Vienna tops the list of 10 best cities to live in the world, Pakistan’s Karachi features in the bottom 10

The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) annually releases its Global Liveability Index, ranking cities based on stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure. In the 2024 report, Vienna, Austria, remains the top city ...

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Curious about the most desirable cities to live in the world? Every year, the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) assesses cities worldwide, revealing their findings in the much-anticipated Global Liveability Index 2024. Find out which cities make the cut and why they shine as the best places to call home.

For the third year in a row, Vienna, Austria, has been crowned the world's best city to live in. With flawless scores in stability, healthcare, and education, Vienna is lauded for its unparalleled mix of cultural vibrancy and top-notch public services.

Meanwhile, according to the report, Pakistan’s Karachi, and Bangladesh’s capital Dhaka are amongst the least liveable cities in the world as they feature in the bottom 10 of the list.


The index ranks the liveability of 173 cities across five key categories, including stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education and infrastructure.

This year's survey revealed an increase in average scores, thanks to improvements in healthcare and education in developing countries. However, this progress was largely counterbalanced by declines in scores for several top-tier cities.

Four cities in the Asia-Pacific region—Melbourne and Sydney in Australia, Osaka in Japan, and Auckland in New Zealand—have made it into this year’s top ten most livable cities globally.
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Cities in the Middle East and North Africa present a varied picture. The conflict between Israel and Hamas caused Tel Aviv to plummet 20 places to 112th. While regional stability scores suffered due to the conflict, significant improvements in education and healthcare in many Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have boosted overall livability. Notably, cities in the UAE (Abu Dhabi, Dubai) and Saudi Arabia (Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al Khobar) saw the greatest score increases. Despite these advancements, the region still includes some of the least livable cities, such as Algiers (Algeria), Tripoli (Libya), and Damascus (Syria).

The 10 best cities to live in the world:

1. Vienna, Austria

2. Copenhagen, Denmark
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3. Zurich, Switzerland

4. Melbourne, Australia
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5. Calgary, Canada (tied with Geneva)

5. Geneva, Switzerland (tie)

7. Sydney, Australia (tied with Vancouver)

7. Vancouver, Canada (tie)

9. Osaka, Japan (tied with Aukland)

9. Auckland, New Zealand (tie)

The 10 cities that featured at the bottom of the list:
  1. Caracas, Venezuela
  2. Kyiv, Ukraine
  3. Port Moresby, PNG
  4. Harare, Zimbabwe
  5. Dhaka, Bangladesh
  6. Karachi, Pakistan
  7. Lagos, Nigeria
  8. Algiers, Algeria
  9. Tripoli, Libya
  10. Damascus, Syria

World's top 10 most liveable cities & what makes them special
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The assessment evaluates 173 cities worldwide using 30 indicators across five categories: stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure, aiming to gauge their overall livability. This year's report highlights a positive trend, largely due to notable advancements in healthcare and education in developing countries. However, these improvements are somewhat tempered by decreasing scores observed in several leading cities.

The assessment evaluates 173 cities worldwide using 30 indicators across five categories: stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure, aiming to gauge their overall ..
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Vienna, Austria, maintains its top position in the EIU's Liveability Index 2024 for the third consecutive year. Once again, Vienna achieved perfect scores of 100 in four out of five categories, though its score for culture and environment was slightly lower at 93.5, attributed to an absence of major sporting events, as per the EIU report.

Vienna, Austria, maintains its top position in the EIU's Liveability Index 2024 for the third consecutive year. Once again, Vienna achieved perfect scores of 100 in four out of five categories, thoug..
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Copenhagen, Denmark, secures the second rank in the EIU's Liveability Index 2024 with an overall score of 98.0. The city excels across all evaluated categories, achieving perfect scores of 100 in stability, education, and infrastructure. Its robust healthcare system earns a high score of 95.8, ensuring quality healthcare services for its residents. Copenhagen also scores well in culture and environment at 95.4, reflecting its vibrant cultural scene and commitment to environmental sustainability. Known for its bicycle-friendly streets, efficient public transportation, and high standard of living, Copenhagen continues to attract global acclaim as one of the most livable cities in the world.


Copenhagen, Denmark, secures the second rank in the EIU's Liveability Index 2024 with an overall score of 98.0. The city excels across all evaluated categories, achieving perfect scores of 100 in sta..
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Zurich, Switzerland, claims the third spot in the EIU's Liveability Index 2024 with an impressive overall score of 97.1. The city excels particularly in healthcare and education, achieving perfect scores of 100 in both categories. The city also scores well in infrastructure at 96.4, boasting efficient public transportation and well-maintained facilities. Zurich's strong performance across these indicators underscores its reputation as a top global destination known for its high quality of life and excellent public services.


Zurich, Switzerland, claims the third spot in the EIU's Liveability Index 2024 with an impressive overall score of 97.1. The city excels particularly in healthcare and education, achieving perfect sc..
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Melbourne, Australia, secures the fourth position in the EIU's Liveability Index 2024. Renowned for its high standards in healthcare and education, Melbourne achieves perfect scores of 100 in both categories. These achievements highlight the city's commitment to providing accessible and top-quality healthcare services, as well as a robust educational system that supports lifelong learning and development. Melbourne's strong performance in these key areas contributes significantly to its overall appeal as a livable city, attracting residents and visitors alike with its emphasis on well-being and educational excellence.


Melbourne, Australia, secures the fourth position in the EIU's Liveability Index 2024. Renowned for its high standards in healthcare and education, Melbourne achieves perfect scores of 100 in both ca..
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Calgary, Canada, secures the fifth place in the EIU's Liveability Index 2024 with an impressive overall score reflecting its exceptional quality of life. The city excels across multiple categories, achieving perfect scores of 100 in stability, healthcare, and education. Calgary's top-notch healthcare system ensures comprehensive coverage and high-quality medical services for its residents, complemented by a strong emphasis on education, which supports lifelong learning and skill development. Additionally, the city scores well in infrastructure at 96.4, demonstrating efficient public services and well-maintained facilities. Calgary's outstanding performance across these key indicators underscores its reputation as a desirable and livable city, offering a secure environment, excellent healthcare, and educational opportunities.


Calgary, Canada, secures the fifth place in the EIU's Liveability Index 2024 with an impressive overall score reflecting its exceptional quality of life. The city excels across multiple categories, a..
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Geneva, Switzerland, achieves the fifth position in the EIU's Liveability Index 2024, known for its exceptional standards in healthcare and education. The city attains perfect scores of 100 in both categories, underscoring its commitment to providing accessible and high-quality healthcare services, as well as a robust educational system that supports intellectual growth and skill development. Geneva's strong performance in these crucial areas contributes significantly to its overall appeal as a livable city, attracting residents and global visitors alike with its emphasis on well-being and educational excellence.


3.5
Geneva, Switzerland, achieves the fifth position in the EIU's Liveability Index 2024, known for its exceptional standards in healthcare and education. The city attains perfect scores of 100 in both c..
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Sydney, Australia, secures the seventh position in the EIU's Liveability Index 2024 with an overall score of 96.6. The city shines particularly in healthcare and education, achieving perfect scores of 100 in both categories. Sydney's healthcare system ensures comprehensive and high-quality medical services, contributing to its top score in healthcare. In terms of education, the city provides excellent educational opportunities and resources, supporting lifelong learning and skill development. Sydney also scores well in culture and environment at 94.4, reflecting its vibrant cultural scene and efforts towards environmental sustainability.


Sydney, Australia, secures the seventh position in the EIU's Liveability Index 2024 with an overall score of 96.6. The city shines particularly in healthcare and education, achieving perfect scores o..
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Vancouver, Canada, holds the seventh position in the EIU's Liveability Index 2024, boasting an overall score of 96.6. The city excels in healthcare and education, achieving perfect scores of 100 in both categories. Vancouver's healthcare system is renowned for its comprehensive coverage and high-quality medical services, ensuring the well-being of its residents. In terms of education, Vancouver offers excellent educational opportunities and resources, supporting lifelong learning and personal development. These factors contribute significantly to Vancouver's reputation as a desirable city with a high quality of life.


Vancouver, Canada, holds the seventh position in the EIU's Liveability Index 2024, boasting an overall score of 96.6. The city excels in healthcare and education, achieving perfect scores of 100 in b..
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Osaka, Japan, secures the ninth place in the EIU's Liveability Index 2024 with an impressive overall score of 96.0. The city excels notably in healthcare and education, achieving perfect scores of 100 in both categories. Osaka's healthcare system is highly regarded for its accessibility and quality, ensuring residents have access to top-notch medical care. Additionally, the city's educational institutions provide excellent opportunities for learning and skill development, contributing to its high score in education.


Osaka, Japan, secures the ninth place in the EIU's Liveability Index 2024 with an impressive overall score of 96.0. The city excels notably in healthcare and education, achieving perfect scores of 10..
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