Living abroad can be one of life’s most rewarding adventures, yet choosing the right destination often feels overwhelming. InterNations surveyed 12,543 expats worldwide about their experiences of living abroad. The respondents represented 175 nationalities. A city could only be included in the ranking if at least 50 people took part in the survey. In 2024, 53 towns met this condition. The results paint a fascinating picture of where international residents truly thrive.
What’s particularly striking about this year’s findings is the dominance of Spanish cities in the top rankings. In 2024, Valencia claimed the top spot, followed by Dubai and Mexico City, with Málaga and Alicante rounding out the top five, and it’s not just because of the warm weather. So let’s dive into the destinations where expats are living their best lives.
Valencia, Spain – Mediterranean Paradise Reclaims the Crown
After a minor slip to 3rd place in 2023, Valencia returns to 2022 form by regaining 1st place in the 2024 Expat City Ranking. It also ranks 1st in the Quality of Life and Personal Finance Indices. This coastal gem offers an incredible combination that’s hard to find elsewhere. No respondent in Valencia (0%) had anything negative to say about the affordability of public transportation (vs. 15% globally), opportunities for recreational sport (vs. 11%), or their personal safety (vs. 8%). In fact, more than nine in ten expats rated these factors favorably, up to 96% for public transportation costs (vs. 70%).
Valencia scored exceptionally high in the quality-of-life category, driven by its Mediterranean climate, stunning beaches, and extensive green spaces. With over 2,700 hours of sunlight annually and an average temperature of approximately 18°C (64°F), the city offers a year-round outdoor lifestyle. More than three in four expats (77%) are also satisfied with the general cost of living (vs. 40% globally) and their financial situation (vs. 54%).
Málaga, Spain – Where the World’s Happiest Expats Live
Málaga ranks 4th overall in 2024, with Dubai taking 2nd place and Mexico City 3rd. The city features the happiest expats (1st), in part due to a smooth Ease of Settling In (1st). This Andalusian coastal city has earned a remarkable reputation among international residents. Málaga has earned the title of the friendliest city in the world. Participants noted how easy it is to settle in, make friends, and feel at home in Málaga.
The social atmosphere in Málaga truly stands out from other destinations worldwide. Not only do the majority of respondents agree they have a personal support network there (1st) and are happy with their social life (1st), but they also feel both welcome (1st) and at home (1st) in Málaga. Though the work situation presents challenges, the lifestyle benefits clearly outweigh these concerns for most residents.
Alicante, Spain – The Affordable Mediterranean Dream
Alicante, Valencia, and Málaga reshuffled their positions in the top 3, with Alicante ranking 5th in 2024 after seeing 2nd place the previous year. In contrast to the other four Spanish cities, Alicante is the only one with a top 10 place in the Expat Essentials Index (7th) – a result that’s mostly carried by the Housing Subcategory (5th). This makes it particularly attractive for those seeking long-term settlement options.
Over two-thirds of respondents in Alicante (68%) rate the affordability of housing positively, double the global average of 34%. And a similar share (62%) says it’s easy to find (vs. 45% globally). Also located on the Mediterranean coast, this city combines an affordable cost of living with an outstanding quality of life. Expats praise its pleasant climate, affordable housing options, and multicultural atmosphere. Although, like Valencia, job opportunities can be limited, Alicante is perfect for those seeking a relaxed lifestyle connected to nature.
Panama City, Panama – Latin America’s Rising Star
Panama has been rated as the best place for expats to live in, according to this year’s worldwide survey of the globally mobile, conducted by the German-based InterNations organisation. The survey found that in Panama, which was ranked third in last year’s survey, 82 per cent of expat respondents there – almost a third of whom were retired – were happy with life, compared to the global average of 68 per cent. Almost three-quarters of respondents expressed satisfaction with their financial situation, too.
Panama City’s appeal stems from its strategic location and business-friendly environment. These destinations in Spain are joined by two other Spanish-speaking cities: Mexico City in 3rd place and Panama City in 8th place. They not only share a language but also great results for Personal Finance (Panama City 2nd; Mexico City 4th) and the Ease of Settling In (8th; 2nd). The city serves as a gateway between the Americas, making it particularly attractive for international business professionals.
Mexico City, Mexico – Cultural Richness Meets Modern Living
Mexico’s vibrant capital has consistently impressed expats with its unique blend of ancient history and contemporary sophistication. Mexico occupies second place in this year’s table with virtually nine in ten expats – even more than in Panama – expressing contentment with their lives. The city’s cultural depth, combined with relatively affordable living costs, creates an irresistible combination for many international residents.
The financial advantages in Mexico City are particularly noteworthy. They not only share a language but also great results for Personal Finance (Panama City 2nd; Mexico City 4th) and the Ease of Settling In (8th; 2nd). The strong expat community and welcoming local culture make integration surprisingly smooth, despite the city’s massive size and complexity.
Ras Al Khaimah, UAE – The Emirates’ Hidden Gem
Three UAE cities made it into the top 10. Among them are Ras Al Khaimah, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai. What is more, 81% of those surveyed noted significant advancements in their career after moving to Ras Al Khaimah, with 50% of expats citing employment as the primary reason and goal for immigrating to the UAE. This northernmost emirate offers a different pace compared to Dubai’s intensity.
Ras Al Khaimah, 150 miles north of Abu Dhabi, is home to numerous resorts along the Persian Gulf. Expats report that it’s easy to get set up here, with 78 percent indicating that they had no issues getting a visa to move there, and 68 percent reporting that housing is readily available and not expensive. The combination of career opportunities and manageable living costs makes it increasingly attractive to international professionals.
Madrid, Spain – Capital, Culture, and Career Opportunities
Valencia (1st), Málaga (2nd), and Alicante (3rd) aren’t the only Spanish cities to make it into the top 10 of the 2024 Expat City Ranking: Madrid isn’t far behind in 7th place. Spain’s capital brings together the best of urban sophistication with manageable living costs. Madrid ranked No. 6 on the InterNations list, getting strong votes for its culture, cuisine, and nightlife. That’s not surprising given its reputation for being a center for renowned artwork, including its famed Prado Museum and Reina Sofia. Couple that with the city’s iconic architecture and a wealth of bars and restaurants, and expats here won’t get bored.
It similarly offers a great Quality of Life (4th), Ease of Settling In (7th), and satisfying Personal Finances (13th). Compared to the top 3, Madrid receives slightly worse results in the Expat Essentials Index, ranking 28th. Nevertheless, it’s the Spanish city with the best result for Working Abroad (also 28th). Overall, 85 percent of expats are happy with their life in Madrid.
Abu Dhabi, UAE – The Sophisticated Emirates Experience
Abu Dhabi’s 9th-place ranking reflects its successful positioning as a cultural and educational leader while maintaining the tax advantages and infrastructure excellence the UAE is known for. Abu Dhabi has differentiated itself through strategic development, focusing on cultural institutions and educational excellence. The emirate successfully balances traditional values with modern aspirations.
The emirate excels in the “Expat Essentials” category through advanced digital governance, regulatory compliance, and governmental interaction processes efficiently through sophisticated online systems that minimize administrative friction. The waterfront developments, premium leisure facilities, and cultural district on Saadiyat Island create an environment that particularly appeals to sophisticated professionals seeking long-term positioning with family considerations. For families, the educational and healthcare infrastructure rivals anywhere in the world.
Dubai, UAE – The Global Business Hub
Dubai continues to attract ambitious professionals from around the world with its unique blend of opportunity and lifestyle. Ras Al Khaimah and Dubai were also rated highly for the work opportunities, while respondents highlighted the quality of life in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The city’s reputation as a business gateway between East and West remains unmatched.
In third place is Dubai. Famous for its luxury lifestyle, Dubai’s cost of living is particularly high, at $3,787 per month. Despite the higher expenses, the tax advantages and career opportunities often offset these costs. These cities are leaders in the expat essentials index due to their convenient access to government, retail, and banking services. The efficiency of daily life in Dubai consistently impresses newcomers.
Singapore – Asia’s Premier Expat Destination
A new entry on the updated global expat index, Singapore emerges as the third-best location for expats in 2024. Despite monthly living costs amounting to $4,355, expats benefit from a comfortable amount of disposable income, thanks to an average salary of $4,980. The city-state’s strategic position and multicultural environment create unique advantages for international residents.
The Southeast Asian city is also one of the safest locations, ranked with a score of 77 out of 100, and ranks as one of the cleanest cities, with a score of 19. An impressive 14% of visitors to the city return to Singapore at some point, and for good reason. Singapore has around 200 iconic attractions, including the famous Marina Bay Sands building and the beautiful Gardens by the Bay. The efficiency of everything from public transport to government services makes daily life remarkably smooth.
The 2024 rankings reveal a clear preference for destinations that balance quality of life with financial practicality. Spanish cities dominate because they offer sunshine, culture, and affordability in one package. Meanwhile, the UAE cities excel in career opportunities and modern infrastructure, while Singapore provides unmatched efficiency and safety. These cities prove that expat satisfaction comes from finding the right mix of professional opportunity, lifestyle quality, and genuine community welcome. What strikes you most about these destinations? Did any of these rankings surprise you?