Hundreds of millions of people move to new places each and every year, and we’ve looked through a number of surveys that take into account quality of life, cost of living, safety, infrastructure, pollution and overall happiness to bring you the top 10 best places to live in the world in 2018:
10. Geneva
With a beautiful backdrop of lakes and mountains, a high standard of living and a friendly culture, Geneva makes it in at number 10 on our list of best places to live in in the world in 2018.
You’ll find numerous high quality restaurants across the city, and the mountains are only a quick journey away if you’re looking to escape for the weekend. Geneva is especially gorgeous in the summer.
Geneva ranks 8th in Mercer’s Quality of Living Ranking for 2018 and 20th on the Numbeo Quality of Life Index 2018.
9. Hamburg
Germany’s second biggest city, Hamburg, is one of the busiest ports in Europe, and thanks to its location boasts a flurry of restaurants offering freshly caught fish and seafood, and a range of aquatic activities to keep you busy.
A distinct architecture, great shopping districts, large outdoor spaces, and bicycles as the preferred choice of transport means that Hamburg doesn’t fail to deliver a varied and enjoyable lifestyle.
Hamburg comes in 10th on the Economist Intelligence Unit’s (EIU) Global Livability Ranking, 19th on Mercer’s Quality of Living Ranking 2018, and 9th on Monocle’s Quality of Life Survey.
8. Helsinki
Helsinki provides free education in a modern, clean and sophisticated environment that is home to eight high-class universities.
English is widely spoken, the transportation network is efficient, and caffeine lovers won’t be disappointed with the wide selection of cafes offering sublime coffee. You can also escape to one of Helsinki’s 300+ islands located along the coastline.
The city isn’t crowded either. You’ll find nature around every corner, and this makes Helsinki that extra bit special in summer and autumn.
Helsinki ranks 9th on the EIU Global Livability Rankings, 27th on the Numbeo Quality of Life Index 2018, 32nd on Mercer’s Quality of Living Ranking 2018 and 13th on Monocle’s Quality of Life Survey.
7. Auckland
Auckland is a beautiful city that meets the waterfront with beaches and a harbor, and benefits from volcanic peaks visible in the distance. A redeveloped waterfront with restaurants and cafes helps Auckland to provide a diverse food culture, and there’s always something to do and see.
The people are friendly, you’ll feel safe walking through the town at night, and there are plenty of public space and green walkways.
Auckland was placed 3rd on Mercer’s Quality of Living Ranking 2018, 8th on EIU’s Global Livability Ranking, and 22nd on Monocle’s Quality of Life Survey.
6. Copenhagen
Copenhagen boasts a great work-life balance, has streets full of independent shops and cafes, and free access to public healthcare. It’s a diverse city that welcomes internationals, but you’ll find that accommodation is more on the expensive side.
Priority is given to bicycles and pedestrians, and you’ll feel safe while admiring the design and architecture of both modern and historic buildings. There’s also plenty of green and open space throughout the city.
Copenhagen ranks 6th in Monocle’s Quality of Life Survey, 9th in Mercer’s Quality of Living Ranking 2018 and 16th in Numbeo’s Quality of Life Index 2018.
5. Vancouver
You’ll find Vancouver near the top of many livability rankings thanks to its incredible location surrounded by mountains and water, great weather all year round, and friendly atmosphere.
It’s got beaches, parks and skiing all in one city. The food is excellent, the city is clean and green, and it’s regarded as a safe place to live and work.
Vancouver ranked 3rd in the Economist Intelligence Unit Global Livability Ranking, 5th in Mercer’s Quality of Living Ranking and 18th in Monocle’s Quality of Life Survey.
4. Munich
The second German city in our top 10 list of best places to live in the world, Munich, is famed for its love of museums, music, football and beer.
Hosting the infamous Oktoberfest, Munich is regarded as one of the safest cities in the world, and great public transport means that it’s quick and easy to get around.
You’ll find plenty of outdoor activities to get involved in thanks to its proximity to the Alps, and exploring the smaller towns on the outskirts of the city can make for an incredible weekend away.
Munich ranks joint 3rd in Monocle’s Quality of Life Survey, 4th in Mercer’s Quality of Living Ranking 2018 and 12th in Numbeo’s Quality of Life Index 2018.
3. Zurich
Surrounded by lakes and mountains, Zurich is a clean and safe city that offers exciting opportunities for those with a passion for exploration.
Although on the smaller side compared to other cities in our top 10, you’ll find a lot of well-paid jobs, and the public transport is also likely to exceed your expectations.
There’s a lively arts, social and cultural scene across the city, and many ski resorts and other outdoor activities are only a short trip away. The local residents are also friendly and helpful.
Zurich ranks 2nd in Mercer’s Quality of Living Ranking 2018, 5th in Numbeo’s Quality of Life Index 2018, and 8th in Monocle’s Quality of Life Survey.
2. Melbourne
Melbourne is renowned for its high standard of living, offering great coffee, fantastic food, and a wide variety of markets, festivals and exhibitions.
Located on the banks of the Yarra River, Melbourne is great for sport, and hosts the Australian Grand Prix and the Australian Open. It’s multicultural with a young population, making it lively and energetic city.
Melbourne ranks top of the EUI’s Global Livability Ranking for the fifth year in a row.
Melbourne also ranked 5th in Monocle’s Quality of Life Survey, 16th in Mercer’s Quality of Living Ranking and 30th in Numbeo’s Quality of Life Index 2018.
1. Vienna
Vienna has ranked 1st in Mercer’s Quality of Living Ranking for an incredible nine consecutive years, and comes in 2nd place for both The Economist’s Global Livability Ranking and Monocle’s Quality of Life Index.
You can’t miss the amazing arts and culture scene across Vienna. With huge investment in museums, cinemas, theatres, art galleries, open-air concerts and classical music events, you’ll always find something to keep you entertained.
Vienna also sits right at the centre of Europe, granting endless possibilities for weekends away to major cities and nearby ski resort, vineyards, lakes, shopping centres and much more.
Low crime, historical architecture, numerous events, festivals markets, a high standard of education, brilliant public transport, low accommodation costs and excellent food makes Vienna the very best place to move to in the world in 2018.
Top 10 Places To Live In The World 2018
There you have it, the top ten places to live in the world in 2018.
Have you moved to one of these places? What do you think? Maybe there’s a place that’s missing from the list but you’d still recommend? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
