Recently updated on August 19th, 2025 at 10:07 am
Life can bring uncertainty, but one thing is crystal-clear: we all want to live well. So for those seeking a higher quality of life through travel or by re-locating abroad, Economist Intelligence Unit’s (EIU) Global Liveability Index 2025 has the answer. It ranks the 10 best places to live in the world based on ‘Stability, Healthcare, Culture & Entertainment, Education, and Infrastructure’ so you can turn wanderlust into wonderful reality.
What is the Global Liveability Index?
The Global Liveability Index is an annual assessment performed by the Economist Intelligence Unit which highlights the best places to live in the world. It ranks global cities by more than 30 indicators across stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education and infrastructure.
How are liveability rankings useful for choosing a travel destination?
While vacationing in a destination is quite different from actually living there, the liveability rankings can help you identify which cities align with your lifestyle or interests. For example, some cities (like Vienna in 2025) drop in ranking due to attempted or successful acts of terrorism. Other cities may rise in ranking thanks to an evolved infrastructure or increased level of healthcare. Knowing which cities prioritize the health and happiness of its citizens can help you identify which destinations you’ll feel most comfortable traveling to.
These are the best places to live in the world
Starring Western Europe and Canada, plus Australia and Japan – see the best places to live in the world.
1. Copenhagen (Denmark)
- Overall rating: 98.0
- Stability: 100.0
- Healthcare: 95.8
- Culture & Environment: 95.4
- Education: 100
- Infrastructure: 100
Denmark’s capital is a fairytale world that ranks very highly for quality of life. Colourful façade-full streets run off the central harbour – leading to free art galleries, bright green parks and grand palaces. While local cyclists wave hello. We suggest visiting the charming 19th century Tivoli gardens amusement park to soak in the old-world charm, or the alternative Christiania district (full of art galleries, music venues, organic eateries and canals).
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2. Vienna (Austria) (tie)
- Overall rating: 97.1
- Stability: 95.0
- Healthcare: 100.0
- Culture & Environment: 93.5
- Education: 100
- Infrastructure: 100
Vienna’s astonishing arts & culture scene, healthcare, education, and low cost of living (compared to other Western European cities) entices expats every year. It’s tied for second-place among the best places to live in the world for 2025 – meaning now is a fantastic time to roam up to 1,700 acres of its vineyards, devour Sachertorte (chocolate torte), explore the Schönbrunn Palace’s gardens or watch the enchanting opera in this ‘City of Music’ that inspire greats like Mozart and Beethoven.
2. Zurich (Switzerland) (tie)
- Overall rating: 97.1
- Stability: 95.0
- Healthcare: 100.0
- Culture & Environment: 96.3
- Education: 100.0
- Infrastructure: 96.4
Nature and people combine in Switzerland’s biggest city (with a smalltown feel). Dotted on the North of Lake Zurich (flowing into the River Lammat), outdoor-lovers find paradise here – with swimming, kayaking, hiking and skiing on offer and lush woodlands in the ‘Zurichberg’ district. Make sure to roam the charming medieval Altstadt (Old Town), admiring medieval Gothic church spires. Before peeling onto the luxurious Banhofstrasse shopping district. Or join the Street Parade (the world’s biggest techno music celebration) in August.
GET INSPIRED BY: Best of Switzerland
4. Melbourne
- Overall rating: 97.0
- Stability: 95.0
- Healthcare: 100.0
- Culture & Environment: 95.8
- Education: 100.0
- Infrastructure: 96.4
Melbourne routinely ranks as one of the best places to live in the world and Australia’s cultural and sporting capital is as attractive as ever. You’ll want to explore its world-famous artisan coffee scene, street-art filled alleyways, finger-licking food and diverse fine-dining scene. Elsewhere, festivals like Melbourne Jazz attract people from across the world. And the 100,000 seater MCG (Melbourne Cricket ground) deserves a visit, even if you’re not a cricket fan. There’s nothing not to love in Melbourne.
5. Geneva (Switzerland)
- Overall rating: 96.8
- Stability: 95.0
- Healthcare: 100.0
- Culture & Environment: 94.9
- Education: 100.0
- Infrastructure: 96.4
Nestled between the Jura mountains and the Alps on the shores of Lake Geneva, lies a magical mix of Swiss medieval charm and Mother Nature. Welcome to Geneva, fifth on this year’s list of the best places to live in the world and known as the ‘Peace Capital’ because of its home to the European seat of the United Nations and international Red Cross HQ (it’s no surprise Healthcare scores 100 here).
The best way to immerse yourself? Freely stroll its medieval streets and tranquil squares. Admire St Pierre Cathedral. And discover old watchmaking traditions in store. Before letting your inner adventurer loose with water sports on lake Geneva, or by walking and hiking in verdant green hills. Pure bliss.
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6. Sydney (Australia)
- Overall rating: 96.6
- Stability: 95.0
- Healthcare: 100.0
- Culture & Environment: 94.4
- Education: 100.0
- Infrastructure: 96.4
People moving abroad to Australia tend to find a home in Sydney first. Perhaps it’s the iconic Opera House, exceptional public services like its transport networks, or its mild climate that draw expats in. What makes them stay, however, is the gorgeous countryside, cosmopolitan vibes, and multicultural food and festival scene that might convince you to extend your vacation permanently.
GET INSPIRED BY: Contrasts of Australia
7. Osaka (Japan) (tied)
- Overall rating: 96.0
- Stability: 100.0
- Healthcare: 100.0
- Culture & Environment: 86.6
- Education: 100.0
- Infrastructure: 96.4
The Japanese port-city of Osaka (on Honshu island) offers a tranquil alternative to frenetic Tokyo. We recommend admiring the springtime cherry blossoms in the gorgeous Osaka Castle Park and lining the Okawa river. As well as exquisitely-carved Shinto shrines and temples. Healthcare, stability, education and the Japanese food is as good as it gets here (many consider Osaka the culinary capital of Japan). Famed for amazing Japanese street food like takoyaki (Octopus balls), okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes). Plus Michelins star restaurants and delicious neon-lit ramen spots.
GET INSPIRED BY: Classic Japan
7. Auckland (New Zealand) (tie)
- Overall rating: 96.0
- Stability: 95.0
- Healthcare: 95.8
- Culture & Environment: 97.9
- Education: 100.0
- Infrastructure: 92.9
New Zealand’s largest city boasts some of the highest average salaries in the country. Tied with Osaka as the seventh best place to live in the world, Auckland has high air quality despite being so sizable. The City of Sails has a well-developed public transportation network and has put a significant focus on environmental sustainability. From hiking volcanoes and spotting dolphins to exploring the New Zealand Maritime Museum and Auckland War Memorial Museum, Auckland is one of the country’s most vibrant cities inside and out.
GET INSPIRED BY: Jewels of the Bay
9. Adelaide (Australia)
- Overall rating: 95.9
- Stability: 95.5
- Healthcare: 100.0
- Culture & Environment: 91.4
- Education: 100.0
- Infrastructure: 96.4
Despite having the lowest culture and environment score on the top ten list of best places to live in the world, Adelaide is a UNESCO City of Music and the gateway to some of Australia’s best wine regions. Green spaces like Kangaroo Island and Waterfall Gully offer endless outdoor recreational activities to do alone or while making new friends in South Australia. Plus, it’s considered a more laidback and affordable city for digital nomads working abroad than Sydney.
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10. Vancouver (Canada)
- Overall rating: 95.8
- Stability: 95.0
- Healthcare: 95.8
- Culture & Environment: 97.2
- Education: 100.0
- Infrastructure: 92.9
Rounding out 2025’s best places to live in the world, Vancouver steals your heart within seconds. Effortless class and magical nature run through its wide streets, and friendly locals welcome you with open arms. We recommend savouring the 13,123-step seawall walk around Stanley park in downtown Vancouver. Plus gazing at the 230-feet tall (by 460-foot-long) Suspension Bridge that hangs over the Capilano River gorge and merges into enchanting forests. In the evening, explore arty Gastown’s vintage stores and ultra-fresh seafood restaurants.
Did you enjoy reading about these best places to live in the world? Where are you visiting first?