New Delhi is the best city to live in among the metros in India and can boast of the highest standard of living in the country according to the Worldwide Quality of Living Survey.

Out of 215 cities surveyed by Mercer Human Resource Consulting around the world, the Indian capital bettered its ranking and is ranked at number 148 up by two places compared to last year.

Other cities featured in the survey are Chennai (177) and Mumbai (209).

Analysis of the cities was based on an evaluation of 39 criteria including political, social, economic and environmental factors. Other factors taken into consideration include personal safety and health, education, transport and other public services.

"Indian cities score relatively poorly for health and sanitation. Most Indian cities are densely populated with poor waste removal and sewage systems. These issues, combined with increasing air pollution, contribute to their relatively low ratings," Slagin Parakatil, senior researcher, Mercer, was quoted as saying in a press release issued through Asianet.

He added, "Overall Indian cities have also increased their quality of living. Yet, India still requires major investments in the areas of health, sanitation including waste removal, sewage, water portability among others."

Zurich (108.1 rating) ranks first closely followed by Geneva (108 rating). Cities in Europe, Australia and New Zealand continue to dominate the top end of the rankings in the overall quality of living while Iraqi capital of Baghdad scored the lowest (14.5) with Congo (29.5) figuring penultimate on the list.

In the Asia Pacific region, Auckland and Wellington in New Zealand rank in joint 18th place. Singapore ranks at 50^th place while Hong Kong is at 117.

Which Indian city is the best to live in? Why? Tell us what you think.