Top 10 Most Liveable Cities with the Highest Quality of Life
by Maivizhi A | Updated May 12, 2023
Top 10 Most Liveable Cities
The term "liveable cities" refers to cities that provide a high quality of life for their residents. This can include factors such as access to healthcare, education, cultural amenities, public transportation, and affordable housing. A city's livability is often determined by a combination of factors such as economic stability, political stability, and environmental quality.
The top 10 most liveable cities in the world are known for their excellent infrastructure, clean environment, and efficient public transportation systems. These cities also provide a high level of safety and security for their residents, as well as a diverse range of cultural and recreational opportunities.
While each of these cities has its unique charm and character, they all share a commitment to providing a high quality of life for their residents. Whether you're looking for a bustling urban center or a laid-back coastal town, these cities offer something for everyone.
In addition to their livability, many of these cities are also major economic and cultural hubs, attracting businesses, investors, and visitors from around the world. As a result, they offer excellent opportunities for both personal and professional growth, making them highly desirable places to live and work.
Top 10 Liveable Cities in the World
Here is the list of the Top 10 Liveable Cities in the world.
1
Vienna
Austria
2
Copenhagen
Denmark
3
Zurich
Switzerland
4
Calgary
Canada
5
Vancouver
Canada
6
Geneva
Switzerland
7
Frankfurt
Germany
8
Toronto
Canada
9
Amsterdam
The Netherlands
10
Osaka
Japan
S.No
Liveable Cities
Country
Let us see each of the cities in detail.
1. Vienna, Austria
Vienna is often ranked as one of the most liveable cities in the world due to its high quality of life and excellent infrastructure. The city is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and cultural offerings. It is also known for its green spaces, with over 50% of the city covered in parks and gardens.
One of the reasons why Vienna is so liveable is its excellent public transportation system. The city has an extensive network of buses, trams, and subway lines that make it easy for residents to get around. The city is also known for its excellent healthcare system, which provides affordable and high-quality medical care to all residents.
Vienna is also a very safe city, with low crime rates and a high standard of living. The city is known for its vibrant cultural scene, with many museums, theaters, and music venues. The city is also home to many excellent restaurants, cafes, and bars, serving delicious Austrian cuisine.
2. Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen is another city that is often ranked as one of the most liveable in the world. The city is known for its excellent public transportation system, bike-friendly streets, and high quality of life. Copenhagen is also a very green city, with many parks and gardens that residents can enjoy.
One of the reasons why Copenhagen is so liveable is its focus on sustainability. The city is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and has set a goal to become carbon neutral by 2025. The city is also known for its excellent healthcare system, which provides affordable and high-quality medical care to all residents.
Copenhagen is also a very safe city, with low crime rates and a high standard of living. The city is known for its vibrant cultural scene, with many museums, theaters, and music venues. The city is also home to many excellent restaurants, cafes, and bars, serving delicious Danish cuisine. Overall, Copenhagen is a city that offers a high quality of life and a great standard of living.
3. Zurich, Switzerland
Zurich is known for its high quality of life, efficient public transportation system, and picturesque surroundings. Located in the heart of Switzerland, Zurich is one of the most prosperous cities in Europe and a global financial center. Its residents enjoy a high standard of living, excellent healthcare facilities, and a strong economy with low unemployment rates.
Zurich's historic old town is a popular tourist destination, offering visitors a glimpse into the city's rich cultural heritage. The city also boasts a vibrant cultural scene, with numerous museums, art galleries, and theaters. Zurich's location on the banks of Lake Zurich and its proximity to the Swiss Alps make it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with skiing, hiking, and mountain biking opportunities close by.
4. Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Calgary is a thriving city located in the province of Alberta, Canada. Known for its dynamic economy, excellent healthcare, and high quality of life, Calgary has consistently been ranked as one of the most liveable cities in the world. The city is home to a diverse population and offers a range of cultural attractions, including museums, art galleries, and theaters.
Calgary is situated in close proximity to some of the world's most stunning natural landscapes, including Banff National Park and the Rocky Mountains. This makes it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with ample opportunities for hiking, skiing, and mountain biking.
The city also has a strong economy, with a thriving oil and gas sector, as well as a growing technology industry. Calgary's efficient public transportation system and well-maintained infrastructure make it a convenient and pleasant place to live.
5. Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Vancouver is a coastal city located in the westernmost part of Canada and is often ranked as one of the most liveable cities in the world. The city is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, including the Pacific Ocean, snow-capped mountains, and lush forests. It has a mild climate, with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing in the winter, and warm summers with plenty of sunshine.
Vancouver is also known for its high standard of living and excellent quality of life. The city is renowned for its healthcare system, educational institutions, and diverse economy. The city has an excellent transportation system, including buses, trains, and bike lanes, which makes getting around the city very easy. The city is also very safe, with low crime rates, making it a great place to raise a family.
6. Geneva, Switzerland
Geneva is a small, picturesque city located in the heart of Switzerland. The city is known for its beautiful scenery, rich history, and cultural diversity. It is also home to many international organizations, including the United Nations and the Red Cross, which makes it a hub for international diplomacy and cooperation.
Geneva is also one of the most liveable cities in the world, with excellent healthcare, education, and public services. The city is very safe, with low crime rates, and has a high standard of living. The city has a diverse economy, with many job opportunities in finance, technology, and international organizations. The city is also very clean and well-maintained, with a good transportation system, including buses, trains, and bike lanes.
7. Frankfurt, Germany
Frankfurt is a city in central Germany known for its dynamic economy, beautiful skyline, and cultural landmarks. It is one of the most liveable cities in the world due to its excellent quality of life and infrastructure. The city is home to several international companies, including the European Central Bank, which creates a diverse and cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Additionally, Frankfurt has a well-connected public transportation system that makes it easy to get around the city. Frankfurt also boasts of beautiful parks, cultural attractions like the Frankfurt Opera, and a variety of shopping and dining options. The city has a low crime rate and is considered safe, making it a great place to live for families and individuals.
8. Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Toronto is the largest city in Canadis consa and is known for its diverse culture, beautiful waterfront, and vibrant entertainment scene. It is considered to be one of the most liveable cities in the world due to its high quality of life and progressive culture. Toronto is home to several museums, art galleries, and theaters, which make it a great place for cultural enthusiasts.
The city has an excellent public transportation system, and its bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly streets make it easy for residents to get around. Toronto is also home to several world-renowned universities, making it a popular destination for students from around the globe. Additionally, the city has a low crime rate and is considered safe, making it an ideal place for families and individuals.
9. Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Amsterdam is a city renowned for its liberal and tolerant atmosphere, rich history, and stunning architecture. It is often referred to as the "Venice of the North" due to its picturesque canals and bridges. The city's bicycle-friendly streets make it easy to get around, and its excellent public transport system ensures that residents can easily travel to other parts of the city.
The city is home to world-class museums such as the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Stedelijk Museum, and has a vibrant cultural scene with festivals and events throughout the year. Amsterdam is also famous for its food and drink, with traditional Dutch dishes such as stroopwafels and bitterballen, and its famous Heineken beer. The city has a strong economy, with a thriving tech industry, and a high standard of living.
10. Osaka, Japan
Osaka is the third-largest city in Japan and is known for its lively and friendly atmosphere. It is a city that has something for everyone, from the bustling Dotonbori district with its street food and neon lights, to the serene Osaka Castle and surrounding gardens.
The city is also home to Universal Studios Japan, which attracts visitors from all over the world. Osaka is a food lover's paradise, with a rich culinary heritage that includes dishes such as okonomiyaki, takoyaki, and sushi. The city is also known for its shopping, with the Shinsaibashi and Namba districts offering a wide range of retail options.
Osaka has a strong economy, with a focus on manufacturing and services, and is home to a number of large corporations. The city has an excellent public transport system, including the famous Osaka Loop Line, which circles the city center. Osaka is a vibrant and dynamic city that offers a high quality of life to its residents.
Which is the Most Liveable City in the World?
Vienna has been ranked as the most liveable city in the world by The EIU, with a score of 99.1 out of 100. The city received perfect scores for stability, healthcare, education, and infrastructure while scoring 96.3 for culture and environment. With a population of over 1.9 million people, Vienna is one of Europe's most stunning cities, featuring historical landmarks such as the Hofburg Palace and Stephansdom Cathedral.
In addition to its beauty and history, Vienna offers easy access to various attractions and activities through its efficient public transportation system. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the city's cultural, educational, and healthcare facilities due to lockdowns and social distancing measures. Vienna had previously been named the world's most liveable city in both 2019 and 2018.
How is Liveability determined?
Liveability refers to the overall quality of life in a city, which includes factors such as weather, traffic, and crime rates that can impact one's happiness while living there. There are various components that contribute to the most liveable cities in the world, such as healthcare, education, stability (political, social, and economic), infrastructure (water supply and sanitation), and transportation.
Other factors to consider when evaluating a city's livability include the availability of consumer goods and services, cultural events, environmental and climate change strategies, public safety and security, and housing affordability relative to the local income.
The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) has a straightforward definition of livability: it assesses which regions of the world offer the best or worst living conditions. The assessment of livability can have several applications, from gauging levels of development to determining hardship allowances for expats. The livability rating evaluates the potential obstacles to one's lifestyle in a particular place and enables direct comparisons between different cities.
To determine the livability rating, over 30 qualitative and quantitative characteristics across five major categories (stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure) are assessed. Each city is given a relative comfort rating, which categorizes its characteristics as acceptable, tolerable, uncomfortable, unwanted, or intolerable.
Liveable Cities in the World
The top 10 most liveable cities in the world offer their residents a high quality of life, excellent infrastructure, clean environment, and efficient public transportation systems. These cities are known for their safety and security, as well as diverse cultural and recreational opportunities.
They are major economic and cultural hubs, attracting businesses, investors, and visitors from around the world. Each of these cities has its unique charm and character, but they all share a commitment to providing a high standard of living.
These cities offer excellent opportunities for personal and professional growth, making them highly desirable places to live and work. The cities that made it to the top 10 list are Vienna, Copenhagen, Zurich, Calgary, Vancouver, Geneva, Frankfurt, Toronto, Amsterdam, and Osaka.
Top 10 Most Liveable Cities - FAQs
A livable city is one that provides a high quality of life for its residents. This can include factors such as access to healthcare, education, cultural amenities, public transportation, and affordable housing.
Vienna, Austria, is currently ranked as the most livable city in the world.
Factors such as economic stability, political stability, environmental quality, healthcare, education, public transportation, and cultural amenities are all considered when ranking the most livable cities.
Vienna is known for its excellent infrastructure, efficient public transportation system, rich history, stunning architecture, green spaces, and vibrant cultural scene.
Calgary and Vancouver, both located in Canada, made it to the top 10 most livable cities list.