Whether you wish to live somewhere with a higher standard of living or you simply have an insatiable thirst for travel, the concept of relocating overseas is always alluring. But where do I begin? Consider looking at some reliable data.
The latest annual ranking of the finest places to live in the world, the Economist Intelligence Unit's (EIU) Global Liveability Index 2022, rates 172 cities in five categories: infrastructure, stability, healthcare, culture & entertainment, and education.
1. Vienna, Austria
Overall rating: 99.1
Stability: 100
Healthcare: 100
Culture & Environment: 96.3
Education: 100
Infrastructure: 100
Due to pandemic-related closures, Vienna was missing from the top 10 last year, but it has returned the top spot this year, a position it also maintained in 2018 and 2019. The city scored perfectly in almost every area thanks to a vibrant arts and culture sector, first-rate healthcare, and excellent education. You won't get bored here between going to the opera, exploring Schönbrunn Palace's grounds, and eating Sachertorte. Additionally, the local government invests heavily in housing and infrastructure, resulting in a far lower cost of living than in cities in similar regions of Europe.
2. Copenhagen, Denmark
Overall rating: 98
Stability: 100
Healthcare: 95.8
Culture & Environment: 95.4
Education: 100
Infrastructure: 100
Copenhagen has an enduring charm that entices visitors to return time and time again despite its reputation for producing cutting-edge eateries and lodging facilities. While Christiania, a bohemian neighbourhood, is a misty, lush dreamland, Tivoli Gardens, a fanciful amusement park from the 1800s, is unmatched by any other amusement parks. Despite the city's high cost, not everyone can afford to visit and enjoy it. There are several free public parks and art galleries, and the infrastructure makes it one of the world's bike-friendliest cities.
3. Zurich, Switzerland (tie)
Overall rating: 96.3
Stability: 95
Healthcare: 100
Culture & Environment: 96.3
Education: 91.7
Infrastructure: 96.4
The main city and commercial centre of Switzerland may appear uninteresting at first look due to its reputation for being stern and hyper-efficient. True, there are always-on-time trains and spotless streets, but the city is also full of surprises. In the summer, locals can be seen riding their bikes to get scoops of gelato, playing volleyball in the parks, and swimming in the Limmat River. There are a lot of art galleries and excellent restaurants in Zurich because it is a haven for young creatives.
4. Calgary, Canada (tie)
Overall rating: 96.3
Stability: 95
Healthcare: 100
Culture & Environment: 90
Education: 100
Infrastructure: 100
Calgary is another place where nature and urban living go hand in hand. You can see mountains from nearly anywhere within the city, and outdoor wonderlands like Lake Louise and Banff National Park are just a couple hours away. Meanwhile, culinary and cultural events thrive in town—just check out the world-famous Calgary Stampede for proof.
5. Vancouver, Canada
Overall rating: 96.1
Stability: 90
Healthcare: 100
Culture & Environment: 100
Education: 100
Infrastructure: 92.9
Vancouver is a perfect mix of natural beauty and sophistication. The city feels cosmopolitan, but it’s still easy to get outdoors within the city limits and embrace that active Northwest lifestyle. The Capilano Suspension Bridge in North Vancouver is always a popular attraction, as is Stanley Park (for locals and visitors alike). Most importantly, the people here are so friendly, you’ll feel at home almost immediately.
6. Geneva, Switzerland
Overall rating: 95.9
Stability: 95
Healthcare: 100
Culture & Environment: 94.9
Education: 91.7
Infrastructure: 96.4Despite being one of the most expensive cities in the world, Geneva proves its livability with a perfect healthcare score (it is the home of the Red Cross, after all) and high numbers for stability and infrastructure. There’s no denying the city’s natural beauty, either—it boasts expansive views of the Alps and Jura Mountains, and, of course, is home to Lake Geneva. With a daily commute that gorgeous, we can see why people are eager to move here.
7. Frankfurt, Germany
Overall rating: 95.7
Stability: 90
Healthcare: 100
Culture and environment: 96.3
Education: 91.7
Infrastructure: 100 Frankfurt climbed an impressive 32 places to land at number seven this year. The German city is one of Europe’s biggest financial hubs, so it attracts a fair share of expats looking for jobs. But there are plenty of draws beyond business opportunities, like the world’s largest book fair, a cityscape featuring both glitzy skyscrapers and a cobblestoned Old Town, and one of the busiest airports in Europe.
8. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Overall rating: 95.3
Stability: 90
Healthcare: 100
Culture and environment: 97.2
Education: 91.7
Infrastructure: 96.4
You are aware of Amsterdam's centre canal, which was duly designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010. One of Europe's best places to live may be created by combining swaths of green space, historic red-brick facades, museums packed with Van Gogh artwork, as well as an outstanding healthcare system.
9. Melbourne, Australia (tie)
Overall rating (out of 100): 95.1
Stability: 95
Healthcare: 83.3
Culture & Environment: 98.6
Education: 100
Infrastructure: 100
Melbourne continues to be one of the most livable cities in Australia—and the entire world—despite falling from number 8 to number 10 this year. The city shines with all of Australia's best qualities—sophisticated, elegant, and free-spirited—and continues to draw tourists with its top-notch art, renowned coffee, and delectable cuisine (the city held the top rank for seven years in a row before sliding three years ago).
10. Osaka, Japan (tie)
Overall rating: 95.1
Stability: 100
Healthcare: 100
Culture and environment: 83.1
Education: 100
Infrastructure: 96.4
Japan’s third-largest city (after Tokyo and Yokohama) is often seen as a hidden gem with the tourism pull of the nation’s capital, but there are plenty of reasons it’s become a destination in its own right. For starters, Osaka is one of the best food cities in all of Japan—must-eat regional specialities include takoyaki (battered, fried octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (grilled savory pancakes with a variety of additions). We also love the city for its baseball culture, neon-lit neighborhoods, and beautiful Osaka Castle.
