Ever wondered where you should live if you could pick any city in the world? Before you decide, check out the cities known for their incredible living standards.

Some places offer a better quality of life than others. Mercer, a top consulting firm, ranks cities globally based on their living standards. Who wouldn’t want to know where the best quality of life is found?

So, before making a move, explore these top cities with the best quality of life.

How Mercer Determines Quality of Life

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Mercer publishes a list of the world’s best cities to live in each year. They gather data from 241 cities between September and November, examining living standards to guide expats and their families. This info can help you choose where to move or visit too.

What factors do they consider? Three main things: cost of living, eco-friendliness (including air pollution and traffic), and overall quality of life compared to New York City.

17. Toronto, Canada

Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Toronto is the largest and most populated city in Canada, known for its world-class healthcare services. With abundant employment opportunities and cultural diversity, Toronto attracts people from all over the world.

16. Luxembourg, Luxembourg

Luxembourg City, twilight scenic with old town, Alzette River, beautiful colored sky clouds.
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Luxembourg champions work-life balance, making it ideal for families. The city offers social programs for childcare and other needs, a strong economy, and beautiful surroundings, making it easier to manage work and family responsibilities.

15. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Aerial drone view Amsterdam autumn cityscape narrow old houses, canals, boats
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Amsterdam is famous for its canals and historical landmarks like the Anne Frank House. The city is an international business gateway, making it a sought-after place for expats. While housing costs are high, other services can be affordable.

14. Basel, Switzerland

Basel, Switzerland sunrise over the Rhine River.
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Basel, Switzerland, known for its historical sites and museums, is the country’s cultural capital. The city’s high quality of life includes hassle-free transport, excellent healthcare, great air quality, abundant career options, and safe surroundings.

13. Bern, Switzerland

Aare river, Untertorbrucke bridge, cityscape of Bern, Switzerland
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Bern, Switzerland, is a compact city focused on trade and business, attracting career seekers and expats. It promotes a pro-business culture while conserving natural parks and greenery, offering a relaxed lifestyle with top-notch transport and healthcare.

12. Wellington, New Zealand

Wellington city
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Wellington, New Zealand, offers a laid-back lifestyle with ample greenery and wildlife sanctuaries. Despite its peaceful village feel, Wellington has a unique business district without the typical fast-paced city life.

11. The Hague, Netherlands

Inner courtyard of the Binnenhof palace in the Hague, Netherlands at twilight
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The Hague, the “International City of Peace and Justice,” hosts the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court. The city blends modern living with a suburban feel, offering historical beauty, nearby beaches, and forests.

10. Dusseldorf, Germany

Rheinturm and Media Harbour district in Dusseldorf city in Germany
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Dusseldorf, Germany, is a bustling city with architecture, art, and fashion. Despite its commercial capital status, it preserves cultural festivals and historical structures. The city is clean, safe, and offers plenty of outdoor spaces, making it ideal for families and expats.

9. Sydney, Australia

Sydney Opera House
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Sydney, Australia, is a cultural melting pot and one of the world’s safest cities. Its vibrant atmosphere and thriving economy make it a top choice for stable job opportunities and high salaries. Sydney offers much for those looking to launch a business or advance their career.

8. Vancouver, Canada

downtown Vancouver skyline, British Columbia, Canada at sunset
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Vancouver is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, with scenic landmarks and parks. The city vibe is strong with first-class transport services. Vancouver’s healthcare benefits and employment opportunities make it an ideal place to start a new life.

7. Munich, Germany

Munich skyline with Marienplatz town hall in Germany
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Munich, Germany, is a global trade and commerce hub. It has a higher cost of living but excellent employment and business opportunities. The city blends historical sites with modern urban living, maintaining its ranking as one of the most livable cities.

6. Frankfurt, Germany

Frankfurt am Main city skyline on a bright sunny summer day, Germany
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Frankfurt, Germany, is highly international, with top universities like Goethe University and people who speak multiple languages. The city offers exceptional public services, high educational standards, and competitive salaries, justifying its higher living costs.

5. Geneva, Switzerland

Geneva, Switzerland skyline view towards the Jet d'Eau fountain in Lake Geneva at twilight.
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Geneva, known as the “Capital of Peace,” hosts the WHO, UN, Red Cross, and World Bank. The city’s rich history, culture, and incredible architecture, along with its well-planned transport system, make it a great hub for accessing other European cities.

4. Copenhagen, Denmark

Tivoli Gardens is Copenhagen's famous and magical theme park, located right in the heart of the city. It is the third-oldest operating amusement park in the world
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Fans of parks will love Copenhagen, Denmark. The city features great architecture and outdoor spaces perfect for walking, cycling, and other leisure activities. Though slightly more expensive, Copenhagen’s excellent social services add value for taxpayers.

3. Auckland, New Zealand

Cyril Bassett VC Lookout, Auckland New Zealand
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Auckland, New Zealand’s most livable city, is also one of the cleanest globally. It combines modern urban life with outdoor adventures. The city’s thriving economy provides career stability, though the cost of living is higher, the jobs often pay well.

2. Zurich, Switzerland

Aerial view on the downtown of Zurich and its reflection, Switzerland
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Zurich, Switzerland, is a great place to find work, offering competitive pay and a productive environment. The city boasts world-class urban planning, a walkable layout, and an excellent public transport system. Zurich’s top-notch healthcare facilities ensure you are well taken care of.

1. Vienna, Austria

Statue of Archduke Charles on Heldenplatz square and Museum of Natural History dome at sunset, Vienna, Austria
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Vienna, Austria’s capital, consistently ranks as the world’s most livable city. It offers an ideal work-life balance with affordable, efficient transport and accessible wellness programs. The city’s green spaces make it a perfect blend of urban and nature-friendly living.

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