Expats Ranking - Best Places to Live in the World
Curious about the best places to live in the world? Expats! Their unique experiences in foreign countries make their insights incredibly valuable.
Methodology
The survey targeted a diverse range of expats, including international retirees, self-made expats seeking work abroad, foreign assignees (employees sent on corporate assignments abroad), and others who moved for various reasons. A total of 12,543 expats from 175 nationalities living in 174 countries or territories participated in the survey.
The results are published as an overall ranking of popular expat destinations, along with detailed information on five specific indices: Quality of Life, Ease of Settling In, Working Abroad, Personal Finance, and Expat Essentials.
Panama Tops the List for 2024
This year, Panama has soared to the top, an impressive leap from its third-place ranking last year, pushing Mexico down to the second spot. Back in 2023 and 2022, Mexico held the number one position. According to expats, Panama is now the best place to live in 2024.
In the latest Expat Insider report, a remarkable 82% of expats in Panama report being happy with their life there, well above the global average of 68%. Panama made significant strides in the Working Abroad Index, jumping from 30th place in 2023 to 12th place in 2024. Panama also shines in the Expat Essentials Index, excelling in ease of finding a place to live and obtaining visas. With a significant portion of its expat community already retired, Panama ranks well for work-life balance and general working hours, making it an attractive destination for both retirees and working expats.
Mexico: Still a Top Expat Destination
Mexico remains a favorite among expats, securing the second spot in 2024. An impressive 89% of expats are happy with their life in Mexico, well above the global average.
Mexico is a beautiful and diverse country with warm, friendly people. I love the mix of history, culture, traditions, and modernity,” said a French expat in the Expat Insider report. The friendliness of the Mexican people and the ease of settling in are major attractions. A striking 86% of expats praise the general friendliness of the population, and 85% feel welcome.
Why did Mexico slip from the top after two years? “The most notable decline, though not drastic, is in the Personal Finance Index, where Mexico dropped from second place in 2023 to seventh place in 2024".
Indonesia's Impressive Rise to Third Place
This year, Indonesia made a significant leap from 13th to third place. Expats appreciate the low cost of living, friendly locals, and excellent work-life balance, with 84% expressing overall happiness.
Shorter working hours and a positive work-life balance contribute to Indonesia’s high ranking in the Working Abroad Index. The affordability of housing and overall financial satisfaction are also strong points, with many expats finding their income sufficient for a comfortable life.
These rankings provide valuable insights into what makes a location desirable for expats, highlighting the diverse factors that contribute to their happiness and satisfaction in their new homes around the world.