The Best and Worst Places for Expats to Live Right Now

Is 2025 your year for change? Have you been considering packing everything up and moving abroad? If so, your options are endless. And, while there are countless factors to consider, from visas to the cost of living, let’s start with the basics. 

Together, we’ll explore five cities worth considering and five cities to cross off the list. By the time we’re through, you might be one step closer to finding your new home away from home. 

Best: Zurich, Switzerland

Zurich often tops everyone’s safest cities lists. Here, you’ll find safety, stability, and a high quality of life. Zurich is well known for having excellent public services, world-class healthcare, and an outstanding educational system – making it a hotspot for professionals and families.. 

While it’s true the cost of living is undeniably high, particularly for housing, you’ll find that the high salaries and superb public services balance things out a little. Also, since Zurich’s economy is so robust, opportunities abound for skilled workers in banking, tech, engineering, and pharmaceuticals. 

Best: Vienna, Austria

Vienna consistently ranks as one of the world’s most livable cities and 2025 is proving to be no exception. The Austrian capital offers expats a perfect blend of art, history, music, and modern conveniences. Also, if you’re a coffee aficionado, you’ll adore the coffee house culture here – they’re often referred to as the living rooms of the city. 

Vienna’s public transportation system is also affordable and efficient, making it easy to get around without having to buy a car. One thing expats often say is that there’s a well-integrated international community, meaning you’ll fall in with a welcoming group of friends in no time. 

Best: Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam has been a mecca for expats for decades and, even today, it remains one of the best places to live. The city’s international atmosphere, strong job market, and progressive social policies make it a magnet for young professionals and entrepreneurs. The Dutch capital is also home to several multinational companies, particularly in the tech, finance, and creative industries. 

One thing to note is that the housing market is competitive, with high rental prices and limited availability. Still, once you find your way, you’ll enjoy the city’s bike-friendly infrastructure, beautiful canals, and vibrant cultural scene. People here also tend to place a lot of emphasis on work-life balance, meaning you’re likely to enjoy a flexible work schedule with an emphasis on personal time. 

Best: Auckland, New Zealand

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, New Zealand will feel like you’ve died and gone to heaven. Auckland, in particular, has a nice, relaxed lifestyle – the cherry on top of an already magical place. It’s known for its stunning coastal views, plethora of outdoor activities, and friendly locals. You’ll find that the quality of life is high here, with access to excellent healthcare, a stable economy, and a welcoming environment for expats. 

Imagine a life where you can go hiking, sailing, and exploring nearby islands on the weekends while working in a city with a growing economy and job opportunities in industries like tech, tourism, and healthcare. Like Amsterdam and Zurich, the cost of living here can be high, but the slower pace of life and strong sense of community take away a bit of the sting.