Mercer’s Quality of Living Report 2024 highlights the best global cities for expatriates, ranking them based on factors such as public services, safety, healthcare, and cultural opportunities. European cities dominate the top rankings, with Zurich, Vienna, and Geneva securing the top three spots.
- 1st – Zurich, Switzerland: Known for excellent public services, low crime rates, and a vibrant cultural scene, Zurich tops the list.
- 2nd – Vienna, Austria: Recognized for its infrastructure, culture, entertainment, healthcare, and education.
- 3rd – Geneva, Switzerland: A high-ranking city with exceptional living standards.
Other notable mentions include Auckland, New Zealand (5th), and Vancouver, Canada (7th), which were the highest-ranked cities in the Pacific and North American regions, respectively.
Scandinavian and North American Cities Rank High
Copenhagen (4th) stands out for its healthcare system and consistently high self-reported happiness levels, while Boston ranks as the highest U.S. city at 32. Los Angeles saw a significant improvement, climbing 26 spots to 44th, due to better crime rates, air quality, and internet access.
Methodology: What Makes a City Great for Expats?
The report ranks 241 cities across five continents, using New York as the base city. Factors considered include:
- Climate
- Disease and sanitation standards
- Political and social environment
- Communication ease
- Crime and safety
Global Highlights: Regional Best Cities
- Europe: Eight out of the top ten cities are European.
- Pacific: Auckland ranks 5th, and Wellington shares 14th place.
- North America: Vancouver ranks 7th, with Toronto and Ottawa also performing well.
- Asia: Singapore ranks highest at 30.
- Middle East: Dubai (83rd) and Abu Dhabi (85th) lead the region.
- Africa: Port Louis, Mauritius, ranks highest at 88.
- South America: Montevideo, Uruguay, leads at 92.
The Lowest Ranked Cities for Expats
The report also highlights cities with the lowest quality of life for expats, predominantly in Africa and the Middle East:
- 238th – Sanaa, Yemen
- 239th – Bangui, Central African Republic
- 240th – Baghdad, Iraq
- 241st – Khartoum, Sudan
Mercer’s report offers valuable insights for expats and multinational corporations, showcasing cities with outstanding living conditions and identifying areas requiring improvement. For those seeking exceptional quality of life, European cities remain top contenders, while regions like Africa and the Middle East face significant challenges.
