International mobility has increased significantly in the last few years, with more and more people residing outside their country of birth than ever before. Professionals, both young and old, are moving abroad in search of a better quality of life, career opportunities, and education. Expats currently account for 0.7% of the global population. This fully comprehensive study analyses cities around the world to identify those that offer the best environment for expats to live and thrive.
The decision to move to a new city is dependent on a multitude of factors individual to each person, couple, or family; however, some factors remain universally desirable. The Expat City Index analyses 70 cities around the world and ranks them according to four major categories: Economics, Living, Environment and Urbanisation, and Family and Society. Each of these categories is then broken down into further criteria, such as Average Earnings, Rental Costs, and the Price of Food. Factors associated with overall health and happiness, like Pollution Levels and Average Sunshine Hours, are also included in the index as indicators of an ideal city to live.
Please refer to the methodology below for more information on the research process.
The cost of living for a family in Ottawa is about USD 3,169 per month. This is far cheaper than New York City, which has monthly family expenses of around EUR 9,159.
Canadian residents with a high income are taxed at 33%. However, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) uses a no tax policy to attract skilled expats.
German online mortgage broker for expats and foreign investors.
We support international buyers and expats from all around the world - for example from the United States of America the UK or China - with finding the best mortgage for their property investment in German cities, such as Berlin, Munich or Frankfurt. You can use our free online tools to calculate your mortgage, compare mortgage interest rates or learn how to buy a property in Germany.