Each year, InterNations, a global network for expats, releases its highly anticipated Expat City Ranking, spotlighting the best cities worldwide for quality of life. Based on data from its Expat Insider 2024 survey, the ranking evaluates 53 factors ranging from healthcare and housing to cost of living, safety, and overall happiness. The survey also poses a key question: “All things considered, how happy are you with your life abroad?” With thousands of expats weighing in, the results offer a unique glimpse into the cities where life is most enjoyable for those living far from home.
In 2024, the survey gathered input from over 12,500 expats representing 175 different nationalities. After crunching the numbers, the researchers crowned Valencia, Spain, as the best city for expats seeking a high quality of life. This marks a return to glory for Valencia, which reclaimed the top spot after briefly slipping to third place in 2023. Topping both the Quality of Life and Personal Finance Indices, Valencia left little doubt about its appeal, especially for those seeking affordability and safety in their new home.
Valencia’s public transportation affordability stood out as a major highlight, with zero respondents voicing dissatisfaction—a stark contrast to the global average. Expats also raved about the city’s recreational opportunities, safety, and general cost of living, with nearly 96 percent rating public transportation costs favorably and 77 percent expressing satisfaction with their financial situation. The city’s 300 days of sunshine per year certainly don’t hurt its reputation, either. However, it wasn’t all glowing reviews. The survey noted that Valencia’s job market left something to be desired, with nearly half of respondents unimpressed by local opportunities. Despite this, expats felt they were paid fairly and appreciated the city’s balance between work and leisure.
Spain’s dominance didn’t end with Valencia. Alicante, another Spanish city, secured the second spot on the list, with Vienna, Austria, claiming third place. Rounding out the top five were Madrid and Malaga, both of which also hailed from Spain. This trend cements Spain as a go-to destination for expats seeking a sunny, affordable, and fulfilling lifestyle. Whether it’s the vibrant culture, temperate climate, or welcoming atmosphere, Spain seems to have mastered the art of making outsiders feel at home.
For those contemplating a move abroad, this year’s rankings suggest that Spain offers not just one, but multiple destinations where life as an expat can thrive. While challenges like job prospects persist in some areas, the overall quality of life, combined with financial and recreational perks, makes Spain hard to beat. Whether you’re looking for bustling city life in Madrid or the coastal charm of Malaga and Alicante, Spain’s cities continue to set the standard for expat living.
