Copenhagen overtakes Vienna: new most livable city in the world!

Copenhagen overtakes Vienna: new most livable city in the world!

Copenhagen has taken over the title of most livable city in the world in the Global Liveability Index 2025, relegating Vienna to second place. The report from theEconomist Intelligence Unit (EIU)highlights that the Danish capital has achieved perfect scores in areas such as stability, education and infrastructure. Vienna, which was unchallenged at the top for three years, had to take a step back due to a five-point drop in the stability score. A bomb threat during a concert by pop star Taylor Swift in 2024 contributed to Vienna's stability being called into question.

Interestingly, Zurich and Vienna also share second place, underlining the strong competitiveness of European cities. Everywhere in Europe the top three places are firmly in the hands of the old world, like thatMercuryreported. Melbourne from Australia completes the fourth place offer, followed by Geneva in fifth place. The following list shows the other cities that made it into the top ten:

• Sydney (6. Platz)
• Osaka und Auckland (gemeinsam 7. Platz)
• Adelaide (9. Platz)
• Vancouver (10. Platz)

Also notable is that Vancouver has slipped from 7th to 10th place, and several US cities such as Detroit and New York are not even in the top 20 - a sign of the ongoing stability problems in North AmericaEconomistanalyzed.

A deeper look into the report shows that the EIU assessed 173 cities across 30 indicators, including the key categories of stability, healthcare, culture, environment, education and infrastructure. Stability ratings have declined overall across the globe. The Middle East, North Africa and parts of Western Europe are particularly affected, with the threat of military conflict in India and Taiwan also playing a role as danger factors. Damascus, the city ranked at the bottom of the list after years of conflict, still has a long way to go in terms of reconstruction - despite potential improvements after regime change in 2024.

She speaks in even more detailInvestment-Page about the differences within Germany, where cities like Frankfurt am Main, Munich and Hamburg compete internationally. Frankfurt is ahead in 8th place, while Munich follows in 17th place and Hamburg in 20th place. These cities are known for their high quality of life, economic stability and good connectivity.

Copenhagen's recent rise is seen as a great success by local industry representatives. The Danish capital is considered a pioneer in sustainable urban development and a balanced relationship between work and leisure. With a strong focus on bike-friendliness and ambitious climate goals, Copenhagen is attracting more and more people and companies. The overall high quality of life in the city is supported by a well-functioning healthcare system, solid educational offerings and a variety of cultural activities.

It remains to be seen how the quality of life in Vienna and other cities will develop in the coming years, because competition is fierce in the urban race for the best living space.