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According to , the biggest community for people living abroad, in2023, Malaga, Spain, is the best city in the world to live in. This award shows that the capital of the Costa del Sol is not only a beautiful city but it also provides a great quality of life. Let's explore why living in Malaga is so popular with both expats and locals.

Located in the southern part of Andalusia, is one of the world's oldest cities. It is famous for its impressive heritage, sunshine, and beautiful Mediterranean setting. The birthplace of the world-famous artist Pablo Picasso, Malaga is an enchanting artistic hub and home to many museums. The city's nice weather and delicious food enhance the quality of life, making it an ideal place for those who appreciate a mix of historical and cultural charm.

Malaga's ranking as the number one city for expatriates in 2023 also speaks volumes about its neighboring city, Marbella. Located just 40 minutes away, Marbella shares many of the qualities that make Malaga so appealing. Known as the most luxurious town of Malaga province, Marbella boasts exclusive properties, top-notch restaurants, Blue Flag beaches, and a lavish lifestyle. Its proximity to Malaga allows residents and visitors to enjoy the best of both worlds: on one hand, Malaga’s rich cultural heritage and big-city attractions, and on the other, Marbella’s seaside resort charm and luxurious, upscale living.

The survey, which involved more than 12,000 expatriates from 177 nationalities, ranked Malaga at the top for several reasons:

• Safety and Affordability: People also really appreciate the city's safety and cheap public transport. Plus, there are many affordable fun activities and a lively social life on a budget.

• Local Friendliness and Quality of Life: Expatriates praised the local friendliness, a crucial factor for those settling into a new city. The quality of life in Malaga, enhanced by its climate and cultural offerings, stood out in the survey.

• Work and Leisure Balance: Malaga scored high in the work and leisure balance category. This indicates that the city offers a harmonious blend of professional opportunities and personal well-being. 

"I moved to Malaga and specifically Marbella for its renowned lifestyle, and I haven't been disappointed. The fantastic weather, friendly locals, rich culture, and delicious food make every day here a joy. It's no surprise that Malaga is rated the best city to live in – it's why I, and many others, proudly call it our (second) home."

Spain is a top choice for expats, ranking 2nd out of 53 countries in the Expat Insider 2023 survey, and even taking the 1st place in the Quality of Life Index. Expats love living in Spain for many reasons:

1. Great Quality of Life: Spain leads globally in offering a high quality of life. Expats are particularly happy with their Health and Well-being (4th) and Leisure Options (1st). 
2. Social and Cultural Integration: Expats find it easy to settle into the local culture, ranking Spain 2nd in this area. They enjoy a vibrant social life (10th) and feel at home in Spain, with 80% feeling more settled than the global average.
3. Leisure and Healthcare: Spain is known for its leisure activities, consistently ranking in the Top 10 since 2014. The country offers a rich cultural and nightlife scene, and opportunities for recreational sports, supported by its pleasant climate (3rd). Healthcare is another strong point, with expats satisfied with its availability and affordability.
4. Building a Social Network: Many expats in Spain have a strong personal support network and are happy with their social lives, scoring higher than the global average in these aspects.

An impressive 87% of expats are happy with their life in Spain, which is significantly higher than the global average of 72%.

It's noteworthy that Spain, as a country, performed exceptionally well in the rankings, with five cities, and with , , and , featuring in the top 20. This reflects the country's overall appeal in terms of lifestyle, ease of settling in, and personal finance management.

While Malaga shines bright, the survey also sheds light on global trends in expatriate satisfaction. Cities like New York and Miami, which previously enjoyed spots in the top 20, have seen a decline, mainly due to the high cost of living and work-life balance issues.

Malaga's ascent to the top of the world's best cities to live in is a story of a city that has managed to preserve its historical essence while evolving into a modern urban haven. It's a city where culture, comfort, and convenience converge, offering a lifestyle that's hard to match. Whether you're an expat seeking a new home or a traveler in search of your next destination, Malaga beckons with open arms and a promise of a life well-lived.

For a more comprehensive understanding and to dive deeper into the details, we encourage you to read the full .