Bangkok drops to 9th in most livable cities for expats: Poll

UAE’s Al Khaimah and Abu Dhabi ranked fourth and fifth respectively, followed by Madrid (6th), Mexico City (7th), Kuala Lumpur (8th), Bangkok (9th) and Muscat, the capital of Oman, taking the last place in the top ten.

As for Bangkok, the poll result showed that it is among the best-rated destinations in the Personal Finance Index (2nd). Expats find the financial situation (3rd) and the general cost of living (5th) in Bangkok very satisfactory. 86% of respondents say that their disposable household income is enough or more than enough to lead a comfortable life (vs 73% globally).

Bangkok also does very well in the Ease of Settling In Index (10th). Expats are especially happy with the friendliness of the local residents (8th) and their thriving social life, said InterNations.

In the Working Abroad Index (35th), Bangkok nearly ends up in the bottom 5 of the Work Culture & Satisfaction Subcategory (44th). Expats report that the local business culture does not encourage creativity (45th), independent work (45th), or flexibility (40th).

However, Bangkok’s Housing Index ranks 1st globally — expats say it’s both affordable and easy to find (2nd for both). Overall, 85% of expats are happy with their life in Bangkok, compared to 72% globally.

InterNations says it has 5 million members. It surveys them annually to select the best and worst cities for expats to live and work in globally.