Posted November 28, 2023 & filed under forbes city ranking malaga luxury lifestyle marbella real estate top cities worldwide
Malaga, Spain: The Pinnacle of Expat Living According to InterNations and Forbes
Wondering where the best cities to live in the world are? Look no further than the recent Expat City Ranking by InterNations, the largest global community for expatriates. In their 2023 Forbes report, InterNations surveyed over 12,000 expats worldwide, representing 177 nationalities across 181 countries, to determine the most desirable cities based on factors such as quality of life, ease of settling in, personal finance, and more.
Malaga Takes the Crown
In an impressive triumph, Malaga, Spain has been declared by Forbes as the world's best city to live and work in 2023. Nestled in Andalucia on the enchanting Costa del Sol, Malaga is not only one of the oldest cities globally but has now claimed the top spot for expat satisfaction. The Mediterranean city, with its rich history, vibrant arts scene (including being the birthplace of Picasso), pleasant climate, and exceptional cuisine, has won the hearts of expats.
Malaga's dominance extends beyond the overall ranking; it clinched the number one position for local friendliness, climate and weather, work and leisure, and work-life balance. Expats praise the city for its safety, affordable public transportation, recreational sports options, and lively social scene. However, it's worth noting that the local job market was ranked at 41, presenting a potential area for improvement.
Spanish Excellence Continues
Spain emerges as a standout in the Expat City Ranking, with a total of five cities securing positions in the top 20 Forbes list. Alicante and Valencia claim the second and third spots, respectively, both celebrated for their ease of settling in, high quality of life, and robust personal finance rankings. Madrid stands at number six, credited for its strong digital life, financial stability, and overall quality of life. Barcelona also makes a noteworthy appearance at number 13.
Global Dynamics: US Cities Slip
In a surprising turn, the United States sees a decline in expat happiness. Unlike last year when Miami and New York City graced the top 20, this year, no U.S. city made the cut. New York City, in particular, plummeted from 16th place to 39th. InterNations attributes this decline to challenges in various aspects of life, notably the high cost of living impacting the overall quality of life and work-life balance.
Forbes World's 20 Best Cities to Live:
The Bottom Three:
At the tail end of the list, Milan, Italy claims the 49th spot, followed by Rome, Italy at 48, and Vancouver, Canada at 47. InterNations notes shared challenges in the Italian cities, particularly in quality of life and work conditions. Vancouver, on the other hand, stands out as the city where expats express the most dissatisfaction, ranking last in overall happiness and personal finance.
Malaga, with its undeniable allure, stands tall as the beacon of expat living, offering a lifestyle that transcends expectations. For those seeking a new chapter in one of the world's most desirable cities, our real estate company invites you to explore the luxury properties Malaga province has to offer. Contact us today and make Malaga & Marbella your next home.