Every traveler knows that spending a season in one of the best cities in the world to live transforms you. Beyond tourism, moving to another country can broaden your horizon, and gainnew knowledge, adventures, friendships, and opportunities for the future. You imagine? ?
Of course, living abroad is a challenging experience. But the world abounds with options that will captivate you. They range from the largest cities in the world, passing through ecological cities and reaching small charming cities.
So how to choose the ideal?
We consulted the most prestigious rankings and made an eclectic and balanced one for you. We have prepared a top 15 cities, with high quality of life, incredible food and even world-class education system. In addition, we give you options so that you can go study some of them. Start planning the best stay of your life!
- Vienna, Austria
Among the great capitals of Europe, Vienna, Austria, stands out for several reasons. Although it is not the largest, its offer of shops, culture and entertainment are not the envy of Berlin or Rome, for example. That without the hustle and traffic that those have.
Add to this an affordable rental cost compared to its western and northern European neighbors. Here you can find apartments from $900 euros. Meanwhile, public transport does not exceed $45 euros and groceries $40. Those prices are impossible in London or Paris!
When you travel to Vienna, don’t forget to get your Vienna Pass, which includes full admission to more than 60 attractions and the option to add transport costs. Among them are the must-see palaces of Schönbrunn, Hofburg and Mozart’s House.
- Madrid, Spain
To the west, the Spanish capital is also taking off as one of the best cities in the world to live. This is due, in part, to their cost of living ($800 euros per month) and rent in a shared apartment (from $300 euros per month) that are super attractive for foreigners.
The city is fortunate to have up to 100 sunny days and a mild climate for much of the year. And, of course, it is home to a historical legacy of more than a thousand years that is displayed in the Prado, Reina Sofía, Gran Vía and other places to see in Madrid.
Although there are still improvements to be made in terms of traffic and pollution, in Madrid you will live the experience of a cosmopolitan city. There is always a theatre, cinema or club to go to at night. Its restaurants offer the best of Iberian food and from around the world.
- St. Julian’s, Malta
Maybe the name doesn’t ring a bell. It is a small city in Malta, an island halfway between Europe and Africa. But its size does not prevent it from being a city worth considering for a stay due to its lively atmosphere, accessibility and attractions.
For starters, it is home to the famous sandy St. George’s Bay beach and its nightlife. In summer, the city overflows with people in the bars, restaurants and hotels. Its shopping centers, cinemas and casinos have a wide range of products and activities.
But, without a doubt, what most attracts travelers from all over the world is the cost of living. Here a budget of $750 per month is enough for your student stay. And you can rent private rooms from $500 per month!
Beach and European experience without breaking the bank? Find out about GrowPro’s educational experiences to study English in Malta. ?
- Dublin, Ireland
This 2021, a certain ranking placed London at the top of the best cities in the world to live. But let’s face it: It’s also one of the most expensive. By contrast, the capital of neighboring Ireland is becoming an alternative for thousands of students and foreign workers.
Living in Dublin is not only a pass to the Irish bohemia. It is also the ideal platform to land in Europe due to its quite attractive cost of living. Consider that, here, you can find shared flats from $400 euros. You don’t get that in London!
As for education, suffice it to say that excellence is a tradition. And yes, you want a bus
As for education, suffice it to say that excellence is a tradition. And if you want to look for work in Ireland, its capital awaits you with a boom in the technology industry. So big has it been that IT giants like Google and Amazon have their European offices here.
- New York, United States
From Europe let’s go to America. Undoubtedly, the most famous city in the “New World” is the American Big Apple. A symbol of cosmopolitanism, glamour, the avant-garde and the American way of life, this city offers surprising experiences at every corner.
Adventurers never cease to be fascinated by its thousands of shops, large parks, world-class museums, theaters, and cinemas. Your palate will melt with the extensive menu of one of the cities with the best street food. And, to quench your thirst, there is a revival of incredible bars and taverns.
Of course, traffic and crowds are always a problematic issue. And, if we talk about the cost of living, well… you have to be prepared. Just renting a room with its own bathroom in Manhattan can go from $800 to $3,500 USD per month.
- Toronto, Canada
About a 7-hour drive north of New York is another of the best cities in the world to live. We are talking about Toronto, the financial capital of Canada. Thousands of foreigners arrive here every year due to the extensive opportunities for work and study.
The safety and cleanliness of the streets are exemplary. Added to this is a privileged location on the shores of Lake Ontario. In hot summers, this is a godsend for cooling off. Without a doubt, these are reasons enough to live in Toronto even for a while.
Among the “buts” that many travelers put in this city is the weather. And, in winter, the thermometer can drop to -10℃. Meanwhile, the cheapest rental options range from $850 to $1,200 USD in shared flats.
7. Vancouver, Canada
On the west coast of Canada, Vancouver is the third largest city in the country. And it is worth including it, since it is a city that has not dropped from the top 3 cities with the best quality of life in the last five years.
The attractions to live in Vancouver have been its high perception of safety, accessible streets for cyclists, growing economy and closeness to nature. Of course, to this is added the education of excellence in a multicultural environment.
Of course, the rent for a room in a shared apartment can range from $1,000 to $1,500 USD. But you have in your favor that Vancouver is a center of heavy investment by IT giants. Thus, attractive job offers abound for foreign talent.
- Montevideo, Uruguay
We could not leave Latin America out of our list of the best cities in the world to live. There are dozens of picturesque, welcoming and exciting cities. But, without a doubt, the Uruguayan capital continues to be among the most attractive.
Compared by some to Swiss cities, Montevideo does guarantee safety on the streets, low pollution, and extensive green areas. In addition, it has a seasoning that you will not find in Europe: the warmth and kindness of its people.
If you want to work in Uruguay, its capital is the headquarters of large IT companies such as Mercado Libre and Oracle, banks and auto companies. These companies have very juicy offers for professionals. And, to rent, hold on to your chair because here you will find your own apartment… from $350 USD per month!
- Auckland, New Zealand
Let’s cross the Pacific to Oceania. Here our first stop is the island of the kiwis, the volcanic lakes and the charismatic Jacinda Arden?. Its largest city, Auckland, has reached the top 5 for cities with the best quality of life.
From the outset, this port city stands out for its safe streets, its clean air and the friendliness of its inhabitants. It preserves a family atmosphere although there is everything you find in a big city: restaurants, bars, parks, concerts and museums.
Live in Auckland, improve your English and find your ideal job.
- Sydney, Australia
From New Zealand, we jump to Australia, whose most famous city is also one of the best cities in the world to live. When we think of reasons to move to Sydney, beaches, surf, sun and parks come to mind.
Of course, we are also drawn to the must-see places in Sydney, such as the Opera House, the Harbor Bridge and the Olympic Stadium. And, without a doubt, we are interested in the wide educational offer and job opportunities in the most cosmopolitan city in Oceania.
- Melbourne, Australia
We really like Australia, right? ? But it is that we cannot leave Oceania without taking a walk through Melbourne. Although this city follows Sydney in size and economy, it is the most important cultural and entertainment capital in the area.
If intense environments are your thing, you should consider living in Melbourne for at least one season.
Upon arrival you will like the large number of restaurants, cafes, bars and clubs to choose from. And, of course, you will love the largest open-air museum: the alleys full of street art.
Take advantage of quality education and job offers in Melbourne. Choose your experience and request your free estimate!
- Tokyo, Japan
Our tour of the best cities in the world to live takes us to Asia. And hearing this name, surely to you, like to us, reminds you of the gigantic Japanese capital and perhaps the catchy song that TikTok embedded in our memory.
Although the rent does not fall below $500 USD in a shared apartment, it is worth saving to travel and live in the largest city in the world. Imagine almost endless streets with neon lights, electronics, anime, video games, karaoke and delicious food.
When you tire of the hustle and bustle, escape to the Imperial Palace or Yoyogi Parks to enjoy the cherry blossoms and exquisite Japanese gardening. Or if you prefer, seek out a spiritual experience at the Sensoji and Meiji temples. From here discover all the tourist places in Japan!
- Singapore, Singapore
Remember that planet-city from Star Wars? Well, Singapore is a city that encompasses a whole country. With an area five times larger than that of Valencia, it shows the development, ambition and innovation of Southeast Asia.
Here you can go from one attraction to another in minutes. Thus, you can enjoy the paradisiacal beaches of Tanjong and Sentosa in the morning. In the afternoon, you visit the Hanging Gardens and the art galleries. And at night you’re going to celebrate in Marina Bay.
As you can imagine, the reduced space increases the demand for accommodation and, therefore, the rent. This ranges from $800 to $1,500 USD per month for students. In compensation, the salaries are very good, especially in IT and medical research.
- Cape Town, South Africa
From Southeast Asia we go to South Africa. In this great country, birthplace of social leaders and singers, Cape Town has everything a young adventurer could ask for: beach, delicious food, multiculturalism, fun and excitement.
If you like to live close to nature, this capital offers you incredible places to enjoy the outdoors. Climb Table Mountain to watch the sunset, explore Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, or spot penguins at Boulder Beach.
In this city you can get a private room from $550 USD in a shared apartment. If you want to work, the best offers are in the banking and technology sector.
- Tel Aviv, Israel
Our journey ends by going north to the Middle East. Here the capital of Israel claims a place among the best cities in the world to live. And it is that, despite the tensions, this city facing the Mediterranean has an offer of entertainment and culture without equal.
In Tel Aviv it is almost obligatory to go sunbathing and swimming at Banana Beach. From there, you can visit the old town, with a history of more than 2 thousand years. And, to close the day, enjoy the party in the bars and clubs that surround the entertainment center.
For those who want to live here for a while, the best job opportunities are in the industries that move the city: high-tech, your
For those who want to live here for a while, the best job opportunities are in the industries that move the city: high-tech, tourism and finance. The salaries are very good and it allows you to pay the cost of living.
Choose one of the best cities in the world to live in!
From the most famous capitals to small urban gems, options abound for going abroad for an international experience. It’s up to you to choose the one that fits your budget, tastes and needs.
And if you have already decided, but you are nervous about taking the leap, our friends at GrowPro advise you to make the most of your trip when studying abroad and working. They can even help you if you are already at your destination and want to extend your stay!
Well, this concludes our tour of the 15 best cities in the world to live. Follow your travel instinct and start planning the adventure of your life in 2023!
