Southeast Asia remains a dynamic region for nomads and expats, but the landscape has shifted significantly in 2026. While old favorites are reaching their peak, new emerging regions are offering better value and easier residency options.
Based on current trends, we have put together some liveability metrics to a 100-point scale to help you decide where to position yourself for the coming period of time. How long of a period, you ask? We don’t really know. Things are changing pretty fast these days, but this is what we can tell you for the moment.
The 2026 Rankings
Based on a weighted average of safety, price-to-quality ratio, visa accessibility, healthcare, and infrastructure, here is how we think things are looking in 2026:
Malaysia (85/100):
The region's quiet top performer. It offers an incredible price-to-quality ratio and high English proficiency, which helps most of us.
Singapore (80/100):
A modern city-state utopia that is the safest in the region, though restricted by high costs and strict visas.
Thailand (78/100):
The traditional "king" of expat destinations, though it is currently seen as having hit its peak.
Cambodia (76/100):
A rapidly developing "one to watch" with the most accessible visa system in the region.
Philippines (75/100):
A social powerhouse known for being extremely welcoming and having the best dating scene.
Vietnam (68/100):
A high-growth entrepreneurial hub that remains a challenge for long-term integration.
Indonesia (63/100):
A misunderstood "hidden gem" that offers high expat quality outside of the typical tourist bubbles.
Laos (49/100):
Best for those seeking an extremely slow pace of life, despite lacking modern infrastructure.
Regional Performance Metrics
To understand the rankings, we have analyzed every country across eight critical liveability variables.
Safety & Security
Singapore: 10/10, Malaysia: 8/10, Vietnam: 7/10, Laos: 7/10, Indonesia: 7/10, Thailand: 6/10, Cambodia: 6/10, Philippines: 5/10
Price-to-Quality Ratio
Malaysia: 10/10, Vietnam: 9/10, Thailand: 8/10, Indonesia: 8/10, Cambodia: 7/10, Philippines: 6/10, Laos: 6/10, Singapore: 3/10
Visa & Long-Term Stay Ease
Cambodia: 10/10, Philippines: 9/10, Thailand: 7/10, Malaysia: 7/10, Indonesia: 7/10, Laos: 5/10, Vietnam: 4/10, Singapore: 2/10
Healthcare Quality
Singapore: 10/10, Malaysia: 8/10, Thailand: 8/10, Vietnam: 6/10, Philippines: 6/10, Indonesia: 5/10, Cambodia: 4/10, Laos: 3/10
Infrastructure & Internet
Singapore: 10/10, Malaysia: 8/10, Thailand: 7/10, Vietnam: 6/10, Indonesia: 6/10, Philippines: 5/10, Cambodia: 5/10, Laos: 3/10
English Proficiency
Singapore: 10/10, Malaysia: 8/10, Philippines: 8/10, Cambodia: 6/10, Thailand: 5/10, Indonesia: 5/10, Laos: 4/10, Vietnam: 3/10
Social Integration
Thailand: 8/10, Philippines: 8/10, Cambodia: 8/10, Malaysia: 7/10, Indonesia: 7/10, Singapore: 6/10, Vietnam: 6/10, Laos: 5/10
Ease of Cultural Adaptation
Malaysia: 8/10, Philippines: 8/10, Singapore: 8/10, Cambodia: 7/10, Thailand: 6/10, Laos: 6/10, Vietnam: 5/10, Indonesia: 5/10
Destination Strategy: The Map of 2026
The "where to live" map has shifted. Traditional hubs are seeing a decline while new cities are rising.
The Overrated List
Bali, Indonesia: Too much influencer woo-woo drum circle energy.
Da Nang, Vietnam: Still growing but peak expat bubble. Loud and getting more and more expensive.
Chiang Mai, Thailand: Peaked years ago and is now polluted and overcrowded.
Phuket, Thailand: High season brings scams and a chaotic tourist energy.
Siargao, Philippines: A social media bubble where the local infrastructure is struggling.
The Emerging Stars (The Best Value for 2026)
Penang, Malaysia: The most liveable city in the region’s top-rated country.
Siem Reap, Cambodia: A relaxed town with a booming cafe culture and easy visas.
Ipoh, Malaysia: A modern old town with world-class food and easy access to nature.
Yogyakarta, Indonesia: A vibrant city with a fantastic work-from-cafe culture.
Quy Nhon, Vietnam: An authentic beach city that serves as a quiet alternative to Da Nang.
Iloilo, Philippines: A clean, coastal city known for its food and high quality of life.
Hua Hin, Thailand: Recommended as a more authentic alternative city.
Luang Prabang, Laos: The top pick for an extremely slow pace of life.
Future Outlook
The winners for the coming decade are Indonesia, Cambodia, and Malaysia. These markets offer the best opportunities for those looking to position themselves early in the region's growth. Based on everything we see, we think Malaysia currently offers the most balanced path for the modern expat. Not the cheapest. Not the easiest. The best bang for your buck.
