Top Ten Most Livable Cities for Expats in 2026

The top ten livable cities for expats in 2026 are led by global hubs like Switzerland, Denmark, and Austria, which offer the strongest mix of safety, lifestyle quality, and long-term stability.

These cities stand out for their modern infrastructure, economic opportunities, and expat-friendly environments that support both professionals and families.

This article covers:

• What makes a good quality of life in a country for expats?
• What is the most affordable and safe country to live in for expats in 2026?
• What is the best country to live in in 2026 when you retire as an expat?

Key Takeaways

• Copenhagen, Vienna, Zurich, and Geneva rank among the most livable cities for expats in 2026.
• Vietnam, Georgia, and Mexico offer affordable living without sacrificing lifestyle quality.
• Singapore, Switzerland, Japan, and Nordic countries lead in safety for expats.
• Portugal, Malaysia, and Canada remain top choices for long-term settlement and retirement.

My contact details are hello@adamfayed.com and WhatsApp ‪+44-7393-450-837 if you have any questions.

The information in this article is for general guidance only. It does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice, and is not a recommendation or solicitation to invest. Some facts may have changed since the time of writing.

What makes a country a good place to live for expats?

A good expat destination balances quality of life with practical advantages. Factors such as efficient public services, political stability, and economic opportunities are central.

Cost of living, healthcare quality, and education options increasingly shape relocation choices, especially for families.

Expats also value cultural openness, ease of integration, and availability of residency pathways.

A strong sense of safety and personal freedom further determines whether a country becomes a long-term home.

In 2026, countries that combine these factors with digital-friendly infrastructure and diverse job markets tend to attract the largest expat communities.

What is the best city to live in as an expat in 2026? Top 10 Options

The top 10 most livable cities in the world in 2026 are those that combine safety, high quality of life, strong infrastructure, and expat-friendly systems, with cities like Copenhagen, Vienna, Zurich, and Singapore consistently leading global rankings.

1. Copenhagen (Denmark)

• Safety
  Very low crime rates; consistently ranks among Europe’s safest capitals.
• Work-Life Balance
  Globally recognized for short workweeks and generous vacation time.
• Urban Planning
  Bike-friendly, clean, sustainable city layout with excellent public transport.
• Social Systems
  High-quality healthcare, education, and public services.
• Expat Integration
  Welcoming atmosphere with strong English proficiency.

2. Vienna (Austria)

• Safety & Stability
  Low crime and strong political stability.
• Culture & Lifestyle
  World leader in culture, opera, classical music, and museums.
• Infrastructure
  Efficient transport and consistently ranked #1 in Mercer Quality of Living for years.
• Healthcare
  Accessible and high-quality public healthcare system.

3. Zurich (Switzerland)

• Safety
  One of the safest cities globally with strong urban security systems.
• Quality of Life
  Clean, organized, and high standards across services and public facilities.
• Economic Strength
  Major financial hub with excellent job opportunities for highly skilled expats.
• Infrastructure
  Top-tier rail, public transport, and city planning.
• Environment
  Lakes, mountains, and pristine air quality.

4. Auckland (New Zealand)

• Safety
  Very low violent crime; strong community environment.
• Natural Surroundings
  Coastal lifestyle, beaches, parks, and outdoor recreational options.
• Expat Friendliness
  Welcoming locals and supportive expat networks.
• Healthcare & Services
  Good hospitals and reliable urban services.

5. Singapore

• Safety
  One of the world’s safest cities with extremely low crime.
• Infrastructure
  Ultra-efficient transport system and reliable utilities.
• Economic Opportunities
  A top global hub for finance, tech, and multinational companies.
• Healthcare
  World-class hospitals and medical specialists.
• Ease of Living
  Diverse expat communities and smooth bureaucratic processes.

6. Lisbon (Portugal)

• Affordability
  More affordable than most Western European capitals.
• Climate & Lifestyle
  Mild weather, coastal scenery, and relaxed culture.
• Expat Warmth
  High scores for friendliness and openness toward foreigners.
• Services
  Good healthcare and strong digital-nomad infrastructure.

7. Vancouver (Canada)

• Safety & Stability
  Moderate crime rates and stable public systems.
• Multicultural Living
  One of the most diverse cities in North America.
• Nature Access
  Close to mountains, forests, and oceans; clean urban environment.
• Long-term Residency
  Clear pathways to PR for skilled workers.

8. Helsinki (Finland)

• Safety
  Extremely low crime rates; highly trusted police and social institutions.
• Urban Quality
  Clean city, efficient transport, and green urban planning.
• Work-Life Balance
  Flexible work culture and family-oriented policies.
• Healthcare
  High-level public health system.

9. Tokyo (Japan)

• Safety
  Remarkably safe with near-zero violent crime.
• Infrastructure
  Best-in-class transport, punctuality, and city cleanliness.
• Healthcare
  Advanced medical technologies and hospitals.
• Lifestyle
  Convenience, rich culture, and high efficiency in daily living.

10. Dubai (UAE)

• Economic Opportunities
  Tax-free income and abundant job opportunities for skilled expats.
• Safety
  Low crime and advanced security systems.
• Infrastructure
  World-class transport, luxury amenities, and rapid urban development.
• Lifestyle
  Cosmopolitan city with restaurants, entertainment, and global communities.

Which country is the cheapest to live as an expat in 2026?

In 2026, some of the cheapest countries for expats include Vietnam, Georgia, and Mexico.

• Vietnam — The estimated cost of living for a single person according to Numbeo is around US$500/month, excluding rent.
  • Rent in major cities is very affordable: in Ho Chi Minh City, a 1‑bed apartment in non-central areas costs around US$300–500/month, while in Da Nang, similar units go for US$200–350/month.  
  • In Da Nang specifically, the monthly cost for digital nomads is roughly US$700–1,300, depending on rent, utilities, and transport.
• Georgia — In Tbilisi, 1‑bedroom apartments in the city center rent for US$500–800/month, while those outside cost US$350–600/month according to ExpatHaus.
  • Other monthly costs for utilities, dining, and transport are also relatively low, making it a budget-friendly but modern European-style option. It is around US$600/month for a single person.
• Mexico — In Mexico City, estimate for a single person’s living cost (excluding rent) is around US $700/month depending on lifestyle choices.
  • Rent for a 1‑bedroom apartment ranges roughly from US $370–555/month outside city center to US $595–895/month in the city center.
  • Combining rent and basic living expenses, many expats could live on roughly US $1,070–1,255/month in Mexico City if they choose moderate housing and local lifestyle.

What is the friendliest city for expats?

Lisbon is often cited as one of the friendliest cities for expats, combining a laid‑back and welcoming culture with a strong international community.

According to the Expat Insider survey, around 74% of expats in Portugal say locals are friendly, and 75% feel welcomed as foreign residents.

There were nearly 120,000 foreign citizens with residence permits in the municipality of Lisbon itself by early 2023.

These figures help explain why expats often highlight Lisbon’s warm and open social environment — there is a significant and growing international presence, and many expats feel at home.

Which country is best to settle permanently in 2026?

Portugal remains one of the best countries to settle permanently in 2026 for retirement, thanks to its favorable climate, strong healthcare system, and accessible residency routes via the D7 Visa.

The D7 Visa is designed for retirees (or anyone with a stable passive income like a pension, investments, or rental income), and requires a minimum monthly income of around €760–€870 plus proof of residency or accommodation. Once you have the permit, you can register for Portugal’s public healthcare system.

Spain follows closely with its Non‑Lucrative Visa, ideal for non-EU retirees living off passive income. To qualify, you typically need to show income of about €28,800/year for the main applicant, plus proof of private health insurance.  

The visa is initially valid for one year and can be renewed; after five years of legal residence, you may apply for permanent residency.

Malaysia remains a very compelling destination under its Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program. For retirees, this visa allows long-term residency in Malaysia. According to program guidelines, applicants need to demonstrate a certain level of offshore income and maintain a fixed deposit in a Malaysian bank (in certain age categories).

The country is known for its low cost of living, modern amenities, and high-quality private healthcare.

For retirees prioritizing stability and long-term residency, Canada offers strong social systems and immigration pathways, though it does not have a formal retirement visa. Retirees usually apply via its general permanent residency programs, e.g., family sponsorship.

New Zealand also appeals to retirees for its high quality of life, safety, and natural beauty.

While there isn’t a formal retiree visa, older applicants may be able to secure residency through family or skilled investor streams, depending on their financial situation.

Which country is safest for expats in 2026?

Singapore remains one of the safest countries for expats in 2026, recognized for its low crime rate, strong rule of law, and high overall peace.

Other top options for expats seeking safety include Switzerland, Denmark, Iceland, and New Zealand, all noted for low crime, strong institutions, and stable social systems.

Here’s the latest data on global peace and crime rates for the top-ranking countries in 2026:

Top 10 Countries by Crime Index (Lower is Safer) – Numbeo

Top 10 Countries by Global Peace Index – GPI

What is the easiest country to become an expat?

The easiest countries to become an expat in 2026 include Portugal, the UAE, Thailand, and Georgia, thanks to straightforward residency visas, low income requirements, and flexible work arrangements.

Portugal’s D7 and digital nomad visas are among the simplest in Europe.

The UAE offers fast residency issuance tied to employment or investment.

Thailand appeals through its long-stay visas for professionals and retirees.

Georgia remains one of the most accessible destinations due to visa-free entry for many nationalities and simple tax structures for remote workers.

Conclusion

Choosing where to live as an expat in 2026 depends on personal priorities—safety, affordability, career prospects, and lifestyle.

While global hubs like Copenhagen, Singapore, and Zurich offer unmatched infrastructure and stability, emerging destinations such as Lisbon, Auckland, or Tbilisi provide a balance of livability and lower costs.

By considering both objective rankings and practical factors like healthcare, residency options, and community integration, expats can identify a city that suits their professional goals, family needs, and long-term plans.

Ultimately, the best choice blends comfort, opportunity, and the sense of belonging that transforms a new city into home.

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