Where in the World Should You Live? A Global Guide for Expats
Moving abroad isn’t just about a job or a change of scenery – it’s about building a life. For globally mobile professionals, retirees, and families, the question of where to settle can be daunting. What makes a destination “expat-friendly”? And how do factors like cost of living, quality of life, healthcare access, and overall satisfaction weigh in?
To help answer these questions, we’ve reviewed multiple rankings and reports – including the 2024 InterNations Expat Insider, Forbes’ Best Cities to Live, Allianz Care’s global expat insights, and more. Here’s what they reveal – and what to keep in mind if you’re planning your next chapter abroad.
The Best Countries for Expats in 2025
According to Allianz Care’s report and InterNations’ recent surveys, top-performing countries for expats consistently include:
- Spain – A perennial favourite thanks to its laid-back lifestyle, Mediterranean climate, affordable healthcare, and strong public infrastructure.
- Portugal – Popular with digital nomads and retirees alike, Portugal offers a relatively low cost of living, safety, and excellent visa options.
- Mexico – With vibrant culture, accessible private healthcare, and thriving expat communities in cities like Mérida and San Miguel de Allende, Mexico continues to rise in popularity.
- Thailand – One of Asia’s top choices for expats, Thailand combines affordability with top-tier private hospitals and an unmatched lifestyle in cities like Chiang Mai or Bangkok.
- Malaysia – Malaysia’s MM2H visa, multicultural atmosphere, and strong medical tourism make it a popular long-term destination.
- United Arab Emirates – Particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi, which offer high salaries, strong infrastructure, and modern amenities – though the cost of living is steep.
Top Cities to Live in as an Expat
The InterNations’ 2024 city index offered deep dives into the best cities globally for expats. Some standouts:
- Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Ranked #1 by InterNations for affordability, ease of settling in, and quality of life.
- Mexico City, Mexico – Surprisingly affordable with strong expat support networks.
- Bangkok, Thailand – Offers a dynamic mix of urban energy, cultural richness, and affordable living.
- Valencia & Barcelona, Spain – High scores for leisure, healthcare, and work-life balance.
- Lisbon, Portugal – Beloved by remote workers and retirees for its climate, architecture, and relative safety.
While Dubai and Singapore offer premium services and expat-friendly systems, they tend to fall lower in personal finance or affordability rankings.
Cost of Living vs. Quality of Life
The 2024 InterNations Personal Finance Index shines a spotlight on cities where expats feel their money goes furthest. Cities like Hanoi, Manila, Chiang Mai, and Medellín offer affordable day-to-day living, though they may lag in infrastructure or bureaucracy.
Other reports, including those from International Living and Global Citizen Solutions, emphasize countries that strike a balance between cost, healthcare access, and expat benefits. Spain, Costa Rica, and Mexico consistently tick these boxes.
On the flip side, cities in Switzerland, Ireland, the US, and Nordic countries tend to be very safe and well-governed – but expensive. That’s fine for corporate postings, but retirees and self-employed expats often prefer lower-cost alternatives.
Global Rankings Snapshot
Let’s zoom out. The Legatum Prosperity Index ranks countries based on economic quality, governance, safety, personal freedom, and more. The top 10 globally include:
- Denmark
- Sweden
- Finland
- Norway
- Netherlands
- Switzerland
- New Zealand
- Germany
- Canada
- Ireland
While these countries offer high quality of life, they may not always be the best value for money – especially for retirees or entrepreneurs on modest budgets.
There’s No One “Best” Place
Every expat story is unique. What works for a remote worker in their 30s may not suit a retiree in their 60s. Factors like healthcare access, lifestyle, family support, visa pathways, and community are all part of the equation.
Wherever you choose, it’s important to ensure that your health insurance covers you adequately—both for emergencies and day-to-day care. At One World Cover, we help expats, schools, and employers navigate these decisions every day. We can assist in planning your health coverage strategy around your next destination—whether you’re heading to Spain, settling in Southeast Asia, or starting a new life in Latin America.
Want help comparing global health insurance plans for your next move? Get in touch with us here.
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