Best cities for expats in the Americas

Cities with large, established international communities in the Americas — 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. New York, United States

    Expat scene 92/100 · Safety 72/100 · $4,970/mo

    Expat scene 92/100 with 72/100 safety on about $4,970/mo.

  2. 2. Toronto, Canada

    Expat scene 90/100 · Safety 74/100 · $2,970/mo

    Expat scene 90/100 with 74/100 safety on about $2,970/mo.

  3. 3. Boquete, Panama

    Expat scene 88/100 · Safety 88/100 · $1,350/mo

    Expat scene 88/100 with 88/100 safety on about $1,350/mo.

  4. 4. Vancouver, Canada

    Expat scene 88/100 · Safety 84/100 · $2,840/mo

    Expat scene 88/100 with 84/100 safety on about $2,840/mo.

  5. 5. Tamarindo, Costa Rica

    Expat scene 88/100 · Safety 80/100 · $1,540/mo

    Expat scene 88/100 with 80/100 safety on about $1,540/mo.

  6. 6. Cabarete, Dominican Republic

    Expat scene 88/100 · Safety 78/100 · $1,330/mo

    Expat scene 88/100 with 78/100 safety on about $1,330/mo.

  7. 7. Cuenca, Ecuador

    Expat scene 88/100 · Safety 78/100 · $970/mo

    Expat scene 88/100 with 78/100 safety on about $970/mo.

  8. 8. Cancún, Mexico

    Expat scene 88/100 · Safety 70/100 · $1,380/mo

    Expat scene 88/100 with 70/100 safety on about $1,380/mo.

  9. 9. Miami, United States

    Expat scene 88/100 · Safety 70/100 · $3,630/mo

    Expat scene 88/100 with 70/100 safety on about $3,630/mo.

  10. 10. San Francisco, United States

    Expat scene 88/100 · Safety 58/100 · $4,730/mo

    Expat scene 88/100 with 58/100 safety on about $4,730/mo.

  11. 11. San José, Costa Rica

    Expat scene 86/100 · Safety 70/100 · $1,450/mo

    Expat scene 86/100 with 70/100 safety on about $1,450/mo.

  12. 12. Los Angeles, United States

    Expat scene 86/100 · Safety 62/100 · $3,980/mo

    Expat scene 86/100 with 62/100 safety on about $3,980/mo.

Frequently asked questions

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

New York, United States tops this list. Expat scene 92/100 with 72/100 safety on about $4,970/mo. Toronto and Boquete round out the top three.

How is this ranking calculated?

Ranked by Jonzy expat-community score (0–100); safety breaks ties. 84 catalog cities in the Americas 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 the Americas?

New York runs about $4,970/month all-in for one person — rent, food, transport, healthcare, utilities and everyday extras. See the New York city guide for the full cost breakdown, visa options and FAQ.