limited to) cost of housing and living, cost and accessibility of healthcare, climate, lifestyle, the prevalence of other expats, and how welcoming locals are to those attempting to weave themselves into their social schema. Luckily, we’ve done most of the work for you and gathered a list of the top 7 cities that expats can’t get enough of today. Who knows, by the time you’re done reading this post, you may be ready to buy that one-way plane ticket.
Without further ado, here come the promised top 7 cities rated by expats for expats.
1. Malaga, Spain
Malaga, Spain takes the cake here. This modern port city is known for its incredible atmosphere and for being the birthplace of Pablo Picaso. Expats choose Malaga over and over again for its friendly locals and how easy it is to settle into a new routine there. It helps that housing is relatively cheap and easy to find. Plus, healthcare is affordable, the weather is lovely and the slow, easy culture of the place allows for an optimal work-life balance.
The biggest downside of Malaga is the fact that expats find it tough to land quality jobs that pay well and inspire them. But that doesn’t seem to stop them from migrating there.
2. Alicante, Spain
Alicante is another Spanish port city that expats rave about. Like Malaga, Alicante boasts a low cost of living (and renting) and housing is pretty effortless to find. Expats find it easy to build community with locals as well as fellow expats and enjoy a close-to-perfect climate and lifestyle. Healthcare in Alicante is super affordable and easy to track down too.
The main complaint with this gem of a city is that the work culture lacks something. Expats complain that jobs aren’t flexible enough and don’t promote creativity/inspire passion and individual growth. But, hey, you could always work for a US company and live in Spain!
3. Valencia, Spain
Healthcare and recreational sports
Spain does it again. Valencia is known for its incredible weather, delicious paella, and hoppin’, welcoming atmosphere. It’s a great pick for those of you looking to really weave yourself into the local scene. Sports are huge, so join an organized league or just a pickup game or two (you can find both throughout the city) and make some friends. Don’t worry, though, people are friendly and welcoming on and off the soccer pitch. In addition to being a great place to build community, this city offers quality, affordable, accessible healthcare and a generally low cost of living and lodging. Expats also love that Valencia is super walkable (or bikeable) and that its public transportation system is on point.
The biggest downside of this thriving city is that career opportunities are slim and job security is fleeting. That being said, if you do manage to find a great job (or bring your job with you), you’re almost guaranteed to enjoy a great work-life balance.
4. Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates
For nature and community
Ras Al Khaimah has been winning the hearts of expats for years due to its upscale, subtly luxurious yet affordable vibe. Surrounded by stunning landscapes, Ras Al Khaimah sits smack in between the soaring Hajar mountains and the sea. Nature and adventure lovers need to put this city at the top of their list. Expats report that Ras Al Khaimah is easy to settle into and that community is easy to build and nurture. Plus, housing is quite affordable and easy to get a hold of as well.
Unfortunately, Ras Al Khaimah is not always the most comfortable place for female expats and it can get super cold in the winter. It’s also not home to the best healthcare system. If none of these concern you, however, it’s a great place for foreigners to live.
5. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Another gem from the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi is an impressive city that serves as a melting pot for countless different cultures. This is mostly wonderful but can make communication a wee bit difficult. We suggest you enroll in a language class or five. Abu Dhabi is brimming with unique and affordable dining experiences for those of you foodies out there and offers gorgeous, modern (albeit expensive) housing. Expats report excellent quality of life and being impressed with the healthcare system. Score! Got kiddos? This thriving metropolis is home to some wonderful international schools. So, you can include your whole family in your dream.
Some downsides of Abu Dhabi are that it’s not always the most comfortable place for women (get ready for lots of attention, wanted or unwanted, ladies) and is pretty congested traffic-wise. Plus, salaries aren’t great which is problematic when you take into consideration the higher housing costs.
6. Madrid, Spain
Seeking a balance between the slow, steady Spanish lifestyle and the hopping, invigorating vibes of a big city? Madrid might be your spot. It’s an especially good city for young expats looking to start their career somewhere new. The job market is bursting with new and exciting opportunities embracing all ages. Madrid is super walkable and has a great public transportation system. Its also an ideal place for expats with young children with its plethora of greenspaces, bilingual schools, and kid-friendly activities. Plus you’ll have access to great healthcare.
One downside is that the cost of living and housing in Madrid is relatively high, but the job market is so good that it kind of balances that out. Plus, if you’re willing to live a bit outside the hussle and bussle of it all, you can find plenty of affordable, quality housing opportunities.
7. Mexico City, Mexico
Another gem from the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi is an impressive city that serves as a melting pot for countless different cultures. This is mostly wonderful but can make communication a wee bit difficult. We suggest you enroll in a language class or five. Abu Dhabi is brimming with unique and affordable dining experiences for those of you foodies out there and offers gorgeous, modern (albeit expensive) housing. Expats report excellent quality of life and being impressed with the healthcare system. Score! Got kiddos? This thriving metropolis is home to some wonderful international schools. So, you can include your whole family in your dream.
Some downsides of Abu Dhabi are that it’s not always the most comfortable place for women (get ready for lots of attention, wanted or unwanted, ladies) and is pretty congested traffic-wise. Plus, salaries aren’t great which is problematic when you take into consideration the higher housing costs.