Every year, the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) releases its Global Sustainability Index, ranking cities around the world based on a comprehensive analysis of factors such as stability, healthcare, culture, environment, education, and infrastructure. The 2024 edition of the report, which examines 173 cities and uses 30 distinct indicators, highlights the best places to live, offering insights into global trends in prosperity, sustainability, and urban development.
These rankings provide a fascinating window into what makes a city an excellent place to call home. As we look into the top 20 cities to live in 2024, it’s clear that some regions have consistently excelled while others have seen notable improvements. But the question remains: which city would you choose?
Vienna, Austria: The Best City in the World to Live In
For the third year in a row, Vienna, Austria retains its top position as the best city in the world to live in. The Austrian capital is renowned for its unique blend of cultural heritage and excellent public services. Its sophisticated public transport system, high-quality healthcare, robust education infrastructure, and safe environment make it the ideal place to live. Vienna’s art, music, and history provide rich cultural experiences, while its parks and green spaces offer residents a perfect escape from urban life.
The city’s charm is in its balance—residents enjoy a high standard of living while still being deeply connected to centuries of cultural and artistic tradition. For those who prioritize quality of life and culture, Vienna is hard to beat.
Copenhagen, Denmark: Second Best
Like Vienna, Copenhagen, Denmark, continues to hold a strong position, securing the second spot for the third consecutive year. Denmark’s capital city is famous for its modern and sustainable urban design, progressive policies, and strong social safety nets. Copenhagen scores particularly high in the environment category due to its commitment to green energy, urban planning, and cycle-friendly infrastructure. The city aims to be carbon-neutral by 2025, a testament to its forward-thinking governance.
Copenhagen’s sense of community, robust healthcare system, and focus on sustainability make it an attractive option for individuals who value living in a city that champions the future of the planet.
Zurich, Switzerland: A Consistent Performer
Zurich, Switzerland, climbed back to third place in 2024, replacing Melbourne, Australia. Known for its picturesque lakeside setting, Zurich also offers top-notch public services, excellent schools, and high stability. Switzerland’s financial hub, Zurich, is not only an economic powerhouse but also offers residents a high standard of living, safety, and a range of cultural experiences. The city’s efficient infrastructure and beautiful natural surroundings make it an appealing place to both live and work.
For those looking for financial stability alongside a beautiful environment and a well-organized city, Zurich remains a solid contender.
Melbourne, Australia: A Perennial Favorite
Melbourne, Australia, is consistently ranked among the top cities in the world to live, and while it dropped to fourth place this year, its cultural vibrancy and high quality of life remain strong. Known as Australia’s cultural capital, Melbourne offers a wealth of arts, music, and food options, along with excellent healthcare and education systems.
With its reputation for being highly livable, diverse, and welcoming, Melbourne offers the best of both worlds: dynamic urban life combined with stunning natural beauty just outside the city.
Calgary and Geneva: Tied for Fifth
The cities of Calgary, Canada, and Geneva, Switzerland, share the fifth position in 2024. Calgary is one of the most attractive cities in North America, known for its excellent quality of life, green spaces, and robust healthcare system. The city has invested heavily in public services and sustainability initiatives, making it a rising star in global rankings.
Geneva stands out as a global center for diplomacy and finance. Its multicultural atmosphere, clean environment, and top-tier public services make it a safe, stable, and attractive place to live. Both cities offer a combination of economic opportunities and comfortable living environments, attracting expatriates and locals alike.
Sydney and Vancouver: Tied for Seventh
Sydney, Australia, and Vancouver, Canada, are both tied for seventh place, showcasing their strengths in stability, healthcare, and cultural offerings. Sydney is famous for its iconic landmarks, such as the Sydney Opera House and Bondi Beach, while also providing residents with high-quality healthcare, education, and a thriving arts scene.
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Vancouver, located on Canada’s stunning west coast, consistently ranks highly for its environmental sustainability and quality of life. It is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, offering easy access to both the ocean and the mountains. Its diverse and inclusive community is one of the reasons why it remains a favorite city for people from all over the world.
Osaka and Auckland: Tied for Ninth
Osaka, Japan, and Auckland, New Zealand, both claim ninth place. Osaka, Japan’s third-largest city, is well-known for its strong economy, excellent public services, and rich culinary culture. The city’s healthcare and education systems are highly regarded, making it a great place for families.
On the other hand, Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city and serves as the country’s economic hub. Auckland boasts a mix of stunning natural landscapes and urban conveniences, providing a high standard of living for its residents. Its strong commitment to sustainability and green energy makes it a model city in the Pacific region.
Honorable Mentions: Adelaide, Toronto, Helsinki, and More
Several other cities also rank highly on the list, offering a high quality of life and strong public services. Adelaide, Australia, comes in at 11th place, known for its affordability and relaxed lifestyle compared to other major Australian cities. Toronto, Canada, ranks 12th and is lauded for its multiculturalism, safety, and access to excellent healthcare and education.
Helsinki, Finland, ranks 13th due to its high-quality education system, efficient public services, and commitment to sustainability. Tokyo, Japan, follows closely behind in 14th place, known for its blend of modern infrastructure and deep cultural history.
Other cities like Perth and Brisbane, Australia, as well as Frankfurt, Germany, and Luxembourg, round out the top 20 list, each offering distinct advantages in terms of economic stability, quality of life, and public services.
Global Trends in 2024: A Shift in Stability and Healthcare
This year’s report highlights several important global trends. Despite dominating the top 20 with eight cities on the list, Europe has seen a drop in overall stability scores. Protests in Western Europe over issues like far-right extremism and agricultural policies have raised concerns about future stability in the region.
On the other hand, cities in the Middle East, particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi, have climbed the ranks due to significant improvements in infrastructure, stability, and education. Saudi Arabia has also invested heavily in its cities, boosting their global rankings and making them more attractive to expatriates and foreign investors.
The US, while not represented in the global top 20, has seen smaller cities outperforming larger metropolises. Honolulu is now the top city in the US for the second year in a row, followed by Pittsburgh and Boston. This shift underscores the appeal of mid-sized cities that offer a combination of livability, safety, and access to healthcare without the congestion and cost of larger urban centers.
The Future of Global Urban Living
As the world continues to grapple with challenges ranging from climate change to geopolitical instability, cities that emphasize sustainability, infrastructure development, and public services will likely continue to dominate the rankings. The 2024 Global Sustainability Index underscores the importance of balancing modern urban needs with environmental stewardship and social stability.
While cities like Vienna and Copenhagen lead the pack, rising stars such as Calgary and Dubai are quickly making their mark. The question, then, isn’t just which city is the best—but which city is best for you?
So, with this comprehensive list, which of these 20 cities would you choose to call home? Whether you’re drawn to the cultural heritage of Vienna, the eco-consciousness of Copenhagen, or the natural beauty of Vancouver, each of these cities offers a unique blend of comfort, prosperity, and future-forward thinking.
