Best places in the world for expats revealed

Australia has become an attractive destination for expats wanting a change of scenery but there’s one city that has topped the list for those wanting to live abroad.

Australia has become an attractive destination for expats wanting a change of scenery.

The combination of the relaxed Aussie lifestyle, warm climate and access to a strong job market makes Australia a top spot for expats worldwide.

In 2023, the number of Australia’s residents born overseas made up 30 per cent of its population, according to Allianz’ Expat Guide to Living in Australia.

The AFR reported employment growth hit a 16-month high and the rate of workforce participation reached a record, with more than 64,000 people locking down jobs in September alone.

Factors such as cost of living, safety, healthcare, education and lifestyle all play a crucial role when deciding on which country to relocate and this week a new report revealed the top locations according to these criteria.

Global consulting firm Mercer’s latest Quality of Living Report, which ranks cities for their expat appeal, had three Aussie cities on its list.

Sydney, while on the list, fell three places to 12th, ahead of Melbourne at 20 and Canberra in 29th.

It said the report “highlights the cities that stand out for their exceptional living standards, robust infrastructure and vibrant cultural scenes”, with more than 450 cities analysed.

Meanwhile, in Boston Consulting Group’s survey from April this year, Australia ranked the number one destination in the world for professionals seeking to relocate internationally.

It was based on a survey of more than 150,000 professionals across 188 countries, that found Australia’s post-pandemic jobs boom had helped the country supplant Canada as the most desirable destination for expats globally.

Sydney fell three places on the list to 12th spot in global consulting firm Mercer’s latest Quality of Living Report.

The top 10 countries in order for that report were Australia, the US, Canada, the UK, Germany, Japan, Switzerland, Singapore, France and Spain.

As for Mercer’s findings, Zurich in Switzerland came out on top for its “outstanding public services, low crime rates, lively cultural scene and commitment to sustainability.”
It has also has enhanced its airport connections, increasing the number of flights to and from other continents.

Melbourne came 20th and Canberra in 29th.

Following closely behind is Vienna, Austria. Meanwhile, Geneva has climbed to 3rd place, improving by two places since last year.

In total, eight European cities dominated the top 10, while Auckland, New Zealand emerged as a leader for the Pacific at 5th place.

Vancouver ranked equal 7th with Frankfurt, while Singapore was the highest ranked Asian city, dropping one place to number 30. Hong Kong was ranked 76th.

This year, Zurich, Switzerland, took the top spot ‘fuelled by its outstanding public services, low crime rates and a lively cultural scene, all backed by efficient infrastructure and a dedication to sustainability’.

It is followed by Vienna, Austria, and Geneva, Switzerland, in second and third place.

Boston was the highest ranked US city at number 32, followed by Los Angeles at 44 after it jumped 26 places, while New York came in at 45.

Khartoum in Sudan and the Iraqi capital of Baghdad were at the bottom of the list.

Over in the UK, London climbed five places to 40th, while Edinburgh and Glasgow took 50th and 53rd spots, respectively.

Over in the Pacific, Auckland in New Zealand claimed fifth spot emphasising its ‘exceptional quality of living’.

The highest-ranking city in the Middle East is Dubai in 83rd position, followed closely by Abu Dhabi at 85. Port Louis takes the lead for Africa, remaining in 88th position, similar to the previous year.

South Africa has several cities featured in the ranking, including Cape Town (105th), Durban (110th) and Johannesburg (115th).

“In an era of digital nomads and flexible working, Mercer’s data shows that the most desirable destinations are those that blend a high quality of life and an affordable cost of living,” Mercer’s global mobility leader Yvonne Traber said.

“This presents a challenge for organisations and international assignees as they balance decisions related to relocation, investment and talent management.”

Mercer analysed living conditions in more than 450 cities worldwide, looking at 39 factors including political and social environment, health, education, recreation and housing.