World’s top 10 most and least liveable cities in 2025 have just been released, and the rankings bring both pride and concern for many countries. As cities around the globe strive to improve their infrastructure, safety, education, and healthcare, only a select few have managed to stand out positively. On the other end, some urban centers continue to struggle due to economic instability, poor services, and political unrest.
According to the 2025 Global Liveability Index released by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), cities in Europe, Canada, and Australia continue to dominate the top positions. These cities offer high living standards, strong public services, and low crime rates.
But what’s striking in this year’s report is the limited presence of Asian cities among the top ten. In fact, only one Asian city has secured a place in the best-ranked list. Meanwhile, countries like Bangladesh and Pakistan find themselves among the lowest-ranked due to several challenges that continue to impact daily life for residents.
What Is the Global Liveability Index?
The Global Liveability Index is an annual report that evaluates 173 cities across five key categories:
- Stability
- Healthcare
- Culture and Environment
- Education
- Infrastructure
Each city receives a score out of 100 based on these categories. The final results are widely used by businesses, governments, and individuals when making decisions about travel, investment, or migration.
The World’s Top 10 Most Liveable Cities in 2025
Here are the world’s top 10 most liveable cities in 2025 based on their overall scores:
- Vienna, Austria
Score: 98.4/100
For the fourth consecutive year, Vienna leads the list. Known for its political stability, excellent public transport, healthcare, and a rich cultural scene, it continues to set the global standard for urban life. - Copenhagen, Denmark
Score: 98.0/100
The Danish capital shines with its high quality of life, safety, and green urban design. - Zurich, Switzerland
Score: 97.8/100
With world-class healthcare, low crime rates, and a thriving economy, Zurich ranks high again. - Melbourne, Australia
Score: 97.7/100
Known for its education, culture, and infrastructure, Melbourne remains a favorite. - Calgary, Canada
Score: 97.5/100
Calgary combines economic opportunity with safety and cleanliness. - Geneva, Switzerland
Score: 97.2/100
Strong public services and international appeal keep Geneva in the top 10. - Vancouver, Canada
Score: 97.0/100
Excellent healthcare and environment-focused policies boost its rank. - Osaka, Japan (Only Asian City)
Score: 96.8/100
Osaka stands as the lone Asian representative, praised for its healthcare and infrastructure. - Auckland, New Zealand
Score: 96.7/100
A favorite for its balance of urban development and nature. - Helsinki, Finland
Score: 96.5/100
With a well-functioning welfare system, Helsinki rounds out the list.
The World’s 10 Least Liveable Cities in 2025
On the other end of the spectrum, these cities rank the lowest due to ongoing issues such as violence, poor healthcare, and political instability:
- Damascus, Syria
Score: 30.7/100
The ongoing civil war keeps Damascus at the bottom of the list. - Dhaka, Bangladesh
Score: 32.3/100
Overpopulation, pollution, and weak infrastructure heavily impact the quality of life. - Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
Score: 35.0/100
High crime rates and limited access to healthcare remain major problems. - Lagos, Nigeria
Score: 36.4/100
Despite its growing economy, insecurity and poor services keep Lagos near the bottom. - Karachi, Pakistan
Score: 37.1/100
Karachi faces challenges such as pollution, traffic, and political instability. - Algiers, Algeria
Score: 38.5/100
Limited personal freedoms and economic struggles affect daily life. - Tripoli, Libya
Score: 38.7/100
Political unrest continues to disrupt life in Tripoli. - Harare, Zimbabwe
Score: 39.0/100
Economic problems and unreliable utilities hurt its liveability. - Douala, Cameroon
Score: 40.1/100
Infrastructure and security issues remain widespread. - Tehran, Iran
Score: 40.4/100
Sanctions and social restrictions keep Tehran in the bottom 10.
What Makes a City More or Less Liveable?
The wide gap between the most and least liveable cities in 2025 reflects serious global inequalities. While some cities continue to innovate and invest in citizen wellbeing, others are held back by conflict, corruption, or poor governance.
Key factors that influence liveability include:
- Effective public services like transportation, sanitation, and utilities
- Safe environments with low crime and political stability
- Strong education and healthcare systems
- Cultural and environmental conditions that promote a healthy lifestyle
Why This Ranking Matters
The World’s top 10 most and least liveable cities in 2025 serves as more than just a list. It reflects how cities respond to global challenges, including climate change, urban population growth, and economic uncertainty. It also helps international investors, tourists, and potential residents make informed decisions.
For governments, these rankings offer a mirror to assess policy effectiveness and improve quality of life for their citizens.
Final Thoughts
While cities like Vienna and Osaka showcase what’s possible with good planning and governance, cities like Dhaka and Karachi highlight the urgent need for reform and investment. The 2025 Global Liveability Index offers both celebration and a call to action. As we move further into the decade, will more Asian and African cities rise to the top?
Stay tuned for more updates on how cities evolve and what that means for all of us.
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