Vienna tops the list of cities with the best quality of life in 2023/2024, followed by Zurich in second place, with Auckland and Copenhagen taking third and fourth places respectively. Geneva rounds out the top five, further confirming Switzerland's positive reputation for quality of life. This is the ranking of the latest Quality of Living survey, curated by Mercer. Milan and Rome are also in the Top 100.
Mercer data on quality of life
"Mercer's data shows that countries with a high quality of life offer their citizens and expatriates access to excellent healthcare, education, infrastructure and social services, as well as affordable housing," said Yvonne Traber, Partner and Global Mobility Leader at Mercer.
Mercer's survey assesses living conditions in more than 450 cities worldwide to help companies calculate fair and consistent expatriation allowances. Living conditions, surveyed between September and November 2023, are analysed according to 39 factors, grouped into 10 categories: political and social environment, economic environment, socio-cultural environment, medical and health conditions, schools and education, public services and transport, recreation, consumer goods, housing and environmental and ecological aspects.
The cities with the best quality of life in the world
Here are the top 10 cities in the world for quality of life abroad according to Mercer:
| City | Country | |
| 1 | Vienna | Austria |
| 2 | Zurich | Switzerland |
| 3 | Auckland | New Zealand |
| 4 | Copenhagen | Denmark |
| 5 | Geneva | Switzerland |
| 6 | Frankfurt | Germany |
| 7 | Munich | Germany |
| 8 | Vancouver | Canada |
| 9 | Sydney | Australia |
| 10 | Dusseldorf | Germany |
Overseas, Vancouver (8th place) is the top-rated city in North America this year, offering residents a unique mix of outdoor recreation and cosmopolitan life that contribute to its high-quality lifestyle. San Francisco (37th place) is the top city in the United States for its well-developed infrastructure, pleasant climate and excellent air quality. Montevideo (89th place) is the first city in Latin America.
Dubai (79th place) and Abu Dhabi (84th place) in the United Arab Emirates lead the Middle East ranking, both renowned for their modern infrastructure and diverse expatriate communities. Port Louis (88th place) follows with the best quality of life in Africa.
Ranked first among Asian cities and 29th overall is Singapore, which offers a clean and safe environment combined with a highly efficient infrastructure. The Pacific city with the best quality of life is Auckland (3rd place), thanks to its strong healthcare and dynamic cultural scene.
Quality of life in Italian cities 2024
Milan is in 44th place, one step above London (45th place) and two steps above Madrid (46th place). Several places behind Rome, in 61st place.
Milan and Rome offer distinct qualities in terms of quality of life. Milan, as Italy's financial center, provides abundant job opportunities and a thriving cultural scene, with renowned museums, fashion events, and dining options. Its efficient infrastructure and higher salaries make it attractive, albeit with a higher cost of living.
Rome, rich in history and culture, offers a relaxed lifestyle centred around family and community, with iconic landmarks and a Mediterranean ambiance. While transportation may be less efficient and salaries lower, the city's lower cost of living, beautiful parks, and vibrant piazzas contribute to its unique appeal. Ultimately, the choice between Milan and Rome depends on individual preferences and priorities.
Employers and employees are reconsidering their priorities
Among the world's largest metropolitan cities (population over ten million), Paris (32nd place), New York City (40th place) and London (45th place) rank in the top 20% of all cities. Although they are desirable and popular locations for expats, cities of this size often face some infrastructural challenges.
"The current global landscape is influenced by geopolitical turmoil, natural disasters and other economic challenges, which have significant implications for cities and consequences for their ability to attract and retain talent. Many employees are reconsidering their priorities and evaluating the quality of life offered to them and their families in the places where they live and work," Traber added. "For many employers and their employees, having clarity on these factors can support the decision-making process for both in the case of international assignments."
The world's greenest cities
In addition, due to employers' and employees' interest in sustainability, Mercer has compiled a ranking of the world's greenest cities. Canberra, Oslo, Adelaide, Helsinki and Ottawa ranked high for a number of recent sustainability efforts, including taking effective measures to reduce air pollution and improve water availability and potability. Milan and Rome, the only Italian cities in the rankings, ranked 84th and 88th out of 241, respectively in this category.
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