The annual ranking scored 173 cities on health care, education, infrastructure, and more.
If you’re hoping to turn #Eurosummer into your full-time lifestyle, we have great news. The Economist Intelligence Unit’s latest Global Livability Index ranked 173 cities across five key categories—health care, stability, education, infrastructure, and culture and environment—to determine the world’s most livable places. And one vibrant European destination claimed the top spot for the second year in a row.
Analyzing data from May 2026, the report notes an average livability score of 76.1 out of 100, matching last year’s report. Although scores for stability, culture, and environment dipped slightly, modest gains in health care, education, and infrastructure helped offset those declines. Health care saw the biggest improvement, rising by 0.7 points year over year.
Read on for the scoop on this year’s top 10 most livable cities—we’re sure you’ll be tempted to start scouting real estate opportunities abroad.
Tokyo, Japan
Coming in at number 10, Tokyo earned perfect scores for stability, health care, and education, but ranks almost the worst for infrastructure, environment, and culture. The city is home to around 14 million residents and over 660,000 businesses, accounting for almost 10 percent of Japanese enterprises. In addition to a bustling business scene, Tokyo also boasts the occasional view of Mount Fuji’s perfectly symmetrical peak.
Vancouver, Canada
The only North American city to rank in the top 10, Vancouver’s only perfect score was in education. The city ranked above the 95-score mark in every other category, excluding infrastructure, where the “City of Glass” clocked in with a score of 93. Known for coastal mountain views, a vibrant multicultural food scene, and high walkability, the rainy city is a beacon for wellness lovers.
Adelaide, Australia
Known as one of the world’s great wine capitals, it’s surprising to see that Adelaide scored a mere 91 for environment and culture. Australia’s “20-Minute City” snagged perfect 100s for both education and health care while earning a 95 and a 96 for sustainability and infrastructure, respectively. As aforementioned, Adelaide is known for being a booming wine region, boasting some of the best and oldest bearing vines in the world.
Osaka, Japan
When it comes to sustainability, health care, and education, Japan is a tough country to beat. The second Japanese city on the list also earned perfect scores across all three categories while boasting an average of 96 for infrastructure and 87 for culture and environment, making Osaka the lowest-scoring in the category. The city is known for its bustling nightlife culture and iconic cherry blossom groves.
Geneva, Switzerland
Geneva is home to the European headquarters of the United Nations and almost 203,000 residents, nearly 60 percent of whom are foreign nationals. Also boasting a 100 score for education and health care, the city scored lowest in culture and environment, earning just 92 points. Geneva is truly a global city with a multilingual culture on its cobblestone streets and an impressive luxury watchmaking industry.
Zurich, Switzerland
In keeping with Switzerland’s dedication to both health care and education, like Geneva, Zurich also earned full marks in the categories but came in just two points higher in culture and environment. The city is known for its vibrant culture scene brimming with museums and art galleries. If you’re more of a nature lover, the city also sits on the banks of Lake Zurich and even boasts a “home mountain,” Uetliberg.
Sydney, Australia
Just shy of making the top three rankings, Sydney was knocked out by just two points in the culture and environment scoring. Known for the iconic Sydney Opera House, the city is a beacon for culture and water lovers, boasting world-class beaches and a vibrant waterfront district.
Melbourne, Australia
Australia’s culture capital comes in third with its world-renowned coffee scene, fanatic sports culture, and vibrant street art. The city is the third and highest-ranking of the country’s finalists, scoring above 95 points in every category.
Vienna, Austria
The “City of Dreams” missed the top spot by just one point. Vienna is a city soaked in history, boasting elegant palaces, a lively classical music scene, and pristine Alpine spring water on tap.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Coming in first for the second consecutive year, Copenhagen is known as a wellness-centered city with a robust cycling culture and crystal-clear harbor baths—no wonder cold-water plunges are practically ingrained into Scandinavian culture. The city received perfect marks for sustainability, education, and infrastructure while scoring 96 and 95 in health care and culture and environment, respectively.
The 12 Most Walkable Cities in America, Ranked
5 Decor Trends Millennials Should Ditch ASAP
The Most Haunted Home in Each State
The Worst Design Trends Experts Want You to Avoid
