Our Methodology
Data you can build a life on.
We aggregate insights from the world's most trusted expat and nomad indices to produce a transparent, weighted score for every city.
The BestExpatCity Index
Five dimensions, each scored 0-10, combined into a weighted 0-100 overall score. Weights can be adjusted per persona — nomads prioritize Work Readiness, families prioritize Safety.
Score = 0.25 × QL + 0.25 × WR + 0.20 × CF + 0.15 × ES + 0.15 × SS
The five dimensions
- Quality of Life (25%) — Healthcare quality, climate satisfaction, leisure & environment, sunshine hours. Source: InterNations QoL Index, Fortune methodology.
- Work & Digital Readiness (25%) — Internet speed (Ookla), coworking density, digital nomad visa, timezone alignment. Source: Nomad List, Ookla Speedtest.
- Cost & Financial Comfort (20%) — Rent (1-bed, center), local purchasing power, solo monthly budget, tax friendliness. Source: Numbeo, Mercer Cost of Living.
- Ease of Settling & Community (15%) — English proficiency, local friendliness, expat community size, admin simplicity. Source: InterNations Ease of Settling In.
- Safety & Stability (15%) — Crime rates, political stability, visa friendliness, airport connectivity. Source: Global Peace Index, government advisories.
Primary data inputs
| Source | Metric type | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| InterNations Expat Insider | Quality of Life, Settling In | Annual |
| Mercer Quality of Living | Corporate QoL & hardship | Annual |
| Nomad List | Digital nomad sentiment | Real-time |
| Numbeo | Cost of living indices | Monthly |
| Ookla Speedtest | Internet infrastructure | Quarterly |
| Fortune DN methodology | Structured QoL variables | Annual |
| Official government portals | Visa policy & tax | As needed |