Zurich Named the Best City on Earth for Quality of Life by Mercer

Zurich has claimed the top spot in Mercer’s highly anticipated Quality of Living City Ranking for 2024, surpassing Vienna, which had held the number one position for the past two years. After two consecutive years of securing silver, Switzerland’s largest city is now officially the best place in the world to live, according to Mercer’s global study of 241 cities.

The Mercer Quality of Living Ranking: What It Measures

Mercer, a global leader in pension and investment solutions, conducts this annual survey to assess and rank the quality of life across cities. The study evaluates 39 factors that contribute to the overall standard of living, such as personal safety, air quality, public services, education, housing, infrastructure, traffic, and recreation. To make comparisons, New York is used as the baseline for the study.

This ranking is not just a guide for potential movers; it’s also a valuable resource for companies looking to place employees in cities with the highest standards of living. Mercer’s experts consider a city’s ability to offer robust infrastructure, a vibrant cultural scene, and exceptional living standards when determining their rankings.

Zurich’s Rise to the Top

Zurich’s first-place ranking in 2024 marks a significant leap, especially considering its silver medal position in recent years. Mercer applauded Zurich for its outstanding public services, low crime rates, and a thriving cultural scene, all of which are supported by efficient infrastructure and a strong commitment to sustainability.

In particular, Zurich’s airport has played a role in its rise this year, as it has expanded with additional direct flights planned for this winter and next summer, making it a more attractive destination for expat workers. This enhanced connectivity, alongside Zurich’s already exceptional standards of living, solidified its place at the top.

Swiss Cities Dominate the Rankings

Notably, Zurich wasn’t the only Swiss city to secure a top ranking in 2024. Geneva improved by two positions this year, claiming third place on the podium, while Bern and Basel also saw significant gains, rising four spots each to secure the 9th and 10th positions, respectively. This further cements Switzerland’s reputation as a leader in providing high-quality living standards across multiple cities.

The Global Landscape: Winners and Losers

While Switzerland continued to shine, there were some significant shifts in the rankings. Amsterdam, for example, saw a dramatic rise of 8 spots, landing in sixth place, while Nordic capitals Stockholm and Helsinki also experienced impressive gains, climbing by 8 places to reach 18th and 26th, respectively.

In contrast, several German cities saw a decline in rankings. Düsseldorf, which was previously in the top 10, dropped from 10th to 16th, while Stuttgart experienced a sharp fall of 20 places, settling at 46th.

At the opposite end of the spectrum, cities like Sanaa in Yemen, Bangui in the Central African Republic, and Baghdad in Iraq ranked at the bottom for both quality of life and infrastructure, highlighting the challenges faced by residents in those locations.

The Cost of Living: A Balancing Act

While Zurich topped the quality of life rankings, Mercer also emphasized the importance of cost of living, noting that Zurich is one of the most expensive cities globally. It ranks third behind Hong Kong and Singapore in terms of cost, which may be a consideration for expats. However, the higher cost is balanced by the country’s high salaries, which help offset living expenses.

In contrast, cities like Auckland in New Zealand offer a more attractive balance between cost and quality of life. Auckland ranks 5th in terms of quality of life but is far less expensive, landing at 111th for cost of living.

Top 10 Cities for Quality of Life in 2024

Here are the 10 best cities in the world for quality of life, as ranked by Mercer in 2024:

1. Zurich, Switzerland
2. Vienna, Austria
3. Geneva, Switzerland
4. Copenhagen, Denmark
5. Auckland, New Zealand
6. Amsterdam, Netherlands
7. Frankfurt, Germany
8. Vancouver, Canada
9. Bern, Switzerland
10. Basel, Switzerland

These cities stand out for their exceptional living standards, offering a mix of cultural vibrancy, excellent infrastructure, and a focus on sustainability.

For more detailed information about the study, visit the Mercer website.

For more Swiss news, check out A Piece of Switzerland.