The 20 Best Cities To Live In The World: According to 2025 Global Liveability Reports. Welcome to the guide on the Best Cities to Live In The World, where we explore liveability factors. What are the best cities to live in the world
20 Best Cities To Live In The World
These rankings highlight the Best Cities To Live In The World and what makes them truly exceptional.
Discover the Best Cities To Live In The World:
To determine the best cities to live in in the world, we analysed various quality of life indicators.
Explore the Best Cities to Live In The World and discover what makes them stand out.
Complete Top 20 Most Livable Cities in the World (2025)
These indicators define what makes the Best Cities To Live In The World appealing to residents.
According to the latest 2025 reports from multiple global liveability assessments, here are the world’s top cities offering the highest quality of life:
The Best Cities To Live In The World demonstrate excellence in stability, culture, and healthcare.
Top 10 Cities:
- Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen is ranked as one of the Best Cities To Live In The World: with its unparalleled quality of life.
- Vienna, Austria (tied)
- Zurich, Switzerland (tied)
Vienna continues to be among the Best Cities To Live In The World, recognised for its cultural richness.
- Melbourne, Australia
- Geneva, Switzerland
People celebrate Zurich as one of the Best Cities To Live In The World due to its financial stability and beauty.
- Sydney, Australia
- Osaka, Japan (tied)
- Auckland, New Zealand (tied)
Auckland stands out as one of the Best Cities To Live In The World, known for its outdoor lifestyle and natural scenery.
- Adelaide, Australia
- Vancouver, Canada
Vancouver remains a strong contender among the Best Cities To Live In The World for its environmental focus.
Cities 11-20:
- Calgary, Canada
- Toronto, Canada
Toronto is a dynamic city that ranks among the Best Cities To Live In The World, with diverse opportunities.
- Perth, Australia
- Brussels, Belgium
- Frankfurt, Germany
Frankfurt is often mentioned as one of the Best Cities To Live In The World due to its central location and amenities.
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Barcelona, Spain
Amsterdam’s culture and liveability make it one of the Best Cities To Live In The World: worth visiting.
- Berlin, Germany
- London, United Kingdom
- Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo’s blend of tradition and modernity keeps the city on many people’s list of the Best Cities to Live in the World.
📊 Key Statistics from 2025 Rankings
The Best Cities To Live In The World emphasise high standards across various quality-of-life metrics.
Top Rank: 20 Most Livable Cities in the World (2025)
These cities represent the pinnacle of urban living, offering exceptional quality of life across all measured categories. Here are the complete rankings based on the latest 2025 reports:
1. Copenhagen, Denmark. The new global champion achieved perfect scores in stability, education, and infrastructure. Copenhagen is renowned for its cycling culture, sustainable living practices, and exceptional work-life balance. Cycling Infrastructure, Green Living, Work-Life Balance, Safety
Zurich, Switzerland, is a global financial hub that boasts pristine cleanliness, excellent public services, and a stunning Alpine backdrop. The city offers a high quality of life and efficient infrastructure. Financial Centre Alpine Views Clean Environment Innovation.
Cultural capital of Australia maintains its top-4 position with a vibrant arts scene, excellent coffee culture, and multicultural diversity in a stable environment. Arts & Culture Coffee Scene, Multiculturalism, Sports
International diplomatic hub beside Lake Geneva offers an exceptional quality of life, surrounded by Alps and vineyards with world-class amenities. Diplomacy Hub Lake Geneva International Quality Healthcare
Harbour City climbed from 7th to 6th place with iconic landmarks, beautiful beaches, and a strong economy combined with an outdoor lifestyle and cultural diversity. Harbour Views Beach Lifestyle Economic Hub Opera House
Japan’s kitchen offers incredible food culture, efficient transportation, safety, and affordability compared to Tokyo, with traditional charm and modern convenience. Osaka is known for its food capital status, traditional culture, safety, and affordability.
8. Auckland, New Zealand
The City of Sails offers stunning natural harbours, outdoor recreation, political stability, a high quality of life, and easy access to beaches and mountains. The city is characterised by its natural beauty, outdoor living opportunities, political stability, and quality education.
Festival cities are known for wine regions, cultural events, and relaxed lifestyles. The third Australian city in the top 10 demonstrates the country’s liveability excellence. Wine Capital, Festivals, Affordability, Cultural Scene.
The Pacific Northwest gem of Vancouver combines urban sophistication with natural beauty. Mountains and ocean create a stunning backdrop for a multicultural, environmentally conscious city. Natural Setting, Multiculturalism,
Environmental Focus, Healthcare.
Gateway to the Canadian Rockies offers a strong economy, outdoor recreation, and a high quality of life with proximity to world-class skiing and hiking. Rocky Mountains, Energy Hub, Outdoor Recreation,
Economic Opportunity
Canada’s largest city combines international business hub status with cultural diversity, excellent healthcare, and strong educational institutions. Financial Centre, Cultural Diversity, Healthcare System
Education.
The isolated but thriving city of Perth offers stunning beaches, an excellent climate, a strong mining economy, and a relaxed Australian lifestyle with modern amenities. Beautiful Beaches, Climate, Mining Economy
Lifestyle.
European Union capital offers an international atmosphere, excellent chocolate and beer culture, historic architecture, and a central European location. EU Capital, Historic Centre, International Hub, Food Culture
Frankfurt, Germany, is a financial powerhouse of Europe, boasting an impressive skyline, efficient transportation, cultural institutions, and a strategic location in the heart of Europe. Financial Hub, Transportation, Cultural Scene, Central Location
Amsterdam, a canal city, is renowned for its cycling culture, liberal attitudes, top-notch museums, and a blend of historic charm, modern innovation, and sustainability. Canal Networks, Cycling Culture, Museums, Sustainability
Mediterranean coastal city offers stunning architecture, beach lifestyle, vibrant culture, excellent food scene, and rich history from Gothic Quarter to Gaudí masterpieces. Gaudí Architecture, Beach Access
Cultural Scene, Mediterranean Climate.
Creative capital of Europe offers affordability, vibrant nightlife, rich history, a startup ecosystem, and cultural diversity in a constantly evolving urban landscape. Creative Scene, Affordability
Historical Significance, Startup Hub
Global financial and cultural capital maintains appeal despite stability concerns. It provides unparalleled diversity, museums, parks, and international opportunities. Global City, Cultural Heritage, Financial Hub
Diversity.
Massive metropolis balances ultra-modern technology with traditional culture. Excellent transportation, safety, food scene, and efficiency make it uniquely livable. Technology Hub, Transportation
Food Culture, Safety
How Cities Are Ranked: The 2025 Methodology
The Economist Intelligence Unit’s Global Liveability Index evaluates 173 cities worldwide using 30 quantitative and qualitative indicators across five key categories. Each city receives a score out of 100, with higher scores indicating better liveability conditions.
Stability (25%): The criteria include safety from crime, terrorism threats, civil unrest, and conflict. Political stability and social cohesion are also important factors.
Healthcare (20%): Healthcare (20%) focuses on the quality and accessibility of healthcare services, medical facilities, and the overall health infrastructure.
Culture & Environment (25%): We consider cultural attractions, climate conditions, recreational activities, and environmental quality.
Education (10%): The criteria for education include the quality of educational institutions, the availability of schools, and the rates of literacy.
Infrastructure (20%): Infrastructure includes transportation systems, utilities, telecommunications, and the overall quality of urban planning.
Key Insights from 2025 Rankings
Regional Patterns: Europe and Australia/New Zealand dominate the top 20, reflecting stable political systems, strong healthcare, and high-quality infrastructure. Three Australian cities made the top 10.
Stability Matters Most: Security concerns significantly impacted rankings this year. Vienna dropped from #1 due to terrorism threats, while Copenhagen’s perfect stability score helped it claim the top spot.
Size vs. Liveability: As we analyse the Best Cities To Live In The World, it becomes clear that effective governance is key.
Medium-sized cities often outperform mega-cities due to less congestion, lower crime rates, and better public services. Smaller populations enable a higher quality of life.
Economic Factors: Strong economies enable better infrastructure and services, but extreme wealth inequality can harm liveability. The best cities balance prosperity with accessibility.
Economic performance is a major factor that influences the rankings of the Best Cities To Live In The World:
What factors contribute to a city’s viability in 2025?
The 2025 rankings reveal several critical factors that separate the world’s most liveable cities from the rest:
Safety and Stability: Copenhagen’s rise to #1 demonstrates that safety trumps all other factors. Cities with low crime rates, political stability, and minimal terrorism threats consistently rank higher. The persistent instability in the world has elevated security to a crucial aspect of urban life.
Sustainability and Environment: Environmental quality increasingly impacts liveability rankings. Cities investing in green infrastructure, cycling networks, and sustainable development attract residents and score higher on quality of life metrics.
Technology and Innovation: Ultimately, the Best Cities To Live In The World reflect the aspirations and dreams of their inhabitants. Smart city technologies, digital infrastructure, and innovation ecosystems contribute significantly to liveability. Cities embracing technology for transportation, governance, and services gain competitive advantages.
Social Cohesion: Communities with strong social bonds, inclusive policies, and cultural integration tend to rank higher. Cities that successfully manage diversity while maintaining social harmony create more livable environments.
Future-Ready Infrastructure: Top-ranking cities distinguish themselves through investment in resilient infrastructure—from climate-adapted buildings to robust healthcare systems. Preparation for future challenges enhances long-term liveability.
Notable Changes in 2025 Rankings
Major Movements:
- Copenhagen rises from #2 to #1, achieving perfect scores in stability, education, and infrastructure
- Vienna drops from #1 to #2 (tied) due to security concerns following terrorism threats
- Sydney climbs from #7 to #6, benefiting from economic recovery and lifestyle appeal
- London falls from #45 to #54 following civil unrest and stability concerns
- Hong Kong plummets 51 places to #97 due to ongoing political tensions
United States Performance: US cities face challenges from infrastructure strain and social issues. Honolulu leads US cities at #23, while major metros like New York (#70) and Los Angeles (#58) struggle with urban pressures. Smaller US cities generally outperform larger ones.
Asia-Pacific Strength: Australia maintains dominance with three cities in the top 10 (Melbourne #4, Sydney #6, Adelaide #9). Japan’s Osaka (#7 tied) and New Zealand’s Auckland (#7 tied) demonstrate the region’s liveability strength.
Living in the World’s Most Livable Cities
Living in the best cities in the world offers unique experiences and opportunities for personal growth.
Cost Considerations: While top-ranked cities offer exceptional quality of life, they often come with higher living costs:
- Most Expensive: Zurich, Geneva (Swiss cities command premium prices)
- Best Value: Adelaide, Calgary (high livability with relatively lower costs)
- Luxury Premium: Copenhagen, Vienna (top quality with corresponding prices)
- Emerging Value: Barcelona, Berlin (European charm at moderate costs)
Choosing Your Ideal City: Different cities excel in different areas. Consider these specialisations when choosing:
Best for Families: Copenhagen, Vienna, Melbourne – excellent education, safety, and family amenities
Career Opportunities: Families will find the Best Cities To Live In The World: ideal for raising children and enjoying life. Zurich, Geneva, Toronto – financial hubs with strong job markets
Culture & Arts: Vienna, Berlin, Barcelona – rich cultural scenes and artistic heritage
Outdoor Lifestyle: Vancouver, Auckland, Adelaide – natural beauty and outdoor recreation
Innovation Hubs: Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Berlin – tech scenes and startup ecosystems
Healthcare Excellence: Career prospects are often stronger in the Best Cities To Live In The World, making them appealing to professionals. Vienna, Geneva, and Calgary have world-class medical systems.
Future Trends in Urban Livability
Cities are increasingly ranking their climate resilience and adaptation strategies. Those preparing for extreme weather, sea-level rise, and temperature changes will likely improve in future rankings.
Housing Affordability Crisis: Housing costs significantly impact liveability. Cities developing innovative housing solutions and affordability programs may gain ranking advantages, as this is a critical global issue.
Transportation Revolution: Investment in public transit, cycling infrastructure, and sustainable mobility options increasingly distinguishes top-ranking cities. Car-free city centres and integrated transport systems boost liveability scores.
Digital Infrastructure: Post-pandemic emphasis on remote work capabilities, digital governance, and smart city technologies continues to influence rankings. Cities with robust digital infrastructure attract residents and businesses.
Social Equity
Inclusive policies, reduced inequality, and social cohesion become increasingly important factors. Cities addressing systemic issues and promoting equity tend to score higher on liveability measures.
Learning from the Best
Copenhagen’s Success Formula
The new #1 city achieved its status through:
- Cycling Infrastructure: 40% of commuters cycle daily on 400km of bike lanes
- Sustainability Leadership: Carbon neutral by 2025 goal drives innovation
- Social Trust: High levels of social cohesion and government trust
- Work-Life Balance: 37-hour work week and generous parental leave
- Safety First: Extremely low crime rates and political stability
Vienna’s Enduring Appeal
Despite dropping to #2, Vienna remains exceptional due to:
- Social Housing: 60% of residents live in subsidized housing
- Cultural Richness: Over 100 museums and world-class music scene
- Public Transport: Extensive, affordable, and efficient system
- Healthcare Excellence: Universal coverage with top-tier facilities
- Green Spaces: 50% of city area dedicated to parks and gardens
Australian Success Pattern
Three Australian cities in the top 10 demonstrate consistent factors:
- Political Stability: Consistent democratic governance and rule of law
- Natural Beauty: Beach access, parks, and outdoor recreation
- Multicultural Integration: Successful immigration and diversity policies
- Economic Prosperity: Strong economies supporting quality infrastructure
- Climate Advantages: Favorable weather conditions year-round
Key Takeaways for Cities and Citizens
For Policymakers: Invest in stability, healthcare, and infrastructure. Small improvements in safety and public services can significantly boost liveability rankings and attract residents and businesses.
For Potential Residents: Consider your priorities: career opportunities, family needs, lifestyle preferences, and budget. The “best” city depends on your personal circumstances and values.
For Businesses: Liveable cities attract top talent and support productivity. Consider relocating operations to highly ranked cities to improve recruitment and employee satisfaction.
For the Future: Sustainability, technology integration, and social equity will increasingly determine liveability. Cities preparing for future challenges will lead tomorrow’s rankings.
The Bottom Line: What 2025 Rankings Tell Us
As we conclude, the search for the best cities in the world to live in continues for individuals seeking a meaningful life.
The 2025 Global Liveability Index reveals a world where security and stability have become paramount. Copenhagen’s ascension to the top spot demonstrates that even in our interconnected world, local safety and social cohesion matter most for quality of life.
Medium-sized cities continue to dominate wealthy, stable countries, suggesting that the ideal liveability lies in places that are large enough to offer cultural diversity and economic opportunities yet small enough to maintain a community feel and manageable infrastructure.
Climate change, political instability, and housing affordability are emerging as critical factors that will likely reshape future rankings. Cities adapting proactively to these challenges while maintaining their core strengths in healthcare, education, and infrastructure will lead the next decade of liveability.
For individuals considering relocation, these rankings provide valuable insights, but personal fit remains crucial. The best city for you depends on your career goals, family situation, lifestyle preferences, and financial circumstances.
The quest for the perfect city continues, but 2025’s top 20 provide excellent blueprints for urban excellence.
Are You Considering a Top-Ranked City for Your Relocation?
Whether you’re considering relocating for work, retirement, or a new adventure, the world’s most liveable cities offer incredible opportunities for enhancing your quality of life. Each destination has unique visa requirements, housing markets, and cultural considerations that require careful planning.
At MK Travel Bag, we specialised in helping people discover this exceptional destination through our curated travel experiences. From extended city tours to relocation scouting trips, we can help you discover what daily life is really like in the world’s most liveable cities.
Join us in exploring the Best Cities To Live In The World as you plan your next adventure.
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