Where are the best cities for expats seeking to relocate in Asia?
Singapore has emerged as the best location in Asia for expats looking to relocate, according to a new report.
To determine the best places for expats, Preply analysed 60 destinations based on nine relocation metrics, including the monthly cost of living, the average monthly salary, safety score, cleanliness, visitor return rate, internet speed, among others.
Singapore placed first among all the Asian destinations in the report, and third globally, tying with Basel in Switzerland.
According to Preply, Singapore had an expat relocation score of 7.08, with the following statistics on its metrics:
- Monthly cost of living as an expat: $4,152
- Average salary (after tax): $4,980
- Estimated % tax on £50,000: 22%
- Internet speed: 69 mpbs
- Safety city index: 76.61
- Visitor return rate: 14%
- Salary spent on a monthly coworking space: 10%
- Cleanliness index: 18.59
- How many hours to learn the dominant language in the city: 1,100
Singapore has been consistently emerging as a top destination for expats across the world. ECA International also ranked the city-state as the most liveable city for East Asian overseas workers this 2024.
Best cities globally for expats
Meanwhile, the report found that Tallinn in Estonia is the best city to live and work in 2024 for expats. It had the highest expat relocation score of 7.35, with average living costs hitting $1,586 monthly and rent costs around $723.
Bern in Switzerland is the second-best destination for expats looking to relocate in 2024, according to Preply.
The city has an expat relocation score of 7.32, according to the report. While it had higher living costs, Preply said the salary balances it out with an average of $6,736.
Relocation tips for expats
Expats seeking to relocate this year in Asia can be a "real culture shock," according to Sylvia Johnson, language expert at Preply.
Johnson attributed most of the culture shock to speaking the language, so she suggested the following tips for expats:
- Learn some basic words in your country's language
- Be mindful of dress codes
- Get to grips with body language
- Learn the language fluently