When a new place starts to feel like home, even the most nomadic globe-trotters and spontaneous jet-setters may consider planting roots. But depending on lifestyle choices and daily routines, the best places to live can vary widely. So how should potential travellers-turned-residents decide where in the world to settle down?
Fortunately, the Economic Intelligence Unit (EIU) has quantified the process with its annual Global Liveability Index. The study ranks 173 cities across 30 indicators in five categories: stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure.
According to the latest iteration of the report, which is based on a survey the geopolitical data company conducted in May 2026, the average livability score across all cities is 76.1. That number is the same as 2025’s score, despite major global shifts over the past year. Conflicts like the Iran war, plus the ongoing war in Ukraine, all led to a diminished average stability rating. But gains across the world in the healthcare category offset the volatility to hold the overall average steady.
So, which cities are the most livable in 2026? The top 10 rankings are spread across several global regions, including locales in Asia, Oceania, Europe, and North America. Once again, no UK cities made it onto the worldwide top 10 rankings.
The report says that Western Europe is the strongest region for livability, with an overall score of 91.7. However, it’s Australia that makes the biggest showing on this year’s index, with a total of three cities ranking among the top 10. Across Asian cities, scores rose by an average of 0.3 points to an overall rating of 73.9, making it the most improved region this year.
Counting down, here are the 10 best places to live in the world in 2026, according to the EIU’s Global Liveability Index.
This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publication date.
10. Tokyo, Japan
Overall rating: 96
Stability: 100
Healthcare: 100
Culture and Environment: 89
Education: 100
A newcomer to the top 10 list, Tokyo’s liveability score has seen a significant boost in 2026, rising three ranks to make it into the index’s upper echelon. The steep ascent is thanks to a higher rating in the culture and environment category. So far this year, the Japanese capital has completed major initiatives geared toward adding even more cultural clout to the vibrant metropolis. Large-scale projects include the renovation of the iconic Edo-Tokyo Museum, which took four years to refresh, and the opening of Mon Takanawa: The Museum of Narratives, where artists across any medium will be showcased within its mystical spiral-shaped walls. Notably for 2026, Tokyo also garnered one of the highest stability scores on the list: a perfect 100 that accompanies two other 100s in education and healthcare.
9. Vancouver, Canada
Overall rating: 96
Stability: 95
Healthcare: 96
Culture and environment: 97
Education: 100
This year, Vancouver slightly improved its ranking compared to 2025, when it was listed as the 10th most livable city. In 2026, this coastal city in British Columbia clocks in at ninth place and is still the only destination in North America to make the global top 10 list. Aside from its perfect score in education and its high marks in healthcare, Vancouver has the highest culture and environment rating of any city in the top 10. It’s not hard to see why, as Vancouver incorporates its stunning Pacific Northwest nature into the cityscape, with easy-to-access outdoor attractions like sweeping Stanley Park and the teetering Capilano Suspension Bridge. Those looking to get out and about have countless opportunities for activities year-round, like hiking, whale-watching, mountain biking, and snowshoeing.
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