12 Amazing Places to Live for Expats in 2025

Looking to make a big move in 2025? Whether you’re after vibrant city life, a laid-back beach town, or a culture-packed European hub, I’ve rounded up the 12 best places for expats to live next year. From coworking-friendly cities perfect for digital nomads to family-friendly neighborhoods with great schools, these destinations check all the boxes. Think affordable housing, buzzing expat communities, and high quality of life.

Whether you’re chasing sunshine, new career opportunities, or just a fresh start, these spots offer everything you need to thrive abroad. Ready to find your next home away from home? These handpicked places for expats to live in 2025 have got you covered.

The Best Places to Live for Expats

Eager to explore the best places to live for expats? With a world full of diverse options, there’s a perfect spot for every expat. Continue reading to discover these gems.

Whether it’s a bustling city or a tranquil retreat you seek, the Northeast offers a variety of choices for expats.

• Best for luxury living: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
• Best for safety and cleanliness: Singapore
• Best for arts and history: Berlin, Germany
• Best for affordable living: Hanoi, Vietnam
• Best for food and culture: Bilbao, Spain
• Best for tech and innovation: Cluj-Napoca, Romania
• Best for tropical paradise: Bali, Indonesia
• Best for natural beauty: Madeira, Portugal
• Best for digital transformation: Tallinn, Estonia
• Best for IT and startups: Bangalore, India
• Best for architecture and thermal baths: Budapest, Hungary
• Best for quality of life: Stockholm, Sweden

Here are all the best spots in the Northeast you need to know about:

1. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

• 💰 Average Monthly Cost: $3,000 – $6,500 (luxury to high-end living)
• 🌟 Unique Features: Tax-free income, futuristic cityscape, world-class shopping
• 📅 Best Time to Live There: November to April 🌞 (pleasant weather)
• 🏆 Perfect For: Expats 🌍, business professionals 💼, luxury seekers 🏙️

If you want luxury, career growth, and year-round sunshine, Dubai is hard to beat. This futuristic city offers tax-free income, world-class infrastructure, and a booming job market, especially in finance, tech, and hospitality. Dubai is home to a massive expat community, making up the majority of its population, meaning you’ll never feel out of place.

Beyond work, Dubai’s lifestyle is glamorous and dynamic—think pristine beaches, luxury shopping malls, Michelin-starred restaurants, and desert adventures just a short drive away. The city is extremely safe, with modern public transport, high-end healthcare, and some of the best entertainment options in the world.

While the cost of living is high, salaries are competitive, and there’s no income tax, making it easier to enjoy the finer things in life. Whether you’re networking at a rooftop bar, dune-bashing in the desert, or sipping cocktails at a beach club, Dubai is a nonstop, high-energy expat dream.

• Read next: 12 Magical Places in the UAE To Visit

2. Singapore

• 💰 Average Monthly Cost: $3,500 – $7,500 (high cost but excellent amenities)
• 🌟 Unique Features: Super clean city, strong economy, top-tier public transport
• 📅 Best Time to Live There: Year-round 🌆 (consistent tropical climate)
• 🏆 Perfect For: Entrepreneurs 💼, families 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦, finance professionals 💰

Singapore is where efficiency meets culture, offering an incredibly clean, safe, and ultra-modern environment. This island city-state is a dream for expats who love urban convenience but also crave nature. With world-class healthcare, top-tier public transport, and a thriving economy, Singapore attracts professionals in finance, tech, and business from all over the world.

The cost of living is high, but it’s balanced by high salaries and an unmatched quality of life. Expats rave about the multicultural food scene, from hawker stalls serving $5 meals to Michelin-starred dining. The city is filled with lush green parks, botanical gardens, and waterfront promenades, making it surprisingly scenic despite being a concrete jungle.

Plus, with quick getaways to Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia just a short flight away, your weekends can be as adventurous as you want.

3. Berlin, Germany

• 💰 Average Monthly Cost: $2,000 – $4,500 (affordable for a capital city)
• 🌟 Unique Features: Vibrant arts scene, rich history, excellent public transport
• 📅 Best Time to Live There: May to September 🌞 (mild summers)
• 🏆 Perfect For: Young professionals 👩‍💻, creatives 🎨, tech startups 🚀

Berlin is a haven for creatives, entrepreneurs, and history buffs, offering low rent, a buzzing nightlife, and a thriving startup scene. Unlike other major European capitals, Berlin is still affordable, making it perfect for expats looking to build a new life without breaking the bank.

Each neighborhood has its own personality—Kreuzberg is a hipster paradise, Mitte blends history with modernity, and Prenzlauer Berg is perfect for families. The public transport system is fantastic, making it easy to get around the city or take weekend trips to other parts of Germany.

While German can be useful, English is widely spoken, especially in international circles. If you’re into art galleries, underground clubs, cozy cafés, or music festivals, Berlin has a unique energy that makes it one of the most exciting expat destinations in Europe.

4. Hanoi, Vietnam

• 💰 Average Monthly Cost: $900 – $2,500 (affordable Southeast Asian living)
• 🌟 Unique Features: Low cost of living, rich history, delicious street food
• 📅 Best Time to Live There: October to April 🍜 (cooler, drier months)
• 🏆 Perfect For: Digital nomads 💻, budget-conscious expats 🏡, food lovers 🍲

If you want a vibrant, affordable, and culture-packed city, Hanoi should be on your radar. The Vietnamese capital blends ancient traditions with modern energy, making it an exciting but budget-friendly place for expats.

Life in Hanoi revolves around bustling street markets, historic temples, and a food scene that’s second to none. You can grab a delicious bowl of pho for just a couple of dollars or sip Vietnamese coffee while soaking in the city’s lively atmosphere. The expat community is growing, with opportunities in teaching, tech, and remote work.

While traffic can be chaotic, Hanoi makes up for it with its affordability and adventure factor. Rent is cheap, and you can live comfortably on a fraction of what you’d spend in Western cities. If you want an immersive cultural experience with a low cost of living, Hanoi is one of the best choices in Southeast Asia.

• Read next: 11 Most Beautiful Places in Vietnam To Visit

5. Bilbao, Spain

• 💰 Average Monthly Cost: $1,500 – $3,500 (affordable European city)
• 🌟 Unique Features: Basque culture, stunning coastline, world-class cuisine
• 📅 Best Time to Live There: April to October ☀️ (mild and sunny)
• 🏆 Perfect For: Foodies 🍷, culture enthusiasts 🎭, retirees 🌅

Bilbao is Spain’s hidden gem—a city where modern design, rich history, and a relaxed coastal lifestyle come together. It’s more affordable than Madrid or Barcelona but still offers amazing job opportunities, incredible food, and stunning scenery.

The Guggenheim Museum gives Bilbao an artsy, cosmopolitan edge, while its historic Old Town is packed with charming tapas bars, traditional markets, and cozy cafés. Unlike some tourist-heavy Spanish cities, Bilbao feels authentic—it’s a place where you can actually blend in and experience local culture.

Beyond city life, Bilbao is perfect for nature lovers. It’s surrounded by green hills and the rugged Basque coastline, making it ideal for hiking, surfing, and weekend escapes. If you want a laid-back but culturally rich lifestyle with all the perks of city living, Bilbao is an amazing place to call home.

• Read next: Top 10 Airlines That Fly to Spain

6. Cluj-Napoca, Romania

• 💰 Average Monthly Cost: $1,200 – $2,800 (affordable European city)
• 🌟 Unique Features: Emerging tech hub, medieval charm, vibrant nightlife
• 📅 Best Time to Live There: May to September 🌞 (warm and sunny)
• 🏆 Perfect For: IT professionals 💻, students 🎓, remote workers 🏡

Looking for a European city with a low cost of living, a thriving tech scene, and a youthful vibe? Cluj-Napoca is calling your name. Often dubbed the “Silicon Valley of Eastern Europe,” this Romanian gem is a hotspot for startups, digital nomads, and creatives.

What makes Cluj so special? Affordable rent, buzzing nightlife, and a deep-rooted culture. The city blends medieval charm with modern innovation—think Gothic churches and cobblestone streets sitting alongside trendy cafes and coworking spaces. It’s also home to some of Romania’s top universities, meaning there’s a strong international crowd and an energetic social scene.

For expats, Cluj offers fast-growing job opportunities, easygoing locals, and a work-life balance that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re grabbing a craft beer at a local bar or hiking in the Apuseni Mountains, life here is as dynamic as it is affordable.

• Read next: Top 12 Things To Do in Transylvania

7. Bali, Indonesia

• 💰 Average Monthly Cost: $1,200 – $3,000 (affordable island paradise)
• 🌟 Unique Features: Stunning beaches, spiritual retreats, digital nomad hub
• 📅 Best Time to Live There: May to September 🌴 (dry season)
• 🏆 Perfect For: Digital nomads 💻, wellness seekers 🧘‍♂️, surfers 🌊

If there’s one place that embodies the dream of tropical expat life, it’s Bali. This island paradise is a haven for digital nomads, wellness seekers, and adventure lovers alike. Whether you’re sipping a fresh coconut in Canggu, practicing yoga in Ubud, or catching waves in Uluwatu, Bali offers an unmatched blend of relaxation and excitement.

The cost of living is surprisingly affordable, especially compared to Western countries. You can find modern villas with private pools at a fraction of the price you’d pay in Europe or the U.S. Plus, the food scene is next level—think organic cafés, beachside seafood, and authentic Balinese cuisine.

Beyond its beauty, Bali has a strong expat community, vibrant nightlife, and endless cultural experiences. If you’re looking for a place where work, play, and wellness coexist seamlessly, Bali is calling your name.

8. Madeira, Portugal

• 💰 Average Monthly Cost: $1,800 – $3,800 (affordable to mid-range)
• 🌟 Unique Features: Beautiful landscapes, tax incentives, mild climate
• 📅 Best Time to Live There: Year-round 🌞 (consistent weather)
• 🏆 Perfect For: Retirees 🌅, remote workers 🏡, nature lovers 🌿

Madeira is like Portugal’s best-kept secret—a lush, volcanic island in the Atlantic that’s quickly becoming a top expat hotspot. With year-round spring-like weather, breathtaking coastal cliffs, and a lower cost of living than mainland Portugal, it’s easy to see why so many people are making the move.

The capital, Funchal, is a bustling yet laid-back city with modern infrastructure, high-speed internet, great restaurants, and an expanding digital nomad scene. Beyond the city, Madeira is a paradise for nature lovers, offering epic hiking trails, natural swimming pools, and jaw-dropping ocean views.

One of Madeira’s biggest perks? Tax incentives for expats. Portugal’s Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) program provides major tax breaks, making it especially appealing for remote workers, entrepreneurs, and retirees. If you’re after European charm with tropical island vibes, Madeira delivers the best of both worlds—stunning scenery, a welcoming expat community, and a relaxed yet adventure-filled lifestyle.

9. Tallinn, Estonia

• 💰 Average Monthly Cost: $1,500 – $3,200 (affordable European capital)
• 🌟 Unique Features: Digital nomad visa, medieval charm, strong tech scene
• 📅 Best Time to Live There: May to September 🌤️ (warmer months)
• 🏆 Perfect For: Tech professionals 💻, history buffs 🏰, entrepreneurs 🚀

Tallinn is where medieval history meets digital innovation. This Baltic capital isn’t just pretty—it’s also one of the most tech-forward cities in Europe, with a booming startup scene and one of the world’s first digital nomad visas.

Living in Tallinn means affordable housing, reliable public transport, and free public Wi-Fi—yes, the whole city is connected. English is widely spoken, making it easy for expats to integrate. The Old Town looks straight out of a fairy tale, while trendy districts like Telliskivi Creative City are packed with cool cafés, street art, and co-working spaces.

If you want the perks of Europe without the sky-high price tag, Tallinn is a solid choice. Plus, with its efficient e-residency program, you can run a business remotely from anywhere in the world, making it perfect for entrepreneurs and digital nomads alike.

• Read next: 12 Most Beautiful Places in Estonia

10. Bangalore, India

• 💰 Average Monthly Cost: $900 – $2,500 (affordable for city living)
• 🌟 Unique Features: India’s Silicon Valley, thriving startup culture, great food
• 📅 Best Time to Live There: November to February 🌞 (cool and pleasant)
• 🏆 Perfect For: IT professionals 💻, entrepreneurs 💼, students 🎓

Bangalore isn’t just India’s tech capital—it’s one of the best cities for expats looking for career opportunities, vibrant culture, and an unbeatable food scene. Often called the “Silicon Valley of India,” Bangalore has a massive startup ecosystem and plenty of jobs for professionals in IT, engineering, and business.

But there’s more to this city than work. Bangalore is home to beautiful parks, hip cafés, rooftop bars, and a lively expat community. It’s got a mix of old and new, where historic palaces stand next to futuristic skyscrapers. And let’s not forget the affordable cost of living—you can enjoy a high quality of life without spending a fortune.

If you love the energy of a big city but still want green spaces and weekend getaways to places like Goa or Kerala, Bangalore is a fantastic base.

11. Budapest, Hungary

• 💰 Average Monthly Cost: $1,500 – $3,500 (affordable for Europe)
• 🌟 Unique Features: Stunning architecture, great nightlife, thermal baths
• 📅 Best Time to Live There: April to October ☀️ (mild and pleasant)
• 🏆 Perfect For: Young professionals 💼, students 🎓, expats 🌍

Budapest is one of Europe’s most underrated cities for expats, offering stunning architecture, buzzing nightlife, and world-famous thermal baths to unwind in after a long day. The city is split in two—Buda, with its historic charm and hilltop castles, and Pest, where all the action happens.

Expats love Budapest for its low cost of living compared to other European capitals. Rent is affordable, public transport is efficient, and dining out won’t break the bank. Hungary also offers a favorable tax system for remote workers, making it an attractive destination for freelancers and digital nomads.

Whether you’re exploring ruin bars, admiring the views from Fisherman’s Bastion, or soaking in the famous Szechenyi Baths, Budapest has a work-hard, play-hard energy that makes it an exciting and vibrant place to call home. Plus, with its central location, weekend getaways to other European hotspots are a breeze.

12. Stockholm, Sweden

• 💰 Average Monthly Cost: $2,500 – $5,500 (higher-end but high quality of life)
• 🌟 Unique Features: Stunning nature, world-class healthcare, strong economy
• 📅 Best Time to Live There: May to September 🌞 (warmer and longer days)
• 🏆 Perfect For: Families 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦, professionals 💼, outdoor lovers 🌿

If you’re after a high quality of life, it’s hard to beat Stockholm. This Scandinavian capital is famous for its clean streets, efficient public transport, and stunning waterfront views. The city is spread across 14 islands, connected by picturesque bridges and ferries.

Sweden consistently ranks as one of the happiest and most livable countries in the world. It offers great healthcare, free education, and a strong work-life balance—something Swedes take seriously. And while the cost of living is on the higher side, salaries tend to match, especially for those working in tech, design, or finance.

Stockholm’s design-forward culture, cozy cafés, and endless outdoor activities make it an incredible place to live. If you don’t mind the cold winters, you’ll be rewarded with long summer days, world-class infrastructure, and a welcoming international community.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Best Places to Live for Expats       

Interested in discovering more about top destinations for expats? Here are some frequently asked questions about the finest places in the Northeast to settle down as an expat.

Which country is best for expatriates?

The “best” country for expatriates can vary greatly depending on individual preferences and needs. Factors such as lifestyle, cost of living, job opportunities, culture, and climate all play a significant role. Countries like Singapore, Canada, and New Zealand are often praised for their high quality of life, strong expat communities, and stable economies. However, for someone seeking a vibrant cultural experience, countries like Spain or Italy might be more appealing. Ultimately, the best country for an expat is one that aligns closely with their personal and professional aspirations.

Where do the happiest expats live?

The happiest expats typically live in countries where they find a good balance between work, lifestyle, and social connections. According to various surveys and expat feedback, countries like Portugal, Spain, and Costa Rica often rank high for expat happiness. These countries are known for their pleasant climates, friendly locals, and relaxed lifestyles.

Additionally, places like Singapore, Switzerland, and New Zealand are also favored for their high quality of life, efficient infrastructure, and beautiful natural surroundings. The key to expat happiness often lies in finding a destination that offers a fulfilling personal and professional life, along with a supportive expat community.

Which city is best for expats in the world?

The “best” city for expats varies based on individual preferences, career goals, and lifestyle choices. However, consistently popular choices include:

• Singapore: Known for its safety, cleanliness, and high quality of life. It’s a global business hub with a strong expat community.
• Zurich, Switzerland: Offers a high standard of living, excellent public services, and a stable economy. It’s ideal for families and professionals.
• Auckland, New Zealand: Praised for its friendly locals, beautiful landscapes, and work-life balance.
• Munich, Germany: Known for its strong economy, cultural scene, and efficient infrastructure.
• Vancouver, Canada: Offers a multicultural environment, stunning natural scenery, and a high quality of life.

These cities are often favored for their combination of job opportunities, social activities, safety, and overall quality of life. However, the best choice depends on what you prioritize most in your expat experience.

What is the best and worst country for expats?

The “best” and “worst” countries for expats can vary widely based on individual preferences, career goals, and lifestyle needs. However, some trends are observed based on expat surveys and reports:

Best Countries for Expats:

• Singapore: Often ranks high for its excellent quality of life, safety, and robust job market.
• New Zealand: Known for its stunning landscapes, friendly locals, and work-life balance.
• Canada: Praised for its multicultural society, high standard of living, and welcoming attitude towards expats.

Challenging Countries for Expats:

• Kuwait: Frequently cited for its challenging social environment and cultural barriers.
• Saudi Arabia: While offering lucrative job opportunities, it can be challenging due to strict cultural norms and lifestyle adjustments.
• China: Offers great professional opportunities but can pose challenges due to language barriers, pollution, and cultural differences.

It’s important to note that these assessments can be subjective. What might be a challenging country for one person could be an exciting adventure for another. The “best” or “worst” is often determined by how well an individual’s expectations align with the reality of living in a particular country.

Final Thoughts on the Best Places to Live for Expats

The world is a tapestry of diverse and captivating destinations, each offering its own unique blend of culture, lifestyle, and opportunities. From the bustling streets of Singapore to the serene beauty of Bali, and from the innovative spirit of Tallinn to the rich history of Budapest, there’s a perfect spot for every expat. The choices are as varied and exciting as the destinations themselves.

For those seeking affordability and rich cultural experiences, cities like Hanoi and Cluj-Napoca stand out. They demonstrate that living a high-quality life as an expat can be both enriching and budget-friendly. On the other hand, if vibrant city life and career growth are your priorities, metropolises like Dubai and Stockholm offer thriving environments for professional and personal development.

Happiness and quality of life are key considerations too. Places like Auckland and Zurich are frequently mentioned for their ideal mix of natural splendor and urban amenities, making them some of the most livable cities for expats globally.

So, what are the best cities to live in for expats in 2025? The answer isn’t straightforward and depends on what you seek in your expat adventure. Whether drawn to a city for its business opportunities, scenic landscapes, or cultural depth, one thing is clear: each destination is more than just a place to live; it’s a gateway to new experiences and a lifestyle that resonates with your personal aspirations.