After a challenging year defined by divisive politics, conflicts, and uncertainty about what lies ahead, could this be the opportunity to chase that dream you’ve always had? If you’re prepared to make a move, the next question is: where to go from here?
This year, the best option might be found in Western Europe, as indicated by the latest Quality of Living Report from Mercer, a renowned global consulting firm that assesses cities based on their attractiveness to expatriates. Zurich, the Swiss capital, claims the top spot, followed by Vienna and Geneva, in a top 10 list populated by delightful European destinations.
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Zurich has been commended for its “outstanding public services, low crime rates, lively cultural atmosphere, and commitment to sustainability.” However, it’s important to note that the cost of living is significantly high.
A pedestrianized shopping street in Zurich. Image: Stefan Wermuth/Bloomberg
If you’re looking for a more tranquil option, consider exploring Auckland, which ranks fifth, or Vancouver, the sole North American city in the top 10, taking the seventh position.
Additional highlights include:
- Singapore ranked highest in Asia, though it fell one spot to number 30. Hong Kong came in at 76th.
- Los Angeles experienced the largest leap, rising 26 places to rank 44, thanks to better ratings in crime, air quality, and internet access.
- Boston was the top US city at number 32, with New York closely trailing at 45.
- London moved up five positions to rank 40, while Edinburgh and Glasgow ranked 50th and 53rd, respectively.
- Sydney dropped three places to 12th, preceded by Melbourne in 20th and Canberra in 29th.
- The lowest-ranked cities were Khartoum in Sudan and Baghdad, Iraq.
“In a time marked by digital nomadism and flexible work environments, Mercer’s findings show that the most desirable locations strike a balance between high living standards and affordable living expenses,” commented Yvonne Traber, Mercer’s Global Mobility Leader. “This presents a challenge for organizations and international assignees as they make decisions regarding relocation, investment, and talent management.”
Marina Bay in Singapore’s central business district (CBD). Image: Lauryn Ishak/Bloomberg
Mercer evaluated living conditions in over 450 cities worldwide, examining 39 distinct factors including political and social conditions, healthcare, education, recreation, and housing.
Here are the top 10 cities for the best quality of living (cities with identical ranks achieved equal overall scores):
1 — Zurich, Switzerland
2 — Vienna, Austria
3 — Geneva, Switzerland
4 — Copenhagen, Denmark
5 — Auckland, New Zealand
6 — Amsterdam, Netherlands
7 — Frankfurt, Germany
7 — Vancouver, Canada
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9 — Bern, Switzerland
10 — Basel, Switzerland
Conversely, here are the bottom 10 cities on the list:
241 — Khartoum, Sudan
240 — Baghdad, Iraq
239 — Bangui, Central African Republic
238 — Sanaa, Yemen
237 — Port-Au-Prince, Haiti
236 — N’djamena, Chad
235 — Damascus, Syria
234 — Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
233 — Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
232 — Tripoli, Libya
© 2024 Bloomberg
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