Copenhagen Named World’s Most Liveable City in 2025 as Australian Cities Impress

Copenhagen Tops 2025 Global Liveability Index

The 2025 Global Liveability Index by the Economist Intelligence Unit has revealed Copenhagen as the most liveable city in the world, surpassing Vienna and Zurich. The Danish capital achieved top scores for stability, culture, and environment, earning its place at the summit of this year’s highly anticipated rankings.

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Copenhagen Tops 2025 Global Liveability Index Rankings Based on Key Urban Indicators Vienna Falls to Second Over Security Concerns Affordability Not Included in Score Criteria Melbourne Retains Global Prestige in Fourth Place Sydney and Adelaide Boost Australia’s Global Standing Global Averages Show Gains in Services, Drop in Stability Notable Shifts: Saudi Surge and Canadian Slip UK Cities Decline Amid Stability Concerns

Rankings Based on Key Urban Indicators

Cities were evaluated across vital categories including healthcare, education, and infrastructure, with each receiving a score out of 100. These metrics combined to produce a comprehensive liveability score that highlights the best urban experiences globally.

Vienna Falls to Second Over Security Concerns

For the first time since 2021, Vienna lost its crown, sliding to second place after a dip in stability. The decline was linked to security concerns, notably a bomb threat at Taylor Swift’s 2024 concert, affecting the city’s reputation for safety.

Affordability Not Included in Score Criteria

It’s worth noting that affordability did not factor into these assessments of liveability. The rankings purely reflected quality of life indicators like services, stability, and environmental standards.

Melbourne Retains Global Prestige in Fourth Place

Melbourne continued its strong performance, securing fourth place for the second year running with perfect scores in healthcare and education. This reinforces its standing as one of Australia’s top cities for quality of life.

Sydney and Adelaide Boost Australia’s Global Standing

Sydney climbed to sixth place, reflecting improvements in infrastructure and continued excellence in healthcare and education. Adelaide joined the elite ranks, breaking into the top 10 at ninth place, further boosting Australia’s global reputation for urban liveability.

Global Averages Show Gains in Services, Drop in Stability

Overall, the average score across the 173 cities surveyed was 76.1 out of 100, showing modest improvements in services but slight declines in stability worldwide. The rise in scores for education, healthcare, and infrastructure helped offset these challenges.

Notable Shifts: Saudi Surge and Canadian Slip

Al Khobar in Saudi Arabia recorded the largest improvement, jumping 13 places to 135th, thanks to significant enhancements in healthcare and education. Meanwhile, Calgary in Canada saw the steepest fall, dropping from fifth to 18th place, leaving Vancouver as the sole Canadian city in the top 10.

UK Cities Decline Amid Stability Concerns

In the United Kingdom, London, Manchester, and Edinburgh all slid down the rankings amid lower stability ratings, reflecting changing urban dynamics. These shifts underline the evolving challenges cities face in maintaining high liveability standards.