Most of us have considered it at some point – sacking off the dreariness of the UK for a sun-drenched elsewhere, somewhere on the ‘safest places’ and ‘best cities to live in’ lists.
If that is you, or you simply want to peruse the options available for a trip away, then this list from the Economist Intelligence Unit’s (EIU) Global Liveability Index 2022 is for you.
Every year, they score 172 cities in five categories including stability, healthcare, culture and entertainment, education, and infrastructure.
The pandemic has shaped outcomes in the past few years but 2022 is showing a slow return to pre-Covid times as many a metropolis goes back to its former glory.
Sadly though, the UK doesn’t seem to fare well, and the usual suspects – Scandinavian countries, and Canada – reign supreme.
Here are the best places to live in the world right now…
1. Vienna, Austria
- Overall rating: 99.1
- Stability: 100
- Healthcare: 100
- Culture & Environment: 96.3
- Education: 100
- Infrastructure: 100
Vienna has benefitted from a recent boost, after not featuring in the list at all last year, mostly due to pandemic closures.
Now back on the scene, it’s thriving for its arts and culture, health and education provisions, and the cost of living is cheaper than other European counterparts.
And fun fact: Vienna took the top spot in previous years, including in 2018 and 2019.
2. Copenhagen, Denmark
- Overall rating: 98
- Stability: 100
- Healthcare: 95.8
- Culture & Environment: 95.4
- Education: 100
- Infrastructure: 100
Like other Scandi cities, Copenhagen isn’t the cheapest, but there is plenty to enjoy for free. For tourists and locals alike, free public parks and galleries are on the cards, and the city’s high-scoring infrastructure makes it a top bike-riding city.
3. Zurich, Switzerland
- Overall rating: 96.3
- Stability: 95
- Healthcare: 100
- Culture & Environment: 96.3
- Education: 91.7
- Infrastructure: 96.4
The Swiss really know what they’re doing when it comes to health, education, infrastructure etc. Zurich is the largest city and an economic and creative hub so you can expect lots of galleries, and pretty pricey items throughout the city.
4. Calgary, Canada
- Overall rating: 96.3
- Stability: 95
- Healthcare: 100
- Culture & Environment: 90
- Education: 100
- Infrastructure: 100
Prepare to see a lot of Canada on this list, as it appears a few times due to its perfect scores for healthcare and infrastructure.
Calgary is clearly ahead of the game, combining city life with dramatic nature landscapes.
5. Vancouver, Canada
- Overall rating: 96.1
- Stability: 90
- Healthcare: 100
- Culture & Environment: 100
- Education: 100
- Infrastructure: 92.9
Another one of Canada’s great offerings, Vancouver, is a popular destination, among Canada’s densest, most ethnically diverse cities.
A popular filming location, it’s surrounded by mountains, and also has thriving art, theatre and music scenes.
6. Geneva, Switzerland
- Overall rating: 95.9
- Stability: 95
- Healthcare: 100
- Culture & Environment: 94.9
- Education: 91.7
- Infrastructure: 96.4
Back on the list, Switzerland offers one of the most expensive places in the world: Geneva.
Sure, a curry will cost you £30, but for those who live there (and earn a fairly decent salary and enjoy top-notch healthcare), it’s not so bad.
7. Frankfurt, Germany
- Overall rating: 95.7
- Stability: 90
- Healthcare: 100
- Culture and environment: 96.3
- Education: 91.7
- Infrastructure: 100
When you think Germany, your mind might go to Berlin, but don’t overlook Frankfurt, home of the famed Frankfurter sausage.
Frankfurt is going up in the world, climbing 32 spots from a previous list. It is quickly becoming a top destination for expats looking for new work.
8. Toronta, Canada
- Overall rating: 95.4
- Stability: 95
- Healthcare: 100
- Culture and environment: 95.4
- Education: 100
- Infrastructure: 89.3
So basically, the list is saying move to Canada already. Toronto, (where Drake is from) sits along Lake Ontario’s northwestern shore. It’s a dynamic metropolis with a core of soaring skyscrapers, all dwarfed by the iconic, free-standing CN Tower.
Toronto also has many green spaces, perfect for an escape from all those high-rises.
9. Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Overall rating: 95.3
- Stability: 90
- Healthcare: 100
- Culture and environment: 97.2
- Education: 91.7
- Infrastructure: 96.4
Who doesn’t love Amsterdam? Most of us will know it from a weekend trip away or the like, but it’s also a wonderful place to live apparently.
As well as tonnes of history, (and yes, decriminalised marijuana), Amsterdam also offers world-class healthcare to its residents.
10. Osaka, Japan, and Melbourne, Australia
Osaka:
- Overall rating: 95.1
- Stability: 100
- Healthcare: 100
- Culture and environment: 83.1
- Education: 100
- Infrastructure: 96.4
Melbourne:
- Overall rating (out of 100): 95.1
- Stability: 95
- Healthcare: 83.3
- Culture & Environment: 98.6
- Education: 100
- Infrastructure: 100
Both Osaka and Melbourne are tied (and also the only non European/Canadian cities listed), scoring the same overall result.
Both overshadowed by other famed destinations in the country (respectively Tokyo and Sydney) these bustling metropolises offer great foodie delights, cultural sights, and for residents, undefeated education, healthcare and infrastructure.
Will you be visiting or even moving to any of these places in future?
Do you have a story you want to share?
Let us know by emailing [email protected].
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