InterNations, a relationship company for people who have lived in their countries, published an annual report with the best cities to live, work and make friends in 2020. About 20,000 people were interviewed. Here is the list of the top 10:
10. BASEL, SWITZERLAND
Almost all respondents who reside in Basel are satisfied with the safety, transportation and environment in the city. Despite this, 3 out of 10 say they have not been able to get used to the local culture and do not feel welcome by the locals. Basel is considered the best city in Switzerland in terms of the cost of living and housing, although the country is one of the most expensive in the world.
Basel, Switzerland Unsplash / Abi Hinchley
9. THE HAGUE, NETHERLANDS
The city was well ranked by respondents for ensuring job stability. Despite this, the number of careers available is limited and many people do not adapt to the Dutch climate.
Haia, at Holanda Unsplash / Jorik Kleen
8. ZUG, SWITZERLAND
All respondents said they were satisfied with local transport, with the quality of the environment and with safety in the city. But most do not feel comfortable in the city and report that the inhabitants are hostile towards foreign residents
Zug, Switzerland Unsplash / Ricardo Angel
The climate, the variety of leisure activities and the facility to get used to the local culture and make friends were the points highlighted by the interviewees about the city.
Barcelona, Spain Unsplash / Alfons Taekema
6. LISBON, PORTUGAL
Lisbon was considered a good city for people to settle down and make friends. The city has a lively nightlife, easy access to the beach and beautiful historic scenery.
Lisbon, in Portugal Unsplash / Tom Byrom
5. MONTREAL, CANADA
The city had a high ranking in terms of professional life, cost of living and easy access to housing, being better rated than Toronto and Vancouver. Almost half of the people, however, do not feel adapted to the local climate.
Montreal, Canada Unsplash / Jamshed Khedri
4. SINGAPORE
Singapore was identified as an expanding economy, in which respondents said they felt safe and happy with the city’s political situation. Transport costs and the difficulty in balancing professional and personal life were identified as negative points.
Singapura Unsplash/Zhu Hongzhi
3. HO CHI MINH, VIETNAM
Ease of finding housing and a low cost of living were considered the strengths of Ho Chi Minh. City hygiene and a lack of environmental awareness, however, were considered negative points.
Synagogue in Ho Chi Min, Vietnam Unsplash / Michu Dang
2. KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA
Respondents said that the food, the local culture, the low cost of living, the ease of communicating in English and traveling around Asia from Malaysia are the highlights of the city. The job prospects for foreigners, however, were considered low – the government imposes restrictions to protect its local workforce.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Unsplash / Pawel Szymankiewicz
1. TAIPEI, TAIWAN
Taipei was praised for the low cost of living, the wide variety of foods, the quality of health care, safety and professional prospects. The country was one of the first in the world to legalize same-sex marriage in 2019. Among the negative points were the difficulty in learning the local language.
Taipei, Taiwan
