Yearly, the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) endeavors to address the pressing question on many homeowners’ and travelers’ minds – which destination provides the best quality of life globally? The eagerly anticipated Global Liveability Index has unveiled the answer, with surprising cities taking the top spots.
This ranking evaluates 173 cities worldwide, considering essential indicators such as stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure. Each city is assigned an overall score out of 100 based on these key categories.
The city that clinched the top spot achieved an impressive score of 98, as reported by the Express. Copenhagen in Denmark emerged as the most desirable place to live, excelling in stability, education, and infrastructure, overtaking Vienna, which held the top position since 2022, with a rating of 97.1.
According to the EIU, Western Europe remains the top-performing region in liveability, leading in four out of five categories. Copenhagen has long been renowned for its exceptional quality of life, top-notch infrastructure, and commitment to environmental sustainability, making it a sought-after destination for residents seeking a balanced lifestyle.
The Asia-Pacific region also performed well in the rankings, with nine cities making it to the top 20 list. Notably, this region spans from the highest to the lowest rankings, with Melbourne ranking fourth and Dhaka ranking 171st in liveability.
While the U.S. missed the global top 20, cities like Honolulu, Atlanta, Pittsburgh, Seattle, and Washington scored well. In contrast, urban centers across the UK struggled to meet the liveability threshold, attributed to social unrest and rising crime rates.
Despite challenges, cities like London, Manchester, and Edinburgh are part of the 173 cities analyzed. The EIU highlighted a significant shift in rankings due to a global decrease in stability, driven by factors like terrorism threats, civil unrest, housing issues, and geopolitical tensions.
The report underscores that in several West European cities, stability is compromised by terrorism, crime, and xenophobia. Here are the top 20 cities to live in:
1. Copenhagen, Denmark
2. Vienna, Austria (tied)
2. Zurich, Switzerland (tied)
4. Melbourne, Australia
5. Geneva, Switzerland
6. Sydney, Australia
7. Osaka, Japan (tied)
7. Auckland, New Zealand (tied)
9. Adelaide, Australia
10. Vancouver, Canada
11. Luxembourg
12. Toronto, Canada
13. Helsinki, Finland
14. Tokyo, Japan
15. Perth, Australia
16. Brisbane, Australia
17. Frankfurt, Germany
18. Calgary, Canada
19. Amsterdam, Netherlands
20. Wellington, New Zealand
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