Most livable cities for expats, Dubai takes 9th place

• Dubai has once again been recognized as one of the best cities in the world for work and securing a livable environment.
• The Emirate has been ranked as the third most preferred city in Asia for expats, with a score of 6.81.
• The average tax-free salary in Dubai is the second highest among all Asian cities, with a figure of $3,894.

Dubai has been recognized as one of the best cities in the world for work and being livable.

According to the latest Global Expat Index, Dubai has secured the 9th spot with a score of 6.80, surpassing other popular destinations such as Toronto, Sydney, and Lisbon.

Additionally, the emirate has been ranked as the third most preferred city in Asia for expats, with a score of 6.81, while Abu Dhabi has landed on the 8th spot with a score of 6.09.

As per the report by Preply, an online language learning marketplace, Dubai is known for its luxurious lifestyle, however, its cost of living is relatively high, standing at $3,787 per month.

Nevertheless, the average tax-free salary in Dubai is the second highest among all Asian cities, with a figure of $3,894.

Moreover, the UAE’s favorable tax laws, which include no income tax, can benefit those earning more than $64,000 annually.

Dubai has also scored high on the safety index, with a score of 83.40, making it the third-safest city in the ranking.

Meanwhile, the average cost of living in Abu Dhabi, Dubai’s neighboring emirate, was $3,501, with the tax-free salary averaging $3,597.

Abu Dhabi has also been ranked as the safest livable city in Asia, with a score of 86.71.

Other top expat cities

Tallinn, Estonia topped the list with the highest overall expat score of 7.35 out of 10, making it the best city for work and living.

Estonia’s capital city also scored a high safety index of 77 out of 100, placing it among the top 10 safest cities for expats. Bern, Switzerland ranked second with a score of 7.32, followed by Singapore and Basel, Switzerland, jointly occupying the third spot with a score of 7.08.

Toronto and Sydney jointly ranked 11th on the list with a score of 6.76, while Lisbon was at 16 with a score of 6.54

On the Asia index, Singapore took first place as the ideal city for expats looking for the best-suited areas to move to in 2024, with a score of 7.20.

The top three positions were rounded off by Bangkok in second place with a score of 6.96, followed by Dubai at 6.81.