The world's best cities to live in 2025: Copenhagen, Vienna, and Melbourne top the ranking

EIU analysts have named the best cities in the world to live in 2025. Find out why Copenhagen tops the ranking, which cities in Asia and Canada made it into the top 20, and why the US, UK, and Ukraine were left off the list

An insurance policy is a guarantee of your safety and peaceful stay outside Ukraine

BUY

The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) has published its updated Global Liveability Index, which ranks the world's most comfortable cities. Every year, experts evaluate 173 cities in terms of stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure. The final score is given on a 100-point scale, and this year's winner scored an impressive 98 points.

What is the best city in the world?

Copenhagen (Denmark) took first place in the ranking, receiving the highest scores in three categories: stability, education, and infrastructure. The Danish capital has been considered the benchmark for quality of life for several years now: it offers a perfect combination of high levels of safety, environmental awareness, cleanliness, a well-developed transport system, and thoughtful urban planning.

Vienna (Austria) and Zurich (Switzerland) shared second place. Vienna, which topped the ranking in 2022 and 2023, continues to be a model of urban quality of life. Free education, an efficient public transport system, low crime rates, and a rich cultural heritage make it attractive to both locals and foreigners.

Zurich, in turn, is renowned for its impeccable infrastructure, clean streets, high salaries, and stable economy. The city is often called “the most comfortable metropolis that has not lost its soul” because it combines a world-class financial center with a sense of peace and comfort.

Asia-Pacific region: leaders in comfort

Nine cities in the Asia-Pacific region made it into the top 20. The best of them is Melbourne (Australia), which took fourth place. The city is considered the cultural capital of Australia, offering a rich life, excellent healthcare, quality education, and developed transport. Other Australian cities also made it into the ranking — Sydney, Adelaide, Perth, and Brisbane, which only confirms the high standard of living on the continent.

Osaka and Tokyo in Japan, as well as Auckland and Wellington in New Zealand, demonstrate that this region is setting the trend for balanced urban development — with respect for culture, technology, and nature.

Don't want to miss important updates and useful articles? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

Canada remains stable at the top, while the US and UK are outside the top 20

Canada traditionally maintains a strong position: Vancouver, Toronto, and Calgary are in the top 20, receiving high marks for infrastructure, healthcare, and education. In contrast, the US and the UK are once again outside the top 20. The best American cities are Honolulu, Atlanta, Pittsburgh, Seattle, and Washington, but none of them made it to the top of the list.

London, Manchester, and Edinburgh also lost ground due to rising crime, strikes, and public discontent. EIU experts attribute this to a general decline in global stability caused by geopolitical conflicts, terrorist threats, and economic pressure.

The EIU's 20 best cities in the world to live in

1. Copenhagen, Denmark

2. Vienna, Austria (ex aequo)

3. Zurich, Switzerland (ex aequo)

4. Melbourne, Australia

5. Geneva, Switzerland

6. Sydney, Australia

7. Osaka, Japan (ex aequo)

8. Auckland, New Zealand (ex aequo)

9. Adelaide, Australia

10. Vancouver, Canada

11. Luxembourg

12. Toronto, Canada

13. Helsinki, Finland

14. Tokyo, Japan

15. Perth, Australia

16. Brisbane, Australia

17. Frankfurt, Germany

18. Calgary, Canada

19. Amsterdam, Netherlands

20. Wellington, New Zealand

Why Ukraine, Britain, and the US did not make the top

Ukrainian cities are currently not included in the ranking due to the ongoing war, instability, and destruction of infrastructure. However, experts note that in the future, after recovery, Kyiv has the potential to return to global rankings thanks to its dynamics, education, and cultural life.

The US and the UK lost their positions not because of a decline in quality of life, but rather because of increased social and political challenges. “Overall changes in the global index indicate growing tensions that are affecting even traditionally stable regions,” the EIU report emphasizes.

Living abroad: what Ukrainians should consider

If you are planning to move or take a long trip to one of the most comfortable cities in the world, take care of your safety and financial protection in advance. Travel insurance for trips abroad will help you avoid unexpected expenses for medical services, lost luggage, or trip cancellations. This is a must for those who want to travel without unnecessary risks and enjoy the comforts offered by the world's best cities. You can quickly and easily purchase insurance on the Visit Ukraine website.

We remind you! Europe is not always safe: some countries have high levels of crime and terrorist threats. Read about which 5 European countries are considered the most dangerous in 2025 in our previous article.

Photo: Maria Grazia Staiani, Flick

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;

Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;

Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;

Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;

Visit Ukraine Merch - buy patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

© 2018-2025, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.

All rights reserved.