Best cities in Asia for expats
Asia has the widest cost spread of any region here — from Chiang Mai to Singapore is roughly a 6× difference for the same household. Safety and healthcare are what separate the shortlist from the rest.
The ranking
| # | City | Match | Monthly cost | Left over | Why it ranks here |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Singapore | 86% | $3,676 | $3,779 | 3,779 USD/month left after costsSafety scores 94/100Healthcare scores 92/100English usability scores 92/100No remote-work visa route |
| 2 | Hong Kong Hong Kong SAR | 81% | $3,435 | $3,443 | 3,443 USD/month left after costsSafety scores 86/100Healthcare scores 84/100Connectivity scores 96/100No remote-work visa route |
| 3 | Tokyo Japan | 75% | $2,588 | $1,781 | 1,781 USD/month left after costsSafety scores 94/100Healthcare scores 88/100Connectivity scores 88/100English usability is weak here (30/100) |
| 4 | Seoul South Korea | 74% | $2,363 | $2,909 | 2,909 USD/month left after costsHealthcare scores 88/100Safety scores 86/100Affordability scores 77/100English usability is weak here (44/100) |
| 5 | Osaka Japan | 74% | $2,202 | $2,167 | 2,167 USD/month left after costsSafety scores 92/100Healthcare scores 86/100Connectivity scores 86/100English usability is weak here (26/100) |
| 6 | Taipei Taiwan | 71% | $1,747 | $4,833 | 4,833 USD/month left after costsSafety scores 88/100Healthcare scores 86/100Affordability scores 84/100English usability is weak here (44/100) |
| 7 | Kuala Lumpur Malaysia | 70% | $1,171 | $4,313 | 4,313 USD/month left after costsAffordability scores 85/100English usability scores 84/100Healthcare scores 76/100 |
| 8 | Bangkok Thailand | 67% | $1,383 | $4,893 | 4,893 USD/month left after costsAffordability scores 85/100English usability is weak here (34/100) |
| 9 | Chennai India | 63% | $695 | $5,212 | 5,212 USD/month left after costsAffordability scores 88/100Connectivity is weak here (14/100) |
| 10 | Mumbai India | 62% | $1,054 | $4,854 | 4,854 USD/month left after costsAffordability scores 86/100Connectivity is weak here (12/100) |
| 11 | Bangalore India | 61% | $852 | $5,055 | 5,055 USD/month left after costsAffordability scores 87/100English usability scores 80/100Getting around is weak here (42/100) |
| 12 | Pune India | 60% | $698 | $5,210 | 5,210 USD/month left after costsAffordability scores 88/100English usability scores 76/100Getting around is weak here (40/100) |
| 13 | Hyderabad India | 59% | $722 | $5,185 | 5,185 USD/month left after costsAffordability scores 88/100English usability scores 76/100Getting around is weak here (43/100) |
| 14 | Chiang Mai Thailand | 59% | $948 | $5,328 | 5,328 USD/month left after costsAffordability scores 87/100Safety scores 76/100English usability is weak here (38/100) |
| 15 | Bali Indonesia | 59% | $1,344 | $4,269 | 4,269 USD/month left after costsAffordability scores 85/100Getting around is weak here (23/100) |
The top five, in detail
A ~15% effective tax ceiling and superb transit, paid for entirely in square metres.
The safest and best-connected megacity on earth, and — after a decade of yen weakness — cheaper than most of Western Europe.
Tokyo’s infrastructure at roughly 65% of its housing cost, with a warmer climate and a smaller English-speaking bubble.
Other guides
Frequently asked
How was this best cities in asia for expats list produced?
It is a calculation, not an opinion. Each of the 70 cities in the dataset is scored 0–100 on ten dimensions, weighted by the criteria for this guide (Asian cities only; Money left over on $96,000; Safety and healthcare; English proficiency; Broadband speed), and ranked on the weighted average. Costs are measured against a $96,000 gross salary taxed under each country's own rules.
What household does this price?
1 adult, in a 1-bed, city centre, at a moderate lifestyle, without a car. You can change all of that in the live tool.
What is the number one cities in asia for expats?
Singapore, Singapore, with a 86% match and a modelled monthly cost of $3,676 for this household. The best-run city in Asia with low taxes and top-tier healthcare — housing and car ownership are the exceptions.