Choosing the right city is crucial for a successful expat experience. This guide ranks the best cities for expats in 2026, considering factors like cost of living, safety, quality of life, career opportunities, and the strength of the expat community.
Top 20 Cities for Expats
| Rank | City | Country | Cost | Quality | Expat Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lisbon | Portugal | $2,200 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 2 | Barcelona | Spain | $2,800 | 9.0/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 3 | Bangkok | Thailand | $1,500 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 4 | Mexico City | Mexico | $1,800 | 8.3/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 5 | Porto | Portugal | $1,800 | 8.8/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 6 | Valencia | Spain | $2,200 | 8.7/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 7 | Chiang Mai | Thailand | $1,200 | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 8 | Medellin | Colombia | $1,500 | 7.8/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 9 | Kuala Lumpur | Malaysia | $1,600 | 8.4/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 10 | Prague | Czech Republic | $2,000 | 8.6/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 11 | Budapest | Hungary | $1,600 | 8.3/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 12 | Ho Chi Minh City | Vietnam | $1,200 | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 13 | Madrid | Spain | $2,600 | 8.8/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 14 | Bali | Indonesia | $1,500 | 7.5/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 15 | Dubai | United Arab Emirates | $3,500 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
#1
💰 $2,200⭐ 9.2/10⭐ 9.5/10
💰 $2,800⭐ 9.0/10⭐ 9.3/10
#3
💰 $1,500⭐ 8.5/10⭐ 9.2/10
💰 $1,800⭐ 8.3/10⭐ 9.0/10
#5
💰 $1,800⭐ 8.8/10⭐ 8.9/10
#6
💰 $2,200⭐ 8.7/10⭐ 8.8/10
💰 $1,200⭐ 8.2/10⭐ 9.0/10
#8
💰 $1,500⭐ 7.8/10⭐ 8.7/10
💰 $1,600⭐ 8.4/10⭐ 8.5/10
#10
💰 $2,000⭐ 8.6/10⭐ 8.4/10
#11
💰 $1,600⭐ 8.3/10⭐ 8.3/10
💰 $1,200⭐ 7.8/10⭐ 8.5/10
#13
💰 $2,600⭐ 8.8/10⭐ 8.2/10
#14
💰 $1,500⭐ 7.5/10⭐ 8.8/10
#15
💰 $3,500⭐ 8.5/10⭐ 8.0/10
Lisbon: #1 for Expats
Lisbon tops our rankings for its perfect balance of quality of life, affordability, and welcoming expat community. The city has transformed into Europe's startup capital and a magnet for digital nomads.
Why Lisbon
- 300+ days of sunshine per year
- English widely spoken
- 100+ coworking spaces
- Excellent food and nightlife scene
- Safe and walkable neighborhoods
Best Cities by Category
Best for Budget Expats
- 1. Chiang Mai - $1,200/mo
- 2. Ho Chi Minh City - $1,200/mo
- 3. Medellin - $1,500/mo
Best for Families
- 1. Singapore - Excellent schools
- 2. Kuala Lumpur - Affordable intl schools
- 3. Barcelona - Beach + culture
Best for Retirees
- 1. Lisbon - Healthcare + lifestyle
- 2. Valencia - Mediterranean climate
- 3. Chiang Mai - Affordable excellence
Europe's Best Expat Cities
Asia's Best Expat Cities
| City | Country | Monthly Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangkok | Thailand | $1,500 | Everything in one place |
| Chiang Mai | Thailand | $1,200 | Digital nomads |
| Kuala Lumpur | Malaysia | $1,600 | Families |
| Ho Chi Minh City | Vietnam | $1,200 | Budget living |
| Bali | Indonesia | $1,500 | Island lifestyle |