As the year winds down, what cities did expats choose in 2024 as the world’s best places to live – and how did KL fare?
The annual Expat City Ranking by InterNations, based on input from over 12,500 expats across 53 cities, has crowned Valencia, Spain, as the best city to live in for 2024. This comprehensive report evaluates destinations on indices such as quality of life, ease of settling in, and personal finance, offering valuable insights for anyone considering life abroad.
SPAIN TAKES CENTRE STAGE
Valencia reclaimed the top spot this year, following a third-place finish in 2023 and first in 2022. Known for its affordable lifestyle, vibrant culture, and stunning beaches, the city scored exceptionally in the quality of life index. Key highlights include 96% of expats praising public transport and 95% endorsing recreational opportunities. Additionally, no respondents expressed concerns about safety, an impressive feat.
Dutch expat respondents emphasized the city’s relaxed lifestyle, noting the “friendly people, good food, and pleasant climate.” However, challenges persist, particularly in the working abroad index, where Valencia ranks 31st due to limited career prospects. Despite this, 27% of respondents said they moved to Valencia to enjoy an improved quality of life.
Malaga secured second place, celebrated for being the easiest city to settle in and boasting the happiest expat community. While job prospects are limited (ranking 44th for working abroad), Malaga’s sunny weather and retirement-friendly vibe appeal to 43% of expats who are no longer working.
Alicante rounded out the top three, standing out for its affordable housing and digital accessibility. Nearly 70% of expats find housing in Alicante affordable, and the city ranks seventh in the expat essentials index.
Madrid and Barcelona also made the list, with Madrid ranked seventh and Barcelona dropping to 21st. Madrid shines for its cultural and culinary richness, while Barcelona, though lower ranked, remains a global hub for its vibrant food and arts scenes.
OTHER GLOBAL STANDOUTS
Beyond Spain, the list highlighted cities with diverse offerings. Panama City (4th) and Mexico City (5th) excelled in personal finance and social integration. Bangkok, Thailand (6th), was praised for its affordability and welcoming atmosphere.
Two UAE cities—Abu Dhabi (8th) and Dubai (9th)—received top marks for affordable housing, efficient administration, and digital infrastructure. Vienna (10th) completed the top 10 with its storied history, green spaces, and excellent public services.
NORTH AMERICAN CITIES LAG BEHIND
American and Canadian cities struggled this year. New York, the highest-ranking U.S. city, placed 28th, with affordability and work-life balance dragging down its score. Expats criticised high housing costs and limited savings potential, although the city’s cultural scene remains a highlight.
Canadian cities fared worse, with Toronto ranking 51st and Vancouver landing in last place at 53rd. Housing affordability is a key issue in both cities, with Vancouver earning the unwelcome title of least affordable housing market globally. Additionally, nearly 30% of expats in Vancouver reported job-hunting struggles, three times the global average.
MALAYSIA’S CAPITAL RANKED 12TH
Kuala Lumpur secured 12th place in the 2024 InterNations Expat City Ranking, earning praise for its affordable cost of living and friendly atmosphere. The city performed strongly in the personal finance and ease of settling in indices, with expats appreciating its accessibility and vibrant cultural offerings. Despite being ranked lower in areas like career prospects compared to some other cities, Kuala Lumpur’s balance of affordability, multicultural environment, and dynamic food scene make it a standout choice for expats seeking a mix of modern conveniences and rich traditions.
TOP 25 CITIES FOR EXPATS IN 2024
- Valencia, Spain
- Malaga, Spain
- Alicante, Spain
- Panama City, Panama
- Mexico City, Mexico
- Bangkok, Thailand
- Madrid, Spain
- Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Dubai, UAE
- Vienna, Austria
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Basel, Switzerland
- Muscat, Oman
- Athens, Greece
- Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
- Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Copenhagen, Denmark
- Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
- Barcelona, Spain
- Zurich, Switzerland
- Stockholm, Sweden
- Taipei, Taiwan
- Nairobi, Kenya
To see the full list, CLICK HERE.
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