There are several cities that are more liveable than the others. The list includes the most liveable cities of top Western Europe which contribute to more than half of the list. These cities are followed by other neighboring cities around the globe. There are several factors that contribute to the preference of living in a city by an inhabitant. Some major parameters include world class healthcare, transport, housing, access to fresh water and food, education and a safe built environment. 

Interestingly, the list begins with Vienna and Copenhagen at the top followed by Zurich and Calgary in the third and fourth place in the top 10 list. Amsterdam and Osaka secured the ninth and tenth spot in the list respectively. 

Vienna, Austria | Most Liveable Cities

10 Most Liveable Cities in 2022 - Sheet 1
Image 1_ Vienna, Austria_© solosophie.com

Vienna in Austria is declared as the most liveable city in the world in 2022. According to the EIU Global Liveability Index, the city is well-known amongst tourists across the globe. World care healthcare facilities are provided in the city, which makes it one of the top cities to inhabit in. Moreover, the well-developed public transport system and infrastructure is also an advantage. Arts and cultural industries are also booming in Vienna and the housing conditions and costs are quite cost effective. Apart from this, the environment is quite safe and the city has no to minimal pollution. Vienna has scored 100 in healthcare, 100 in education, and 100 in infrastructure in an accredited survey which makes a popular choice amongst human inhabitants. 

Copenhagen, Denmark

10 Most Liveable Cities in 2022 - Sheet 2
Image 2_ Copenhagen, Denmark_© forbes.com

Copenhagen is the capital of Denmark. It is one of the safest cities on this planet and has very low crime rates. Good healthcare is one of the aspects that contributes to the advantages of living in this city. One of the interesting features of the city is its bicycle paths, which encourages the inhabitants to stay healthy. This also connects the various parts of the city. The city also places a strong focus on sustainability and recycles its wastes. Around 58% of its waste is recycled and 40% is used for Copenhagen’s district heating system. 

Toronto, Canada | Most Liveable Cities

10 Most Liveable Cities in 2022 - Sheet 8
Image 8_ Toronto, Canada_© britannica.com

Toronto in Canada secured the eighth rank amongst the 173 most livable cities in the world. Each city was given a score based on 30 factors that fall under five major categories: stability, healthcare, culture & environment, education, and infrastructure. Toronto secured high scores in most of the factors. The city is known for its diversity, educational institutions, touristic spots and much more. The Canadian city earned a total score of 95.4 out of 100, which was 3.7 points less than the top liveable city of 2022: Vienna in Austria. 

Calgary, Canada

10 Most Liveable Cities in 2022 - Sheet 4
Image 4_ Calgary, Canada_© calgary.ca

Calgary is one of the most popular liveable cities in 2022. The city is one of the most touristic spots in Canada. The arts, culture, and cuisine offers a great experience to its settlers and tourists. Calgary scored 100 in the healthcare, education and infrastructure industry in a survey conducted by renowned organizations. Businesses and industries are booming in the city. Several surveys have declared Calgary as one of the best cities in the world. Calgary is also rated one of the strongest cities in its GDP per Capita category. It is also named as the world’s fifth most livable city by the Economist for seven consecutive years, and has gained recognition especially for its healthcare and education facilities. 

Vancouver, Canada | Most Liveable Cities

10 Most Liveable Cities in 2022 - Sheet 5
Image 5_ Vancouver, Canada_© travelandleisure.com

Vancouver secured the fifth place in the list of 172 cities across the globe in the Global Liveability Index from the Economist Intelligence Unit in 2022. The Canadian city scored 100 for the healthcare industry, culture and environment, and education. Moreover, it scored 90 for stability, and 92.9 for infrastructure which helped it to secure the fifth spot in the list. Vancouver is one of the best cities in the world to live in. It is well-known for its programs and initiatives in the different aspects of the environment: sustainability, accessibility and inclusivity.

Geneva, Switzerland 

10 Most Liveable Cities in 2022 - Sheet 6
Image 6_ Geneva, Switzerland_© roadaffair.com

Geneva in Switzerland is a city that offers diverse facilities of world class standards. The city has gained high scores in safety, healthcare, and environmental quality. It has been ranked on the sixth position of the list of the most liveable cities of the world by the Global Liveability Index by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU).

Frankfurt, Germany

Image 7_ Frankfurt, Germany_© roadaffair.com
Image 7_ Frankfurt, Germany_© roadaffair.com

Frankfurt in Germany scored 100 points for both health and infrastructure in an international survey. The German city scored 91.7 points in the education category. Due to its central location, it is a well-known spot amongst tourists and visitors. It is one of the cities that has several diverse opportunities for its inhabitants and visitors. Frankfurt is a cosmopolitan city with favorable climatic conditions and to connect with people belonging to various parts of the world. Due to this, the city is a home to a lot of expats and its people are engaged in social interaction.  

Zurich, Switzerland | Most Liveable Cities

Image 3_ Zurich, Switzerland_© britannica.com
Image 3_ Zurich, Switzerland_© britannica.com

Zurich located in Switzerland offers good healthcare, housing, education and safety to its dwellers and inhabitants. This makes this city one of the most expensive cities in the world due to the good quality of services provided. The culture of the city is extremely warm and welcoming which attracts tourists to the city. It is the largest city in Switzerland. Banking industry is one of the industries that is developing in Zurich and creating several opportunities for its people. Scientific research and development is booming in Zurich too. The city is well-connected through its equipped public transport system and offers a good quality life to its people. 

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Image 9_ Amsterdam, Netherlands_© foodandwine.com
Image 9_ Amsterdam, Netherlands_© foodandwine.com

Amsterdam in the Netherlands secured the ninth position in the Global Liveability Index in 2022. It was at the 21st rank last year. Well-developed infrastructure, cultural diversity, safe and clean environment makes Amsterdam one of the greatest cities to live in. The city is well connected through bikes, making it a popular choice of transport amongst the settlers. The city also has a rich and vast history and culture. Interestingly, it is also a home of various museums and cultural buildings. 

 Osaka, Japan | Most Liveable Cities

Image 10_ Osaka, Japan_© insideosaka.com
Image 10_ Osaka, Japan_© insideosaka.com

Osaka in Japan is a popular choice amongst visitors to settle in. It has secured the tenth rank in the list of top ten liveable cities in 2022. Osaka received a perfect score of 100 in stability, healthcare, and education categories. It also offers a well-developed infrastructure for its settlers and visitors. However, it secured low scores in the category of culture and environment. The city has been taking stringent measures to improve its score in culture and environment. Osaka is appreciative for its rich cuisine, street foods, and socializing experiences. 

Images / Visual Mediums

Image Name : Vienna, Austria

Image Number : 1

URL : https://www.solosophie.com/best-day-trips-from-vienna-austria/

Image Name : Copenhagen, Denmark

Image Number : 2

URL : https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidnikel/2022/04/01/denmark-lifts-all-covid-19-travel-restrictions/?sh=cd4e5ae391c8

Image Name : Zurich, Switzerland 

Image Number : 3

URL : https://www.britannica.com/place/Zurich

Image Name : Calgary, Canada 

Image Number : 4

URL : https://www.calgary.ca/home.html

Image Name : Vancouver, Canada

Image Number : 5

URL : https://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-guide/vancouver

Image Name : Geneva, Switzerland

Image Number : 6

URL : https://www.roadaffair.com/visit-geneva-switzerland/

Image Name : Frankfurt, Germany

Image Number : 7

URL : https://www.britannica.com/place/Frankfurt-am-Main

Image Name : Toronto, Canada

Image Number : 8

URL : https://www.britannica.com/place/Toronto

Image Name : Amsterdam, Netherlands 

Image Number : 9

URL : https://www.foodandwine.com/travel/amsterdam-new-culinary-powerhouse

Image Name : Osaka , Japan 

Image Number : 10

URL : https://insideosaka.com/osaka-districts/

Citations

Ravlic, T. (2022) Melbourne one of World’s top 10 most liveable cities, other states fall down list, The Mandarin. Available at: https://www.themandarin.com.au/207786-melbourne-one-of-worlds-top-10-most-liveable-cities-other-states-fall-down-list/ (Accessed: December 28, 2022).

These are the world’s top 10 most liveable cities in 2022 (no date) Global Citizen. Available at: https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/worlds-most-liveable-cities-2022/ (Accessed: December 28, 2022).

Solosophie (2022) 10+ Best Day trips from Vienna, Austria, solosophie. Available at: https://www.solosophie.com/best-day-trips-from-vienna-austria/ (Accessed: December 28, 2022).

Nikel, D. (2022) Denmark lifts all covid-19 travel restrictions, Forbes. Forbes Magazine. Available at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidnikel/2022/04/01/denmark-lifts-all-covid-19-travel-restrictions/?sh=cd4e5ae391c8 (Accessed: December 28, 2022).

Zürich (no date) Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica, inc. Available at: https://www.britannica.com/place/Zurich (Accessed: December 28, 2022).

The City of Calgary – home page (no date) https://www.calgary.ca. Available at: https://www.calgary.ca/home.html (Accessed: December 28, 2022).

Feinstein, P. (2021) Vancouver travel guide, Travel + Leisure. Travel + Leisure. Available at: https://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-guide/vancouver (Accessed: December 28, 2022).

Timbrook, R. (2022) 6 reasons why you should visit Geneva while in Switzerland, Road Affair. Available at: https://www.roadaffair.com/visit-geneva-switzerland/ (Accessed: December 28, 2022).

Frankfurt am main (no date) Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica, inc. Available at: https://www.britannica.com/place/Frankfurt-am-Main (Accessed: December 28, 2022).

Toronto (no date) Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica, inc. Available at: https://www.britannica.com/place/Toronto (Accessed: December 28, 2022).

Kadushin, R. (2022) How Amsterdam is becoming a new culinary powerhouse, Food & Wine. Food & Wine. Available at: https://www.foodandwine.com/travel/amsterdam-new-culinary-powerhouse (Accessed: December 28, 2022).

Osaka districts (2020) Inside Osaka. Available at: https://insideosaka.com/osaka-districts/ (Accessed: December 28, 2022).

Author

Mahima Aswani is an architect and designer, who has worked on ambitious projects such as the Iraq Pavilion for Expo 2020 and high-end residential and commercial projects. Mahima’s thesis project, Goodbye Slumbai won the Community Design Award in the Senior Thesis Showcase at AUD, Dubai and was published in Dezeen magazine in 2021.