The Global Expat Index 2024: The world’s top 10 cities for ex-pats to work and live
Tallinn, Estonia is the best city to live and work in 2024
With the highest overall score of 7.35, Tallinn in Estonia ranks as the best city for expats. Living costs here average $1,586 per month, while monthly rent costs are around $723, leaving enough income for other expenses.
The city also has a high safety index of 77 out of 100, placing it amongst the top 10 safest cities for expats, and a cleanliness score of 22, (the lower the number, the cleaner the city).
Bern, Switzerland, is the second-best city for ex-pats to relocate to in 2024
Bern comes in second place for the best city globally to move to as an expat. Living costs here are higher than in Tallinn ($3,796), but with salaries averaging $6,736, the second highest for this metric, the cost of living balances out.
Bern is also a safe and clean option for expats, with the fourth-highest safety score of 79, and the second-best cleanliness score of 15.
In third place is Singapore. It’s one of the cleanest cities, with a low score of 18.59 (the lower the score, the cleaner the city). Living costs are approximately $4,355 per month, and the average salary is $4,980. The city also boasts a high safety score of 77.
Basel and Rotterdam come in fourth and fifth, with expat relocation scores of 7.08 and 7.06 respectively.
The top 10 cities in Asia for ex-pats to work and live
Preply’s research also found out which cities specifically in Asia are the best for living and working in 2024.
Singapore will be the best Asian city for ex-pats in 2024
Singapore tops the list as the best Asian city, as well as globally, for expats in 2024. With its cleanliness, its safety and its wealth of interesting cultural excursions to explore, it’s an ideal option for expats.
Coming second is Bangkok, Thailand. 19% of its visitors return here, proving its demand, and there are 347 things to do in the city — from exciting street food to magnificent temples.
In third place is Dubai. Famous for its luxury lifestyle, Dubai’s cost of living is particularly high, at $3,787 per month. Although, Dubai’s tax laws mean that those earning more than £50,000 pay nothing in tax, an attractive benefit for expats.
In fourth is Penang, Malaysia, with an average monthly living cost of $691, followed by Chiang Mai in fifth, with a monthly living cost of $665.
Ang Mo Kio ranked the most affordable place to live in Singapore for ex-pats
With 1.23 million ex-pats and migrant workers living in Singapore in 2022, Preply has also looked into which areas of Singapore are the most affordable, and the most expensive, to rent a one-bedroom condo to help those looking to pack their backs and make a home here.
The town of Ang Mo Kio has the best value for rent. With household incomes at $5,499, and rent costs averaging $1,268 per month, the percentage of income used on rent is 23%, the lowest figure overall.
In second place is Sembawang. It has a higher monthly household income ($8,499), though the average rent cost is almost double that of Ang Mo Kio, ($2,329), resulting in a slightly higher income percentage (27%).
In third is Yishun, with 28% of income used, followed by Punggol in fourth (29%) and Choa Chu Kang in fifth, with 30% of average income spent on rent.
The top five most expensive places to rent in Singapore
Toa Payoh is the most expensive place to rent in Singapore, with 91% of residents’ income spent on rent. The average income is $5,499, and with an average monthly cost of $5,007, residents in Toa Payoh have little room to pay other expenses.
In second place is Bukit Merah, with 86% of residents’ income required to pay rent. People here have the same monthly income as Toa Payoh, but the cost of rent is $4,712, making it slightly more affordable.
In third is Outram, with just over three-quarters of income needed to pay rent (77%). Kallang comes fourth, at 75%, and Geylang comes fifth (66%).
Language expert shares top tips for ex-pats in Asia
Sylvia Johnson, Language Expert at Preply commented:
“Asia can be a real culture shock for some, particularly when it comes to speaking the language. To help out, we’ve put together some top language and culture tips to consider when travelling to an Asian country.”
Learn some basic words in your country’s language
“A simple tip that will help any expat in a new country is to learn very basic words if you don’t already know the language. A simple ‘please’, ‘thank you’ and ‘hello’ go a long way when interacting with locals, and is your first step towards language learning.
Be mindful of dress codes
Each country, culture and religion is different when it comes to dress codes. It’s important to do some research on what is appropriate to wear around the city you’re living in, particularly if you’re visiting a religious site like a temple.
Get to grips with body language
Body language is the secondary communication after verbal communication, and it’s just as important. Get an idea of what body language is used to convey certain things. There’s plenty of content online about this, so do some research and you’re sure to feel comfortable communicating.
Learn the language – fluently!
It’s a lot of work and a lot of dedication, but learning the native language of the country you’re emigrating to is an essential part of integrating into your new life. And, it’s a lot easier than you think!”
