By 2050, it is predicted that about 70% of the world’s population will inhabit big cities. Different people are drawn to the charm of large cities because they are cultural and economic hubs. As a result, moving to a big city in the near future has become many folks’ goal. If you’re one of those people, check the top five best for American expats.
The top five cities to take into consideration when choosing the most suitable city to live in include: Kuala Lumpur, Málaga, Dubai, Tbilisi, and Lisbon. Check what each place has to offer and pick the one that will suit you the best.
There Are Things You Should Get Used to When Moving to a Big City Across the World
Making the big move to a foreign city is always a challenging thing to do, no matter if you’re doing it for the first time or have done it many times before. However, there are some things that you should get used to when making this transition that will help make the adjustment process a bit easier.
The first thing you have to do when wondering how to move to a big city alone is to find a reliable international moving company. Still, If you wish to have an efficient overseas move, it’s crucial that you book only the best international moving services. While you don’t necessarily have to get a packing service, you shouldn’t just go out and hire the first international movers you find, as that could be one of the biggest relocation mistakes you could ever make.
In order to avoid that, the best relocation hack is to create a to-do list that will keep you updated and help you manage time during the move. With that down, let’s see some other things you should consider before relocating.
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Everything Is So Much Bigger Than You Are Used To
One of the biggest culture shocks you’ll experience when relocating to a metropolis is the sheer size of it. Everything is larger in a big city – the population, the buildings, and even the pace of life. It can be overwhelming at first, but you’ll quickly get used to it and learn to love the bustle of city life. It doesn’t matter if you may have lived in a big city before – everything could seem so much bigger when you move internationally. While it can be overwhelming at first, you’ll quickly get used to it.
Commuting Will Take Time
Traffic could be much worse than you’re used to. This is one downside of living in a big city. With so many people trying to get to work, school, or home at the same time, traffic can grind to a halt. However, if you plan your trips carefully, you can avoid the worst of the traffic jams.
One of the first things you’ll notice when arriving in a new city is the public transportation system. Depending on where you’re coming from, it may be very different from what you’re used to. In New York City, for example, the subway system is extensive, and getting around is relatively easy once you understand how it works. However, in other cities like London or Paris, the public transportation system can be much more complicated. It’s important to do your research, besides packing your essentials, before arriving so that you know what to expect and can plan accordingly.
Cost of Living Will Be Higher
If you’re coming from a small town, be aware that the cost of living in a metropolis is going to be much higher. Embrace this fact, especially when moving overseas. This is one of the biggest adjustments you’ll have to make when making this kind of relocation. Count on a different currency, so be sure to know how much you’ll actually need for all the monthly expenses. The best way to do it is to have a relocation checklist where you’ll put all the expenses you’ll need to cover every month. Everything from rent to groceries is more expensive in a big city. Still, if you budget carefully, you’ll be able to make ends meet without too much difficulty.
There Will Be Plenty of Job Opportunities
If you’re looking for work, a big city is a place to be. With so many businesses and industries concentrated in one place, there are more job openings and opportunities for advancement.
If you have the right skills and qualifications, you can find work in a variety of industries. There is always a demand for skilled workers in almost all countries. With the right attitude and approach, you can find work in almost any country in the world.
#1 Kuala Lumpur Stands Out Among Best Cities for Expats
When you’re planning to move to another country but looking for something more exotic than, for example, Europe, Malaysia could be a great choice. The relocation doesn’t have to be traumatic when you plan the entire process and have a reliable relocation crew by your side. According to the study, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Kuala Lumpur is about $410, while the cost of living for expats in Malaysia’s largest metropolis is approximately $1,000.
Digital nomads and business professionals may also value Kuala Lumpur’s coworking spaces, which have the lowest average monthly cost out of the top 20 cities in the ranking, about $85. However, it was discovered that the city’s internet speed was among the slowest. Still, they are doing their best to resolve this major issue, and since 2019, the situation has been much improved. At the moment, the upload speed is at around 54 Mbps, while the download is at about 83 Mbps.
If this topic seems interesting, check the video below and see what countries have the fastest and the slowest internet speed in the world.
#2 Málaga Is a Capital for Culture Vultures
Spanish people are well-known all over the globe for their hospitality and friendly approach to foreign people. Málaga’s local people make no difference. So, don’t worry if you are planning to live on your own because you surely won’t feel alone.
Málaga boasts year-round summers, immaculate Mediterranean beaches, and amazing cuisine and fits every imaginable lifestyle in addition to being one of Europe’s safest cities. So, yes, it’s a terrific spot for expats.
For culture vultures, Malaga is a cultural haven. In terms of culture, something is always happening. Because Malaguenos are so devoted to music and dancing, other Spaniards call Málaga “Cantaora” (singer). Flamenco has its own event every November called Flamenco Biennial and is deeply embedded in Malagueo culture. In fact, here all year there are festivals:
- The Contemporary Music Festival,
- the Verdiales Festival of dance,
- Málaga’s Carnival,
- Picasso Month in October,
- Málaga Feria – the fireworks-filled fair,
- Jazz festival – the largest one in Europe.
So, when you choose the best time of the year to move to Spain, ensure you’re prepared for all the amazing things you’ll get to do in Málaga.
#3 Dubai Welcomes All Expats
Dubai is known as the expat hotspot, and there are many reasons why. First of all is the lack of a language barrier, making it simple for expats from all over the world to adapt to the local culture. This can be extremely helpful when thinking about moving out for the first time. However, the fact that locals are kind to foreign inhabitants can be a lifesaver.
And if this isn’t enough, remember that Dubai is a place where expats enjoy a higher-than-average standard of living. However, when you’re organizing important documents for moving internationally and deciding what to keep, ensure you have a set budget because the cost of living surely is a bit higher.
#4 Tbilisi Provides Accessibility to “Western-Style” Amenities
The majority of Georgia’s cities (and, in fact, even the countryside) have a lot to offer. Which choice is “better” mostly relies on your personal preferences. The largest capital city of Georgia is Tbilisi, and the good news is that here most foreigners reside there. Perhaps surprisingly, Tbilisi is the city where people easily access the majority of “western-style” amenities. It’s undoubtedly the most practical location to relocate to, and it can be a pretty good reason for relocation.
#5 Lisbon Is an Exceptional Business Location
One of the world’s top startup hubs is located in the capital of Portugal. In fact, if you’re looking for a place to start a new business in the high-tech industry, Lisbon surely is among the best ones to do it. Lisbon’s suitable laws, incentives, and exemptions make it simple to start a new firm. Additionally, you can get fantastic reductions in office costs and advice from highly experienced experts. When it comes to providing a good atmosphere for a new enterprise, the city is fairly lively.
Include the tax advantages, too, as one of the reasons to live in a big city like Lisbon – Portugal provides tax advantages to visitors through its NHR program. The majority of your international income is exempt from tax thanks to this program. This inspired many expats from all over the world to consider Lisbon a second home.
Enjoy the Safe and Acceptable Place With Gorgeous Beaches
If you’re relocating at the last minute, don’t worry if you couldn’t explore the place thoroughly. Lisbon has low crime rates, making it a safe place to live in another country. It’s side by side with Vienna and Helsinki to be one of the continent’s top three urban areas.
Another benefit of relocating to Lisbon is not just that the place is secure but also fairly liberal and open to visitors. Regardless of gender, religion, nationality, social status, or sexual orientation, everyone is accepted in Lisbon. Whether you’re a native or an immigrant, the city will provide you with your own area. The welcoming environment makes it possible for many cultures to coexist in the metropolis.
Considering all this, you get why expats love Lisbon. But that’s not all – Libon also has amazing beaches. Some of the famous beaches you could visit include Praia de Santo Amaro and Praia de Carcavelos, all in the middle of the workday.
Relocating to a Big City Will Bring You Abundance of New Adventures
Relocating to a big city can be quite frightening, but it will also bring you a wealth of new adventures. From exploring all the new sights and sounds to trying out all the different cuisines on offer, there is so much to experience. Life in the big city surely will bring all these opportunities, just ensure you hire the right international mover who will make the whole transition a breeze.