This European City is The Number One Choice for Expats in 2024

Moving to another country is an excellent idea if you want a change in your life. You get to experience another culture in so many different ways, from the food and lifestyle to traditions and language.

With so many wonderful European countries, choosing only one can be challenging.

However, if you want to move to a city many expats already approve of, you will love the Mediterranean sunkissed city of Malaga.

Malaga, located in beautiful Southern Spain, was voted the best city in Europe (and the world!) in 2023. It occupied the first place in the 49 expat city ranking, according to InterNations.

If you wonder what makes it a top destination among expats and digital nomads, this blog tells you the upvoted reasons.

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6 Reasons why Malaga is a perfect destination for expats

1. The Friendly Locals

Moving to a different country isn’t all roses, and being welcomed by the local community makes things easier.

In fact, welcoming locals is one of the reasons why Malaga is a top destination in Europe for expats and digital nomads.

Locals are happy to have people from other countries who appreciate the city and the culture, so they are always attentive and friendly.

This is unsurprising as Spain is on the top list of the friendliest countries in Europe, so making friends in Malaga isn’t difficult.

The easiest ways to make friends are language exchanges, but you can also join Facebook groups for expats who arrange events or work remotely from a coffee shop.

2. The Sunny and Warm Weather

The weather is another key aspect for expats choosing Malaga and the Costa del Sol as their new home.

Malaga enjoys over 300 days of sunshine every year. The weather is simply beautiful – blue skies, sunny and warm.

Summer in Malaga is hot, but the rest of the year is pleasant. Although there’s a big temperature difference between day and night, you won’t experience extremely cold temperatures in winter. 

If you come from a Northern European country, you will appreciate Malaga’s temperatures, and you might even want to sunbathe or take a dip in the sea in winter.

3. The Wide Variety of Leisure Options

Malaga is renowned for its beaches with excellent facilities, but there are many more leisure activities than spending the day soaking up the sun on the beach.

Its museums, art galleries, concerts and festivals are worth mentioning as well. You can visit museums of all sorts, from wine and music to video games and fashion. Then you also have all the main attractions, including the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle.

When you live in Malaga, you can visit many of these places for free on Sunday afternoons. Plus, you always want to keep an eye on the city’s event calendar. Experience Spanish Easter processions, Malaga’s Fair and more.

Whether you want to immerse yourself in the Spanish culture or engage in outdoor activities, you can do both in Malaga.

4. The Affordability 

It isn’t the cheapest city in Europe, but living in Malaga is more affordable than in any city in the UK, the USA, or other countries.

Rent is the most expensive expense, but finding a flat outside Malaga’s city centre helps cut costs. Food is cheap, and eating in a traditional cafe or restaurant won’t break the bank.

In addition to this, there are many free activities, including ones for expat families. You can go on a hike, visit the local park, or go to the beach without spending much money. 

Transportation is also good and inexpensive. You don’t need a car if you plan to live in Malaga. 

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5. The Fantastic Expat Community

Having people from your home country is a bonus. It’s always nice to communicate in the same language and get a taste of home when you live abroad.

According to Malaga Hoy newspaper, there are approximately 322,278 expats in Malaga province. Therefore, the expat community is extensive, and you can meet people from all over the world.

A big expat community is fantastic because you have people who can relate to being an expat in Malaga, share your struggles, and be supportive.

6. The Delicious Local Food

Last but not least, Malaga is a fantastic place to live if you’re a foodie. Fish and seafood are very delicious, and many Malaga traditional dishes include one or both. 

The high quality of vegetables and fruits is also worth mentioning, as many are grown in Spain, so Spain doesn’t rely on imports. There is a wide variety of fruits and tomatoes, including the huevo de toro grown in Malaga.

Although the local cuisine predominates, you can now find more international restaurants.

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