Where are the most livable cities in the world? Discover the destinations that claim the title
Year after year, a number of cities consistently rank among the best places to live in the world based on research conducted by organizations such as the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) and U.S. News & World Report. What makes them so dependably hospitable to residents and investors comes down to a number of factors, including a location’s economic stability, cultural and social benefits like museums and access to amenities such as outdoor recreation. Most of these cities also boast luxury living options for homeowners looking to enhance their lifestyles, both in terms of property and geography.
These lists can have genuine impacts on the cities they champion. “Rankings such as the EIU Global Liveability Index play an increasingly significant role in the luxury real estate market,” says Andreas Kron, CEO, Zürich Sotheby’s International Realty in Switzerland. Kron notes that Zürich’s consistently strong ranking as one of the world’s most livable cities “enhances its prestige and bolsters its appeal to prospective buyers and investors,” adding that the lists draw particular interest from international clients, whether they are looking for an investment property or a new residence.
Vivienne Huisman, global real estate advisor, Sotheby’s International Realty Canada, echoes that sentiment. “When a city like Calgary [which ranked fifth on the EIU’s list] consistently ranks high, it enhances its global reputation, attracting individuals looking for a better lifestyle as well as businesses seeking a strong economic environment. These kinds of accolades often lead to a surge in interest, particularly from out-of-province buyers or international investors. They can also affirm a city’s potential for long-term growth and stability. Increasing the perceived value of real estate investments.”
For the Global Liveability Index 2024, published in July, the EIU assigned 173 cities throughout the world a score of 1 to 100, using 30 indicators spread among five categories: stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education and infrastructure. Based on this framework. the top 10 most livable cities in 2024 were Vienna, Austria; Copenhagen, Denmark; Zurich, Switzerland; Melbourne, Australia; Calgary, Canada; Geneva, Switzerland; Sydney, Australia; Vancouver, Canada; Osaka, Japan; and Auckland, New Zealand.
As is evident from the top 10. Western Europe maintained its position as the most livable region in the world. This was also Vienna’s third year in a row at the number one spot, which the Austrian capital clinched with a score of 98.4. This is based on the city receiving a perfect score of 100 across tour of the five metrics the EIU tracks. The exception was a score of 93.5 in the category of culture and environment, due to “a lack of major sporting events.”
In a historic quarter of Vienna’s city center, this regal penthouse residence in a 19th-century building has been revitalized for luxurious modern living.
Vienna’s appeal is backed by municipal census data released in 2024 by the City of Vienna Department of Economic Affairs. Labour and Statistics, which shows that Vienna’s population of roughly two million has grown by about 13% over the past decade-a relatively large rate compared to other European cities-with overnight tourist visits increasing by more than 35% in the same period. The city is projecting that the total population of Vienna will increase by 310,000, or 15.6%, in the next 30 years, totaling 2,292,000 residents by 2053.
So what makes it such a welcoming city? As with every city on the list, there is a combination of tangible benefits-economic stability, safety, healthcare, infrastructure, culture, access to nature and green spaces, shopping and dining-and intangibles such as how these harmonize to impact the day-to-day of residents.
“Attaining the title of ‘most livable city’ is closely tied to a city’s reputation for being future-ready and secure,” says Nuaar Gusmirovicova, international relations manager and global real estate advisor, Austria Sotheby’s International Realty. “When a city’s infrastructure and policies foster political and economic stability, inclusivity, safety and environmental responsibility, it becomes an attractive choice for long-term investment by both individuals and businesses.”
Vienna’s high ranking “attracts numerous expats from around the globe,” Gusmirovicova adds, “drawn by the promise of a lifestyle that offers work opportunities alongside diverse leisure and cultural experiences.” Gusmirovicova cites a “combination of excellent infrastructure, cultural richness, strong public services and thoughtful urban planning” as the bedrock of the city’s continued success, adding that “several aspects of daily life make Vienna truly stand out: a high-quality healthcare system, well-organized public transportation, quality housing, political stability, safety and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.” 
Vienna offers a particularly appealing blend of historical elegance and modern amenities. The city’s public transportation is efficient, extensive and easy to navigate, and despite its purported lack of major sporting events, Vienna is a cultural powerhouse, with a rich heritage in music, art and architecture. The city’s commitment to environmental sustainability also contributes to its high livability, with an abundance of parks, gardens and outdoor recreational opportunities. Luxury neighborhoods in Vienna boast an array of opportunity for prospective residents, ranging from historical and culturally dense districts like the Innere Stadt to those such as Döbling and Hietzing, which abut the city’s western edge and offer stand-alone homes and villas with easy access to the region’s woodlands, hills and abundant natural beauty.
Zürich, another perennial favorite, also melds experiential and cultural delights in a safe and economically sound city with efficient infrastructure. “Zürich has experienced steady population growth. Between 2010 and 2020, the population increased by around 10% and currently approximately 440,000 people live in Zürich itself and more than 1.5 million in the greater metropolitan area,” Kron says.
This Caribbean-inspired home enjoys a coveted location in Naples, Florida, which came in at number one on U.S. News & World Report’s list of top 10 places to live in the U.S.
According to 2024 municipal data published by the City of Zürich, by 2018 about one-third of residents were of non-Swiss origin, a reminder of how welcoming and appealing the city is. “As a global financial hub and innovation center, Zürich attracts highly skilled professionals from around the world,” Kron says. “Switzerland’s stable political and economic environment, its strong currency-the Swiss franc, which based on exchange rates in mid-December 2024, is worth around US$1.12—and low inflation rates make it a secure and attractive location for international investors. Zürich’s low crime rate and top-tier healthcare system also make it one of the safest and most desirable places to live.”
As is also true of Vienna, Zürich has never lost sight of the importance of natural beauty to the human experience, and this combination-what Kron calls a “blend of urban luxury and proximity to nature” —is a consistently winning recipe. He says that even Zürich’s most high-end and sought-after neighborhoods, districts such as Zürichberg, Seefeld and Enge, “offer quick access to nature, whether for a walk by the lake, a hike in the nearby mountains or weekend skiing trips.” Real estate costs in these prime locations “typically start at CHF25,000 per square meter [US$2,610 per square foot] and can go up to CHF40,000 per square meter [US$4,230 per square foot].” It’s also worth pointing out that, relative to countries such as Germany, the U.K., and the U.S., Switzerland offers significantly lower tax rates for high-net-worth individuals, which no doubt adds to the draw.
Calgary, the capital of the western Canadian province of Alberta, is one of two North American cities, alongside Vancouver, to make the ElU’s top 10. In Calgary, residents can find a metropolitan experience in proximity to natural beauty-the city is set beside the foothills of the Canadian Rockies. It has high wages and a strong economy coupled with relative affordability when compared with other Canadian cities, such as Toronto or Vancouver. 
Now home to almost 1.5 million residents, Calgary is steadily growing at a much faster rate than Vancouver. “Over the past decade, Calgary has consistently been among the fastest-growing cities in Canada, with an annual growth rate of around 2% to 3%,” says Huisman. “A significant portion of population growth comes from both international and interprovincial migration.” Huisman estimates that Calgary’s population will grow to about 1.6 million residents within the next 20 years.
Increased demand for property has also resulted in an increase in value, with the average home price in Calgary rising nearly 10% in one year-from around CA$505,000 (US$375,000) in mid-2022 to CA$550,000 (US$408,000) in mid-2023—and $1 million-plus sales climbing 31% year-over-year between 2023 and 2024. Huisman notes that continued growth is expected, “though at a more moderate pace. The anticipated average annual growth rate is around 3% to 5%. This is slower than the recent surge but reflects a more sustainable rate of appreciation.”
Nestled amidst the verdant landscape, this magnificent manor house, one of Vancouver’s largest residential properties, has panoramic vistas that stretch as far as the Gulf Islands.
Calgary has also seen a boom in the luxury market, with a notable increase in home sales over CA$1 million (US$742,000). “Unlike some other Canadian cities, where luxury market activity has cooled due to rising interest rates, Calgary’s luxury market remains relatively resilient,” says Huisman. “Factors such as economic recovery, lifestyle preferences and the city’s growing appeal as a destination for remote workers and high-net-worth individuals have kept demand strong.”
She also notes that, due to the market’s expected appreciation, some buyers are treating luxury properties as investment assets. Prices for luxury homes in Calgary typically range from CA$500 to CA$700 per square foot (US$370-US$519), with homes on the higher end-over CA$3 million (US$2.2 million)-ranging closer to CA$700 to more than CA$1,000 per square foot (US$519-US$742).
“FACTORS SUCH AS ECONOMIC RECOVERY, LIFESTYLE PREFERENCES AND THE CITY’S GROWING APPEAL HAVE KEPT DEMAND STRONG” -Vivienne Huisman, global real estate advisor, Sotheby’s International Realty Canada
Luxury condos-many of which are in sought-after downtown areas or high-end developments-are priced closer to CA$500 to CA$800 per square foot, though “penthouses or units in exclusive buildings” can exceed CA$1.000 per square foot. Luxury townhouses are generally priced from CA$400 to CA$600 per square foot, depending on location, property age and amenities.
In May 2024, U.S. News & World Report also released its 2024-2025 list of top 10 places to live in the U.S. The publication has shifted its methodology compared with recent years, moving from what it refers to as “metropolitan area-based data” to “city data,” resulting in a markedly different outcome. Only three cities from its previous surveys-Boulder and Colorado Springs in Colorado and Naples, Florida-remain in the top 10.
This idyllic property outside Carbondale, Colorado, is nestled in a meadow surrounded by the beauty of a national forest.
“In previous years, we considered the metro area of a given place, which takes a broader look at the location using metropolitan statistical areas, a metric used by the U.S. Census Bureau, among others,” says U.S. News’ senior real estate editor Dawn Bradbury. “By changing to a city view, we’re getting more targeted and more consistent data.”
The new parameters fall broadly into four categories. with weight given to a public survey about what Americans value in their home cities. The first is “quality of life.” which accounts for 32% of the ranking. This combines factors such as crime rate, well-being, average commute times, availability and quality of healthcare, air quality and the likelihood of natural hazards. The second category is “value,” which makes up 27% of the ranking and measures the cost of living relative to median income. The third is “desirability.” accounting for 19%, which considers population growth, the local weather and the per-capita presence of dining and drinking destinations. The final metric comprises the employment rate and earning potential in the city.
“Every year, we evaluate the weighting of the different indexes that go into determining our Best Places to Live rankings,” Bradbury says. “While quality of life is still the predominant metric, value continues to gain importance. and employment also saw an increase. As a whole, this list feels more in line with public priorities right now.”
Based on this new methodology, Naples, Florida, came in at number one in this year’s report, followed by Boise, Idaho: Colorado Springs, Colorado: Greenville, South Carolina; Charlotte, North Carolina; Raleigh, North Carolina; Huntsville, Alabama; Virginia Beach, Virginia; Austin, Texas; and Boulder, Colorado.
With the new framework applied, Southern and Midwestern cities (see page 67) have risen significantly in the ranks. According to U.S. Census data released in 2024, around 1.2 million Americans relocated to a Southern state and around 1.3 million moved to a Midwestern state in 2023.
As with the EIU’s list, a consistent trend U.S. News & World Report found in its research about livability was an emphasis on access to nature and outdoor activities, economic resilience and increased opportunities for remote working. A depth of cultural opportunities and hospitality are also consistent factors. Cities such as Austin, Texas (number nine on the U.S. News & World Report list). are also becoming major hubs for tech industries, as companies such as Tesla, Amazon, Dell and Oracle have moved their headquarters there in recent years.
Once considered a luxury destination primarily for retirees and snowbirds, the number one spot on the list, Naples, Florida, has opened itself up to a far wider demographic. The city is particularly attractive to those seeking a high-end lifestyle. According to Karen Van Arsdale, global real estate advisor, Premier Sotheby’s International Realty, a luxury property in the town costs between US$2,000 and US$3,000 per square foot. On top of this, the area also provides a unique combination of outdoor activities, ranging from the famously pristine Gulf of Mexico beaches to the wild Everglades National Park. It’s also noteworthy for potential residents that Florida does not have a state income tax and Naples residents are eligible for what is known as a “homestead exemption,” which decreases a property’s taxable value. 
Other cities on the list still maintain serious luxury amenities and focus on quality of life, but at a lower price point compared to other markets. Eric Scott, global real estate advisor, LIV Sotheby’s International Realty, who specializes in the luxury market in Colorado Springs, Colorado-which landed in third place on the U.S. News & World Report list-noted that luxury resale homes in Colorado Springs are in the US$300 to US$400 per square foot range, with large custom new builds coming in at US$600 to over US$800 per square foot as of October 2024. “Quality of life is a huge draw for our city,” Scott says. “Colorado Springs has always been a beautiful place. It’s at the foot of the mountains and has fantastic weather-roughly 300 days of sunshine per year, four true seasons and spectacular autumns. There are lots of things to do outside, which promotes a very healthy and active community. We have seen an influx of people moving to this area since the pandemic, especially those who work remotely and in the tech industry, as well as people from the coasts and major cities. They are gravitating toward the climate, natural beauty and cost of living, but I also think there is a ‘life is too short’ aspect, with people stepping away from city life to find some balance,” Scott says.
This shift reflects a broader trend of Americans choosing to relocate to places that offer not just economic opportunity but also a more fulfilling and sustainable way of life. “If you look at most of the top cities on this list, they share some combination of relative affordability, a strong job market and a somewhat esoteric ‘quality of life’ moniker, which I think primarily has to do with the outdoors but also work flexibility. They all share connectivity to natural spaces and the ability to experience the outdoors as part of daily or weekly life.” Scott says, pointing specifically to the more than 350 miles of scenic hiking trails of Colorado Springs.
