Zurich, Switzerland, has been named the best city for expats in 2024, according to Mercer’s annual Quality of Living Report. The city outpaced Vienna, which held the top spot in 2023, due to its outstanding public services, low crime rates, efficient infrastructure, and strong cultural scene. Zurich is also celebrated for its focus on sustainability and increasing global connectivity, with numerous new international flight routes enhancing its accessibility for expats.
One of Zurich’s key advantages for expats is its dynamic and diverse population, with over 400,000 residents from non-Swiss backgrounds. This has helped create a welcoming and integrated environment for people from around the world. Despite its high cost of living—rents are notably expensive, and groceries are about 65% more expensive than in Vienna—Zurich’s higher wages help balance out these expenses, making it a comfortable place to live once employed.
Zurich’s rise also follows several notable rankings. In 2024, it placed second on the Institute for Quality of Life’s list of the happiest cities in the world, and it has ranked first on the IMD Smart City Index for five consecutive years. The city’s airport has become a more important international hub, with added connections to global cities like Seoul, Shanghai, and Toronto.
Other Top European Cities for Expats
Mercer’s report highlights that Europe remains a top destination for expats, with eight European cities in the top 10. After Zurich, Vienna ranks second, followed by Geneva, which moved up two places to take third. Copenhagen, which retained its fourth-place spot, and Amsterdam, which saw a significant climb to fifth, also stand out as prime locations for expats.
Other notable cities in the top 10 include:
- Frankfurt (7th) tied with Vancouver, marking a slight drop for the German city.
- Bern and Basel in Switzerland rounded out the top 10 in 9th and 10th places, respectively.
Noteworthy Climbers and Drop-offs
While the top 10 cities were mostly stable, some cities experienced significant changes. Stockholm in Sweden jumped eight places to 18th, while Lisbon rose 12 spots to 27th. In contrast, Stuttgart in Germany saw the largest drop in the rankings, falling 20 places to 46th, possibly due to ongoing disruptions related to the controversial Stuttgart 21 infrastructure project.
The Worst Cities for Expats
While the report highlights the best places for expats, it also evaluates cities that are less favorable. The bottom of the list features Khartoum, Sudan, ranked as the least livable city for expats, followed by Baghdad (Iraq), Banhui (Central African Republic), Sanaa (Yemen), and Port-Au-Prince (Haiti), all of which face significant challenges such as instability, lack of infrastructure, and poor living conditions.
US Cities Making Gains
Interestingly, several US cities have made notable improvements in Mercer’s ranking, including Los Angeles, which rose 26 places to 44th, and Atlanta, Dallas, and Boston, which also saw gains. The increased attractiveness of US cities for expats may be linked to their evolving infrastructure, job opportunities, and quality of life.
Conclusion
Zurich’s rise to the top spot in Mercer’s Quality of Living Report reflects the city’s growing international appeal, combining high living standards, cultural vibrancy, and accessibility. Other European cities, particularly in Switzerland, also continue to attract expats, thanks to their stable environments and high quality of life. Meanwhile, cities like Stockholm and Lisbon are gaining ground, while some other areas face setbacks, especially in regions experiencing political or infrastructural turmoil.
Related topics:
New Night Train Between Madrid and Lisbon Set to Launch in 2025
Grímsey: Iceland’s Arctic Island with a Small Community and a Rich Seabird Population