Quality of living - Vienna remains the number one

Vienna has been ranked the world's most liveable city for the 11th consecutive time in the annual Mercer study. The city’s long-term success confirms that its approach to ensuring quality of living is internationally acknowledged.

A group of young people strolling along the Donaukanal in the sun.

In its 2023 Quality of Living City Ranking, the international consulting agency Mercer has again found Vienna to be the city with the highest quality of living worldwide. The Austrian federal capital has topped this ranking every single time since 2009. The runner-up this year is Zurich (Switzerland), followed by Auckland (New Zealand) in 3rd place.

As in the previous years, the Austrian capital convinced the study authors with its excellent infrastructure, an extensive and reliable public transport network, first-class water supply and healthcare services, as well as the wide variety of education and training options available in the city.

"Vienna has a 24/7 commitment to providing the best possible life for everyone living here. Of course we are delighted to see our efforts are reflected in international rankings. Our key priority, however, is to keep up the excellent work for the people in Vienna, and to never stop improving as a city", Vienna Mayor Michael Ludwig emphasised.

Criteria and data

The annual Mercer study compares the quality of living of 241 cities worldwide based on a set of generally recognised criteria, including health standards, political stability, economic situation, education system, housing market, and environmental quality.

While the ranking is mainly based on data provided by independent institutions and public authorities, it also takes into account the views of expatriates who come from abroad to live and work in Vienna, usually for a limited time.

In 2020 and 2021 there was no ranking due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Quality of living city ranking 2023 - Mercer

Further information

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