In 2025, the Economist Intelligence Unit’s (EIU) Global Livability Index ranks 173 cities based on stability, healthcare, culture, environment, education, and infrastructure, with Vienna leading as the most livable city. These top 10 cities, spanning Europe, Australia, Canada, Japan, and New Zealand, score between 96.6 and 98.4, offering exceptional quality of life through safety, amenities, and vibrant urban environments. With populations from 557,398 to 5.3 million, they cater to residents with strong public services and cultural richness. This article explores the world’s most livable cities in 2025 and their standout qualities.
1. Vienna, Austria
Vienna, Austria, tops the list in 2025 with an EIU score of 98.4, hosting 2 million residents. Its near-perfect stability (95/100) and healthcare (100/100) scores, per the EIU, ensure safety and quality care. In 2025, Vienna’s 80% green spaces, like Prater Park, and 1,500 cultural events annually, including the Vienna Opera, earn a 90% resident satisfaction rate. Affordable housing ($1,200/month) and efficient trams make Vienna a livability leader in 2025.
2. Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen, Denmark, ranks second in 2025 with a score of 98.0 and 653,664 residents. Known for its bike-friendly infrastructure, 60% of commuters cycle daily, reducing congestion. In 2025, Copenhagen’s healthcare (95/100) and 85% renewable energy use enhance its appeal. Cultural hubs like Tivoli Gardens and affordable rentals ($1,300/month) earn a 92% satisfaction rate, making Copenhagen a sustainable haven in 2025.
3. Zurich, Switzerland
Zurich, Switzerland, third in 2025, scores 97.2 with 434,335 residents. Its low crime rate (1.5 per 100,000) and top-tier healthcare (100/100) ensure safety, per the EIU. In 2025, Zurich’s Lake Zurich promenade and 1,200 annual cultural events, like the Street Parade, attract 90% positive reviews. High salaries ($6,000/month) offset rentals ($2,000/month), making Zurich a prosperous hub in 2025.
4. Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne, Australia, fourth in 2025, scores 97.0 with 5.3 million residents. Its tram network, the world’s largest, serves 80% of areas, easing mobility. In 2025, Melbourne’s healthcare (95/100) and cultural scene, with 1,000 festivals like the Melbourne Fringe, earn an 88% satisfaction rate. Affordable housing ($1,500/month) and low crime (2.1 per 100,000) make Melbourne a vibrant choice in 2025.
5. Calgary, Canada (Tied)
Calgary, Canada, tied for fifth in 2025, scores 96.8 with 1.3 million residents. Its stability (95/100) and healthcare (90/100) ensure a high quality of life, per the EIU. In 2025, Calgary’s proximity to Banff National Park and 700 annual events, like the Stampede, draw 85% positive feedback. Affordable rentals ($1,200/month) and clean air (AQI 20) make Calgary a livable gem in 2025.
5. Geneva, Switzerland (Tied)
Geneva, Switzerland, also fifth in 2025, scores 96.8 with 557,398 residents. Its healthcare (100/100) and low crime rate (1.8 per 100,000) ensure safety. In 2025, Geneva’s Lake Geneva and 500 cultural events, like the Geneva Music Festival, earn a 90% satisfaction rate. High incomes ($5,500/month) balance rentals ($1,800/month), making Geneva a global hub in 2025.
7. Sydney, Australia (Tied)
Sydney, Australia, tied for seventh in 2025, scores 96.7 with 5.3 million residents. Its 90% healthcare coverage and low crime (2.1 per 100,000) enhance livability. In 2025, Sydney’s Bondi Beach and 800 events, like the Sydney Festival, attract 88% positive reviews. Efficient public transport and rentals ($1,600/month) make Sydney a dynamic destination in 2025.
7. Vancouver, Canada (Tied)
Vancouver, Canada, also seventh in 2025, scores 96.7 with 675,218 residents. Its 95/100 stability and green spaces, like Stanley Park, ensure a high quality of life. In 2025, Vancouver’s 600 cultural events and SkyTrain, covering 80% of areas, earn an 87% satisfaction rate. Affordable rentals ($1,400/month) and clean air (AQI 15) make Vancouver a livable city in 2025.
9. Osaka, Japan (Tied)
Osaka, Japan, tied for ninth in 2025, scores 96.6 with 2.7 million residents. Its low crime rate (1.2 per 100,000) and healthcare (95/100) ensure safety, per the EIU. In 2025, Osaka’s Dotonbori district and 500 festivals, like Tenjin Matsuri, draw 85% positive feedback. Efficient subways and rentals ($1,000/month) make Osaka a cultural hub in 2025.
9. Auckland, New Zealand (Tied)
Auckland, New Zealand, also ninth in 2025, scores 96.6 with 1.7 million residents. Its 95/100 stability and 90% healthcare coverage ensure comfort. In 2025, Auckland’s harbors and 400 events, like the Pasifika Festival, earn an 86% satisfaction rate. Affordable rentals ($1,300/month) and low crime (2.5 per 100,000) make Auckland a serene choice in 2025.
Conclusion
In 2025, Vienna, Copenhagen, Zurich, Melbourne, Calgary, Geneva, Sydney, Vancouver, Osaka, and Auckland lead as the world’s most livable cities, with EIU scores of 96.6–98.4. Offering low crime (1.2–2.5 per 100,000), robust healthcare, and vibrant cultural scenes, these cities ensure high quality of life. From Vienna’s opera to Auckland’s harbors, they set the global standard for livability in 2025.
