Best cities for expats in Asia

Cities with large, established international communities in Asia — ranked by expat-scene score so your first months come with ready-made networks, not cold starts.

Methodology: Ranked by Jonzy expat-community score (0–100); safety breaks ties.

  1. 1. Singapore, Singapore

    Expat scene 90/100 · Safety 98/100 · $3,430/mo

    Expat scene 90/100 with 98/100 safety on about $3,430/mo.

  2. 2. Lusail, Qatar

    Expat scene 88/100 · Safety 92/100 · $3,010/mo

    Expat scene 88/100 with 92/100 safety on about $3,010/mo.

  3. 3. Dubai, UAE

    Expat scene 88/100 · Safety 88/100 · $3,080/mo

    Expat scene 88/100 with 88/100 safety on about $3,080/mo.

  4. 4. Penang, Malaysia

    Expat scene 88/100 · Safety 80/100 · $1,170/mo

    Expat scene 88/100 with 80/100 safety on about $1,170/mo.

  5. 5. Phuket, Thailand

    Expat scene 88/100 · Safety 72/100 · $1,275/mo

    Expat scene 88/100 with 72/100 safety on about $1,275/mo.

  6. 6. Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

    Expat scene 86/100 · Safety 80/100 · $2,610/mo

    Expat scene 86/100 with 80/100 safety on about $2,610/mo.

  7. 7. Bangkok, Thailand

    Expat scene 86/100 · Safety 74/100 · $1,380/mo

    Expat scene 86/100 with 74/100 safety on about $1,380/mo.

  8. 8. Abu Dhabi, UAE

    Expat scene 85/100 · Safety 90/100 · $2,930/mo

    Expat scene 85/100 with 90/100 safety on about $2,930/mo.

  9. 9. Chiang Mai, Thailand

    Expat scene 85/100 · Safety 82/100 · $910/mo

    Expat scene 85/100 with 82/100 safety on about $910/mo.

  10. 10. Manama, Bahrain

    Expat scene 84/100 · Safety 82/100 · $1,630/mo

    Expat scene 84/100 with 82/100 safety on about $1,630/mo.

  11. 11. Canggu, Indonesia

    Expat scene 84/100 · Safety 76/100 · $1,410/mo

    Expat scene 84/100 with 76/100 safety on about $1,410/mo.

  12. 12. Bali, Indonesia

    Expat scene 84/100 · Safety 72/100 · $1,300/mo

    Expat scene 84/100 with 72/100 safety on about $1,300/mo.

Frequently asked questions

Best cities for expats in Asia — which city is #1?

Singapore, Singapore tops this list. Expat scene 90/100 with 98/100 safety on about $3,430/mo. Lusail and Dubai round out the top three.

How is this ranking calculated?

Ranked by Jonzy expat-community score (0–100); safety breaks ties. 86 catalog cities in Asia qualified for this list; the top 12 are shown. Scores are catalog averages, not personalised — Jonzy re-ranks every city for your own income, passport and lifestyle when you sign in.

How much does it cost to live in the top city in Asia?

Singapore runs about $3,430/month all-in for one person — rent, food, transport, healthcare, utilities and everyday extras. See the Singapore city guide for the full cost breakdown, visa options and FAQ.