After a challenging year filled with divisive politics, conflict, and uncertainties about what lies ahead, is now the time to chase that dream you’ve always had? If you’re prepared to make a move, the next question is: where should you head to?

This year, Western Europe seems to be the prime destination, as indicated by the recent Quality of Living Report from Mercer, a global consulting firm that assesses cities based on their attractiveness to expatriates. Zurich, the capital of Switzerland, tops the list, followed by Vienna and Geneva, showcasing numerous delightful European cities.

Zurich has garnered accolades for its “exceptional public services, low crime rates, lively cultural scene, and emphasis on sustainability.” However, it’s important to note that the cost of living can be quite steep.

A pedestrianized shopping street in Zurich. Image: Stefan Wermuth/Bloomberg

If you’re looking for a more tranquil setting, Auckland, which ranks fifth, is worth considering, while Vancouver is the only North American city in the top 10, placing seventh.

Other noteworthy points include:

• Singapore was the top-ranked city in Asia, falling one spot to 30th. Hong Kong ranked 76th.
• Los Angeles demonstrated the largest leap, rising 26 places to 44th, thanks to improvements in crime, air quality, and internet accessibility.
• Boston emerged as the highest-ranking US city at 32nd, followed by New York at 45th.
• London climbed five spots to reach 40th, while Edinburgh and Glasgow ranked 50th and 53rd, respectively.
• Sydney fell three positions to 12th, with Melbourne at 20th and Canberra at 29th.
• At the lower end of the ranking were Khartoum in Sudan and Baghdad in Iraq.

“In a world increasingly characterized by digital nomads and adaptable working conditions, Mercer’s report reveals that the most desirable locations are those that provide a combination of high quality of life and manageable living costs,” remarked Mercer’s Global Mobility Leader Yvonne Traber. “This presents a challenge for companies and international assignees as they consider choices regarding relocation, investment, and talent management.”

Marina Bay in Singapore’s central business district (CBD). Image: Lauryn Ishak/Bloomberg

Mercer’s analysis covered living conditions in more than 450 cities worldwide, examining 39 distinct factors which included the political and social environment, healthcare, education, leisure activities, and housing.

Here are the top 10 cities for the highest quality of living (cities with identical ranks achieved equal overall scores):

1 — Zurich, Switzerland

2 — Vienna, Austria

3 — Geneva, Switzerland

4 — Copenhagen, Denmark

5 — Auckland, New Zealand

6 — Amsterdam, Netherlands

7 — Frankfurt, Germany

7 — Vancouver, Canada

9 — Bern, Switzerland

10 — Basel, Switzerland

Meanwhile, here are the bottom 10 cities on the list:

241 — Khartoum, Sudan

240 — Baghdad, Iraq

239 — Bangui, Central African Republic

238 — Sanaa, Yemen

237 — Port-Au-Prince, Haiti

236 — N’djamena, Chad

235 — Damascus, Syria

234 — Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo

233 — Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

232 — Tripoli, Libya

© 2024 Bloomberg

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