Habibi! Come to Dubai, the best city for expats!
New study places Gulf emirate in top slot
Dubai has become the top choice for expatriates seeking a new home abroad.
According to a Deluxe Holiday Homes research study aimed at determining the best cities worldwide for relocation, several factors were used in the study commissioned by the Dubai-based company that manages vacation rental apartments for short-term stays in the Gulf emirate.
According to the research, the UAE and Japan stand out as the big winners for expats, each boasting two cities on the list. Osaka, one of Japan’s cities, takes the spotlight for having the lowest monthly living costs on the list, at $828.
Deluxe Holiday Homes considered multiple criteria to identify the best cities globally for expats to relocate to, including safety rate, monthly cost of living, average salary, infrastructure, quality of life, and healthcare.
Composite score
The cities were then ranked based on a composite score derived from these metrics.
Dubai secured the top spot on the list for expats, with an impressive composite score of 73.2. The city’s appeal lies in its high average salary of $4,100 and exceptional quality of life. Furthermore, its high safety rate and robust infrastructure contribute significantly to its leading position.
Zurich closely follows in second place with a composite score of 73.1. With the highest average salary on the list, $7,800, Zurich draws individuals with a high and appealing standard of living.
Abu Dhabi claims the third spot with a composite score of 70. As the capital of the UAE, it excelled in safety, boasting the highest safety rate among the cities listed. Additionally, it provides a comfortable living cost.
Amsterdam secures the fourth position with a composite score of 69, offering the second-highest quality of life. Its well-developed infrastructure and average monthly salaries of $3,900 make it an attractive destination.
Vienna takes the fifth spot with a composite score of 66. It is highly regarded for having the best quality of life on the list, an excellent healthcare system and a decent average salary of $3,000.
Copenhagen claims sixth place with a composite score of 65. It is noted for its green living, high quality of life, and average salary of $3,00. The city’s good infrastructure and safety further solidify its place in the ranking for expats who are considering relocating.
In Asia
Singapore secures the seventh position with a composite score of 64, owing to its high safety rate and impressive infrastructure. A high average salary of $5,100 and a good quality of life make Singapore an attractive destination for professionals.
Seoul ranks eighth on the list with a composite score of 62.5. The city is praised for its easily accessible healthcare system and one of the highest infrastructure rates.
Osaka claims the ninth position with a composite score of 62.3. Its primary draw is the lowest cost of living, good quality of life and robust infrastructure.
Tokyo rounds out the top 10 with a composite score of 62.2. Not only does Tokyo boast the highest infrastructure rate, but it also offers a high average salary of $3,000.
A spokesperson for Deluxe Holiday Homes noted: “The rankings provide valuable insights for individuals and families considering an international move.
“Dubai and Abu Dhabi have transformed the UAE into a global destination for professionals and families, offering safety, a comfortable life, and a lifestyle attractive to people worldwide.”
Featured image: Dubai Municipality’s noticeboard at Jumeirah public beach in Dubai. Credit: Arnold Pinto
| Cities | Safety rate | Cost of living (no rent) | Average salary | Infrastructure rate | Quality of life | Healthcare | Score |
| Dubai | 83.5 | 1,088.30$ | 4,120.01$ | 90.88 | 172.7 | 69 | 73.2 |
| Zurich | 78.2 | 1,919.40$ | 7,841.74$ | 85.29 | 178.4 | 72 | 73.1 |
| Abu Dhabi | 86.3 | 1,022.60$ | 3,626.69$ | 78.3 | 173 | 70.2 | 70.1 |
| Amsterdam | 71.5 | 1,063.70$ | 3,915.92$ | 92.17 | 194.8 | 77.3 | 69.2 |
| Vienna | 70.7 | 1,069.40$ | 3,006.32$ | 89.9 | 197.7 | 78.9 | 66.0 |
| Copenhagen | 73.8 | 1,228.40$ | 3,952.16$ | 86.36 | 182.8 | 76.9 | 65.9 |
| Singapore | 76.5 | 1,523.80$ | 5,199.20$ | 91.87 | 153.3 | 70.9 | 64.6 |
| Seoul | 75.4 | 1,184.30$ | 3,185.11$ | 94.58 | 130.2 | 82.7 | 62.6 |
| Osaka | 66.8 | 828.10$ | 2,236.87$ | 94.77 | 167.31 | 77.72 | 62.3 |
| Tokyo | 75.9 | 1,021.40$ | 3,011.61$ | 95.98 | 166.5 | 79.5 | 62.2 |
