These are the cities around the world where expats experience the greatest happiness.

As remote work becomes more popular, the opportunity to live and work abroad has expanded for many Americans. Additionally, more countries are offering digital nomad visa programs, making it easier than ever to move overseas.

If you're considering living in a different country, which city should you choose? Insights from 12,065 expats who recently ranked 49 cities worldwide may offer some guidance.

According to the 2023 InterNations Expat City Ranking, Málaga, Spain, has been named the top city for expats.

Expat participants rated cities based on five key factors: quality of life (including healthcare and leisure), ease of settling in (such as making friends and cultural acceptance), job opportunities abroad, financial considerations, and what InterNations calls 'expat essentials,' covering housing and bureaucratic matters.

InterNations is a global expat community with over 5.1 million members across 420 cities. Their latest survey highlighted both the best and worst cities for expats, with the top rankings dominated by locations in Spain, the Middle East, Mexico, and Asia.

Top cities worldwide for expats to live and work.

1. Málaga, Spain
2. Alicante, Spain
3. Valencia, Spain
4. Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates
5. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
6. Madrid, Spain
7. Mexico City, Mexico
8. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
9. Bangkok, Thailand
10. Muscat, Oman

The top city for expats globally.

What makes Málaga, Spain, so ideal for expats? The city's charm lies in its warm, welcoming atmosphere. According to the survey, 89% of expats feel that locals in Málaga are especially friendly toward foreign residents.

Málaga stands out for its pleasant climate, beautiful beaches, and high quality of life. Expats appreciate the city's easy work-life balance, affordable housing options, and lower living costs. 88% of expats in Málaga report being happy with their life there, significantly higher than the global average of 72%.

Top expat cities in Europe.

According to the InterNations survey, Spain dominates the list of the best cities for expats in Europe, with Alicante, Valencia, and Madrid all ranking in the top 10, just behind Málaga.

Located about 300 miles north of Málaga, Alicante ranks second globally for expats. It stands out for its excellent healthcare, ease of settling in, and friendly atmosphere. Expats appreciate the welcoming social environment and affordable cost of living. While it may have lower scores for job satisfaction and career opportunities, 92% of expats in Alicante are satisfied with their lives there.

Traveling 100 miles further northeast from Alicante brings you to Valencia, the third-best city for expats. This coastal gem ranks highly for its quality of life, affordable living, and healthcare services. With its walkable streets, bike-friendly paths, and budget-friendly public transport, Valencia is a dream city for expats seeking a balanced lifestyle.

If you crave a more dynamic, big-city atmosphere, Madrid is the place to be. As Spain’s capital and largest city, Madrid ranks 6th globally for expats. It's known for its vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, lively nightlife, and world-class art museums, including the Prado and Reina Sofia. With its rich architecture and abundance of bars and restaurants, it’s a city that never bores. 85% of expats in Madrid are happy with their lives.

Top cities for expats in the Middle East.

Alongside Spain, the United Arab Emirates had two cities in the top 10: Ras Al Khaimah and Abu Dhabi.

Ras Al Khaimah, located 150 miles north of Abu Dhabi, is known for its luxury resorts along the Persian Gulf. Expats find it easy to settle here, with 78% reporting no issues obtaining a visa and 68% saying housing is affordable and readily available. Job satisfaction and career opportunities are also high, making it one of the top destinations for work abroad.

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, offers a high quality of life and excellent healthcare. Expats find it easy to settle into this ultra-modern city, much like Ras Al Khaimah.

Muscat, the capital of Oman, also ranks highly for expats due to its friendly locals and affordable housing options, making it an attractive destination for foreigners.

Top city for expats in Mexico.

It’s no surprise that Mexico City makes the list, especially since Mexico was ranked the best country for expats by InterNations this summer. Known for its rich culture and low cost of living, Mexico City is a favorite among expats. While safety can be a concern, the city's diverse cuisine, affordable housing, and rewarding job opportunities secure its position as the 7th best city for expats.

Top cities for expats in Asia.

Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, and Bangkok, Thailand’s capital, are two Asian cities that made it into the top 10 list for expats.

Expats in Kuala Lumpur enjoy a good quality of life, with satisfactory salaries and affordable living costs. While political stability and safety may not be the city’s strongest points, expats report feeling happy with their social lives and appreciate the strong sense of community and support.

In Bangkok, expats appreciate the affordable housing, healthcare, and low cost of living. However, the city faces challenges in environmental quality, especially air pollution, and struggles with safety concerns. Despite these issues, the friendliness of the locals and the vibrant social scene make up for it. Overall, 85% of expats in Bangkok report being happy with their life there.

This article was first published in November 2020 and updated on November 30, 2023, with the latest information.