The Best and Worst Places for Expats to Live Right Now

amsterdam, netherlands — Photo by Adrien Olichon on Unsplash

Is it 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.

Best: Vancouver, Canada

Plenty of people are moving to Vancouver for a wealth of reasons: its stunning natural surroundings, multicultural atmosphere, and strong economy. The city also has a high standard of living, excellent healthcare, and plenty of job opportunities, particularly in the tech, film, and finance space.

Aside from the city itself, the surrounding area is loaded with outdoor activities. And, since it’s surrounded by both the mountains and the ocean, the opportunities are endless to hike, ski, and enjoy some watersports. To no surprise, it’s not cheap to live in paradise — in 2026, a one-bedroom apartment in the city runs $2,500–$3,200 per month, and a single adult realistically needs $80,000–$95,000 a year to live comfortably. That said, the end result is a balanced life in a beautiful environment with a diverse food scene and a genuinely high quality of life.

Worst: Port-au-Prince, Haiti

It’s sad that a beautiful place like Haiti ranks on lists like these — but in 2026, the situation has become too dangerous to treat as a minor caveat. Armed gangs now control roughly 90% of Port-au-Prince, commercial flights from the U.S. remain suspended, and the U.S. Embassy has issued active kidnapping alerts for the city. Over 1.4 million people have been internally displaced, millions face food insecurity, and basic services like healthcare and clean water are severely compromised across much of the country. Haiti’s people remain vibrant and resilient, and that spirit deserves acknowledgment — but Port-au-Prince is simply not a viable destination for expats in 2026, and travelers should consult their government’s official advisories before making any plans to visit.

Worst: Caracas, Venezuela

Here’s another beautiful destination that, sadly, is not amenable to expats looking to start over. Hyperinflation, political instability, and ongoing security concerns continue to make Caracas one of the most difficult places to live. In fact, many expats who used to live here have moved on to new horizons. They found that the economic hardships, in addition to the shortages of basic necessities, only added to their daily challenges.

Worst: Khartoum, Sudan

This corner of the world faces significant challenges that make it impossible for expats to live. Political instability, economic struggles, and ongoing conflicts have created an unstable and unsafe environment. In addition to that, basic services such as healthcare, electricity, and clean water can be unreliable, making everyday life very difficult.

In recent years, severe inflation has also made the cost of living unpredictable while access to international banking services is often restricted. While the locals are certainly known for their hospitality, the overall situation makes it untenable for foreigners to settle in.

Worst: Baghdad, Iraq

Most of these cities aren’t surprising you, are they? Despite Baghdad’s deep historical significance, it continues to struggle with security issues, political instability, and a lack of a reliable infrastructure.

Several parts of the city experience regular power outages, water shortages, and alarming safety concerns. While some expats working in diplomatic or NGO roles may find opportunities, in the end, the risks are far too high to justify living here.

Worst: Marseille, France

Living in France is certainly the dream. But, you have to be sure to choose wisely. While Marseille’s vibrant multicultural scene and Mediterranean climate attract countless visitors, its crime challenges have become harder to contain to specific districts. The city currently ranks first for crime in France and among the highest in Europe, with gang-related violence that has recently begun spilling into central and tourist-adjacent areas.

For expats, this compounds existing frustrations: a less reliable public transportation system compared to other French cities, limited economic opportunities, and the notorious French bureaucracy. Marseille has undeniable charm, and many residents live there safely by knowing the city well — but for someone starting fresh abroad, it remains a risky and frustrating choice.

Where Will You Call Home?

Are you ready to start fresh in a vibrant, new city? Few things in life are more exhilarating than a blank page. What will you write?

If you’re just looking to travel abroad before officially settling down, come take a look at our extensive library of destination guides. Together, we’ll travel the world, make plans, and settle down in new cities that speak to our hearts: