In a world where more and more people are considering living abroad, the insights from expats provide an intimate and valuable perspective on what it truly means to reside in different countries. This article from Forbes, featuring findings from the 11th edition of the Expat Insider report by InterNations, offers a deep dive into the experiences of over 12,500 expats worldwide. The report ranks the best places to live in 2024, evaluating countries based on factors such as Quality of Life, Ease of Settling In, Personal Finance, and more.
Panama has emerged as the top destination this year, praised for its affordability, ease of integration, and quality of life. Meanwhile, Mexico, a perennial favorite, remains high on the list despite a slight dip in its ranking. The article also highlights other countries, such as Indonesia and South Korea, which have made significant leaps due to improvements in financial satisfaction and work-life balance. Conversely, Finland, often named the happiest country in the world, has faced challenges in this year’s rankings from an expat viewpoint.
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Expats Rank The Best Places To Live In The World
Excerpt: “This year, Panama has climbed to the top—an impressive leap from its third place ranking last year—knocking Mexico to the second spot. Compare these results to 2023 and 2022, when Mexico ranked number one.
Expats have named Panama the best place to live in 2024. According to the Expat Insider report, a remarkable 82% of expats in Panama report being happy with their life there, well above the global average of 68%.
So what makes Panama so appealing? “Panama saw a big improvement in the Working Abroad Index, from 30th place in 2023 to 12th place in 2024,” Malte Zeeck, founder of InterNations, told me in an interview. “Another index where Panama gained significantly is Quality of Life, with improvements in the following subcategories: Travel & Transit (notably for affordability of public transportation), Leisure Options and Healthcare (notably for affordability, availability and quality of medical care).”
Financial satisfaction is a standout factor in Panama, with 74% of expats content with their financial situation, compared to the global average of 54%. The country ranks first for this aspect and fourth overall in the Personal Finance Index. Additionally, 88% of respondents feel their disposable income is sufficient for a comfortable life, and 62% praise the affordability of housing—well above the global average of 34%.
Panama also excels in the Expat Essentials Index, particularly in ease of finding a place to live and obtaining visas. With a significant portion of its expat community already retired, Panama also ranks well for work-life balance and general working hours, making it an attractive destination for both retirees and working expats.”
Intrigued to learn more? Read the full article here and discover why Panama was chosen as the best country to live in according to the 11th edition of the Expat Insider report by InterNations.
