InterNations Expat City Ranking 2022 survey results have been revealed and Spain’s Valencia holds the top spot. It has been voted the best city for expats to live and work because of its quality of life, public transport, and sporting opportunities. Toronto took the 19th spot in the top 50 list.
For the survey, data from 11,970 expats living in 181 countries or territories was collected by InterNations. The sample size requirement of at least 50 participants per destination was found in 50 cities. The agency found that Valencia, Spain, was considered the best city to live and work by expats. People praised the city for its public transport, quality of life, and available opportunities. Expats also feel at home in Valencia and are happy with their social life.
Dubai was second on the list and expats praised the city’s reception of new immigrants for how welcoming it is. People said it was great for work and leisure as well. Most of the expats (95 percent) are satisfied with the infrastructure for cars. Dubai was followed by Mexico City for its affordability. Expats also stated that while it was friendly and affordable, it can be unsafe. Toronto was 19th on the list followed by Zurich at 20 and Prague at 21. Amsterdam was 30th in the top 50 list.
Expat City Ranking 2022. Credit: InterNations
Miami was the first US city on the list and it came in at number 12. New York was 16th following Nairobi at 15.
On the other end of the list was Johannesburg effectively making it the worst destination for expats. Expats have complained about the affordability and availability of public transportation. They also feel unsafe in the city. Housing is considered too expensive in Johannesburg. Frankfurt was voted slightly better than Johannesburg giving it the 49th spot. Housing in Frankfurt is considered expansive, expats are unhappy with the services available online, the general cost of living is high, and they find it difficult to get used to the local culture.
Paris was voted better than Frankfurt and it takes the 48th spot on the list. Expats stated it is very hard to find housing as costs are too high. They also stated they don’t feel comfortable in Paris and that the Parisians are unfriendly towards foreign residents.