Copenhagen To Damascus — Here Are World's Most And Least Liveable Cities In 2025

Copenhagen has topped the EIU's Global Liveability Index 2025, ending Vienna’s three-year streak. The capital city of Denmark scored a perfect 100 in stability, education and infrastructure, showcasing its merit in offering exceptional liveability. The city has moved up from second place to become the world’s most liveable city this year.

EIU’s Global Liveability Index 2025 evaluated 173 cities worldwide based on 30 factors. These aspects included stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure. The average score this year remains steady at 76.1 out of 100. 

This year, Melbourne ranked fourth, while Sydney and Adelaide also secured spots among the top ten most liveable cities. Top-ranking cities also included those from Japan, New Zealand and Canada, with Vancouver securing the 10th position.

Notably, popular cities like London have declined in rankings due to poor indicators like riots and increasing homelessness. "All the cities covered in the UK (London, Manchester and Edinburgh) have dropped down the ranks, following widespread riots and rising homelessness," the report said. This year, London dropped from 45th to 54th place.

According to the EIU report, North American cities continue to be highly desirable. Based on the report, all 21 cities have achieved the top liveability tier, scoring 80 or above. Honolulu in Hawaii was ranked as the most liveable US city on the list, securing the 23rd spot.

The report also noted that average scores for healthcare, education, and infrastructure showed slight improvements across cities, highlighting the positive impact of scientific advancements and technology.

The Middle East and North Africa region registered the most significant gains in overall liveability, primarily driven by advancements in healthcare and education within cities in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. 

Troubled nation Syria’s capital Damascus emerged as the least liveable in the world in this year’s ranking. Libya’s Tripoli ranks second from the bottom followed by Bangladesh's Dhaka at third. Karachi in Pakistan and Algiers in Algeria listed as the fourth and fifth least liveable cities, respectively.

1. Copenhagen, Denmark

2. Vienna, Austria

3. Zurich, Switzerland

4. Melbourne, Australia

5. Geneva, Switzerland

6. Sydney, Australia

7. Osaka, Japan

8. Auckland, New Zealand

9. Adelaide, Australia

10. Vancouver, Canada