Recently updated on July 18th, 2023 at 05:03 pm
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 2022 has the answer. It ranks the 11 best places to live in the world based on ‘Stability, Healthcare, Culture & Entertainment, Education, and Infrastructure’ so you can turn wanderlust into wonderful reality.
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. Vienna (Austria)
- Overall rating: 99.1 (out of 100)
- Stability: 100
- Healthcare: 100
- Culture & Environment: 96.3
- 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 ranks first among the best places to live in the world for 2022 – 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. Copenhagen (Denmark)
- Overall rating: 98
- Stability: 100
- 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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3. Zurich (Switzerland)
- Overall rating: 96.3
- Stability: 95
- Healthcare: 100
- Culture & Environment: 96.3
- Education: 91.7
- 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.
Tied 3rd. Calgary (Canada)
- Overall rating: 96.3
- Stability: 95
- Healthcare: 100
- Culture & Environment: 90
- Education: 100
- Infrastructure: 100
Criminally underrated Calgary ties third in the list of the best places to live in the world. Mountain views crop up at every corner of this Canadian mini-paradise. We recommend exploring its arty neighbourhoods, stuffing your face full of delicious jam doughnuts and checking out the Calgary Stampede (The World’s Richest Tournament Style Rodeo) – which includes ladies barrel racing, bareback, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, saddle bronc, and bull riding.
4. Vancouver (Canada)
- Overall rating: 96.1
- Stability: 90
- Healthcare: 100
- Culture & Environment: 100
- Education: 100
- Infrastructure: 92.9
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. It’s no wonder Culture & Environment scores full marks in Vancouver.
5. Geneva (Switzerland)
- Overall rating: 95.9
- Stability: 95
- Healthcare: 100
- Culture & Environment: 94.9
- Education: 91.7
- 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. Frankfurt (Germany)
- Overall rating: 95.7
- Stability: 90
- Healthcare: 100
- Culture and environment: 96.3
- Education: 91.7
- Infrastructure: 100
Frankfurt is on the rise as one of the best places to live in the world (rocketing up 32 places to 7 this year). Although it remains a financial hub, many 1990’s creatives who left have now returned and infused vibrant life into the charming surroundings. Like pop-up restaurants, groovy urban bars and art galleries. To immerse yourself here, we recommend roaming the Old Town’s cobbled corners and Gothic-styled, half-timbered architecture. As well as the Römerplatz (town hall since 1405) and current seat of the Mayor. To live like a local, a taste of Frankfurter sausages pared with abbelwoi (apple wine) is essential. And all bookworms must pop into the Frankfurt Book Fair every October (the largest book event in the world with representatives from over 100 countries).
7. Toronto (Canada)
- Overall rating: 95.4
- Stability: 95
- Healthcare: 100
- Culture and environment: 95.4
- Education: 100
- Infrastructure: 89.3
Toronto is the perfect example of a big city without the usual stresses. It’s safe, has excellent transport and – in typical Canadian fashion – the locals are wonderfully warm. It suits all looking for excellent healthcare and education systems. Plus those looking for a full-bodied arts and theatre district, excellent food and restorative waterfront views. Amazingly, 18% of the city is parks and some of the trees extend almost as tall as skyscrapers.
8. Amsterdam
- Overall rating: 95.3
- Stability: 90
- Healthcare: 100
- Culture and environment: 97.2
- Education: 91.7
Amsterdam’s majestic collage of canals, beautiful bike lanes, red houses and green parks makes it a dream location for anyone. Mingled in, you’ll want to explore art galleries like Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, hip cafes and museums like the Anne Frank house. And all who move to the Netherland’s capital quickly fall in love with the bubbly, liberal, LGBT-friendly ethos – Amsterdam was the first city to legalise same sex marriage in 2001.
9. Osaka
- Overall rating: 95.1
- Stability: 100
- Healthcare: 100
- Culture and environment: 83.1
- Education: 100
- Infrastructure: 96.4
The Japanese port-city of Osaka (on Honshu island) offers a tranquil alternative to frenetic Tokyo. We recommend admiring the springtime cheery 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.
10. Melbourne
- Overall rating: 95.1
- Stability: 95
- Healthcare: 83.3
- Culture & Environment: 98.6
- Education: 100
- Infrastructure: 100
Melbourne ranked as the most liveable city for seven years in a row before dropping three years ago. But 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.
Did you enjoy reading about these best places to live in the world? Where are you visiting first?