The most desired cities in the world for expats seeking to move abroad

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Published on Monday, 26 September 2022 14:21

Last Updated on 04 April 2023

Monica Costa

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Looking to find a new home? In this blog London Mums explore the most desired cities in the world for expats seeking to move abroad.

Join the wave of digital nomads and expats who are migrating from their home countries to embark upon the unique experience of living abroad. In this post-covid world, people are more eager and flexible than ever to be able to work from another country, and a workation alone isn’t cutting it for some people. But which cities are the most desired by prospective expats searching for the perfect place to call home?

 

Holidu, the booking portal for holiday rentals (www.holidu.co.uk) decided to reveal which cities come out on top! The study analysed global search data for common phrases typically used when researching moving abroad. Read on to discover which trendy cities are the most popular this year.

 

Top 5 Most Desired Cities in the World to Live Abroad

1. Edinburgh, United Kingdom – 20,600 average global monthly searches

It’s official – Edinburgh in Scotland is the most desired city to live in abroad, not only in Europe but in the world! It tops the list with a whopping 20k+ in global monthly searches on average. Whether drawn by its internationally renowned universities or for its plethora of job opportunities, Scotland makes it easy for foreigners to study and find work. It is no surprise that eyes are wandering towards Edinburgh as their next place to live. Every August, Edinburgh’s population practically doubles as foreigners flock to the city for its world-renowned Fringe Festival. Whether looking for a new place to call home or taking a workcation trip, Edinburgh should be at the top of your list! Who knows, many of you might fall in love with its charming, cobbled streets or the medieval architecture of the Old Town, I mean, who wouldn’t want to live in a real-life Harry Potter town?

  

2. Dublin, Ireland – 17,570 average global monthly searches

Coming in second in both the world and European rankings is Dublin, Ireland with 17,570 average global monthly searches. Known as a city with buzzing nightlife and an abundance of job opportunities, Dublin is a melting pot for expats, not only coming from Europe but around the world. With the lure of larger companies including Google, Facebook, PayPal and even TikTok, it is no surprise there are so many people looking to move to Dublin. With so much to do and see and explore, from Irish pubs to its rich history, why not check out Dublin on your next workation? Who knows, you may just end up wanting to stay!

 

3. Dubai, United Arab Emirates – 13,200 average global monthly searches

Taking the third place spot on our world ranking is Dubai in the United Arab Emirates with 13,200 average global monthly searches. Dubai is a very international destination, attracting expats from around the globe, with reports of around 200k+ new expats each year. Dubai stands out on this list not only for its unique and futuristic architecture but for its tax-free income salary that many around the world flock here for. Dubai should definitely be on your list of cities to look into if you want to live the high life teaching English abroad!

 

4. Barcelona, Spain – 12,000 average global monthly searches

Up next is the sun-filled city of Barcelona in Spain, a vibrant and fun city which attracts expats from all over the world. Known for its amazing food and drink, lively atmosphere and outstanding quality of life, Barcelona is a must to check out for those planning their next move! Not only is it more affordable than many places in western Europe, but who wouldn’t want to live in a city next to the beach? There is also a huge community of internationals, so you’ll feel right at home! Whether coming to visit, workation, or set up your new home, Barcelona welcomes you with open arms.   

 

5. London, United Kingdom – 10,650 average global monthly searches

This next one on the list is no surprise, with an average global monthly search volume of 10,650, London comes in position 5. With a rich history, lush parks, and vibrant nightlife, who wouldn’t want to live in one of the most loved cities in the world? London has always been a very international city, and this has only increased over time, especially as working from abroad has become much more normalised in a post-covid world. Many have jumped at the chance to live in such an iconic city. Whether for a temporary workation or if you want to call it your new home, London is undoubtedly one of the most desired cities to live abroad.

 

Top 10 most desired cities in Europe to live abroad

1. Edinburgh, United Kingdom – 20,600 average global monthly searches

2. Dublin, Ireland – 17,570 average global monthly searches

3. Barcelona, Spain – 12,000 average global monthly searches

4. London, United Kingdom – 10,650 average global monthly searches

5. Singapore, Singapore – 8,700 average global monthly searches

6. Miami, United States – 7,800 average global monthly searches

7. New York, United States – 7,550 average global monthly searches

8. Boston, United States – 6,200 average global monthly searches

9. Hong Kong, Hong Kong – 5,800 average global monthly searches

10. Berlin, Germany – 5,150 average global monthly searches

11. Paris, France – 4,700 average global monthly searches

12. Madrid, Spain – 4,520 average global monthly searches

13. Amsterdam, Netherlands – 4,450 average global monthly searches

14. Manchester, United Kingdom – 3,200 average global monthly searches

15. Lisbon, Portugal – 2,500 average global monthly searches

  

Methodology:

This ranking was made by analysing global search data for common phrases typically used when researching moving abroad and summing the total of these searches for all cities. The starting list includes all cities on Resonance’s ‘World’s Best Cities’ and Euro Monitor’s ‘Top 100 City Destinations’ lists, as well as some additional cities that were drawn from credible sources including Culture Trip and Business Insider about popular city destinations.

 

Click here to view an interactive map and data table ranking the full list of the most searched cities to live abroad: www.holidu.co.uk/magazine/the-most-desired-cities-to-live-abroad