17 Most Livable Cities That Offer The Best Quality Of Life

Ever wondered where you should live if you could pick any city in the world? Before you decide, check out the cities known for their incredible living standards.

Some places offer a better quality of life than others. Mercer, a top consulting firm, ranks cities globally based on their living standards. Who wouldn’t want to know where the best quality of life is found?

So, before making a move, explore these top cities with the best quality of life.

How Mercer Determines Quality of Life

Kastellet, star, pentagon shaped castle, historical fortress, aerial view from above – Bird’s eye view Kastellet, Copenhagen, Denmark
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Mercer publishes a list of the world’s best cities each year. Between September and November, they gather data from 241 cities, examining living standards to guide expats and their families. This information can help you choose where to move or visit, too.

What factors do they consider? Three main things: cost of living, eco-friendliness (including air pollution and traffic), and overall quality of life compared to New York City.

1. Toronto, Canada

Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Toronto is the most populated city in Canada, known for its world-class healthcare services. With abundant employment opportunities and cultural diversity, Toronto attracts people from all over the world.

2. Luxembourg, Luxembourg

Luxembourg City, twilight scenic with old town, Alzette River, beautiful colored sky clouds.
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Luxembourg offers a strong economy, beautiful surroundings, and family-friendly policies. The city makes it easier to manage work and family responsibilities with its social programs and strong work-life balance.

3. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Aerial drone view Amsterdam autumn cityscape narrow old houses, canals, boats
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Amsterdam is famous for its canals and historical landmarks like the Anne Frank House. The city is an international business gateway, making it a sought-after place for expats. While housing costs are high, Amsterdam offers an attractive work-life balance.

4. Basel, Switzerland

Basel, Switzerland sunrise over the Rhine River.
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Basel, Switzerland, known for its historical sites and museums, is the country’s cultural capital. The city’s high quality of life includes hassle-free transport, excellent healthcare, great air quality, abundant career options, and safe surroundings.

5. Bern, Switzerland

Aare river, Untertorbrucke bridge, cityscape of Bern, Switzerland
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Bern, Switzerland, is a compact city known for its government institutions and relaxed lifestyle. It promotes a pro-business culture while conserving natural parks and greenery, offering a peaceful setting with top-notch transport and healthcare.

6. Wellington, New Zealand

Wellington city
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Wellington, New Zealand, offers a laid-back lifestyle with ample greenery and wildlife sanctuaries. Despite its peaceful village feel, Wellington has a unique business district without the typical fast-paced city life.

7. The Hague, Netherlands

Inner courtyard of the Binnenhof palace in the Hague, Netherlands at twilight
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

The Hague, the “International City of Peace and Justice,” hosts the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court. The city blends modern living with a suburban feel, offering historical beauty, nearby beaches, and forests.

8. Dusseldorf, Germany

Rheinturm and Media Harbour district in Dusseldorf city in Germany
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Dusseldorf, Germany, is a bustling city with a strong focus on fashion, art, and fairs. Despite its commercial capital status, it celebrates cultural festivals and maintains plenty of outdoor spaces, making it ideal for families and expats.

9. Sydney, Australia

Sydney Opera House
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Sydney, Australia, is a cultural melting pot with a vibrant atmosphere and thriving economy. Its diverse culture and career opportunities make it a top choice for those looking to launch a business or advance their career.

10. Vancouver, Canada

downtown Vancouver skyline, British Columbia, Canada at sunset
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Vancouver is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, with scenic landmarks and a well-connected public transportation system. Vancouver’s healthcare benefits and employment opportunities make it an attractive place to start a new life.

11. Munich, Germany

Munich skyline with Marienplatz town hall in Germany
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Munich, Germany, is a global trade and commerce hub. It has a higher cost of living but excellent employment and business opportunities. The city blends historical sites with modern urban living, maintaining its ranking as one of the most livable cities.

12. Frankfurt, Germany

Frankfurt am Main city skyline on a bright sunny summer day, Germany
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Frankfurt, Germany, is highly international, with top universities like Goethe University and people who speak multiple languages. The city offers exceptional public services, high educational standards, and competitive salaries, justifying its higher living costs.

13. Geneva, Switzerland

Geneva, Switzerland skyline view towards the Jet d'Eau fountain in Lake Geneva at twilight.
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Geneva, known as the “Capital of Peace,” hosts the WHO, UN, and Red Cross. The city’s rich history, culture, and incredible architecture, along with its well-planned transport system, make it a great hub for accessing other European cities.

14. Copenhagen, Denmark

Tivoli Gardens is Copenhagen's famous and magical theme park, located right in the heart of the city. It is the third-oldest operating amusement park in the world
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Fans of parks will love Copenhagen, Denmark. The city features great architecture and outdoor spaces perfect for walking, cycling, and other leisure activities. Though slightly more expensive, Copenhagen’s excellent social services add value for taxpayers.

15. Auckland, New Zealand

Cyril Bassett VC Lookout, Auckland New Zealand
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Auckland, New Zealand’s most livable city, is also one of the cleanest globally. It combines modern urban life with outdoor adventures. The city’s thriving economy provides career stability, though the cost of living is higher, the jobs often pay well.

16. Zurich, Switzerland

Aerial view on the downtown of Zurich and its reflection, Switzerland
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Zurich, Switzerland, is a great place to find work, offering competitive pay and a productive environment. The city boasts world-class urban planning, a walkable layout, and an excellent public transport system. Zurich’s top-notch healthcare facilities ensure you are well taken care of.

17. Vienna, Austria

Statue of Archduke Charles on Heldenplatz square and Museum of Natural History dome at sunset, Vienna, Austria
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Vienna, Austria’s capital, consistently ranks as the world’s most livable city. It offers an ideal work-life balance with affordable, efficient transport and accessible wellness programs. The city’s green spaces make it a perfect blend of urban and nature-friendly living.

12 States with the Most Aggressive Traffic Enforcement Policies

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Traffic policies are set in place for the safety of drivers and civilians on the road. States throughout the US have different laws and varying degrees of enforcement when it comes to traffic laws. This ranking is based on a weighted point system that assigns points based on each category depending on its importance and sums up the total.

12 Money Mistakes That Can Leave You Vulnerable in a Crisis

money in an emergency fund jar
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

In times of uncertainty, financial stability is more crucial than ever. While prepping for physical emergencies is vital, don’t overlook financial prepping. Avoiding these common money mistakes can help make sure you’re in a stronger position to weather any storm.

States With The Most Deadly Road-Rage Incidents

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Simrin Law Group studied National Highway Traffic Safety Administration automotive crashes between 2017 and 2021 to find out how many fatal incidents were caused by road rage. They also looked at which states are prone to road rage incidents. Where does your state fall on the scale of the likeliness of road rage-related fatalities?

+ posts

Leave a Comment