Surprises in the InterNations ranking of the best cities for expats

InterNations is a worldwide expat association with 4.7 million members in 420 cities. Since 2018, this community has published a list of the world's best and worst cities to settle in. L' "Expat Insider Report 2022 "The InterNations ranking is based on quite different criteria from the usual rankings.

The annual survey, in which 11,970 respondents took part, is based on major criteria according to expatriates. Quality of life, ease of settlement, working abroad, personal finances and the Expat Essentials Index.which covers digital life, administrative matters, housing and language. This year, 50 cities around the world were selected and analysed.

Valencia, the most popular city for expatriates

Valencia in Spain came first, followed by Dubai and, surprisingly, the United Arab Emirates, Mexico. All three cities score very well on the ease of moving in index, but they also have other strengths: Valencia and Mexico City are excellent because they are very affordable.

Valencia ticks virtually all the boxes - except when it comes to job prospects. Mexico City, on the other hand, suffers from pollution and insecurity. But the city remains popular for its welcoming people and very reasonable cost of living. Finally, Dubai is a first-rate choice when it comes to working abroad, for its social life and leisure activities.

Southern Europe retains its appeal for expatriates with Lisbon and Madrid ranked 4th and 5th respectively. The climate, culture and social life are particularly appreciated in these two cities.

Also in the top 10 are Bangkok (6th position), Basel, Melbourne, Abu Dhabi and Singapore.

Lausanne tops the list of French-speaking cities. The capital of the Canton of Vaud ranks 18th, followed by Brussels in 25th place and Geneva in 34th place.

Paris stalls on cost of living

However, according to InterNations, Paris seems an unpopular place to live as an expat. The "City of Light" is in 48th place.. Just ahead of Frankfurt and Johannesburg and behind Istanbul. London and Rome did better than Paris. The two capitals rank 40th and 41st respectively.

When the expatriates in the survey were asked about their complaints about Paris, they felt that it was extremely difficult to find accommodation (47th). 71 % of them felt that the cost of accommodation was too high (compared with 43 % worldwide). 62 % consider the cost of living to be too high (compared with 35 % worldwide). 35 % are dissatisfied with their financial situation (compared with 21 % worldwide).

Another reason for complaint: expatriates do not feel very welcome in Paris (45th). This recrimination is one of the reasons why they are ranked in the bottom 5 of the ease of settling in index (46th). They consider Parisians to be hostile towards foreign residents (35 % of dissatisfaction compared with 18 % worldwide). Expatriates also say they find it difficult to make local friends (58 % compared with 37 % worldwide).

If we look at the positive aspects offered by the capital, Paris ranks very highly for the variety of its gastronomy and restaurant options (86 % compared with 77 % worldwide). Culture and nightlife are also a plus (78 % versus 67 % worldwide). However, 23 % of them are concerned about their personal safety (compared with 9 % worldwide).