If you could choose any city in the world to call your next home, would you pick one of these? Randomly looking at maps to find your perfect destination is an overwhelmingly huge task, which is why it’s best to rely on experts and data-based evidence as your trusty resources no matter the reason for traveling abroad,
Each year, the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) publishes its Global Liveability Rankings, wherein it assesses 173 cities worldwide. The annual index evaluates the cities across five categories: Education, healthcare, stability, infrastructure, and culture and environment.
With over 70 years of experience with research and analysis of the global landscape, the EIU’s liveability survey is a credible source detailing city profiles and overall lifestyle and environment.
Top 10 cities to live in 2022 (all ratings are out of 100 possible points)
1. Vienna, Austria
- Overall rating: 99.1
- Stability: 100
- Healthcare: 100
- Culture & environment: 96.3
- Education: 100
- Infrastructure: 100
After its disappearance in the 2021 index due to pandemic closures, Vienna successfully reclaims first place in 2022 as it did in the pre-pandemic years, 2018 and 2019. With a perfect score from nearly all categories, this historic and culturally-rich city offers the best of everything. On top of being a paradise for music and the arts, it also has one of the most affordable housing costs for all European cities.
2. Copenhagen, Denmark
- Overall rating: 98
- Stability: 100
- Healthcare: 95.8
- Culture & environment: 95.4
- Education: 100
- Infrastructure: 100
World-leading restaurants, bike-friendly streets, political stability, and the fantastic Tivoli Gardens are reasons why Copenhagen, Denmark, snags runner-up on the list. While the city can be considered expensive, it is also home to Freetown Christiania, a majestic bohemian community that’s every bit of a dreamland.
3. Zürich, Switzerland (tie)
- Overall rating: 96.3
- Stability: 95
- Healthcare: 100
- Culture & environment: 96.3
- Education: 91.7
- Infrastructure: 96.4
Zürich is a large and wealthy city that boasts efficiency and cleanliness. However, it is also a creative paradise for the young and old. Whether you fuel your adventurous side exploring the city’s mountains, lakes, and the Limnat River, or want to indulge in impeccable food and visit art galleries, Zürich is a place offering the opportunity for wonderful experiences.
3. Calgary, Canada (tie)
- Overall rating: 96.3
- Stability: 95
- Healthcare: 100
- Culture & environment: 90
- Education: 100
- Infrastructure: 100
Number three on the list, Calgary in Canada, is a beautiful blend of city living and nature. It is a diverse and dynamic city with top-notch infrastructure and magnificent scenery like Banff National Park and Lake Louise. The thriving town is home to the Calgary Stampede, a prominent festival and rodeo known worldwide.
5. Vancouver, Canada
- Overall rating: 96.1
- Stability: 90
- Healthcare: 100
- Culture & environment: 100
- Education: 100
- Infrastructure: 92.9
Apart from the picturesque outdoors and amazing healthcare and education, Vancouver’s lively neighborhoods are full of friendly, multinational citizens. With its vibrant culture, delectable food, and bustling environment, the city shines with sophistication.
6. Geneva, Switzerland
- Overall rating: 95.9
- Stability: 95
- Healthcare: 100
- Culture & environment: 94.9
- Education: 91.7
- Infrastructure: 96.4
As the home of the Red Cross, it’s not surprising that Geneva, Switzerland has a perfect healthcare score. Aside from the famous Lake Geneva, you’ll find yourself entranced with the city’s view of snow-capped mountains along with its lively atmosphere. This city is truly historically timeless, matched with cosmopolitan flair.
7. Frankfurt, Germany
- Overall rating: 95.7
- Stability: 90
- Healthcare: 100
- Culture and environment: 96.3
- Education: 91.7
- Infrastructure: 100
Frankfurt is a city bustling with people and opportunities. The city is a financial and transportation hub, with its airport being one of the busiest in Europe. Despite the abundance of skyscrapers, Frankfurt also embraces its roots, which you’ll see with its cobblestone streets in Old Town.
8. Toronto, Canada
- Overall rating: 95.4
- Stability: 95
- Healthcare: 100
- Culture and environment: 95.4
- Education: 100
- Infrastructure: 89.3
Toronto has must-try restaurants, excellent education and healthcare, a vibrant art scene, and waterfront views. However, the heart of this city is its multicultural population. Toronto embraces a diverse community, making the city a place for everyone.
9. Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Overall rating: 95.3
- Stability: 90
- Healthcare: 100
- Culture and environment: 97.2
- Education: 91.7
- Infrastructure: 96.4
Amsterdam is a vibrant and exciting city home to world-class museums, a wonderful mix of cultural activities, and a first-class healthcare system. The city is world-famous for its central canal and colorful houses that present you with quirky scenery, making it a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
10. Osaka, Japan (tie)
- Overall rating: 95.1
- Stability: 100
- Healthcare: 100
- Culture and environment: 83.1
- Education: 100
- Infrastructure: 96.4
Living in Osaka offers safety, stability, and top-notch education and healthcare. Regarding food, you can’t skip regional delicacies like takoyaki and okonomiyaki. By day, you can enjoy a trip to Osaka Castle and by night, walk around the neon-flooded neighborhoods.
10. Melbourne, Australia (tie)
- Overall rating: 95.1
- Stability: 95
- Healthcare: 83.3
- Culture & environment: 98.6
- Education: 100
- Infrastructure: 100
Although dropping from the 8th spot in the previous year, Melbourne is still one of the best cities to live in 2022, at number 10 for its infrastructure and education. The free-spirited nature, culture, outstanding museums, cuisine, famous coffee, and more make this city effortlessly shine.
