We look at the top 15 cities to live in according to the latest data from the Global Power City Index.
These cities are measured by 6 functions Economy, Research and Development, Cultural Interaction, Livability, Environment, and Accessibility to provide a multidimensional ranking.
Similarly, each city’s nightlife, restaurants and other attractions are also taken into account as well as their commitment to activism. It also accounts for cities’ friendliness.
So here are the 15 best cities in the world to live in:
15) Copenhagen
Denmark is often rated as one of the happiest places in the world to live.
The quality of life in this city is very high, and the many innovative green initiatives certainly help to put the resident’s minds at ease.
It has a stable economy, with excellent education and social safety. Swedes enjoy the all-you-need Scandinavian lifestyle – the shopping streets, cosy cafes and restaurants. It means that locals can have it all – comfort and safety combined with access to both leisure spots and great nightlife.
Furthermore, the working conditions in the city are among the best in the world. Salaries are also high and because of the welfare system, international expats will be able to enjoy its benefits too.
Living in Copenhagen is relatively easy in comparison to most other cities in the world. It is a place where everyone speaks English, the crime rate is low and there are plenty of buses and metro lines, making it easy to commute at any time of the day.
14) Dubai
Dubai has grown to become one of the world’s busiest destinations for both business and tourism. Most major international corporations have bases in Dubai, which means you can find numerous opportunities here for people looking for work.
Dubai’s wealth was built initially from its oil industry, however, it has diversified its economy quite successfully and now have multiple industries that are all contributing to the country’s fiscal stability including tourism, real estate, financial services & health & education.
If you are looking for an exciting move with a tax-free salary in one of the most vibrant places in the world, then Dubai is ideal.
The social scene is fantastic so there are plenty of things to enjoy. Many residents start by signing up for a local hotel or private beach club when they first arrive and spend much of their time that way.
13) Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a special administrative region of China. Although it’s officially part of a Communist country, they enjoy a capitalist system of their own under the “One Country, Two Systems” policy.
It was agreed that this model would be in effect for 50 years after the British handover, which means it will expire in 2047.
However, this unique status has led to some political tensions and for that reason, its overall quality of life has dropped tremendously. Despite this, it is still an important part of the world and home to the seventh-highest number of billionaires in any country.
For this reason, it has lots of modern conveniences, such as upscale shops and malls, world-class restaurants, and luxurious apartment complexes.
Overall, it’s a city that suits those who are pursuing money but might not work for those who value the freedom to express themselves politically, it’s a city people either love or hate.
12) Sydney
Sydney is Australia’s largest city, with a population of almost 5 million people. It also has some of the country’s best attractions, which are worth checking out.
It has long been one of the world’s major players and its effect on the cost of living in this country is undeniable. Real estate prices are only rivalled by those of other major world cities like New York.
Sydney’s successful economy does mean that employment prospects are excellent with the Financial Services, Communications and Technology industries all thriving.
Sydney is also home to sixty percent of the regional headquarters that operate in the Asia-Pacific region.
11) Melbourne
A lot of people think that Melbourne is Australia’s cultural capital and it has an arty vibe. It’s home to amazing museums, as well as cool bars and eateries. This place also hosts a number of festivals and events every year!
It’s also a city of sporting fans. The residents of Melbourne come from all over the world, creating vibrant and beautiful neighbourhoods.
Melbourne is famous for its temperate weather, residents can often experience all four seasons in one day.
Living standards are relatively high but not as expensive when compared to the cost of living in Sydney. Employment opportunities are also better, especially in niche fields like aviation, construction, automotive engineering, financial services and technology.
10) Shanghai
Shanghai became the first mainland Chinese metropolis to enter into the global top ten of most appealing cities, according to the recent Global Power City Index.
It has developed new ways of working during the pandemic, which improved its overall score in all categories considered in the study, that included, economy, research and development, cultural interaction, livability, environment and accessibility.
Furthermore, it’s one of the more popular cities for international banks & financial institutions, as well as insurance companies & consultancies.
For those reasons, the city has seen an influx of foreign workers employed in the education, I.T. and healthcare sectors.
9) Madrid
Madrid’s Global Power City Index has grown in recent years, last year it surpassed its counterpart Barcelona and is now ranked in the top ten.
It is an attractive place to live, especially for professionals, remote workers and semi-retired business owners.
It has everything you need to live comfortably. Infrastructure is good and well-maintained, the public transport system offers fair prices, and the health care services are one of the best in the country.
Salaries can be much lower than in places like London, but the trade-off is the cost of living. It’s also better for work/life balance and you get great weather all year round. This city is exciting and relaxing which makes it a good place to live!
It is the proud home to a number of outstanding museums, galleries and theatres. Sports centres, parks and malls are also just around the corner.
8) Seoul
Seoul, the capital city of South Korea, is often considered to be one of the most developed and attractive cities in all of Asia.
The city has a vibrant nightlife scene, fabulous pop culture, and the nature that only Seoul can give you.
Seoul’s public transport system is affordable and reliable and is equipped with public wi-fi. All of which makes it such a good option to get around the city.
It is considered to be one of the most wired and technologically advanced cities in the world. There is also delicious local food, combined with the low crime rate truly make this a highly attractive destination.
The city of Seoul is also ranked as the third best city in the world to be a university student. It has more universities ranked among the very best in the world than any other location.
7) Berlin
Berlin is often referred to as a liberal city with a diverse culture. This is why many people from all over the world want to live there.
As the capital of Germany, Berlin is well-known for its large industries, science, and media institutions. It’s also famous for its prestigious companies that are some of the biggest employers in the world.
You’ll find this city is a popular destination for people looking for jobs because it offers an endless number of opportunities to advance your career.
Berlin is a lively city with a lot going on. Making friends won’t be a problem because there are lots of bars, parks and sporting events to attend. It also has a strong cultural scene with many theatres and museums.
6) Amsterdam
Amsterdam, probably the most liberal European city, is also known for its infamous nickname of Europe’s sin capital.
The city has adopted some of our society’s most controversial past times and only a few people know about the hidden vibes that beat within this city. It is a city that claims to have old-world charms but also benefits from the modern age.
There’s a variety of European headquarters and industries located in the city, so there are lots of job opportunities available in Amsterdam.
Amsterdam’s startup scene is also booming, so it’s a great place for those looking to branch out from the current job market.
Apart from that, its transport system was voted as one of the best in the world and it’s really easy to get around: their railways and roads provide great links to the rest of Europe so you can literally go anywhere easily.
5) Singapore
Singapore may be one of the smallest cities in the world but it is Asia’s business epicentre straddling both East and West.
It has been consistently hailed as the land of opportunity and touted by many business owners as an ideal place to relocate.
Moreover, it is regarded as one of the safest cities in the world, with low crime rates and a transparent legal system, a reliable police force that is supported by proactive citizens.
As such, Singapore has a highly developed, business-friendly climate and the ability to live and work in a European vibe. It is ranked fifth in the global power city index.
4) Paris
Paris is often considered the world’s most romantic city, and for good reason. It features world-famous sights that are shown off in travel magazines and movies.
As a major stakeholder in the global economy as well as in politics, education and the arts, Paris exerts considerable influence and plays a pivotal role in shaping world affairs.
Although its global power city index dropped in recent years, it is still considered as one of the most highly regarded cities in the world.
Paris was voted third for the number of Fortune Global 500 company headquarters located there. They were ranked fifth for their productivity and hiring rate along with their financial and commercial services.
3) Tokyo
From its iconic landmarks to breathtaking scenery, Tokyo is one of the most exciting and stimulating cities in the world. It has something for everyone.
Tokyo improved its score from last year, catching up with the other cities mentioned in this article. The improvement in work-style flexibility which held Tokyo back last year contributed to this improvement.
The city invested billions in improving infrastructure and creating tourist attractions for the Olympics, and they’re achieving their goal of making it a more accessible destination for those with disabilities.
Tokyo is a fantastic city for those working in the technology, computing or engineering fields.
If you like the creative industries, animation and art are also surging as businesses in this city.
Tokyo’s reliable and efficient public transportation system is among one of the many reasons why Tokyo is such a sought-after city to live in.
2) New York
New York has unmatched energy that really makes it stand out from other cities around the world.
New York City is a place where the fast pace of life, the noisy traffic and a diverse group of people make for a very vibrant & lively city.
As a premier American city, New York has indisputable strength in its economic and R&D sectors, it has also been able to develop improved environmental policies.
New York improved its rank by increasing its points for satisfaction with urban cleanliness.
Nevertheless, livability in the city fell lower in the rankings due to a drop in the score for the working environment. The gap between strengths and weaknesses continued to widen.
1) London
Despite Brexit, London has been rated the top-rated city in the world for the fifth year running.
The British capital has always been at the top since the creation of these rankings.
London’s most attractive qualities are the fresh air, the landscapes & open spaces, and the cultural appreciation it offers.
However, its overall score is decreasing due to a significant drop in inaccessibility. London lost its position within international transport networks following the outcome of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite this, London has improved its ranking in livability and environment, while balancing pros and cons across all sectors.
