From Osaka to Toronto, discover what makes these cities shine and why they’re considered some of the best places to live in the world.
The notion of relocating to new places is eternally appealing.
Whether you’re seeking a higher quality of life or simply have an unquenchable wanderlust, the question remains – where should you start your adventure?
Enter the Economist Intelligence Unit’s (EIU) Global Liveability Index for 2023, offering an annual ranking of the world’s best places to call home.
This ranking takes into account various factors, including stability, healthcare, culture, environment, education, and infrastructure.
Expert evaluations and assessments from locals contribute to these rankings.
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Recent years have seen the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on EIU’s rankings.
Lockdowns and social distancing measures affecting scores for culture, education, and healthcare in cities worldwide.
So, what are the cream of the crop in 2023?
Let’s countdown the top picks for the world’s most livable cities:
Osaka, Japan
Japan, a nation celebrated for its literacy and technological prowess, consists of four primary islands and over 6,800 smaller ones.
Osaka, Japan’s third-largest city, is often dubbed a hidden gem, boasting an array of attractions that rival the nation’s capital.
What sets Osaka apart? Well, for one, it’s a culinary paradise.
Don’t miss regional delicacies like takoyaki (fried octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes with various toppings).
Additionally, Osaka is revered for its vibrant baseball culture, neon-lit neighborhoods, and the stunning Osaka Castle.
Osaka scores 100 in stability, healthcare, and education, with 86.8 in culture and environment and 96.4 in infrastructure, culminating in an impressive overall rating of 96.0.
Toronto, Canada
This big city offers all the amenities without the common downsides – it’s clean, safe, easy to navigate, and incredibly welcoming.
Moreover, Toronto benefits from Canada’s renowned healthcare and education systems.
Downtown Toronto boasts a lively arts and theater district, excellent dining options, and breathtaking waterfront views.
Scoring 100 in stability, healthcare, and education, along with 89.3 in infrastructure and 94.4 in culture and environment, Toronto secures an overall rating of 96.5.
Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne, Australia’s cultural hub, once held the top spot for seven consecutive years before slipping slightly.
However, it’s making a strong comeback, ranking third this year after being in the tenth spot last year.
Melbourne encapsulates Australia’s best qualities – sophistication, style, and a free-spirited vibe.
It continues to attract visitors with its world-class art scene, renowned coffee culture, and diverse cuisine.
What’s more, the city’s warm and welcoming populace makes you feel right at home.
Melbourne excels in healthcare, education, and infrastructure, scoring 100, while stability and culture and environment notch up 95 and 95.8, respectively.
This translates into an impressive overall rating of 97.7.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen has secured its second-place ranking for the second year running, and it’s easy to see why.
This city marries modernity with timeless charm.
The whimsical Tivoli Gardens, dating back to the 1800s, outshines other amusement parks, and the bohemian enclave of Christiania is a verdant dreamland.
While Copenhagen can be pricey, public parks, free galleries, and a superbly bike-friendly infrastructure ensure that anyone can enjoy it.
Copenhagen shines in stability, education, and infrastructure with a perfect score of 100, while healthcare and culture and environment score 95.8 and 95.4. Respectively, leading to a remarkable overall rating of 98.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna has held the title of the world’s most liveable city for the second consecutive year.
It previously clinched this honor in 2018 and 2019 before facing a setback during the pandemic.
Vienna boasts a thriving arts and culture scene, exceptional healthcare, and top-tier education.
From opera visits to exploring the stunning Schönbrunn Palace gardens and indulging in Sachertorte (chocolate torte), you’ll never be bored here.
Additionally, Vienna’s commitment to infrastructure and housing keeps the cost of living reasonable compared to other European cities.
Vienna impresses across the board, scoring 100 in stability, healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
While culture and environment experienced a slight dip due to fewer major sporting events, it still achieved an impressive overall rating of 98.4.
Home Sweet World
These cities offer not only a high quality of life but also a diverse range of cultural experiences and opportunities.
So, whether you love busy streets, enjoy lively cities, like diverse cultures, prefer classic beauty, or just want a cozy home, the world has plenty of great cities to explore.
Your perfect place might be closer than you think, ready to inspire your next adventure.
Go ahead, dream big, and take the leap because there are fantastic cities worldwide waiting to welcome you warmly.
So, why not pack your bags and embark on your next great adventure?
Banner photo via Instagram @vienna_austria.
