Newly-published Global Liveability Index 2025 by Economist Intelligence Unit rated the overall quality of life for 173 cities worldwide.
These cities were evaluated in key areas: Stability, healthcare, education, culture, environment, infrastructure. The biggest gainer on the index was Al Khobor, Saudi Arabia, and loser: Calgary, Canada.
Copenhagen, Denmark
The Danish capital leads in 2025 with an outstanding liveability rating of 98, finishing off Vienna’s 3-year reign on top. It had 100/100 scores in 3 of 5 categories: Stability, education, infrastructure.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna -- with overall score of 97.1 (95 in stability, 100 in healthcare, education, infrastructure, 93.5 in culture & environment) -- shares second place with a city in the next country to its west.
Zurich, Switzerland
Matching Vienna, with a score of 97.1, beautiful Zurich, on the shores of Lake Zurich, ranks third on the global list, reflecting its top-notch public services, clean surroundings and high standard of living.
Melbourne, Australia
The 2nd biggest Australian city stands out with 100 in both healthcare and education. With 95 in stability, 95.8 in culture & environment, 96.4 in infrastructure, it brought its total score to an impressive 97.0.
Geneva, Switzerland
At Place No 5 is 'Peace Capital' Geneva, scoring 96.8. Score: 95 in stability, a perfect 100 in both healthcare and education, 94.9 in culture & environment and 96.4 in infrastructure.
Sydney, Australia
Harbour City matches coastal charm with first-rate infrastructure, achieving a total score of 96.6 putting it at No 6. It earns 100 in both healthcare and education.
Osaka, Japan
The Japanese port city excels at 96 (100 in stability, healthcare, education) making it the highest-ranked Asian city. C'mon folks, let's move to Osaka.
Auckland, New Zealand
No surprises that an NZ city had to make it to this list. It ranks 7 with Osaka and a 96 (95 in stability, 95.8 in healthcare, 97.9 in culture & environment, 100 in education, 92.9 in infrastructure.
Adelaide, Australia
Yet another Oz city on this index, in the world's top 10 -- what does that tell you about the Land Down Under? -- scoring 95.9 and celebrated for a peaceful lifestyle and reliable public services.
Vancouver, Canada
North America makes its debut with the pretty Canadian west coast city, known for its incredible ethnic diversity, rounding out the top ten with 95.8, obtaining a notable 100 in education.