Deciding where to settle involves more than scenery or nightlife—practical factors like safety, healthcare and infrastructure matter. The Economist Intelligence Unit’s Global Liveability Index 2026 ranks 173 cities worldwide across five categories—stability, healthcare, culture & environment, education and infrastructure—to help compare how comfortable everyday life is from place to place. The 2026 survey, conducted in May, produced an unchanged global average livability score of 76.1 from 2025, despite notable geopolitical upheavals and regional gains in healthcare.
Why the average remained steady: rising healthcare scores around the world largely offset declines in stability caused by conflicts and disruptions (including the Iran conflict, U.S. military action affecting Venezuelan airspace, and the ongoing war in Ukraine). Regionally, Western Europe leads on livability (average 91.7), Australia contributes three cities to the top 10, and Asian cities were the most improved this year, gaining about 0.3 points to an overall 73.9. No U.S. cities appear in the global top 10.
The top 10 most livable cities in 2026
1. Copenhagen, Denmark — Overall 98
Copenhagen tops the list for the second consecutive year with an almost-perfect score. It earns perfect marks for education and stability, strong culture and environment ratings, and excellent healthcare. The city’s bike-friendly streets, abundant parks, accessible cultural offerings and waterfront lifestyle continue to attract both visitors and residents.
2. Vienna, Austria — Overall 97
Vienna holds second place again, praised for its cultural institutions, opera and classical music scene, extensive museums (many housed in historic palaces), and plentiful green space. High scores in healthcare, education and culture sustain its reputation as one of the world’s most liveable capitals.
3. Melbourne, Australia — Overall 97
Melbourne ranks highest of the Australian entries, scoring particularly well for culture and environment. Known for its vibrant arts scene, specialty cafés and eclectic neighborhoods, the city also performs strongly in healthcare, education and stability.
4. Sydney, Australia — Overall 97
Sydney’s natural assets—national parks, coastline and beaches—plus strong healthcare and education systems helped it rise two places. The city’s cultural institutions, sunny climate and outdoor lifestyle make it appealing to long-term residents.
5. Zurich, Switzerland — Overall 96
Zurich ranks in the top five thanks to excellent public services and infrastructure, safe streets and efficient transport. Despite a high cost of living, it scores well for culture and the environment and receives perfect marks in healthcare and education.
6. Geneva, Switzerland — Overall 96
Set beside Lake Geneva with the Alps as a backdrop, Geneva combines natural beauty with strong public services. The city’s international institutions and high-quality healthcare contribute to its top-tier livability rating.
7. Osaka, Japan — Overall 96
Osaka, often celebrated for its street food and lively culinary culture, achieves perfect scores in stability, healthcare and education. Recent urban renewal and infrastructure projects have reinforced its position as a comfortable, energetic city to live in.
8. Adelaide, Australia — Overall 96
Adelaide joins the top ranks with perfect marks for healthcare and education and strong cultural and environmental scores. The city’s nearby beaches and celebrated wine regions add to its appeal for people seeking a balanced urban life.
9. Vancouver, Canada — Overall 96
Vancouver remains North America’s sole representative in the global top 10. It scores especially well for culture and environment, with easy access to forests, mountains and the Pacific—supporting year-round outdoor activities—alongside high marks in education and healthcare.
10. Tokyo, Japan — Overall 96
A returning presence in the top 10, Tokyo improved its cultural and environmental rating this year after major museum renovations and openings. It also posts perfect scores in stability, healthcare and education, reflecting its strong public systems and urban resilience.
How to use these rankings
The index is a practical tool for comparing cities’ everyday livability rather than declaring a single “best” place for everyone. Personal priorities—career opportunities, family needs, climate preference, cost of living and visa access—should guide any decision to relocate. Still, the EIU’s rankings provide a useful snapshot of which cities combine safety, services and amenities in ways that make daily life comfortable and reliable.
If you’re weighing a move, consider which of the five index categories matter most to you and use the detailed scores as one data point alongside housing costs, job prospects and immigration requirements. The 2026 index highlights that many of the world’s most livable cities pair strong public services with accessible culture and plenty of green space—ingredients that consistently shape where people choose to make a home.
