When it comes to choosing the perfect place to live, quality of life is of paramount importance. While the best quality of life and standard of living are always somewhat subjective factors as different people expect different things from where they live, there are certain aspects that objectively make one city a better place to live than others. From safety to access to healthcare and education, environmental aspects such as the availability of City parks In addition to an overall functioning infrastructure, these factors together define the quality of life in a city. Cities with the best quality of life therefore offer their residents security, accessible healthcare, many educational opportunities and a functioning and efficient infrastructure, among other things.
The following ranking lists the ten cities worldwide with the highest, i.e. best, quality of life. The ranking is based on the average score achieved by each city based on the latest data from the Mercer Quality of Living Survey and the Global Liveability Index of the Economist Intelligence Unit.
Note: Only large cities are ranked here; small towns, suburbs, villages, etc. are not included in the ranking.
The top 10 cities with the best quality of life in 2024:
1. Vienna, Austria
Vienna is the city with the highest quality of life in the world. The capital of Austria offers its residents the highest standard of living in the world on average and has been at the top of the quality of life rankings for quite some time. With its excellent public services, high level of security, clean environment and very rich cultural heritage and architecture, Vienna continues to set the global gold standard for urban living. The city’s location between the Alps and the Austrian lowlands also makes it a top location for various leisure activities.
2. Zurich, Switzerland
Zurich ranks second among the cities with the highest quality of life. Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland and also boasts a high standard of living. The city’s strengths include a strong local economy, a high level of security, many educational opportunities and efficient public transport, all in the midst of a stunning natural landscape. This fact makes Zurich a great mix of upscale city life and many natural spaces.
3. Vancouver, Canada
Vancouver ranks third in the ranking of cities with the highest quality of life. The city on Canada’s west coast is therefore the city with the highest standard of living in all of North America and offers the best quality of life outside of Europe. The city offers a perfect balance of natural beauty and urban convenience. It is known for its economic strength, excellent health facilities, educational opportunities and efficient infrastructure, making it a popular choice for families and individuals.
4. Munich, Germany
Munich ranks fourth among the cities with the highest quality of life. Located in the southeast of Germany, not far from the Alps, the city is known for its high level of security, its strong economy and its well-functioning public transport network and infrastructure. The city also offers its residents numerous green spaces for relaxation and recreation, which contributes to the city’s high standard of living. Munich is also a city with a rich cultural heritage, combining beautiful tradition with practical modernity.
5. Auckland, New Zealand
Auckland is the city with the fifth highest average quality of life. Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city and is located on the country’s North Island. It scores highly in areas such as education, healthcare, recreational opportunities and environmental quality. Auckland also offers a variety of outdoor activities both inside and outside the city. All of these aspects contribute to making Auckland a great destination for those looking for a high-quality, diverse city life.
6. Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen is the city with the sixth highest average quality of life. The capital and by far the largest city in Denmark is characterized by economic strength, lots of green spaces and very high quality social services as well as a high level of safety on the streets. Copenhagen also has a rich cultural heritage that contributes to making people proud to live in this city. All this makes Copenhagen another outstanding city in terms of sustainability and quality of life in the world.
7. Sydney, Australia
Sydney ranks seventh among the cities with the highest quality of life. Located in the southeast of the country, Australia’s largest city combines first-class healthcare, education and infrastructure with a stunning coastal lifestyle and a high level of safety for its millions of residents. Sydney is by far the most populous city in this ranking of the ten cities with the highest quality of life, which makes the city’s high standard of living all the more impressive and outstanding.
8. Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki ranks eighth in the ranking. As the capital and by far the largest city in Finland, known as the happiest country Helsinki is another city in Northern Europe that offers its residents a high standard of living. Helsinki’s numerous leisure opportunities, its first-class infrastructure, including a very well-functioning public transport system, a high level of security and overall efficient urban planning make it a great paradise for families, young and old alike.
9. Geneva, Switzerland
Geneva ranks ninth among the cities with the highest quality of life in the world. Geneva is located in western Switzerland in a picturesque setting right on Lake Geneva. But Geneva also offers its residents high-quality access to healthcare, a high level of security and a strong local economy. The city is also particularly known for its international community, making it a popular place to live for expats from all over the world, which is also underlined by the many international organizations that are based in Geneva.
10. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam completes the top ten ranking of cities with the highest quality of life. Amsterdam is the capital and most populous city of the Netherlands. The city is known worldwide for its numerous picturesque canals and vibrant nightlife, as well as its high level of social tolerance. For its residents, Amsterdam also offers a rich cultural heritage, excellent access to healthcare, numerous recreational areas and efficient public transport, as well as a well-developed infrastructure for other car alternatives.
Top 10 cities with the best quality of life in 2024:
| City: | Country: | Average quality of life rating: |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Vienna | Austria | 98.75 |
| 2. Zurich | Switzerland | 98.40 |
| 3. Vancouver | Canada | 98.05 |
| 4. Munich | Germany | 97.70 |
| 5. Auckland | New Zealand | 97.40 |
| 6. Copenhagen | Denmark | 97.10 |
| 7. Sydney | Australia | 96.85 |
| 8. Helsinki | Finland | 96.60 |
| 9. Geneva | Switzerland | 96.40 |
| 10. Amsterdam | Netherlands | 96.15 |
The ten cities with the highest quality of life in the world. Quality of life scores are based on the average scores each city achieved in the Mercer Quality of Living Survey and the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Global Liveability Index. Only large cities are ranked; small towns, suburbs, villages, etc. are not part of the rankings.
Sources for the ranking:
Mercer Quality of Life Survey and Economist Intelligence Unit Global Liveability Index
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