In 2023, a report ranked countries based on factors like quality of life, ease of settling in, and personal finance, among others. Though a tedious affair, they came up with an updated list. This article will shed light on some of the Best Places to Live in the World .
Mexico as the Best Place to Live in the World
The best place to live for expats in 2023 is Mexico, marking its second consecutive win. An impressive 90% of expats express their contentment with life in Mexico.
Mexico has consistently been a favorite among expats. According to InterNations founder Malte Zeeck, it has maintained a top-five position in the survey for ten years.
Its appeal lies in its exceptional performance in personal finance and ease of settling in. Expats find it easiest to adapt to the local culture, feel welcomed, and regard the local residents as the friendliest in the world.
The low cost of living and pleasant climate make Mexico an attractive choice for expats.
Challenges in Paradise: Safety Concerns in Mexico
However, Mexico does have some drawbacks, including personal safety concerns. In 2022, it ranked 49th out of 52 destinations for safety and now stands at 49th out of 53 countries in 2023. 18% of expats in 2023 report feeling unsafe in Mexico, compared to 8% globally.
Spain as the Second Best Place to Live in the World
Spain takes the second spot on the list of top places to live for expats in 2023. It moved up from the fifth position in 2022.
Spain has consistently ranked in the top 10 for quality of life in the Expat Insider survey. Expats also enjoy the leisure options, with Spain being the global winner in this category for 2023.
The rich culture, vibrant nightlife, and recreational sports options contribute to its popularity. Additionally, Spain is third globally for its climate and weather.
Panama
Panama secured the third position on the list in 2023 as the best place to live in the world, making a remarkable return to the survey after missing out in 2022 due to a lack of local respondents. Panama excels in ease of settling in (fourth globally) and personal finance (eighth globally). It also ranks fifth globally for housing quality.
United States as A Contender of the Best Place to Live in the World
On the other hand, the United States has dropped significantly in the 2023 Expat Insider survey, now ranking 30th, down from 14th in the previous year.
This decline is primarily attributed to a worsening performance in areas such as the affordability of public transportation and general friendliness.
Expats also report lower satisfaction with the cost of living, housing affordability, the local job market, the state of the economy, and job security.
Nordic Paradise
Despite consistently ranking as one of the happiest places on Earth in other surveys, Norway finds itself near the bottom of this list, at 52nd place out of 53 countries. This “Nordic paradox” is a notable contrast.
The World Happiness Index, which uses statistical data from official sources, often ranks Nordic countries higher. However, the Expat Insider survey, based on expats’ subjective opinions, reveals a different perspective.
The Social Struggle in Nordic Lands
One reason for expats’ unhappiness in Nordic countries could be the challenge of making friends and building a social network in introverted or aloof societies, a factor not measured in the World Happiness Index. Expats’ feelings of social isolation may overshadow the high GDP and good air quality in these countries.
