Overall rating (out of 100): 95.1
Stability: 95
Healthcare: 83.3
Culture & Environment: 98.6
Education: 100
Infrastructure: 100
Melbourne, the coastal capital of the southeastern Australian state of Victoria, is a great place to live. It had claimed the number one spot for seven years in a row before dropping three years ago. The city boasts top-class education, infrastructure, and healthcare, making it a perfect place for families. It also has a thriving arts and culture scene. The free-spirited nature of its residents and its famed cuisine keep attracting travelers as well.
10. Osaka, Japan (tie)
Overall rating: 95.1
Stability: 100
Healthcare: 100
Culture and environment: 83.1
Education: 100
Infrastructure: 96.4
Osaka is Japan’s third-largest city (after Tokyo and Yokohama) and the only entry from Asia on this list. The mega metropolis is considered one of the most stable and safe places to live and scores highly in housing, business freedom, and healthcare.
Osaka is also one of the best food cities in Japan – its snacks, including takoyaki (battered, fried octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (grilled savory pancakes with toppings) are worth trying at least once in your life. If you aren’t a foodie, then you can enjoy the city’s neon-lit neighborhoods, its rich baseball culture, and the magnificent Osaka Castle.
9. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Overall rating: 95.3
Stability: 90
Healthcare: 100
Culture and environment: 97.2
Education: 91.7
Infrastructure: 96.4
When we think of Amsterdam, the first thing that pops into our mind is the famous central canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2010. But there's so much more to this gorgeous city! Education and healthcare are of high quality here, and the latest report by EIU states that Amsterdam is one of the safest cities in Europe. Add to it the large green spaces, world-class museums filled with Van Gogh paintings, and an incredible healthcare system – and you have the perfect city to call your new home.
8. Toronto, Canada
Overall rating: 95.4
Stability: 95
Healthcare: 100
Culture and environment: 95.4
Education: 100
Infrastructure: 89.3
Toronto has consistently ranked as one of the most livable cities in the world. It’s known as a diverse, clean, and safe city with excellent education and healthcare. Often called New York North, the city has a thriving multicultural population and a vibrant arts and theater scene. Its breathtaking waterfront views add to the city’s charm.
7. Frankfurt, Germany
Overall rating: 95.7
Stability: 90
Healthcare: 100
Culture and environment: 96.3
Education: 91.7
Infrastructure: 100
With low unemployment rates, a thriving economy, and great job opportunities, Frankfurt ranked as one of the top cities for business. Beyond its business opportunities, the German city also offers exceptional healthcare and infrastructure, along with affordable transport, and beautiful parks, squares, and gardens that follow the river through the heart of the city. The Frankfurt Book Fair, the world's largest trade fair for books, might interest you as well. Last but not least, both locals and visitors enjoy the cobblestoned old town, where you can grab a cup of coffee, visit a museum, or go shopping.
6. Geneva, Switzerland
Overall rating: 95.9
Stability: 95
Healthcare: 100
Culture & Environment: 94.9
Education: 91.7
Infrastructure: 96.4
We move to Switzerland now. While Geneva is one of the most expensive cities in the world, it scores highly in terms of personal safety and quality of life. It has excellent public transport and outstanding healthcare (it is the home of the Red Cross, after all). The lavish views of the Alps, the Jura Mountains, and Lake Geneva ensure there are plenty of sights to soothe your eyes.
5. Vancouver, Canada
Overall rating: 96.1
Stability: 90
Healthcare: 100
Culture & Environment: 100
Education: 100
Infrastructure: 92.9
Vancouver is a city teeming with scenic views, culture, and natural wonders. The city is famous for its friendly locals and a laid-back approach to life. The Capilano Suspension Bridge in North Vancouver and Stanley Park are the city’s most popular attractions that both locals and tourists enjoy. Fans of the great outdoors, in particular, will feel right at home in Vancouver, as it offers something for mountain, water, nature, and wildlife lovers.
3. Calgary, Canada (tie)
Overall rating: 96.3
Stability: 95
Healthcare: 100
Culture & Environment: 90
Education: 100
Infrastructure: 100
Canada appears yet again on this list with Calgary, the largest city in the province of Alberta. It’s one of Canada's wealthiest, cleanest, and most livable cities. Residents enjoy a lower cost of living and low taxes. Moreover, healthcare is completely free in Alberta, and it has no provincial sales tax, provincial general capital tax, or municipal sales tax. Outdoor attractions like Lake Louise and Banff National Park are not too far away and are great places to unwind.
3. Zurich, Switzerland (tie)
Overall rating: 96.3
Stability: 95
Healthcare: 100
Culture & Environment: 96.3
Education: 91.7
Infrastructure: 96.4
Switzerland’s largest city consistently claims the top spot in quality-of-life rankings. Its clean and safe streets and rich cultural life attract people from all over the world looking for a better life. In search of adventure, locals often visit the sparkling blue Lake Zurich, swim in the Limmat River, or play volleyball in the parks. You can also find plenty of art galleries and amazing restaurants here.
2. Copenhagen, Denmark
Overall rating: 98
Stability: 100
Healthcare: 95.8
Culture & Environment: 95.4
Education: 100
Infrastructure: 100
Copenhagen in Denmark is widely renowned for its leading restaurants, such as Geranium. But what people like most about the city is its quaint charm, the warmth of locals, and the bike-friendly streets. In fact, you will find more cyclists than cars on Copenhagen’s streets. A stroll through the 1800s-era Tivoli Gardens or the lively Superkilen Park will be enough to lift your mood. Great education and healthcare enhance its appeal.
1. Vienna, Austria
Overall rating: 99.1
Stability: 100
Healthcare: 100
Culture & Environment: 96.3
Education: 100
Infrastructure: 100
The Austrian capital of Vienna has claimed the top spot as the world’s most livable city in 2018 and 2019 as well. The historic city has plenty of great things going in its favor: lots of green spaces, low crime rates, and cheap and efficient public transport. Exceptional healthcare and education, along with a thriving arts and culture scene give it additional brownie points. The city is also abounding in atmospheric cathedrals, museums, castles, and operas. When you’re done with these, you can savor its culinary scene, which features such delights as Tafelspitz (boiled beef), Apfelstrudel (Apple Strudel), and Sachertorte (Sacher Cake).
What sets Vienna apart is its low cost of living, as the government puts plenty of resources behind infrastructure and housing.
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