The question of “where is it best to live?” is a factor that travels around the globe. And although many say it is “at home”, according to InterNations’ annual Expat City Ranking report , dedicated to identifying the best places in the world to live, it is Valencia . The city of arts and sciences and the Albufera is once again crowned the most recommended city to live in, after its previous victory in 2022.
The world’s largest community of people living and working abroad, InterNations, has Spain as its «golden girl» in this list of the 25 best cities to live in. In fact, there are no less than three other Spanish cities in its top 10. In second place is Malaga , the winner of 2023, with Valencia in third place, Alicante in third place and the Iberian capital, Madrid , in seventh place .
This recognition is not only awarded for our geographical variety, ranging from incredible beaches to mountain titans, lifestyle or excellent food, but this report is based on the following five guidelines: quality of life, ease of settling in, personal finances and others. This ranking provides invaluable information on what it is like to live abroad, from the cost of living to job satisfaction, to the ease of making friends in a new place.
Valencia, the best city
Valencia leads the quality of life index thanks to its beaches, rich culture and affordable lifestyle. It stands out for its efficient public transport (96% positive), extensive recreational activities (95% positive) and high security. However, it faces criticism in the employment field, with few career opportunities and a tough market, ranking 31st in the work abroad index. Despite this, its quality of life continues to attract expats, of which 27% moved for this reason.
Spain, a jewel
Malaga ranks second overall and tops the ease of settling in index, boasting the happiest expats in the world. However, it falls to 44th in the working abroad index, due to limited career prospects and job insecurity. Despite this, it remains an ideal destination for retirees, with 43% of respondents at this stage of life and 99% highlighting its sunny climate.
Alicante ranks third and stands out in the index of essential elements for expats, ranking seventh thanks to the accessibility of housing and its digital infrastructure. Nearly 70% of respondents consider housing in Alicante to be affordable.
Madrid is ranked seventh, while Barcelona falls to 21st place, a significant drop compared to previous years. Despite its fall, Barcelona continues to stand out for its exceptional cultural and gastronomic offering, recognised as one of the best in the world.
Other cities in the top 5
The top 10 cities for expats span diverse geographies and lifestyles. Panama City and Mexico City rank fourth and fifth respectively, standing out in personal finance and ease of settling in; the former for its affordability and the latter for its vibrant culture and social life.
United States and Canada, exiled from the ranking
For the second year in a row, there are no US cities in the top 25, with New York coming in at 28th, plagued by issues with affordability and work-life balance. Canadian cities are even further behind, with Vancouver at the bottom (53) and Toronto at 51, both plagued by high housing costs and limited career prospects, with Vancouver also having the world’s least affordable housing and difficulties making local friends.
These are the 25 best cities in the world to live in
1. Valencia, Spain
2. Malaga, Spain
3. Alicante, Spain
4. Panama City, Panama
5. Mexico City, Mexico
6. Bangkok, Thailand
7. Madrid, Spain
8. Abu Dhabi, UAE
9 Dubai, UAE
10 . Vienna, Austria
11. Lisbon, Portugal
12. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
13. Basel (Switzerland)
14. Muscat (Oman)
15. Athens, Greece
16. Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
17. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
18. Amsterdam, Netherlands
19. Copenhagen, Denmark
20. Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
21. Barcelona, Spain
22. Zurich, Switzerland
23. Stockholm, Sweden
24. Taipei, Taiwan
25. Nairobi, Kenya
