Vienna tumbles in the liveability index: Why is the city less worth living?

Wien fällt im Global Liveability Index 2025 auf Platz 2. Ursachen: Sicherheitsbedenken und Wohnraummangel für Expats.
Vienna falls in 2nd place in the Global Liveability Index 2025. Causes: Safety concerns and lack of living space for expats. (Symbolbild/MW)

Vienna tumbles in the liveability index: Why is the city less worth living?

Wieden, Österreich - Vienna has gone through a lot in recent years, and now the Global Liveability Index 2025 shows that the city has slipped in second place, on the same way with Zurich and behind the new leader Copenhagen. This reports the The press . Surprising, because Vienna had first place three times in a row!

The Global Liveability Index, edited by Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), evaluates cities using 30 indicators such as stability, healthcare and infrastructure. The Mercer study, which takes a closer look at the environment for international workers, has a similar analysis. This study shows that Vienna also no longer ranks in the first position. The topics of security and living are given in particular reasons for the decline in the rankings.

safety concerns and lack of living space

In the past few months there have been unfortunate incidents that influenced Vienna's security assessment. A thwarted terrorist attack on a Taylor swift concert has contributed to strengthening concerns about security. The living situation for expats has also become problematic; Many have difficulty finding affordable apartments. The chronicle editor Eva Winroither emphasizes that such rankings should be considered with caution, since they do not cover all facets of a city.

In the Mercer ranking, among the top 10 eight western European countries, including Amsterdam in 6th place and Stockholm in 18th place. But Vienna is no longer in the top position, which is a sobering finding for many Viennese and those who want to live in the city.

European competition

Copenhagen shines not least through sustainable urban development and a good balance between work and leisure activities. In comparison, German cities such as Munich and Frankfurt are also valued. Munich, for example, currently occupies 17th place compared to Vienna.

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