Emigrating from your home country and choosing to live as an ex-pat is a brave choice to make. While you certainly can’t plan everything ahead, and much of your experience is down to luck and good timing, some cities are objectively better suited for ex-pats.
In 2021, Taiwan, Mexico, and Costa Rica were ranked as the top three ex-pat destinations worldwide according to the Expat Insider 2021 survey. Taiwan ranked first out of 59 destinations for the third year in a row—most ex-pats living in the East Asian country are satisfied with their job security (83% vs. 61% globally), the state of the local economy, and their life in general (80% vs. 75% globally). Moreover, not a single ex-pat feels personally unsafe in Taiwan.
Mexico ranked second, and many participants noted they found it easy to settle down in Mexico and to make local friends. One ex-pat from the U.S. was quoted saying “the culture and friendliness of the local people” is their favorite thing about living in Mexico”.
The population of Costa Rica, which was ranked 3rd, was also described as generally friendly. All things considered, 88% of ex-pats in Costa Rica are happy with their life (vs. 75% globally).
Considering the fact that working remotely spiked in popularity as a result of the pandemic, we wouldn’t be surprised to see even more digital nomads and ex-pats giving these locations a try.