Inspiration

These are the 10 best places to live in the world

From quaint Nordic hubs to Canadian cities, these destinations promise a high quality of life
Zurich Switzerland
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The idea of moving abroad is always appealing, whether you want to live somewhere with a better quality of living or simply have an insatiable appetite for travel. But where to start? It may help to look at some ironclad data.

Enter the Economist Intelligence Unit’s (EIU) Global Liveability Index 2023, the latest annual ranking of the best places to live in the world, which scores 173 cities in five categories: stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure. Expert analysts and in-city contributors score the results.

For the past few years, EIU’s rankings have been largely driven by the Covid-19 pandemic, with lockdowns and social distancing measures affecting scores for culture, education, and healthcare in cities across the world. The 2022 report signalled a return to pre-pandemic trends, although several other factors – particularly Russia’s invasion of Ukraine – caused some regions to fall in the rankings. This year sees scores for stability slip even further than they did in 2022, largely reflecting civil unrest and responses to the cost of living crisis, plus a recent increase in crime in certain cities. However, the results show that the average index score across all countries is at its highest in 15 years. Healthcare scores have improved the most, and there have been small gains for education, culture and infrastructure.

So what exactly are the most livable cities in 2023? Looking at the top 10, metropolises in western Europe and Canada reign supreme – but those in Australia and Japan rank high as well. The cities that came in first and second place have held firm from 2023, but Australian cities have shot up the rankings. This year, Amsterdam and Frankfurt have been knocked out of their place in the top ten, and a new entry has slid back in. And before you even look, be warned that zero UK cities made the cut.

Counting down, here are the 10 best places to live in the world.

  • Osaka Japan
    Nomadic Julien/Unsplash

    10. Osaka, Japan

    Overall rating (out of 100): 96.0
    Stability: 100.0
    Healthcare: 100.0
    Culture & Environment: 86.8
    Education: 100.0
    Infrastructure: 96.4

    Japan’s third-largest city (after Tokyo and Yokohama) Osaka is often seen as a hidden gem with the tourism pull of the nation’s capital, but there are plenty of reasons it’s become a destination in its own right. For starters, Osaka is one of the best food cities in all of Japan – must-eat regional specialities include takoyaki (battered, fried octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (grilled savoury pancakes with a variety of additions). We also love the city for its baseball culture, neon-lit neighbourhoods, and beautiful Osaka Castle.

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    9. Toronto, Canada

    Overall rating (out of 100): 96.5
    Stability: 100.0
    Healthcare: 100.0
    Culture & Environment: 94.4
    Education: 100.0
    Infrastructure: 89.3

    It may have slipped one place from last year, but Toronto is still oozing charm. It has the appeal of a big city without many of the common downsides – it’s clean, safe, easy to get around, and extremely friendly. Best of all, it benefits from Canada’s famously great healthcare and education systems. Downtown Toronto has a vibrant arts and theatre district and great restaurants, plus waterfront views that will make you forget about anywhere else you've lived.

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    8. Geneva, Switzerland (tie)

    Overall rating (out of 100): 96.8
    Stability: 95.0
    Healthcare: 100.0
    Culture & Environment: 94.9
    Education: 100.0
    Infrastructure: 96.4

    Despite being one of the most expensive cities in the world, Geneva proves its livability with a perfect healthcare score (it is the home of the Red Cross, after all) and high numbers for stability and infrastructure. There’s no denying the city’s natural beauty, either – it boasts expansive views of the Alps and Jura Mountains, and, of course, is home to Lake Geneva. With a daily commute that gorgeous, we can see why people are eager to move here.

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    7. Calgary, Canada (tie)

    Overall rating (out of 100): 96.8
    Stability: 100.0
    Healthcare: 100.0
    Culture & Environment: 87.3
    Education: 100.0
    Infrastructure: 100.0

    Calgary has dropped from tied third place to seventh, but with perfect scores in four out of five categories, it’s a slip we’ll give them some grace for. The city is another place where nature and urban living go hand in hand. You can see mountains from nearly anywhere within the city, and outdoor wonderlands like Lake Louise and Banff National Park are just a couple hours away. Meanwhile, culinary and cultural events thrive in town – just check out the world-famous Calgary Stampede for proof.

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    6. Zurich, Switzerland

    Overall rating (out of 100): 97.1
    Stability: 95.0
    Healthcare: 100.0
    Culture & Environment: 96.3
    Education: 100.0
    Infrastructure: 96.4

    Switzerland’s largest city and economic hub may seem one-dimensional at first glance, with a reputation for being hyper-efficient and severe. The fact that you’ll find spotless streets and trains that always run on time is true – but the city is full of surprises. Come summertime, you’ll find citizens swimming in the Limmat River, playing volleyball in the parks, and riding their bikes to grab scoops of gelato. Zurich also is something of a haven for young creatives, which means you can find plenty of art galleries and fantastic restaurants. It’s dropped from tied third place to sixth, but it’s still just as great a place to base yourself.

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    5. Vancouver, Canada

    Overall rating (out of 100): 97.3
    Stability: 95.0
    Healthcare: 100.0
    Culture & Environment: 97.2
    Education: 100.0
    Infrastructure: 96.4

    Standing firm at number five is Vancouver. It’s a perfect mix of natural beauty and sophistication. The city feels cosmopolitan, but it’s still easy to get outdoors within the city limits and embrace that active Northwest lifestyle. The Capilano Suspension Bridge in North Vancouver is always a popular attraction, as is Stanley Park (for locals and visitors alike). Most importantly, the people here are so friendly, you’ll feel at home almost immediately.

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    4. Sydney Australia

    Overall rating (out of 100): 97.4
    Stability: 95.0
    Healthcare: 100.0
    Culture & Environment: 94.4
    Education: 100.0
    Infrastructure: 100.0

    Despite not making the top ten in 2022, Sydney is back with a bang in fourth place. From cool neighbourhoods (Chippendale is our favourite) and epic foodie hotspots (we got the low-down from local artist Gabrielle Penfold) to excellent Sydney shopping and some of the world’s best ocean pools, it’s not hard to see why this city is an all-round great place to live.

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    3. Melbourne, Australia

    Overall rating (out of 100): 97.7
    Stability: 95.0
    Healthcare: 100.0
    Culture & Environment: 95.8
    Education: 100.0
    Infrastructure: 100.0

    This city nabbed the number one spot for seven years in a row before dropping four years ago, and now it is slowly climbing back up the ranks. Last year it came in 10th place, so it’s a pretty big jump to slide back in at number three. Melbourne remains one of the most livable cities in Australia – and the entire world. The city shines with all of Australia’s best traits – sophisticated, stylish, free-spirited – and continues to attract travellers with its world-class art and famed coffee and cuisine.

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    2. Copenhagen, Denmark

    Overall rating (out of 100): 98.0
    Stability: 100.0
    Healthcare: 95.8
    Culture & Environment: 95.4
    Education: 100.0
    Infrastructure: 100.0

    It’s no surprise this city has come in second place for the second year in a row. Despite its reputation for churning out cutting-edge restaurants and hotels, Copenhagen has an ageless charm that makes you want to keep going back. The whimsical, 1800s-era Tivoli Gardens puts all other amusement parks to shame, while the bohemian community of Christiania is a hazy, verdant dreamland. The city is expensive, but you don’t necessarily need a fat wallet to enjoy it. Public parks and free galleries abound, and the infrastructure makes it one of the most bike-friendly places in the world.

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    1. Vienna, Austria

    Overall rating (out of 100): 98.4
    Stability: 100.0
    Healthcare: 100.0
    Culture & Environment: 93.5
    Education: 100.0
    Infrastructure: 100.0

    Vienna has held onto its title as the world’s most liveable city for the second year running. It previously held the crown in 2018 and 2019, but it was lost out during the Covid years due to pandemic-prompted closures. It won again in 2022, and thanks to its perfect score in nearly every category, and this 2023 win means that it is the eighth time Vienna has come in first place in the past 10 surveys. The city benefits from a thriving arts and culture scene and incredible healthcare and education – between visiting the opera, touring the gardens at Schönbrunn Palace, and sampling Sachertorte (chocolate torte), you’ll never get bored here. Plus, the local government puts a lot of resources behind infrastructure and housing, so the cost of living is far lower than in comparable European cities. The scores dropped slightly for culture and environment due to its relative lack of major sporting events.

    This article was originally published in Condé Nast Traveler US.

TopicsCanadaDenmarkSwitzerlandJapanAustraliaGermanyNetherlandsAustria