The Best Cities for Expats: Life Beyond Borders

Emigrating from your home country is a leap of faith, whether the journey is motivated by love, circumstance, or adventure. There’s a lot that can’t be planned, such as the friendships formed, the impact on your worldview, and opportunities you’ll encounter through luck or good timing. However, some cities truly stand out as dream destinations for expats.

Cities with prime job prospects and an appreciation for diversity are at the top of the wish list for most migrants. Moreover, an active social scene combined with compelling travel prospects makes expat life not just good, but life-altering and extraordinary.

Using the countries that topped the Global Expat Index report for 2019 as a guide, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best cities for expats. All these welcoming metropolises offer sweet lifestyles and incredible travel opportunities—places that have the X(pat) factor.

Amsterdam – The Netherlands

Amsterdam is vibrant, energized by an internationally-minded workforce and sleek design scene. While you’ll cycle alongside canals, gather tulips in Bloemenmarkt, and walk the same streets as Rembrandt, you’ll also embrace a culture that values work-life balance.

Expats quickly adapt to this rhythm, spending weekends strolling through Vondelpark, savoring jenever (a juniper-based spirit) in cozy bars, and disconnecting from work. Additionally, four different countries are within a four-hour road trip, allowing for short breaks filled with art, architecture, and excellent beer.

Chengdu – China

Cultural hub Chengdu attracts international travelers with its temples, teahouses, and fiery Sichuan cuisine. Expats find an expanding job market, improving public transport, and a relatively liberal mindset all inviting for relocation.

When not exploring local coffee and craft beer scenes, Chengdu serves as an excellent departure point for travel. You can venture to the panda research center in Ya’an or to the serene Qīngchéng Shān. While mastering the local language is helpful, a vibrant expat community provides support for English speakers.

Singapore

Singapore, a global financial center, offers numerous opportunities within its towering high-rises. Although you may not attain a Crazy Rich Asians lifestyle, the low crime rate and excellent public transport make it a desirable location for expats.

Singaporean cuisine will tempt you to settle down, with dishes like sensational char kway teow (stir-fried noodles) and kaya (coconut jam) toast. Additionally, the expat population makes up more than one-quarter of the city’s residents.

Reykjavík – Iceland

Is a new life calling from just south of the Arctic Circle? Reykjavík is becoming a hub for tech and arts innovators, with an emerging cultural scene that thrives during the long midsummer days. Although the city feels small-scaled, it’s forward-thinking, LGBT-friendly, and boasts stunning natural landscapes.

Despite the challenges expats might face, such as high living costs and severe winters, the promise of a high life expectancy and happiness level makes a compelling case for relocating north.

Salzburg – Austria

Those seeking a blend of outdoor adventure and artistic culture will find their ideal destination in Salzburg. Known as the birthplace of Mozart, this city is filled with charming coffeehouses and surrounded by beautiful Alpine landscapes ideal for hikers and skiers.

Austria’s affordable healthcare, moderate living costs, and low crime further enhance Salzburg’s appeal, making it a comfortable place for expatriates to thrive.

Auckland – New Zealand

In a world of uncertainty, many look toward New Zealand. Auckland, the largest city, offers job opportunities and vibrant nightlife alongside breathtaking natural beauty accessible for weekend adventures.

Explore glowworm-speckled Waitomo Caves, savor award-winning wines on Waiheke Island, or visit Hobbiton and indulge in a unique experience.

Mexico City – Mexico

For those eager for a vibrant expatriate experience, Mexico City offers excitement on a grand scale. Expats will find immense satisfaction amid the city’s magnificent museums, tantalizing gastronomy, and rich cultural history.

Many who relocate here work as digital nomads or English teachers, and families appreciate the affordable living costs, leaving room to explore Mexico’s historic Aztec sites.

Montréal – Canada

The outdoorsy appeal of Canadian life draws many expats, particularly to Montréal. With its beautiful 19th-century architecture, lively blues and jazz scenes, and diverse food culture, it offers a unique urban experience.

French language skills enhance job prospects here, which can be an attractive feature for migrants from francophone regions. With ski fields nearby, cold winters present no hindrance to those eager for an adventurous lifestyle.

Portland – USA

Portland has gained popularity among expats, particularly tech-savvy ones looking for an appealing lifestyle. The city’s offerings of vegan food trucks, artisanal coffees, and cultural events foster an inclusive community for those who prioritize eco-friendly habits.

With a strong focus on cycling and sustainability, expats won’t feel isolated but welcomed into a community emphasizing camaraderie and shared values.

Vilnius – Lithuania

Digital nomads will find paradise in Vilnius, celebrated for its high-speed connectivity and coffee culture. With art collectives, tech startups, and an vibrant atmosphere, it’s a destination propelling new opportunities.

Discover a city rich in culinary delights and culture, and explore neighboring countries like Poland and Belarus for adventures beyond the city limits.

This article was originally published in September 2019 and updated in November 2020. It remains a valuable resource for those considering expat life and searching for the perfect destination.