Embarking on the journey of emigration is no small feat, with numerous uncertainties accompanying the purchase of that one-way ticket to a new country. As someone who took the leap in 2021, moving from the United States to Portugal for my Ph.D., I can attest to the myriad questions and hopes that swirl in one’s mind. While life in Lisbon has been splendid, there are other expat havens worldwide where fellow expatriates seem even more content.

The 2023 Expat City Rankings from InterNations, a global expat community with over 5 million members, provide insights into the best destinations for expat life. Drawing from the annual Expat Insider survey with 12,065 participants, the rankings assess 49 nations in categories such as Quality of Life, Ease of Settling In, Working Abroad, Personal Finance, and Expat Essentials.

Topping the list as the best place in Europe for expat life is Málaga, Spain. According to respondents, Málaga boasts the highest rating worldwide for Local Friendliness (1st), with 89% attesting to the locals’ exceptional friendliness toward foreign residents (versus the global average of 65%). Unsurprisingly, the city secures the 2nd spot for Finding Friends.

Málaga shines in the Quality of Life Index, claiming the 2nd position due to its perpetually splendid weather and abundant natural spaces. Adding to Spain’s expat appeal, two more cities, Alicante and Valencia, secure the 2nd and 3rd spots, respectively.

“What these three Spanish cities have in common are top 10 ratings in the indices Ease of Settling In, Quality of Life, and Personal Finance,” notes InterNations. “This translates into welcoming cultures that allow for an enjoyable and affordable life. Málaga and Alicante also make it into the top 10 for Expat Essentials such as housing.”

On the flip side, the rankings highlight Rome in second-to-last place and Milan in the bottom spot, both scoring below average for quality of life and available work. Nevertheless, the love for pasta and pizza suggests life can’t be too bleak in these Italian cities.

For a detailed look at the rankings of all participating cities, visit internations.org.