In a surprising shift, Vienna—long celebrated for its culture, infrastructure, and quality of life—has been dethroned as the world’s most liveable city according to the 2025 Global Liveability Index released by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). The annual report, which ranks cities based on a wide range of factors including healthcare, stability, culture, environment, education, and infrastructure, placed Copenhagen, Denmark at the top spot this year.
Vienna has held the crown for multiple years and was considered unbeatable for its efficiency, cleanliness, and outstanding public services. However, recent changes in housing prices, social unrest, and an increase in congestion have reportedly impacted its score.
Copenhagen Rises to the Top
Copenhagen’s rise to number one in 2025 did not happen overnight. The Danish capital has invested heavily in sustainability, public transport, and affordable housing. Its clean streets, green energy policies, and stable political climate have earned high praise from both citizens and expats.
Copenhagen scored particularly well in the stability, education, and healthcare categories. According to the Economist Intelligence Unit, the city’s focus on renewable energy and eco-conscious urban planning made it a standout candidate this year.
What is the Global Liveability Index?
The Global Liveability Index, published annually by the Economist Intelligence Unit, ranks 173 cities based on over 30 indicators. These are grouped into five key categories:
- Stability (crime rates, political stability)
- Healthcare (availability and quality of services)
- Culture and Environment (climate, recreational activities, censorship)
- Education (school quality and availability)
- Infrastructure (roads, public transport, water, electricity)
Each factor is scored on a scale from 1 to 100. The higher the score, the more liveable the city.
Why Vienna Dropped in the Rankings
Despite still being one of Europe’s gems, Vienna experienced a slight dip in multiple areas. Rising housing costs and increased traffic congestion were significant factors. In addition, the city has seen an uptick in public demonstrations and social tensions, especially surrounding immigration and economic policy.
While these changes might seem minor, in a competitive index where cities are often separated by decimal points, they were enough to push Vienna down to third place, with Zurich stepping into the second position.
The Top 10 Most Liveable Cities in 2025
Here are the top 10 cities in this year’s Global Liveability Index:
- Copenhagen, Denmark
- Zurich, Switzerland
- Vienna, Austria
- Melbourne, Australia
- Vancouver, Canada
- Geneva, Switzerland
- Calgary, Canada
- Sydney, Australia
- Osaka, Japan
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
Melbourne, once a frequent chart-topper, held steady in the top five thanks to its strong education and healthcare systems. Vancouver and Geneva were also praised for their environmental efforts and low crime rates.
What Makes a City “Liveable”?
“Liveability” is about more than just scenery or tourist attractions. It reflects how comfortable, safe, and sustainable a city is for its residents. The most liveable cities are those where people can not only survive but thrive.
Copenhagen’s bike-friendly streets, robust public healthcare system, and clean air give it a significant edge. In contrast, cities with pollution, unstable politics, or high crime rates often fall to the bottom of the list.
Cities That Dropped in Rankings
While some cities climbed the rankings, others fell. Notably, Los Angeles and Paris saw their scores drop due to rising crime rates and public unrest. London remained stable but failed to make it into the top 20 due to high living costs and traffic issues.
In Asia, Hong Kong and Bangkok also saw a decline due to political tensions and air quality concerns. Meanwhile, Osaka managed to hold its spot thanks to low crime and excellent healthcare services.
Who Uses This Ranking—and Why It Matters
Governments, businesses, and even individuals use the Global Liveability Index to make strategic decisions. Corporations may use the data to choose office locations. Expats often rely on it when selecting a city for relocation.
Moreover, these rankings influence tourism, real estate investment, and city branding. A high score can boost a city’s global image, while a drop may trigger policy reviews.
Expert Reactions
Urban development experts say Vienna’s drop is not necessarily alarming but a signal for improvement. “Vienna remains an excellent city. But small shifts in housing or social climate can affect perceptions of liveability,” said Dr. Elena Korvic, a European urban studies researcher.
On the other hand, Copenhagen’s victory was widely seen as deserved. “Copenhagen has shown how investing in sustainable growth and community wellbeing can elevate a city’s liveability,” she added.
What This Means for the Future
Cities are now in a global race—not for population, but for quality of life. Liveability rankings are a wake-up call for governments to prioritize green infrastructure, social cohesion, and urban planning.
As Vienna plans new urban renewal projects and Zurich continues to innovate in public services, 2026 may bring yet another shake-up.
The takeaway is clear: to remain liveable, cities must adapt, innovate, and put people first.
Also Read – New Healthiest U.S. Cities List Is Out—Is Yours Ranked?
