Throughout history, people have sought the most desirable places to live. What defines a livable city? The search for an answer continues, with questions about the importance of accessible public services, job opportunities, quality education, and efficient healthcare.
The Economic Intelligence Unit (EIU) has compiled a list of the most livable cities in the world for 2019, ranked on a scale of 0-100. Check out to discover your ideal city.
10 Osaka, Japan, 95.1
Osaka, the capital of Osaka Prefecture, is one of Japan’s most important cities and a popular tourist destination on Honshu’s island. It has a rich history as Japan’s merchant capital and is a significant financial center. The city’s development has made it one of the most livable cities in the world and divides it into two urban hubs: Kita (north) and Minami (south).
Citizens elect the city’s mayor every four years under the Local Autonomy Law. Osaka is well-connected to surrounding towns and suburbs through the JR West Urban Network and numerous private lines such as Keihan Electric Railway, Hankyu Railway, Hanshin Electric Railway, Kintetsu Railway, and Nankai Electric Railway.
9 Amsterdam, Netherlands, 95.3
Amsterdam is a top-rated city for its infrastructure connectivity, shopping options, museums, and unique experiences. The city’s innovative policies and enterprising spirit attract global businesses, making it one of the world’s most dynamic cities. Amsterdam’s forward-thinking approach maintains the quality of the Dutch people’s life.
The city has a long history of supporting an open business climate, making it a hub for testing innovative ideas to transition its economy. Amsterdam excels in sustainable construction and energy and food production on limited land, effectively managing urban challenges. It also ranks second in the world’s top green finance centers, reflecting the municipality’s ambition for a more responsible and sustainable future.
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8Toronto, Canada, 95.4
Toronto, located on the shores of Lake Ontario in southern Ontario, is Canada’s largest and most populous city and the provincial capital of Ontario. The city’s population is diverse, with almost half consisting of migrants, making it one of the most multicultural cities in the world. It attracts investment due to its economic size, projected future prosperity, quality of life, and living costs.
Families often live in the suburbs such as North York, Markham, Richmond Hill, and the Halton region. Toronto has a lower crime rate than other North American and Canadian cities. Toronto provides an excellent public transportation system operated by the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC).
7Frankfurt, Germany, 95.7
According to the Economist’s annual city ranking, Frankfurt has secured seventh place. Despite the challenges posed by the Corona pandemic, the city has outperformed other major German cities due to its impressive vaccination rates. As the lockdown restrictions ease, restaurants, shops, and leisure activities have reopened, giving the city a vibrant and lively feel.
Frankfurt has received high scores in health, education, and infrastructure. It is a versatile city where people from different backgrounds can converge. The city also offers a conducive business environment and has excellent travel connectivity and safety ratings, making it a great place to live.
6Geneva, Switzerland, 95.9
Geneva is a highly livable city with excellent healthcare, stability, and infrastructure. The stunning scenery of the Alps, Jura Mountains, and Lake Geneva accentuates the city’s natural beauty. People are drawn to this city due to its high standard of living, good healthcare, education, and overall wellness.
Geneva is a global hub for diplomacy with numerous international organizations, such as the Red Cross and many United Nations agencies. It is also an important financial center for competitiveness, as per the Global Financial Centers Index, 2019. Geneva boasts high gross earnings and purchasing power.
5 Vancouver, Canada, 96.1
Located in western Canada, Vancouver is a stunning seaport city that belongs to the Lower Mainland part of British Columbia. It ranks third in Canada’s metropolitan areas, with approximately 5400 people per square kilometer. Forestry is the primary industry, and its diverse population of multilingual speakers from various cultures earns it the title of a Beta global city.
Vancouver is one of the most livable cities globally, boasting a high quality of life and economic intelligence. It has hosted several international conferences and events, including the Commonwealth Games, UN-Habitat I, Expo 86, the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, TED conference, and 2010 Winter Olympics and Paralympics.
4 Calgary, Canada, 96.3
Calgary, located in Elbow River, is the largest city in the province of Alberta and one of the wealthiest cities in Canada. Due to its mountain-high location, Calgary enjoys a sunny climate, averaging 2300 hours of sunlight yearly. It is nicknamed ‘Cowtown’ due to its vast grasslands.
The Calgary Stampede, a ten-day outdoor event held every July, is the most significant event in the city. Calgary’s economy focuses on the petroleum industry, agriculture, and tourism. Calgary consistently ranks high in quality of life. The C Train, Calgary’s light rail system, and buses provide transport services throughout the city. Calgary is also known for its clean environment.
3 Zurich, Switzerland, 96.3
Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland, renowned for its rich cultural heritage. This vibrant city boasts numerous parks, museums, galleries, and theaters, making it an ideal destination for art enthusiasts. Furthermore, Zurich is at the forefront of promoting climate protection and taking action against climate change.
The city boasts a reliable public transportation system and contributes to supporting renewable energy. Zurich also excels in work, housing, leisure, education, and safety measures, making it an excellent place to live. Although it’s one of the most expensive cities globally, it’s a leader in the banking and financial industry, with a reputation for excellence.
2 Copenhagen, Denmark, 98
Copenhagen, located on the eastern coast of Zealand Island, is the capital of Denmark and a renowned livable city. It is easily accessible through rail and road transportation modes connecting its two regions, Amager and Zealand. It is the center of cultural, economic, and governmental policies in Denmark, with a thriving service sector driven by technology-oriented solutions.
Some of the city’s attractions include the Amalienborg and Christiansborg palaces, Rosenborg Castle Gardens, and the Little Mermaid statue. Copenhagen also boasts top educational institutions like the Technical University of Denmark, the University of Copenhagen, and the Copenhagen School of Business.
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1 Vienna, Austria, 99.1
According to the latest rankings, Vienna has been declared the most livable city in the world for 2023. As Austria’s federal capital region and largest city, it has a population of around 3 million. Vienna is home to numerous international organizations, including the United Nations and OPEC, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Its traditional musical legacy has also earned it the “Musical City” title. Visitors can enjoy the city’s historic center, which includes Baroque castles, gardens, architectural ensembles, and various monuments and parks. Recognized as the most prosperous city, it is a great choice for those seeking a peaceful life in a technologically advanced city.
