The World’s Top Cities to Live In
Looking for the best cities in the world to live in? Perhaps you’re interested in moving to a city boasting year-round pleasant weather, to a less expensive city, to a city where there is less crime and pollution, or to a city which offers great health benefits and excellent schools for your kids. Other criteria people use to compare cities world wide include economic stability, political structure, prices consumers pay for goods, salary ranges for employees, transportation systems, nightlife, and more. Since moving abroad means something different to everyone, reflect upon why you have decided to relocate and learn about the city you plan to call home.
Surprisingly, some of the world’s biggest and most well-known cities don’t make the cut when it comes to ranking the best places to live. Rather, factors such as high traffic congestion, high crime levels, high prices, and long commutes greatly reduce the quality of life. So what are the world’s top cities to live in? To help you decide, here are some of the top picks for the places people want to move to – and why.
Sydney, Australia
There are many great reasons to move to Sydney, Australia – among them the carefree lifestyle, the mild temperatures, the natural beauty of the harbor, year-round outdoor activities (kayaking, fishing, rock climbing, biking, snow skiing), its multiculturalism (40% of Sydney’s residents are immigrants), a highly skilled labor force, and a dynamic economy with many career prospects.
Sydney is also home to over a dozen universities, vocational schools, and technical colleges catering to an increasing influx of overseas students and making education a key source of income for the economy.
Mumbai, India
Migration to Mumbai is on the rise, mainly for economic reasons. Mumbai is the first Indian city to embrace capitalism, and economic diversification and development of the city have led to continual employment opportunities. Consequently, Mumbai has enjoyed a heavy influx of immigrants and a rapid population growth. Additional reasons for moving to Mumbai include:
- A cosmopolitan metropolis where you can speak English
- World-class schools for children
- Top quality, inexpensive medical care
- Delicious Indian cuisine
- Warm and friendly populace
Vienna, Austria
Since 2009, Vienna has earned the title of “the world’s best city for quality of life.” As Austria’s largest city, Vienna is home to about 2.4 million people and is considered the hub of Austria’s cultural, economic, and political life. In addition to being a top global destination for conferences, people are attracted to Vienna for its music, art, and culture.
Zurich, Switzerland
Boasting a population of about 2 million, Zurich previously topped the list as the world’s best city for quality of life. Its low tax rates make Zurich a huge draw for foreign investment and the city is the economic center of Switzerland. Despite being one of the most expensive countries in the world to live in, factors attracting the masses to Zurich are its stellar educational system and safety record. The city is also a major tourist destination known for its panoramic lakeside and rolling hills, as well as its wide array of leisure activities.
Vancouver, Canada
This North American city has been ranked in the top 10 of the world’s most livable cities for over a decade. Surrounded by the ocean and snowy mountaintops, Vancouver is known for encouraging healthy living and for being an environmentally-conscious city. In fact, thanks to the government’s efforts to promote green building, planning and technology, Vancouver is the world’s greenest city in all of North America. .
London, England
If you’re contemplating a London relocation, here are some reasons to move to this expensive but exciting city in England:
- Layers of history with free entrance to most museums
- Cultural diversity
- Topnotch entertainment, including the famous West End theaters with scores of daily performances
- World-class public transportation system, including the sophisticated Tube or Underground, as well as trains and double-decker buses
- Fashion capital with great shopping
- Plenty of public parks with large green spaces
As you continue your quest for the best cities in the world to live in, consider searching for:
- Best city to raise children
- Most affordable city with available housing
- Best city for job-seekers
- Best college town
- Fastest-growing city
- World’s cleanest city
- World’s friendliest city/country