The Best and Worst Cities for Expats to Live and Work in 2025

If you’re considering making a big move overseas, you’re not alone. Every year, millions of people pack their bags and start fresh in a new country, searching for better job opportunities, a higher quality of life, or simply an exciting change of scenery. But choosing the right place isn’t as simple as pointing at a map.

Some cities offer everything an expat could dream of great public services, high salaries, a safe environment, and a vibrant social scene. Others, unfortunately, are riddled with challenges, from political instability and crime to unbearable living costs.

So, where should you go? Based on global rankings and expat experiences, we’ve put together a detailed look at the best and worst cities for expats in 2025. Whether you’re after adventure, financial security, or a better work-life balance, this guide will help you make the right decision.

Also read: Get to Know The Cost of Living Index and Its Benefits

The Best Cities for Expats in 2025: Where Life is Good

When it comes to choosing the best place to live abroad, several factors matter: affordability, safety, job opportunities, healthcare, and even how welcoming a city feels. According to the latest Internations Expat Ranking and Mercer’s Quality of Living Report, some cities consistently stand out as top destinations for expats.

1. Zurich, Switzerland

Switzerland’s largest city is the gold standard for expat living. Zurich consistently ranks among the best cities in the world for its outstanding public transport, low crime rates, and top-tier healthcare. The city is also a financial hub, offering high salaries and strong job prospects, especially in banking and tech.

But there’s a catch, Zurich is incredibly expensive. From rent to groceries, the cost of living here can be overwhelming, even for those with a comfortable salary. However, if financial security isn’t an issue, you’ll enjoy one of the best places to live, with clean streets, stunning lake views, and a rich cultural scene.

2. Vienna, Austria

If you love history, art, and music, Vienna is a dream come true. Often ranked among the top expat destinations, Austria’s capital offers a balanced mix of affordability, safety, and world-class healthcare. Unlike Zurich, Vienna is much easier on the wallet, with reasonable rent prices and excellent public services.

Expats here rave about the city’s relaxed lifestyle. It’s common to spend afternoons at a cozy café, take a stroll through grand imperial palaces, or enjoy classical concerts. The only downside? Austrian bureaucracy can be slow and frustrating, especially for those dealing with visas and work permits.

3. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam is one of the most international cities in the world. With its high expat population, strong economy, and progressive social policies, it’s easy to see why so many people choose to move here.

The city is well-known for its high quality of life, thanks to excellent public transportation, top universities, and a work culture that values work-life balance. However, there’s a major issue—housing. Finding an affordable place to live in Amsterdam can feel like winning the lottery. Expats often struggle with long waitlists and sky-high rental prices.

4. Auckland, New Zealand

For those who dream of a laid-back lifestyle surrounded by stunning nature, Auckland is the perfect choice. This city offers a great mix of career opportunities and outdoor adventures. The expat community is thriving, and many people report feeling welcomed by the friendly locals.

However, living here comes at a price. Auckland is one of the most expensive cities in the world, and wages don’t always keep up with the cost of living. Jobs outside of major industries (like tech and finance) can also be hard to find.

5. Vancouver, Canada

Vancouver is a top choice for expats looking to live in North America without the stress of fast-paced city life. The city’s strong job market, excellent healthcare system, and cultural diversity make it one of the best cities for expats in 2025.

However, there’s one big problem. Housing costs. Vancouver’s real estate market is infamous for its sky-high prices. If you can afford it, though, the city offers an incredible quality of life, with easy access to both urban excitement and breathtaking nature.

The Worst Cities for Expats in 2025: Places to Avoid

Unfortunately, not every city is an expat’s dream. Some places rank among the worst cities for expats due to political instability, poor infrastructure, or a lack of opportunities. These are the places where moving abroad might be more of a struggle than an adventure.

1. Khartoum, Sudan

Due to ongoing political instability and economic struggles, Khartoum is one of the worst-ranked cities for expats. Many areas suffer from unreliable electricity, poor healthcare, and safety concerns. The cost of living may be low, but for most expats, the risks far outweigh the benefits.

2. Baghdad, Iraq

Baghdad remains a challenging place for expats due to safety concerns and limited job opportunities. While Iraq has a rich history and warm culture, security risks make it one of the worst places for expats to relocate.

3. Port-au-Prince, Haiti

Haiti’s capital faces significant economic and social challenges, including high crime rates and weak public services. Infrastructure problems make daily life difficult, and even basic necessities can be hard to come by.

4. Damascus, Syria

Once a thriving cultural hub, Damascus has suffered greatly due to ongoing conflict. The city struggles with economic hardship, safety issues, and limited access to essential services, making it one of the least desirable places to live abroad.

5. Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo

While Kinshasa is a vibrant city with a growing economy, expats often struggle with infrastructure problems, high crime rates, and political uncertainty. Many report difficulty adjusting to the unpredictable living conditions.

Read the Cost of Living in Various Countries

Cost of Living in Australia
Cost of Living in New York City, US
Cost of Living in Bulgaria
Cost of Living in Portugal

How to Choose the Best City for You

When deciding where to move, think beyond just rankings. What works for one expat may not work for another. Ask yourself:

• What kind of lifestyle do I want? Some cities offer high salaries but high costs, while others provide a more affordable, relaxed way of life.
• What career opportunities are available? If you work in finance, tech, or academia, certain cities will be better suited to your needs.
• How important is safety and political stability? Some countries offer incredible experiences but come with risks.
• Do I need access to international schools or family-friendly services? If you’re moving with kids, education and healthcare should be priorities.

Use Jack for your business needs

Download Transfez App

Transfez App can help you transfer money abroad more quickly and efficiently. Transfez Business can also help your business in making transactions abroad. For those of you who want to send money to relatives who are abroad because they are studying, working, or traveling, Transfez will be ready to help. This app is available on Android as well as iOS.

Choosing to live abroad is a life-changing decision, and the best and worst cities for expats vary depending on what matters most to you. If you value safety, high salaries, and strong public services, cities like Zurich and Vienna are excellent choices. If affordability and work-life balance are your priorities, Amsterdam and Auckland may be better options.

But moving abroad isn’t just about picking the right city it’s also about staying connected to home. Whether you need to send money back to family or manage finances across borders, Transfez makes international transfers easy and affordable. With Transfez you can easily send money to more than 70 countries with low fees and fast processing. So, what are you waiting for? Download the Transfez app on your smart devices now!