Top 10 Best Cities to Live in 2025: Only One Asian City Makes the List

Living in a city where the air is clean, the public transport punctual, safety is a given, and life unfolds at a balanced pace is not just a dream—it’s a reality in some parts of the world. According to the Economist Intelligence Unit's (EIU) Global Liveability Index for 2025, these ten cities have excelled across stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure. This detailed article explores what truly makes them stand out.

Topping the 2025 list is Copenhagen, a city already known for its happiest residents. What pushed it past Vienna this year is not just its public services but the seamless blend of structure and soul. Whether it’s the absolute punctuality of public transport or the freedom to dine in luxury while wearing sneakers, Copenhagen defines relaxed urban sophistication.

Social cohesion is deeply ingrained here. Children play freely in open parks and city markets, while adults enjoy unhurried conversations over coffee along the riverbanks. What’s more, the city’s infrastructure is guided not by extravagance but by common sense—cycling lanes outnumber car lanes, and architectural modernity doesn’t clash with its deep environmental consciousness.

Vienna, which topped the index for three consecutive years, now ranks second, but it hasn't slipped in quality. Instead, Copenhagen has slightly edged past. Vienna continues to be unmatched in healthcare and infrastructure, both scoring a perfect 100. Residents enjoy a sense of community, and even large institutions like the United Nations contribute to a globalized yet intimate city feel.

For expats like Natalie O’Connell, the city offers an unmatched lifestyle. A native New Yorker, she praises Vienna for offering a high standard of living she never imagined in any other global capital. Vienna’s classical charm merges smoothly with modern comfort, making it a place people rarely want to leave.

Zurich holds the third position, thanks to its flawless infrastructure and education system. It’s a city where children speak four languages with ease—a direct reflection of the international standard of local public schools.

Resident Rosamund Tagell’s experience showcases why Zurich excels. Coming from the UK, she would have opted for private schooling for her children. But in Zurich, the public education system is so advanced that it's not only free but also globally competitive. Multilingualism is standard here, with most kids speaking at least two to three languages fluently. This opens up unmatched intellectual and career opportunities from an early age.

Melbourne ranks fourth, earning top marks in healthcare and education and remaining within the global top five for three consecutive years. What distinguishes Melbourne is not just its infrastructure but how it facilitates a smooth lifestyle.

Lawyer Oliver Morrissey says Melbourne allows him to walk from court to client meetings in minutes and still make it to the park with his daughter by evening. This kind of daily flow—professional productivity balanced with personal time—is the essence of livability. Melbourne’s environment, public amenities, and cultural scene make it more than just another city—it’s a well-oiled ecosystem for life.

Another Swiss gem, Geneva comes in fifth, reinforcing Switzerland’s dominance in quality living. Geneva combines cleanliness, accessibility, and social equality with world-class healthcare and infrastructure.

What’s striking about Geneva is its diversity—over 40% of residents are foreign-born. This creates a rich cultural exchange. People like James F. Royal enjoy a lifestyle enriched by food, arts, and customs from across the globe, all within a city that feels small and highly navigable. Despite its size, Geneva offers everything you'd expect from a global hub, minus the chaos.

Sydney jumps to sixth place with a score of 96.6, rising from seventh in the previous year. It achieves perfect scores in healthcare and education, and high marks in infrastructure and environment.

This city manages to combine high-rise modernity with beachside tranquility. The public transport works seamlessly with ferry systems and train lines connecting coastal suburbs to the central business district. Cultural vibrancy and natural wonders like the Blue Mountains and Bondi Beach are always within reach, providing Sydney with a lifestyle edge few cities can rival.

The only Asian city in the top 10, Osaka holds the seventh position. Despite often being overshadowed by Tokyo, Osaka's identity is refreshingly distinct. It scores perfect marks in stability, healthcare, and education, and the city’s lifestyle is known for its rhythm and reliability.

Graham Hill, a longtime resident and founder of the “Osaka City” review site, describes the city as small yet sophisticated. Its compact design doesn’t hinder its dynamism. Whether you're a food lover, tech enthusiast, or looking for safe and punctual living, Osaka offers all of it—quietly, efficiently, and with cultural charm.

Auckland, with a livability score of 96, lands the eighth spot. It excels particularly in education, earning a full 100, and performs well in culture and environmental indices.

What makes Auckland special is its blend of urban energy and natural majesty. From volcanic landscapes to modern infrastructure, it offers a dual lifestyle that appeals to both city dwellers and nature lovers. The multicultural population also gives the city a global flavor that enhances its appeal to expatriates.

Ninth on the list, Adelaide represents Australia’s third entry into the top 10. Scoring perfect marks in healthcare and education, and strong numbers in infrastructure and stability, Adelaide offers an excellent cost-to-lifestyle ratio.

Often overlooked compared to Sydney or Melbourne, Adelaide charms its residents with calm streets, vibrant food scenes, and efficient public services. It’s a place where life moves slower, but in a good way. Professionals and families alike value the city for its safety, affordability, and friendly community vibe.

Vancouver rounds out the top 10 and is the only North American city to do so in 2025. With a livability score of 95.8, it shines in education, culture, and healthcare.

Despite Canada’s Calgary dropping significantly in rankings this year, Vancouver held its ground by offering an attractive urban environment rich in green spaces, cultural diversity, and modern amenities. Its public education system remains world-class, and its healthcare services continue to be among the best in North America. Vancouver's appeal lies in its effortless mix of mountain views, ocean breezes, and urban sophistication.

Final Thoughts: What These Cities Teach Us About Livable Urban Futures

The 2025 Global Liveability Index shows a clear pattern: cities that invest in healthcare, education, green infrastructure, and urban inclusivity consistently score higher. European and Australian cities dominate the list, while Asia has only one representative—Osaka—despite having several megacities.

For countries aiming to improve urban life, the lesson is clear. It's not just about GDP or tall buildings. It's about nurturing cities that work for people—where systems run on time, families feel safe, and opportunities for growth are abundant. In these top 10 cities, livability isn't just a statistic—it's a way of life.