Best Cities for French Expats in 2026:
Europe vs Southeast Asia
Best Cities for French Expats in 2026: Europe vs Southeast Asia
Thinking about relocating abroad? You’re not alone. More French expats than ever are looking beyond Paris—but the question isn’t just where to move, it’s where fits your lifestyle.
Whether you’re a family seeking international schools, a professional chasing opportunities, a retiree looking for paradise on a pension, or a digital nomad wanting the perfect base—this guide breaks down the top 20 European cities and compares them with Southeast Asia’s rising stars: Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines.
Europe’s Top 5 Expat Cities (You Might Not Expect)
A recent comprehensive ranking analyzing 43 European cities across 27 criteria revealed some surprises. Big capitals like Berlin, Brussels, and Rome ranked surprisingly low due to safety concerns and administrative complexity.
The winners? Smaller cities prioritizing quality of life over prestige.
Europe’s Top 5 Expat Cities (You Might Not Expect)1. Braga, Portugal (Score: 15.12/20)
The “Portuguese Rome” takes the crown with:- Ultra-affordable housing (€1,200-1,800/month for 2-bedroom)
- Extremely low crime and safe neighborhoods
- Rich culture without tourist crowds
- 40 minutes from Porto and beaches
2. Aalborg, Denmark (14.85/20)
This northern gem offers:
- Exceptional safety and cleanliness
- Top-tier education system
- Work-life balance culture
Catch: High costs (€2,500-3,500/month for families) and cold winters.
3. Málaga, Spain (14.45/20)
The Costa del Sol favorite combines:
- 300+ sunny days annually
- Affordable compared to Madrid/Barcelona
- Large expat community for easy integration
- Digital nomad infrastructure
Best for: Retirees, digital nomads, and sun-seeking families.
4. Vilnius, Lithuania (14.33/20)
Emerging tech hub, incredibly affordable, improving infrastructure.
5. Krakow, Poland (14.23/20)
Historic charm, low costs, growing expat scene.
Others in Top 20: Prague, Lisbon, Graz (Austria), Warsaw, Tallinn, Copenhagen, Helsinki.
The Big Shift: Why Smaller Cities Win
“French expats used to automatically target London, Berlin, or Madrid,” explains Anne-Laure Amilhat Szary, geographer specializing in migration. “Today, they dare to go further, prioritizing personal criteria even if it means language barriers.”
Why smaller cities?
- Tighter expat communities = stronger support networks
- Better integration = learning local language, deeper cultural connections
- Lower competition = housing, jobs, lifestyle
- Authentic experiences = beyond tourist traps
Southeast Asia: The Game-Changing Alternative
While Europe offers familiarity, Southeast Asia delivers compelling advantages:
> 50-70% lower costs than Europe
> Year-round tropical climate
> World-class private healthcare at affordable rates
> Flexible visa programs (digital nomad, retirement, investment)
> Excellent internet for remote work
> Rich cultures and incredible food scenes
Let’s compare the big three destinations:
Thailand: The Established Powerhouse
Expat Population: 5.3 million foreign nationals
French Community: 15,000-20,000
Why Thailand Leads
With decades of expat infrastructure development, Thailand offers the most mature and accessible experience in Asia.
Bangkok: The Regional Business Hub
Best for: Corporate professionals, expat families
Strengths:
- Regional HQ for 500+ multinationals
- Excellent international schools (ISB, NIST, Harrow, Lycée Français)
- World-class healthcare (Bumrungrad, Samitivej)
- Premium expat housing (Sukhumvit, Silom, Sathorn)
- Multiple visa options (SMART Visa, BOI work permits)
Monthly Cost (Family of 4): €4,500-7,500
Challenge: Traffic congestion, air pollution March-April
Chiang Mai: Digital Nomad Capital
Best for: Remote workers, freelancers, lifestyle seekers
Strengths:
- 40% cheaper than Bangkok
- World’s largest digital nomad community
- Hundreds of coworking spaces
- Cultural richness (temples, night markets)
- Digital Tourist Visa (DTV): 5-year validity, 180-day stays
Monthly Cost (Solo): €1,000-1,800
Phuket/Islands: Retirement Paradise
Best for: Retirees, lifestyle entrepreneurs
Strengths:
- Beach lifestyle year-round
- Retirement Visa (Non-O): 50+ years, 800,000 THB deposit (~€21,000)
- International community
- Excellent healthcare access
Monthly Cost (Retiree Couple): €2,200-3,800
Good to know : Essential Tips for Moving to Thailand
Vietnam: The Dynamic Growth Market
Registered Expats: 83,500-100,000
French Community: 8,000-10,000 (strong historical ties)
Why Vietnam Is Gaining Momentum
7%+ annual GDP growth creates abundant opportunities while maintaining rock-bottom costs.
Ho Chi Minh City: The Business Capital
Best for: Corporate professionals, tech entrepreneurs, digital nomads
Strengths:
- 30-40% cheaper than Bangkok
- Booming sectors: manufacturing, tech, finance
- French colonial heritage (bakeries, architecture)
- Growing international school options
- Vibrant startup ecosystem
Monthly Cost (Family): €3,700-6,600
Challenge: Complex bureaucracy, air pollution, humid climate
Good to Know : 7 Essential Tips When Moving to Vietnam
Hanoi: Cultural & Political Heart
Best for: Corporate professionals, expat families seeking traditional culture
Strengths:
- 1,000+ years of history
- Four seasons (cooler winters)
- Expat districts: Tay Ho (West Lake), Cau Giay
- Similar costs to HCMC
Da Nang: The Emerging Gem
Best for: Digital nomads, retirees, lifestyle seekers
Strengths:
- Beach lifestyle at 50% less than major cities
- Cleaner air, less traffic
- Improving infrastructure
- Growing nomad community
Monthly Cost (Solo): €900-1,700
Good to know : Vietnam’s New E-Visa Portal
Philippines: The English-Speaking Wild Card
Philippines: The English-Speaking Wild CardRegistered Expats: 78,000 (undersaturated!)
French Community: 2,000-3,000
The Philippines Advantage
92% English literacy—no language barrier in daily life, business, or bureaucracy. This alone changes everything.
For french retirees, read this.
Metro Manila: The BPO Hub
Key Districts: Makati CBD, Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Ortigas
Best for: Corporate professionals, tech entrepreneurs, families
Strengths:
- Zero language barrier = easiest adaptation
- Booming BPO sector creating opportunities
- Excellent international schools
- World-class hospitals (Makati Medical, St. Luke’s)
- New Digital Nomad Visa (1-year renewable)
Monthly Cost (Family): €3,800-6,650
Challenge: Severe traffic, typhoon season (June-November)
Good to know : Moving to Makati
Cebu: The Queen City
Best for: Mixed lifestyle—business + beach
Strengths:
- Second-largest BPO hub
- Island lifestyle with diving/beaches
- 25-30% cheaper than Manila
- Strong American retiree community
- SRRV Visa: Only $10,000-20,000 deposit
Monthly Cost: €1,500-2,500 (families)
Good to know : 7 Tips for Moving to Cebu
Islands (Palawan, Siargao, Boracay)
Best for: Lifestyle entrepreneurs, digital nomads, adventurous retirees
Strengths:
- 7,641 islands = unlimited variety
- Ultimate work-from-paradise
- Provincial costs (€600-1,200/month)
Challenge: Limited schools, basic healthcare, isolation
Good to know : How to Get a Work Visa in the Philippines in 2025
Quick Cost Comparison
| City | Family (4) | Solo Nomad | Retiree Couple |
|---|---|---|---|
| Braga, PT | €4,200-6,150 | — | €3,100-4,600 |
| Málaga, ES | — | €1,960-3,040 | €3,100-4,600 |
| Bangkok, TH | €4,500-7,550 | — | €2,200-3,800 |
| Chiang Mai, TH | — | €1,000-1,810 | — |
| Ho Chi Minh, VN | €3,680-6,620 | — | — |
| Da Nang, VN | — | €880-1,680 | — |
| Manila, PH | €3,800-6,650 | — | — |
| Cebu, PH | €1,500-2,500 | €1,170-1,980 | €1,930-3,420 |
Key Insight: Southeast Asia offers 30-50% savings with comparable or superior quality of life.
5 Mistakes to Avoid
1. Visa Procrastination: Start applications 6 months early—violations = deportation.
2. Ignoring Tax: Consult cross-border specialist before moving. France has treaties, but specifics matter.
3. Choosing on Cost Alone: Test-stay 1-3 months first. Cheap isn’t worth misery.
4. Underbudgeting Setup: Expect €10,000-30,000 initial costs (deposits, visas, moving, furniture).
5. Isolation: Join expat groups immediately. Community = successful integration.
Your 6-Month Quick Timeline
Months 6-4: Research, shortlist cities, join expat groups online, consult tax advisor
Months 4-2: Exploratory trip, apply to schools, start visa applications, secure housing
Months 2-0: Book movers, finalize paperwork, arrange temporary accommodation, pack
Month 1 After: Register locally, open accounts, enroll kids, join communities, explore
Good to Know : International Relocation To-Do List
Europe vs Asia: When to Choose What
Choose Europe if:
- Proximity to France matters (family visits)
- You prefer cultural familiarity
- You need EU mobility
- You prefer cooler climates
Choose Southeast Asia if:
- Cost efficiency is priority
- You love tropical year-round warmth
- You embrace cultural adventure
- You work remotely
- You want business opportunities in growth markets
The truth? Both offer incredible opportunities. Your choice depends on what you value most.
Ready to Make Your Move?
Relocating internationally transforms lives—but success requires preparation, realistic expectations, and expert support.
How Asia Relocation Helps
With 15+ years supporting French expats across Southeast Asia, we provide:
Visa & Immigration: Complete application support (DTV, SRRV, SMART Visa, work permits)
Housing Solutions: Pre-screened properties in premium expat areas
School Placement: Partnerships with top international schools
Moving & Logistics: Full-service international shipping
Settlement Support: From bank accounts to cultural integration
French-Speaking Team: We understand your context
On-ground offices: Bangkok | Ho Chi Minh City | Manila
Start with a Free Consultation
30-minute call covering:
- Your goals and timeline
- Destination recommendations
- Visa pathways
- Budget planning
- Custom relocation roadmap
Bottom Line: Whether you choose Braga’s charm, Bangkok’s infrastructure, Ho Chi Minh’s dynamism, or Cebu’s English ease—the perfect expat destination exists for your unique situation. The key? Do your homework, test before committing, and get professional help navigating the complex logistics.
Your adventure starts now. Where will 2026 take you?
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