A new survey by Internations, the world's largest expat network, has identified the best countries for expats to live in 2023, with several sunny destinations ranking highly. The annual Expat Insider report, based on responses from over 12,000 expats across 171 nationalities, evaluates 56 aspects of expat life, including cost of living, housing, and internet availability.
Mexico tops the list for the first time, ranking first in the Ease of Settling In index. Expats praise the friendliness of locals, with 75% finding it easy to make local friends compared to 43% globally. Dutch expat Aemilius Dost, who has lived in Mexico for 18 months, says, 'The people are some of the friendliest you will ever meet.' While bureaucracy can be challenging, maintaining residency is straightforward, and learning Spanish is recommended.
Spain also features prominently, ranking in the top 10 for Quality of Life since 2014. Expats highlight the culture, nightlife, and climate, with cities like Valencia and Malaga enjoying over 300 sunny days a year and an average temperature of 18°C. Patricia Palacios, co-founder of España Guide, notes the Mediterranean food and diverse landscapes as major draws, though she advises that remote work with a foreign income can improve living standards due to lower local salaries.
