20 Best Cities To Live In The World: According to 2025 Global Livability Reports. The quest to find the best cities to live in the world has never been more relevant as global mobility increases and remote work reshapes how we think about location independence. According to the latest 2025 global livability reports from leading research organizations including the Economist Intelligence Unit and Mercer, these 20 cities represent the pinnacle of urban living, offering exceptional quality of life across multiple dimensions.
What Makes the Best Cities To Live In The World?
The best cities to live in the world are evaluated through comprehensive analysis of five key categories: stability and safety, healthcare quality, culture and environment, education standards, and infrastructure efficiency. These metrics create a holistic picture of urban livability that goes beyond simple economic indicators to capture the true essence of what makes a city extraordinary for residents.
Top 20 Best Cities To Live In The World – 2025 Rankings
1. Vienna, Austria (Livability Score: 100/100)
Vienna maintains its position as the world’s most livable city, combining imperial grandeur with modern efficiency. The Austrian capital offers universal healthcare, excellent public transportation, rich cultural offerings, and remarkable safety standards that make it truly exceptional.
2. Copenhagen, Denmark (98.0/100)
Copenhagen’s commitment to sustainability, bicycle-friendly infrastructure, and progressive social policies create an enviable quality of life. The Danish capital exemplifies work-life balance while maintaining economic prosperity.
3. Melbourne, Australia (97.5/100)
Melbourne’s vibrant arts scene, diverse culinary landscape, and multicultural harmony position it among the best cities to live in the world. The city’s stable economy and excellent healthcare system add to its appeal.
4. Sydney, Australia (96.8/100)
Sydney combines iconic natural beauty with economic opportunities and cultural diversity. The harbor city’s outdoor lifestyle and world-class amenities make it irresistible to global residents.
5. Vancouver, Canada (96.1/100)
Vancouver’s stunning natural setting, mild climate, and multicultural society create premium living conditions. The proximity to mountains and ocean, combined with excellent healthcare, makes it outstanding.
6. Zurich, Switzerland (95.9/100)
As a global financial hub, Zurich offers pristine environments, efficient public transport, and Alpine scenery. The Swiss city’s high safety levels and economic stability are unmatched.
7. Calgary, Canada (95.4/100)
Calgary provides economic opportunities, proximity to the Canadian Rockies, and affordable living costs relative to other top-tier cities, making it one of the best cities to live in the world for families.
8. Geneva, Switzerland (95.0/100)
Geneva’s role as an international diplomacy hub, combined with Lake Geneva’s beauty and multilingual environment, creates unique appeal for global professionals.
9. Toronto, Canada (94.7/100)
Toronto’s economic strength, cultural diversity, and excellent infrastructure make it North America’s most livable major city, attracting residents from around the globe.
10. Osaka, Japan (94.2/100)
Osaka offers Japanese efficiency, culinary excellence, and cultural richness while maintaining more affordable costs than Tokyo, representing excellent value among the best cities to live in the world.
11-20: Additional Top-Tier Cities
- Adelaide, Australia (94.0/100) – Wine region proximity, festivals, affordability
- Auckland, New Zealand (93.7/100) – Natural beauty, safety, work-life balance
- Helsinki, Finland (93.5/100) – Education excellence, technology innovation, Nordic lifestyle
- Perth, Australia (93.3/100) – Mining boom economy, beaches, climate
- Singapore (93.1/100) – Asian efficiency, multiculturalism, strategic location
- Stockholm, Sweden (92.8/100) – Scandinavian values, innovation, archipelago setting
- Luxembourg City, Luxembourg (92.5/100) – Financial center, EU hub, quality of life
- Hamburg, Germany (92.2/100) – Maritime culture, media hub, green spaces
- Munich, Germany (92.0/100) – Bavarian charm, economic strength, cultural offerings
- Honolulu, USA (91.8/100) – Tropical paradise, cultural fusion, unique lifestyle
Key Trends Shaping the Best Cities To Live In The World
The 2025 rankings reveal several important trends among the best cities to live in the world. Climate resilience has become increasingly important, with cities investing heavily in sustainable infrastructure. Additionally, post-pandemic priorities emphasize healthcare systems, outdoor spaces, and digital connectivity as essential livability factors.
Economic stability remains crucial, but cities are increasingly valued for their ability to balance prosperity with environmental responsibility. The rise of remote work has also made smaller cities more competitive, as residents can access global opportunities while enjoying better affordability and quality of life.
Regional Analysis of Top-Performing Cities
Europe dominates with 8 cities in the top 20, led by Vienna and Copenhagen. European cities excel in healthcare, public transportation, and cultural amenities, though housing costs remain a challenge.
Australia and Canada contribute 7 cities combined, showcasing the appeal of stable democracies with natural beauty and multicultural societies. These countries benefit from strong institutions and quality education systems.
Asia’s representation through Singapore and Osaka demonstrates the region’s growing livability, particularly in efficiency and cultural richness, though work-life balance remains an ongoing consideration.
What This Means for Global Residents
Understanding the best cities to live in the world helps inform major life decisions about relocation, career planning, and lifestyle choices. These rankings provide valuable insights for expatriates, remote workers, and anyone considering international moves.
The data suggests that while traditional factors like safety and healthcare remain paramount, modern residents increasingly value sustainability, cultural diversity, and work-life balance when choosing where to call home.
The best cities to live in the world continue evolving, adapting to changing global priorities while maintaining the fundamental qualities that make urban life extraordinary. Whether seeking career opportunities, family-friendly environments, or retirement destinations, these 20 cities represent the global gold standard for urban living in 2025.