The 2024 edition of The Economist’s global quality of life index again highlighted a European city as the best urb to live. The analysis involved 173 cities and evaluated factors such as stability, health, education, culture and infrastructure.
This assessment, considered one of the most comprehensive in the sector, highlights habitability trends, also reflecting the impacts of crises such as cost of living, political instability and extreme climate phenomena.
Results of the 2024 edition
The city of Vienna, the capital of Austria, has once again occupied the first place in the ranking for the ninth time in the last eleven years. Its consistency in the evaluated indicators consolidated its reference position among the cities where one can live best.
With maximum scores in four of the five categories analyzed, Vienna continues to lead among the best -classified cities in the world, being a city where many would like to live.
EVALUATION METHODOLOGY
The Economist Intelligence Unit index is based on the analysis of five areas: stability, health care, culture and environment, education and infrastructure. Each category is punctuated based on multiple objective and qualitative indicators.
The global average score of cities by 2024 was 76.1 points in 100, slightly above the previous year, with improvements registered mainly in the fields of education and health.
Regional trends and changes in top 10
Western Europe stood out again, with four cities in the Top 10. In addition to Vienna, Copenhagen, Zurich and Geneva were present among the first places. The Swiss city of Zurich has risen three positions compared to 2023, now reaching third place.
Cities in Asia and Oceania were also present: Osaka, Japan, remained in ninth place; Sydney and Melbourne, Australia, were in seventh and fourth place, respectively.
Changes in east Europe and significant falls
The east Europe region had the highest improvements. Budapest climbed seven places, now positioning himself in 32nd place. Cities like Belgrade and Bucarest also improved their classifications.
On the other hand, some cities in Western Europe have registered falls. Dublin fell seven positions, Munich descended six and Hamburg five. Telavive was the city with the most pronounced descent, from 92 to 112nd place.
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Copenhagen and Zurich complete the podium
Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, remained in second position for the third consecutive year, with perfect scores in stability, education and infrastructure. Zurich, in turn, stood out for the quality of health and education services.
Top 10 cities include Calgary and Vancouver in Canada, Geneva in Switzerland, Melbourne and Sydney in Australia, Osaka in Japan and Auckland in New Zealand.
Factors that influenced the results
Issues such as housing scarcity, especially in countries such as Australia and Canada, have negatively affected some cities. Inflation and the cost of living crisis also influenced the classifications of this index created by the magazine.
Stability was the only category in which the average global score decreased, reflecting social agitation, armed conflicts and protests recorded in various parts of the world.
Vienna continues to attract visitors and residents
Despite not having registered maximum score in the culture and environment category, Vienna remained the city to live best classified in the ranking. The lower score in this category was attributed to the absence of major sporting events.
The city offers regular air calls with Portugal, including direct flights from Ryanair from Faro, becoming an accessible option for both tourists and for those looking to live abroad.
Quality of life and future challenges
The growing pressure on housing markets, associated with inflation and urbanization, will continue to challenge cities to keep high habitability standards. The index reflects not only current conditions, but also the ability to respond to emerging challenges.
Best positioned cities combine a solid offer of public services with social stability and security, criteria that continue to be decisive for those looking for a city to live.
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