Picture a place where the commutes to work and school are smooth, neighborhoods feel safe, and culture and nature are rarely more than a short walk away. That’s precisely what the Economist Intelligence Unit’s (EIU) Global Liveability Index aims to find, by evaluating global cities based on factors such as stability, health care, infrastructure, and education. Let’s explore the world’s 10 most livable cities in 2026, according to the latest report. 

10. Tokyo, Japan

New to the top 10 rankings this year, Tokyo achieved the highest possible ratings in the index in the specific categories of stability and education. Despite being one of the world’s largest metropolitan areas, the city remains remarkably safe, efficient, and easy to navigate. 

From the neon lights of Shibuya to the historic, food stand-lined lanes of Asakusa, Tokyo is a city of fascinating contrasts. Modern structures like Tokyo Skytree share space with ancient temples such as Meiji Jingu Shrine, while Mount Fuji provides a stunning natural backdrop. It’s also a foodie haven: Tokyo is home to more Michelin-starred restaurants than anywhere else in the world. 

9. Vancouver, Canada

Vancouver continues to rank as the only North American city in the top 10. It boasts a perfect 100 score in education, plus high marks for culture and health care. Surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and North Shore Mountains, it’s a city where urban living goes hand in hand with outdoor adventure.

The vibrant Granville Street Entertainment District and artisan market stalls of Granville Island are some of Vancouver’s biggest draws, along with Stanley Park — the go-to for recreation, featuring forests, beaches, and family-friendly activities alongside hiking and cycling trails.

8. Adelaide, Australia

Adelaide continues to stand out for its exceptional health care and education, receiving perfect scores for both. That, combined with its easygoing way of life, quick access to beaches and wine regions, and compact layout, make Adelaide one of the most desirable places to live in Australia. 

The city is renowned for its festivals, with events like the Adelaide Fringe and WOMADelaide adding to the year-round cultural program. Adelaide Central Market is a favorite among foodies, while the waterfront at Glenelg Beach is packed with bars, cafes, and restaurants. Just outside the suburbs, the Adelaide Hills and Barossa Valley provide some of the country’s best wine-tasting experiences. 

7. Osaka, Japan

Japan’s third-largest city blends convenience and efficiency with a famously friendly atmosphere. Locals are known for sharing a deep-rooted love of food culture, which can be experienced around the street food markets of Dotonbori. 

Beyond the culinary scene, the city boasts cultural highlights including Osaka Castle and modern architectural wonders such as the Umeda Sky Building, while Nishinomaru Garden offers respite from the busy streets. Locals and visitors alike also benefit from a reliable public transport network linking not only Osaka’s lively neighborhoods but also nearby cities such as Kyoto and Nara.

6. Geneva, Switzerland

Geneva’s reputation as one of the world’s most livable cities is built on its first-rate health care and educational systems. Home to the headquarters of the United Nations and the Red Cross, this riverside city has long been recognized for diplomacy as well. 

It’s also a great place to live if you love nature: From the shores of Lake Geneva to the nearby Alps and Jura Mountains, outdoor recreation is never far away. Meanwhile, in and around the city center you’ll find medieval landmarks alongside unique attractions like the Geneva Skateboard Museum. And once a year, Montreux Jazz Festival attracts the biggest names in blues, pop, and rock music.

5. Zurich, Switzerland

Although Zurich slipped three places from its 2025 ranking (the biggest mover in the top 10), it still maintained exemplary scores in the health care and education categories of the report. Switzerland’s largest city is famous around the world as a banking and financial hub; it’s also a leader in the separate Smart City Index, which ranks cities according to their ability to enhance quality of life through technology. 

Located on the shores of Lake Zurich, Zurich offers exquisite art exhibitions on the Zurich Gallery Mile, upscale boutiques along Bahnhofstrasse, and a range of restaurants, from Michelin-starred eateries to the Raclette Factory, where you can try famous Swiss raclette. The Swiss Science Center Technorama offers interactive fun for all ages, while hiking trails showcase the surrounding natural beauty.

4. Sydney, Australia

Rising two places from the 2025 list, Australia’s most populous city combines excellent infrastructure and cultural diversity with an enviable natural setting, including 150 miles of shoreline and over 100 beaches. 

While beaches like Bondi and Manly are known worldwide, Sydney also boasts eight national parks within its city limits. For urban pursuits, the Queen Victoria Building and Paddington neighborhood are shopping hot spots, while Chinatown is home to some of the city’s best restaurants. The Sydney Metro, which is in the process of expanding to serve 46 stations across four lines, makes it easy to get around.

3. Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne maintains its status as the Southern Hemisphere’s most livable city in 2026. Like both of its Australian counterparts, it climbed one place in the rankings, thanks to high scores in culture, health care, and education. A great place to live at any age, Melbourne is also the world’s fourth-best student city, according to a separate study — with world-class universities, a thriving multicultural student community, and many postgraduate opportunities. 

Adding to all of this is Melbourne’s status as Australia’s cultural capital. Hundreds of art galleries sit alongside top-tier sporting venues, Victorian-era monuments, and the boutique and bar-filled laneways. Those seeking natural adventures can head to nearby Yarra Ranges National Park for hiking and skiing or watch the iconic Penguin Parade on Phillip Island.

2. Vienna, Austria

Located in the world’s fourth-most peaceful country, Austria’s capital holds on to second place in the Global Liveability Index for a second year. This comes on the heels of three straight years at No. 1 between 2022 and 2024. Vienna continues to excel across the ranking categories, with perfect scores in health care, education, and infrastructure.

Straddling the Danube River, Vienna is a city steeped in history, reflected in grandiose landmarks like the Hofburg, Schönbrunn Palace, and flower-filled baroque gardens, including the Augarten and Belvedere Palace Garden. It’s also a UNESCO City of Music and the birthplace of classical masters Franz Schubert and Johann Strauss II, and there are festivals for every taste throughout the year.

1. Copenhagen, Denmark

Retaining the top spot for the second consecutive year, Denmark’s capital received near-perfect scores across all categories — reflecting a city where efficient public services, smart planning, and sustainable transport make daily life a breeze.

With around 250 miles of bike lanes and designated bike bridges, cycling is at the heart of Copenhagen’s identity. It’s the preferred mode of transport, linking neighborhoods such as Norrebro, the city’s most diverse, and the popular harborfront Islands Brygge. No matter where you live in Copenhagen, a feature of daily life is the Danish concept of hygge, a word for embracing comfort, togetherness, and good things with good people.