Underrated EU city named the best place for British expats and it's not in Spain

Moving to another country can be hard, but what is life without a little challenge? If you’re looking for somewhere to start afresh, the best city for British expats has been named - and it’s not Spain.

According to reports, Zurich, in Switzerland, has been crowned as the best place to live. Surprisingly, three other Swiss cities also appear in the top 10 list of the best places for those wishing to relocate abroad. These include Geneva, Basel, and Lausanne, all of which offer their own unique qualities for expats looking for a high quality of life.

Switzerland currently hosts approximately 400,000 expats, and from those, 40,000 are said to be British expats. Zurich is also the city with the largest expat community, with other cities including Basel, Geneva, Lucerne, Zug, Lausanne, Lugano, and Winterthur.

Zurich has long been regarded as one of the most liveable cities in the world, and its outstanding public services, vibrant cultural scene, and low crime rates are just a few of the reasons expats don't think twice about moving to this city. Zurich also boasts some of the best public transport systems in Europe, with an efficient network of trains, buses, and trams, making getting around the city both easy and affordable.

The city's commitment to sustainability sets it apart as a great example, from its green spaces and eco-friendly architecture, Zurich values the environment and works to maintain its high quality of life.

For families, Zurich offers excellent education opportunities. Switzerland is known for its education system, and Zurich is no exception, providing expat children with an easy transition and learning experience.

In addition to its education and sustainability efforts, Zurich’s international connections are growing. The city's airport now is offering more flights to global destinations such as Seoul, Shanghai, Toronto, and Washington. Dr James Pearson, an airline route analyst, told Euronews Travel, “In 2024, Zurich gained flights to Atlanta, Cluj-Napoca, Djerba, Košice, and Tunis, making it easier than ever for expats to get home and away.”

Despite its many advantages, Zurich has a few downsides. The city’s strong economy and high quality of life come with a price: It's one of the most expensive cities in the world. Rent prices are a staggering 127.6% higher than those in Vienna, and groceries are around 65% more expensive than in other European cities. Expats may find it difficult to adjust to the cost of living, particularly when it comes to housing and everyday expenses.

Expats might also find it challenging at the beginning to integrate with locals because of the Swiss culture, which tends to be traditional and reserved. While English is widely spoken in business and tourist areas, learning the local languages, which are German, French, or Italian, will undoubtedly help expats feel more integrated and comfortable.

Despite these challenges, Zurich continues to rank highly. In fact, Zurich was named the second happiest city in the world in 2024, just behind Aarhus in Denmark. The city’s strong sense of community, excellent healthcare, and work-life balance contribute to the well-being of its residents. The mix of beautiful natural surroundings, including Lake Zurich and the nearby Swiss Alps, also adds to the city’s appeal, offering plenty of things to do, not just to tourists but also the locals.

For British expats considering a move abroad, Zurich presents a unique combination of stability and quality of life. Although the cost of living can be high, it has been named as the best city for British expats for a reason.