20 Best Cities for Expats in 2026: Salary, Cost of Living & Quality of Life

The global expat population is growing faster than at any point in recorded history. According to recent estimates, more than 280 million people now live outside their country of birth, and that number is projected to surpass 300 million by 2028. Driving this trend is a convergence of forces: remote work has untethered millions of professionals from any single office, visa programs for digital nomads and skilled workers have proliferated, and a post-pandemic reassessment of priorities has led many people to ask a fundamental question: where in the world would I actually live best?

But choosing the right city as an expat is not simply about picking a place with warm weather or cheap rent. The best expat destinations balance multiple factors simultaneously: earning potential, cost of living, healthcare quality, personal safety, ease of communication, visa accessibility, and the presence of an established international community that can ease the transition. Get the balance wrong, and a dream relocation can quickly become a financial or logistical burden.

This guide ranks the 20 best cities for expats in 2026 based on a comprehensive methodology that weighs all of these factors. For each city, we provide concrete data on salaries, monthly costs, and the specific strengths that make it worth considering. Whether you are a tech worker evaluating a transfer, a retiree looking to stretch a pension, or a freelancer seeking the optimal base, this ranking is designed to help you make an informed decision.

How We Ranked These Cities

Rankings of expat cities are only as useful as their methodology. Many popular lists rely heavily on subjective survey data or weight a single factor, such as nightlife or weather, disproportionately. Our approach is deliberately data-driven and multi-dimensional. We evaluated each city across six core dimensions, each weighted according to its practical impact on day-to-day expat life:

• Salary potential (25%): Average expat salaries in professional roles, adjusted for the local job market and major industries. We prioritized cities where expats can realistically earn competitive wages, not just cities with high local averages that are inaccessible to foreigners.
• Cost of living (20%): Based on the Cost of Living Index (COLI), benchmarked against New York City at 100. This captures housing, groceries, transportation, healthcare, dining, and entertainment in a single comparable metric.
• Healthcare quality (15%): Evaluated using the WHO health system rankings, Healthcare Access and Quality (HAQ) Index scores, and availability of English-speaking medical professionals. We also considered whether expats can access public healthcare or must rely entirely on private insurance.
• Safety (15%): Composite score drawing from the Global Peace Index, Numbeo Safety Index, and violent crime rates. We weighted personal safety for foreigners specifically, not just national-level statistics.
• English proficiency (10%): Based on the EF English Proficiency Index for non-English-speaking countries, and native English usage for Anglophone cities. This matters enormously for daily life, navigating bureaucracy, and professional integration.
• Visa accessibility (15%): How straightforward is it for a skilled professional, remote worker, or retiree to obtain legal residency? We evaluated processing times, financial requirements, renewal complexity, and whether the visa pathway can lead to permanent residency.

Each city received a weighted composite score out of 100. The final ranking reflects the cities that perform best across all six dimensions rather than excelling in just one or two.

The 20 Best Cities for Expats in 2026

1. Singapore

Average expat salary: $95,000 – $140,000  |  Monthly cost of living: $3,200 – $5,500  |  COLI: 87.7

Singapore claims the top spot for the second consecutive year. The city-state offers an unmatched combination of high salaries, personal safety, world-class infrastructure, and low tax rates capped at 22% (with effective rates far lower for most earners). English is an official language and the primary medium of business, which eliminates the communication barrier that plagues many otherwise excellent destinations. Healthcare ranks among the best in Asia, with both public and private options readily available. The Employment Pass for skilled professionals is processed within weeks, and Singapore has cultivated one of the largest expat communities in the region, with foreigners comprising roughly 30% of the population. The main drawback is cost: housing is expensive, car ownership is prohibitively priced due to the Certificate of Entitlement system, and the tropical climate is not for everyone.

Best for: Finance professionals, tech workers, families seeking safety and top-tier schools

2. Dubai, UAE

Average expat salary: $85,000 – $130,000  |  Monthly cost of living: $2,800 – $4,800  |  COLI: 64.8

Dubai offers the single most compelling financial proposition for expats anywhere in the world: zero personal income tax. A professional earning $120,000 in Dubai keeps the entire amount, while the same salary in London would be reduced to roughly $80,000 after tax. Beyond the tax advantage, Dubai provides modern infrastructure, a highly international population where expats outnumber locals roughly 9 to 1, year-round sunshine, and excellent air connectivity to virtually every major city. The UAE has expanded its visa offerings significantly, adding freelancer visas, golden visas for investors and high earners, and remote work permits. English is widely spoken in business and daily life. Healthcare is strong in the private sector, though public options are limited for non-citizens. The cost of living is moderate by global standards, though luxury housing and private schooling can push expenses higher.

Best for: High earners seeking tax efficiency, entrepreneurs, finance and consulting professionals

3. Zurich, Switzerland

Average expat salary: $110,000 – $180,000  |  Monthly cost of living: $4,500 – $7,000  |  COLI: 122.4

Zurich is the most expensive city on this list, but it also offers the highest salaries. A mid-career professional in finance or technology can earn CHF 150,000 to 200,000 annually, and even service-sector roles pay substantially above European averages. Switzerland's tax rates are moderate by Western European standards, its healthcare system is among the world's best (though insurance is mandatory and not cheap), and the quality of life, from public transit to clean air to alpine access, is genuinely exceptional. English is widely spoken in professional contexts, though German proficiency is needed for deeper social integration. The Swiss L permit for employed workers is relatively straightforward to obtain with a job offer. Zurich is not cheap by any definition, but for those earning Swiss wages, it remains one of the most rewarding places to live anywhere.

Best for: Senior professionals in finance and pharma, families prioritizing safety and education, outdoor enthusiasts

4. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Average expat salary: $65,000 – $100,000  |  Monthly cost of living: $2,600 – $4,200  |  COLI: 82.6

Amsterdam consistently ranks as one of the most livable cities in Europe, and for expats specifically, it excels on a dimension many other cities struggle with: work-life balance. The Dutch working culture genuinely respects boundaries, with part-time work normalized and overtime frowned upon. Nearly 95% of the Dutch population speaks English fluently, making it the most English-proficient non-native country in the world. Amsterdam's tech and creative sectors are thriving, with major firms and startups alike establishing European headquarters here. The 30% ruling, which exempts a portion of an expat's salary from income tax for up to five years, remains a significant financial incentive. Healthcare is excellent and accessible. The primary challenge is housing: Amsterdam's rental market is extremely competitive, and finding an affordable apartment can take months of persistent searching.

Best for: Tech workers, creatives, professionals seeking work-life balance, EU base seekers

5. Lisbon, Portugal

Average expat salary: $35,000 – $65,000  |  Monthly cost of living: $1,600 – $2,800  |  COLI: 42.1

Lisbon has emerged as the premier affordable-Europe destination for expats, particularly remote workers and retirees. Portugal's D7 visa is one of the most accessible residency pathways in Europe, requiring proof of passive income (approximately EUR 9,120 annually) rather than a job offer, and it provides a clear path to permanent residency and eventual citizenship. The cost of living is roughly 58% below New York, making it one of the cheapest Western European capitals. The weather is mild year-round, the food and cultural scene punches well above the city's weight class, and the expat community has grown rapidly since 2020. English proficiency among younger Portuguese is high. The trade-off is salary: local wages in Lisbon are among the lowest in Western Europe, so the city works best for those with foreign income, remote salaries, or retirement funds.

Best for: Digital nomads, remote workers, retirees, freelancers seeking EU residency

6. Bangkok, Thailand

Average expat salary: $30,000 – $70,000  |  Monthly cost of living: $1,100 – $2,500  |  COLI: 34.2

Bangkok is one of the most cost-effective major cities in the world for expats. A comfortable lifestyle that would cost $5,000 or more per month in a Western capital can be achieved for $1,500 to $2,000 here. The city offers world-class private healthcare at a fraction of Western prices, a massive and varied food scene, excellent public transit on the BTS and MRT lines, and a vibrant cultural landscape. Bangkok's international community is enormous and well-established, with expat-focused neighborhoods, schools, and social groups. Thailand's Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa, introduced in 2022, provides a 10-year residency option for remote workers, retirees, and wealthy individuals with significantly reduced tax obligations. The main challenges are air quality during certain months, intense heat and humidity, and limited English proficiency outside tourist and business districts.

Best for: Budget-conscious expats, retirees, digital nomads, food lovers

7. Toronto, Canada

Average expat salary: $60,000 – $100,000  |  Monthly cost of living: $2,400 – $4,000  |  COLI: 62.3

Toronto is one of the most multicultural cities on Earth, with over half its population born outside Canada. This means that the infrastructure, both social and institutional, for integrating newcomers is among the best anywhere. Canada's universal healthcare system covers all permanent residents, the public school system is strong, and the city has thriving finance, tech, and creative sectors. Toronto's Express Entry immigration system is one of the most transparent and skills-based in the world, making it a realistic destination for professionals who want not just a temporary assignment but a permanent home. The cost of living has risen sharply in recent years, particularly housing, but salaries in professional roles have increased in tandem. Winters are genuinely cold, which is a legitimate quality-of-life consideration for those relocating from warmer climates.

Best for: Families, professionals seeking permanent residency, diverse communities

8. Melbourne, Australia

Average expat salary: $65,000 – $105,000  |  Monthly cost of living: $2,300 – $3,800  |  COLI: 62.8

Melbourne is routinely ranked among the world's most livable cities, and for good reason. The city offers an exceptional quality of life built around outdoor access, cultural diversity, a renowned food and coffee scene, and a relaxed social atmosphere that values leisure alongside work. Australia's healthcare system (Medicare) covers permanent residents, and the private healthcare sector is strong. Salaries in professional fields are competitive, particularly in finance, engineering, and healthcare. Australia's skilled migration program is well-structured, though the points-based system can be competitive for certain occupations. Melbourne's climate is temperate, and the proximity to beaches, national parks, and regional wine country adds a lifestyle dimension that few global cities can match.

Best for: Families, outdoor enthusiasts, professionals in healthcare and engineering

9. Berlin, Germany

Average expat salary: $55,000 – $90,000  |  Monthly cost of living: $2,000 – $3,200  |  COLI: 52.4

Berlin remains one of the most affordable major capitals in Western Europe and has cemented its position as a top European tech hub. The city's startup ecosystem is among the continent's most dynamic, attracting engineers, designers, and product managers from around the world. Many tech companies operate entirely in English, which helps compensate for the fact that German bureaucracy very much does not. Berlin's cultural scene is world-class, rents are lower than in London, Paris, or Amsterdam (though rising), and Germany's statutory health insurance system provides comprehensive coverage. The EU Blue Card makes it relatively straightforward for skilled non-EU professionals to obtain residency. Berlin's lifestyle is distinctly informal and creative, which appeals to some and frustrates others who prefer more polished environments.

Best for: Tech workers, startup founders, creatives, budget-conscious professionals

10. Tokyo, Japan

Average expat salary: $55,000 – $95,000  |  Monthly cost of living: $2,000 – $3,500  |  COLI: 55.8

Tokyo is one of the safest major cities in the world, with violent crime rates that are a small fraction of comparable Western cities. The city's infrastructure is extraordinary: trains run on time to the second, streets are immaculate, and public services function with a precision that borders on art. Despite its reputation, Tokyo is surprisingly affordable by developed-world standards, with quality one-bedroom apartments available for $1,000 to $1,400 per month in central locations. Japan has progressively liberalized its immigration policies, introducing the Highly Skilled Professional visa that fast-tracks permanent residency. The food scene is unmatched globally, and the healthcare system is excellent and affordable. The primary challenge for expats is the language barrier: despite improvements, everyday life in Tokyo requires significantly more Japanese proficiency than comparable cities require of their local language.

Best for: Culture enthusiasts, safety-conscious families, tech and finance professionals

11. Barcelona, Spain

Average expat salary: $40,000 – $70,000  |  Monthly cost of living: $1,800 – $3,000  |  COLI: 46.5

Barcelona offers a lifestyle that consistently ranks among the most desirable in Europe: Mediterranean climate, beach access within the city limits, world-class architecture, and a food culture that revolves around fresh, local ingredients. Spain's cost of living is well below the Northern European average, and Barcelona specifically provides a good mix of professional opportunity and affordable living. The city has a growing tech sector centered around the 22@ district, and Spain's digital nomad visa (introduced in 2023) has made it easier for remote workers to establish legal residency. Healthcare through the Spanish public system is strong. The main financial consideration is that local salaries are lower than in Northern Europe, and Spain's income tax rates can be steep for higher earners who don't qualify for the Beckham Law tax incentive.

Best for: Lifestyle seekers, remote workers, creatives, Mediterranean climate lovers

12. Austin, USA

Average expat salary: $75,000 – $130,000  |  Monthly cost of living: $2,500 – $4,200  |  COLI: 65.3

Austin has transformed from a mid-sized college town into one of America's most dynamic tech and business hubs. Tesla, Oracle, and a wave of startups and scale-ups have established significant operations here, drawn by Texas's zero state income tax and a cost of living that is roughly 35% below San Francisco. For international workers, Austin offers the salary levels of a major tech market without the extreme housing costs of the coasts. The city has a vibrant cultural scene built around live music, outdoor recreation, and a food scene that goes far beyond its barbecue reputation. The main challenges for expats are the complexity of U.S. immigration (H-1B and L-1 visas remain competitive and slow), the car-dependent layout of the city, and summer heat that can be oppressive from June through September.

Best for: Tech workers, entrepreneurs, professionals seeking high US salaries with lower costs

13. Copenhagen, Denmark

Average expat salary: $70,000 – $110,000  |  Monthly cost of living: $2,800 – $4,500  |  COLI: 85.7

Copenhagen consistently ranks among the happiest cities in the world, and once you spend time there, the reasons become clear. Danish working culture prioritizes balance with a 37-hour standard work week, parental leave is generous, and the social safety net, funded by high taxes, removes many of the financial anxieties that burden workers elsewhere. The city is exceptionally bikeable, with dedicated cycling infrastructure that makes car ownership unnecessary. Nearly all Danes speak English fluently. Copenhagen's design, clean energy, and food scenes are globally influential. Salaries in professional roles are competitive, though high income tax rates (up to 52% at the top bracket) significantly reduce take-home pay. The Pay Limit Scheme offers a reduced tax rate for highly paid foreign workers for up to seven years, which is a meaningful incentive. Housing is expensive and supply-constrained.

Best for: Families, sustainability-minded professionals, work-life balance seekers

14. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Average expat salary: $25,000 – $60,000  |  Monthly cost of living: $900 – $2,000  |  COLI: 28.5

Ho Chi Minh City is the cheapest destination on this list that still offers genuine metropolitan energy and infrastructure. A comfortable one-bedroom apartment in a central district costs $500 to $800 per month, a restaurant meal can be had for $2 to $5, and a full-time housekeeper costs less than $300 monthly. Vietnam's economy is among the fastest-growing in Southeast Asia, and the city's tech and manufacturing sectors are expanding rapidly, creating new opportunities for foreign professionals. The expat community has grown substantially, particularly in Districts 1, 2, and 7. Vietnam's visa options have improved, with e-visas now available for 90 days and work permits obtainable through employers. Healthcare in private international hospitals is affordable and increasingly high-quality. The primary challenges are air pollution, chaotic traffic, and limited English outside business contexts.

Best for: Budget maximizers, young professionals, digital nomads, adventure seekers

15. Mexico City, Mexico

Average expat salary: $30,000 – $65,000  |  Monthly cost of living: $1,200 – $2,500  |  COLI: 30.8

Mexico City has become the de facto capital of the global digital nomad movement. The combination of low costs, a rich cultural scene, excellent food, proximity to the United States (a three-hour flight from Houston or Dallas), and a large English-speaking expat community in neighborhoods like Roma, Condesa, and Polanco has made it irresistible to remote workers earning foreign salaries. The cost of living is roughly 70% below New York, and the quality of daily life, from street food to museums to architecture, is remarkably high. Mexico's temporary resident visa is accessible for those with sufficient income or savings. Private healthcare is affordable and competent. The main concerns are air quality, altitude adjustment for newcomers (the city sits at 2,240 meters), and safety considerations that vary significantly by neighborhood.

Best for: Digital nomads, remote workers, creatives, food enthusiasts

16. Dublin, Ireland

Average expat salary: $65,000 – $110,000  |  Monthly cost of living: $2,500 – $4,000  |  COLI: 72.8

Dublin is the largest English-speaking city in the eurozone and serves as the European headquarters for many of the world's biggest tech companies, including Google, Meta, Apple, and Salesforce. This creates a robust job market for skilled professionals, particularly in technology, finance, and pharmaceuticals. Salaries in these sectors are competitive with London, while Ireland's 12.5% corporate tax rate has attracted a density of multinational operations that generates constant demand for international talent. The Critical Skills Employment Permit provides a clear pathway for non-EU professionals. Dublin's primary weakness is its housing market: a chronic shortage of rental supply has pushed prices to levels that strain even well-paid professionals, and finding accommodation can be a months-long process. Beyond housing, the city offers a welcoming culture, easy access to the rest of Europe, and a pace of life that balances professional ambition with genuine sociability.

Best for: Tech professionals, English-speaking job seekers, EU market access

17. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Average expat salary: $30,000 – $65,000  |  Monthly cost of living: $1,000 – $2,200  |  COLI: 29.7

Kuala Lumpur offers one of the strongest value propositions in Southeast Asia. The city is modern, with excellent infrastructure including the Petronas Towers skyline, a comprehensive metro system, and high-speed internet throughout. The MM2H (Malaysia My Second Home) visa has been a magnet for retirees and long-term expats for over two decades, offering 5-to-10-year renewable residency. English is widely spoken, particularly in business and among the educated population, reflecting Malaysia's British colonial history. Private healthcare is outstanding and remarkably affordable: a specialist consultation costs $15 to $30, and major procedures are a fraction of Western prices. The food scene is one of the most diverse in Asia, blending Malay, Chinese, Indian, and international cuisines. The cost of living is roughly 70% below New York, and a luxury condo in the city center can be rented for $800 to $1,200 per month.

Best for: Retirees, families, budget-conscious professionals, healthcare seekers

18. Prague, Czech Republic

Average expat salary: $35,000 – $65,000  |  Monthly cost of living: $1,400 – $2,400  |  COLI: 36.8

Prague is the most affordable capital in Central Europe that still offers a genuinely high quality of life. The city is architecturally stunning, with a historic center that rivals any in Europe, and it serves as an excellent base for exploring the continent, with direct flights or short train rides to Berlin, Vienna, Munich, and Budapest. The tech sector is growing steadily, with several international companies establishing development offices here. The Czech Republic's Zivnostensky list (trade license) provides a relatively simple self-employment visa pathway for freelancers. English proficiency is high among younger Czechs and in professional environments. Healthcare is covered by the public system for employed residents and is of good quality. The cost of living is roughly 63% below New York, and a centrally located one-bedroom apartment rents for $700 to $1,100 per month. Prague's nightlife and cultural scene are vibrant, and the city has a well-established expat community.

Best for: Freelancers, young professionals, Europe-based travelers, tech workers

19. Cape Town, South Africa

Average expat salary: $30,000 – $60,000  |  Monthly cost of living: $1,200 – $2,400  |  COLI: 31.2

Cape Town is one of the most visually spectacular cities in the world, with Table Mountain, pristine beaches, and a wine region minutes from the city center. For expats with remote income, the combination of natural beauty, low costs, and a high standard of living is hard to beat. English is widely spoken (it is one of the country's official languages), the food and wine scene is world-class, and the creative and tech communities are growing. South Africa's cost of living is roughly 69% below New York. Private healthcare is excellent and affordable by international standards. The primary concerns are safety (crime rates in certain areas require awareness and precaution), load shedding (power outages, though these have decreased in 2025-2026), and a complex visa system that can be slow. For those who manage these factors, Cape Town delivers a lifestyle that is difficult to replicate at this price point anywhere else.

Best for: Remote workers, outdoor enthusiasts, creatives, wine lovers

20. Buenos Aires, Argentina

Average expat salary: $20,000 – $50,000  |  Monthly cost of living: $900 – $1,800  |  COLI: 24.3

Buenos Aires offers one of the richest cultural experiences of any city on this list at one of the lowest price points. The city's European-influenced architecture, world-class steak and wine, thriving theater and music scenes, and passionate local culture create an environment that many expats find deeply compelling. Argentina's economic volatility has kept local prices extremely low when measured in foreign currencies, making it one of the most affordable cities in the world for anyone earning in dollars, euros, or pounds. A high-quality one-bedroom apartment in the desirable Palermo neighborhood costs $500 to $800 per month, and dining out at excellent restaurants is routine even on a modest budget. The expat community is large and welcoming. Argentina offers a relatively accessible temporary residency visa. The challenges are real: inflation remains high, bureaucracy can be frustrating, and the economic situation introduces uncertainty. But for those comfortable navigating these realities, Buenos Aires provides an extraordinary quality of life at a remarkably low cost.

Best for: Culture seekers, budget maximizers, remote workers, foodies

Best Cities by Category

Not every expat has the same priorities. The following tables break down the top cities from our ranking by specific needs, making it easier to find the right fit for your particular situation.

Best for Families

Best for Digital Nomads

Best for Retirees

Best Salary-to-Cost Ratio

Conclusion: Use the Data to Make Your Decision

Choosing where to live as an expat is one of the most consequential decisions you can make, affecting your finances, career trajectory, daily happiness, and long-term security. The 20 cities in this ranking represent the best options available in 2026, but the right choice depends entirely on your individual priorities. A single tech worker optimizing for savings will reach a different conclusion than a family prioritizing schools and safety, and both will differ from a retiree seeking warm weather and affordable healthcare.

The data presented here is a starting point. The next step is to get specific: What would your particular salary be worth in Dubai versus Singapore? How much would you need to earn in Lisbon to maintain your current standard of living? What does the real cost breakdown look like in Bangkok versus Berlin?

The difference between a good expat experience and a great one often comes down to financial preparation. Understanding exactly what your money will buy in your target city, before you commit, is the single most important step you can take.