The Most Livable Cities in the World: Discover Destinations Holding the Title
Every year, rankings from organizations such as the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) highlight the cities that offer the best quality of life. These rankings consider factors such as healthcare, education, safety, cultural richness, and environmental sustainability. For luxury real estate investors, these rankings provide valuable insight into prime markets that combine economic stability with lifestyle appeal.
Cities that consistently rank highly in livability, such as Vienna, Zürich, and Calgary, attract residents and investors alike. Their strong infrastructure, stable economies, and vibrant cultural scenes make them highly desirable locations for high-net-worth individuals. Here are highlights from Sotheby’s International Realty Luxury Outlook Report 2025:
Vienna: The World’s Most Livable City
Vienna has held the title of the world’s most livable city for three consecutive years. The Austrian capital scores highly across key metrics, particularly in stability, healthcare, education, and infrastructure. While it received slightly lower marks in "culture and environment" due to the lack of major sporting events, Vienna remains a cultural hub with extensive green spaces, world-class museums, and a well-connected public transportation system.
Penthouse Apartment in Vienna, Austria
Sotheby’s International Realty
15,900,000 Euros
Zürich: A Global Financial and Innovation Hub
Zürich is a perennial top performer in livability rankings. Known for its economic strength and political stability, the city is a magnet for international investors. The Swiss franc's strength (US$1.12 in 2024) and low inflation contribute to its economic appeal. With a population that has grown by 10% from 2010 to 2020—one-third of whom are non-Swiss—Zürich showcases its global allure. Its blend of urban luxury and natural beauty, with prime neighborhoods like Zürichberg and Seefeld commanding prices between CHF25,000 and CHF40,000 per square meter (US$2,610 to US$4,230 per square foot), makes it an elite destination for luxury real estate buyers.
Sotheby’s International Realty
Zurich Penthouse
Price Upon Request
Calgary: A Rising Star in North America
Calgary stands out as one of only two North American cities in the EIU's top 10. Its combination of affordability, economic opportunity, and access to the Canadian Rockies makes it a prime destination for investors and new residents alike. Unlike overheated markets such as Toronto and Vancouver, Calgary remains relatively affordable, with an annual property value growth rate of 3%-5%. The city's population, now at 1.5 million, continues to expand due to international and interprovincial migration, further driving demand for luxury homes.
Sotheby’s International Realty
930 Prospect Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta Canada
$8,900,000 CAD
Additional High-Performing Cities for Luxury Real Estate:
Naples, Florida: The U.S. Leader in Livability
Ranked #1 in U.S. News & World Report's rankings, Naples is transitioning from a luxury retirement haven to a broader demographic seeking high-end living. Its prime location along the Gulf of Mexico, coupled with tax advantages such as Florida’s lack of state income tax, makes it a desirable location. Luxury real estate here commands between US$2,000 and US$3,000 per square foot.
3295 Gordon Drive, Naples Florida
$21,000,000
Colorado Springs, Colorado: Outdoor Living and Affordability
Ranked #3 in U.S. News' rankings, Colorado Springs offers natural beauty and outdoor recreation with 300 days of sunshine and 350 miles of hiking trails. Luxury real estate ranges from US$300–$400 per square foot for resale homes, with custom new builds commanding upwards of US$600–$800 per square foot. The city attracts remote workers and coastal migrants seeking affordability and a high quality of life.
1455 Vine Cliff Heights, Colorado Springs CO
$4,800,000
Key Trends in Global and U.S. Livability Rankings
The EIU Global Liveability Index evaluates cities based on five weighted categories:
Stability (25%): Assesses crime, civil unrest, and overall safety.
Healthcare (20%): Evaluates the quality of medical services and accessibility.
Culture and Environment (20%): Considers cultural amenities, climate, and environmental quality.
Education (10%): Examines school quality and international education options.
Infrastructure (25%): Reviews public transport, energy provision, and housing availability.
The Top 10 most livable cities for 2024 based on the EIU Global Liveability Index include:
Vienna, Austria
Copenhagen, Denmark
Zürich, Switzerland
Melbourne, Australia
Calgary, Canada
Geneva, Switzerland
Sydney, Australia
Vancouver, Canada
Osaka, Japan
Auckland, New Zealand
Why U.S. Cities Are Absent from the EIU's Top 10
Despite having vibrant cultural and business hubs, no U.S. cities made the EIU’s top 10 list due to several factors:
Stability Concerns. Higher crime rates and political polarization negatively impact rankings.
Healthcare System. The high cost of healthcare and lack of universal coverage reduce scores.
Aging Infrastructure. Public transportation and urban planning challenges lower rankings.
Affordability Issues. Expensive housing markets in cities like New York and San Francisco reduce their attractiveness.
The appeal of livable cities for luxury real estate investors is clear. Cities that offer economic stability, access to nature, safety, and cultural richness continue to draw high-net-worth individuals. As work trends evolve and remote work remains viable, demand for homes in cities with strong infrastructure, tax advantages, and high quality of life will only increase.
With Western Europe dominating the rankings, cities like Vienna and Zürich remain benchmarks for urban excellence while rising stars like Calgary, Naples, and Colorado Springs reflect emerging trends in luxury real estate. Investors and residents alike will continue to seek these ideal locations that balance lifestyle and financial opportunity.
References: Luxury Outlook 2025; Photos: Pinterest & Sotheby’s International Realty
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