Valencia and Alicante number 1 and 2 in Top 10 of favourite expat cities
Every year Internations conducts an "Expat Insider" survey. This results in a ranking of the best expat countries in the world in the autumn of that year. In 2020, the Expat Insider team opted for a different route. This survey focused on two important factors. First factor was "sustainability and the environment". The second factor to investigate was "daily local life in various cities". Expats like to enjoy a pleasant urban lifestyle. As well as a greener and more sustainable live. More than 15,000 respondents worldwide participated in the study. Together they represented 173 different nationalities in 181 countries.
The survey stated questions such as: how easy is it for an expat to find affordable housing? Or what are the possibilities to relax after work? How do you score the local economy? What is the quality of public transport? Is it easy to make new friends? The answers resulted in an overview of the best and worst expat cities in the world. Bear in mind that the survey was held before the pandemic. But, the virus was already in Asia.
Spain is doing well
Spain came out well in the above-mentioned questionnaire. There are four Spanish cities in the top 10 of "Best Expatriate Cities in the World". The beautiful city of Valencia takes the first place. In second place is Alicante (the capital of the Costa Blanca). In sixth place we have Malaga and ninth place is Madrid. A surprise that Barcelona is not in the top 20. Respondents consider Barcelona as an ideal city for a city-break. As an expat city it did not get any further than the 25th place.
Spain has 4 cities in the Top 10, but for "environment and sustainability" it is in the 20th place. The top 3 of best expatriate countries in the world is a Scandinavian get-together. Finland ranks one, Sweden second and Norway third. Germany ranks 8th, The Netherlands 12th, France 17th, Belgium 27th and the United Kingdom 28th.
Scores Valencia and Alicante
The study had 4 main categories, each with some sub-categories.
For each (sub)category we will look at how both cities scored. The number behind the city refers to the position in the ranking.
1. QUALITY OF URBAN LIFE
Valencia: 1
Alicante: 19
1.a Relaxation and climate
Valencia: 1
Alicante: 7
1.b Transportation
Valencia: 21
Alicante: 46
1.c Security & Politics
Valencia: 34
Alicante: 39
1.d Health and environment
Valencia: 1
Alicante: 6
Comments:
As already said, Valencia is the absolute winner. It scores highest in the sub-categories "Relaxation and Climate" and "Health and Environment". The expatriates extraordinarily satisfied with the range of healthcare on offer. And they love the quality and cost of healthcare. The climate is as a big plus. More than 300 days of sunshine and almost no winter. According to the respondents, Valencia offers a lot to relax and enjoy after work. Public transport in Valencia is also rated positively. The feeling of security is great among the expatriates living in Valencia.
The expats in Alicante are very satisfied with the climate and the health system. They are more reticent about the quality of public transport in Alicante. As well as the feeling of security.
2. TO SETTLE
Alicante: 1
Valencia: 4
2.a Local friendliness
Valencia: 3
Alicante: 6
2.b Welcome feeling
Alicante: 2
Valencia: 3
2.c Friends and socializing
Alicante: 2
Valencia: 6
Comments:
According to the respondents, it is easy to make new friends in Alicante. They are very satisfied with their social life. It is not that difficult to learn the language. On top, the locals are friendly towards foreigners. Respondents stated it was easy to adapt to the new culture. 83% of them feels at home in the capital of the Costa Blanca.
3. WORKING IN THE CITIES
Alicante: 39
Valencia: 46
3.a Job and career
Alicante: 54
Valencia: 62
3.b Job security
Alicante: 40
Valencia: 47
3.c Work-life balance
Valencia: 21
Alicante: 29
Comments:
It is no surprise that both Valencia and Alicante do not score high in terms of work. Unemployment in Spain is high. Especially among young people. The IMF states it takes until 2026 to reach the pre-pandemic unemployment level. returns to pre-pandemic levels. And Alicante and Valencia are no exception. Luxembourg City, Amsterdam and Hamburg are 1, 2 and 3 respectively.
4. FINANCIAL AND HOUSING
Alicante: 2
Valencia: 3
4.a Financial
Alicante: 1
Valencia: 10
4.b Housing
Valencia: 2
Alicante: 3
4.c Cost of living
Valencia: 1
Alicante: 2
Comments:
The 2020 survey showed that expatriates in Alicante with satisfied with the local housing market. More than 2/3 find the houses in Alicante affordable. Four out of five respondents said it easy to find a home. 81% of respondents in Alicante are happy with their financial situation. One of the comments was: the sun, the cheap food and wine and the cost of living are very attractive in Alicante. Yet the majority earn less than the average worldwide. So, money is not the main reason to move to Alicante. It is a higher quality of life.
Valencia also scores well in this category. The majority of those surveyed find the houses very affordable. Four out of five find it easy to find a home. According to the respondents you get "value for money". The cost of living in Valencia rates very high. Like in Alicante, expats earn less in Valencia than the global average. But here too, finding a higher quality of life is the most important goal.
Respondents in both Alicante and Valencia are ok with their financial situation. More than expatriates in cities like Madrid and Barcelona. Madrid scored 34 and Barcelona even 46 in the "Finance & Housing Index" category. It is difficult to find a home and the cost of living is high.
In one of our future BLOGs we will talk about what to do and see in Valencia and Alicante. The Orange Villas team thinks that both cities have a lot to offer. Valencia is more mundane while Alicante is a city, but still not. Would you like to live in this region, but not in a city like Valencia or Alicante? Take a look at our website for alternatives. The advantage of towns like Moraira, Benissa and Javea is that it is in the middle of Valencia and Alicante. It is easy to reach both cities. Life is more authentic, quieter and affordable. The choice is yours. The Orange Villas team is on standby to advise and assist you.
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