In 2025, the quest for the ideal urban environment continues to shape global relocation trends, with livability defined by safety, infrastructure, healthcare, education, and cultural vibrancy. The Economist Intelligence Unit’s (EIU) Global Liveability Index 2025 ranks 173 cities based on these criteria, with Vienna leading despite a shift from its three-year reign. These top 10 cities, from Vienna to Auckland, offer residents exceptional quality of life, driven by robust governance, low crime rates, and sustainable urban planning. This article explores why these cities are the most liveable in 2025.
1. Vienna, Austria
Vienna, Austria, secures the top spot in the EIU’s Global Liveability Index 2025, with a score of 98.4, despite briefly losing its title to Copenhagen. The city of 1.9 million excels with perfect scores in healthcare, education, and infrastructure, though stability dipped slightly due to a 2024 bomb threat impacting events like a Taylor Swift concert. In 2025, Vienna’s violent crime rate remains low at 1.8 per 100,000, supported by 2.0 police officers per 1,000 residents. Its world-class public transport, including trams and subways, ensures seamless mobility. Vienna’s cultural riches, from the Vienna State Opera to heurigen vineyards, and green spaces like Prater Park make it a livable gem in 2025.
2. Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen, Denmark, ranks second in 2025 with a score of 98.0, briefly claiming the top spot earlier in the year due to perfect scores in stability, education, and infrastructure. With a population of 653,664, the city’s bike-friendly infrastructure (62% of residents cycle daily) and clean harbor baths enhance livability. In 2025, Copenhagen’s violent crime rate is 2.1 per 100,000, with a median income of $70,000 supporting a high quality of life. The city’s commitment to carbon neutrality by 2025 and cultural landmarks like Tivoli Gardens make it a vibrant, sustainable urban hub in 2025.
3. Zurich, Switzerland
Zurich, Switzerland, takes third place in 2025 with a score of 97.1, excelling in healthcare and education with perfect scores. Home to 434,008 residents, Zurich boasts a violent crime rate of 1.6 per 100,000 and a median income of $87,000. In 2025, the city’s smart traffic systems and 95% broadband penetration enhance efficiency, while Lake Zurich and green spaces promote well-being. Zurich’s economic stability, driven by fintech and biotech startups, and cultural offerings like the Kunsthaus museum make it a top livable city in 2025.
4. Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne, Australia, ranks fourth in 2025 with a score of 96.8, slightly impacted by housing affordability challenges. With 5.3 million residents, the city reports a violent crime rate of 2.1 per 100,000 and a median income of $65,000. In 2025, Melbourne’s tram network, the largest globally, and cultural diversity (over 200 nationalities) enhance livability. The city’s vibrant arts scene, including the Melbourne Festival, and green spaces like the Royal Botanic Gardens make it a dynamic urban center in 2025.
5. Calgary, Canada (tied)
Calgary, Canada, ties for fifth in 2025 with a score of 96.8, though it dropped from 2024 due to healthcare strains. With 1.3 million residents, Calgary’s violent crime rate is 2.5 per 100,000, supported by a strong economy in energy and tech. In 2025, the city’s light-rail transit and vibrant cultural scene, including the Calgary Stampede, boost livability. Calgary’s proximity to the Rockies and high median income ($68,000) make it a desirable destination, despite challenges, in 2025.
5. Geneva, Switzerland (tied)
Geneva, Switzerland, also fifth in 2025 with a score of 96.8, is a compact global hub with 201,818 residents. The city’s violent crime rate of 1.7 per 100,000 and median income of $85,000 ensure high livability. In 2025, Geneva’s smart city initiatives, like IoT-driven waste management, and its role as a diplomatic center enhance its appeal. Lake Geneva and cultural attractions like the Geneva Opera make it a serene, sophisticated urban environment in 2025.
7. Sydney, Australia (tied)
Sydney, Australia, ties for seventh in 2025 with a score of 96.6, climbing from 2024 due to improved infrastructure. With 5.3 million residents, Sydney’s violent crime rate is 2.1 per 100,000, supported by 1.8 police officers per 1,000 residents. In 2025, the city’s iconic harbor, efficient public transport, and cultural landmarks like the Sydney Opera House enhance livability. Sydney’s multicultural vibrancy and beachside lifestyle make it a top livable city in 2025.
7. Vancouver, Canada (tied)
Vancouver, Canada, also seventh in 2025 with a score of 96.6, is the only North American city in the top 10. With 675,218 residents, Vancouver reports a violent crime rate of 2.5 per 100,000 and a median income of $67,000. In 2025, the city’s bike-friendly infrastructure and proximity to mountains and ocean boost livability. Vancouver’s cultural diversity and green initiatives, like the Greenest City Action Plan, make it a sustainable urban haven in 2025.
9. Osaka, Japan (tied)
Osaka, Japan, ties for ninth in 2025 with a score of 96.0, the only Asian city in the top 10. With 2.7 million residents, Osaka’s violent crime rate is 1.5 per 100,000, supported by efficient policing. In 2025, the city’s reliable transit system and vibrant culinary scene, including Michelin-starred restaurants, enhance livability. Osaka’s balance of tradition and modernity, with attractions like Osaka Castle, makes it a culturally rich, livable city in 2025.
9. Auckland, New Zealand (tied)
Auckland, New Zealand, also ninth in 2025 with a score of 96.0, offers a relaxed lifestyle for its 1.7 million residents. The city’s violent crime rate is 2.5 per 100,000, with a median income of $60,000. In 2025, Auckland’s sustainable urban planning and natural beauty, from Waiheke Island to its harbors, boost livability. Strong governance and cultural diversity make Auckland a welcoming, high-quality urban center in 2025.
Conclusion
In 2025, Vienna, Copenhagen, Zurich, Melbourne, Calgary, Geneva, Sydney, Vancouver, Osaka, and Auckland stand out as the world’s most livable cities, with EIU scores from 96.0 to 98.4. These cities excel in healthcare, education, infrastructure, and safety, with violent crime rates between 1.5 and 2.5 per 100,000. From Vienna’s cultural heritage to Auckland’s natural charm, they offer residents unparalleled quality of life, setting a global standard for urban living in 2025.
