Copenhagen Most Liveable cities 2025, Beating Vienna After Three-Year Reign

Every year, the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) ranks the world’s most liveable cities based on healthcare, education, infrastructure, stability, and environment. And for 2025, there’s a new leader: Copenhagen, Denmark.

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After Vienna’s three-year reign at the top, Copenhagen claimed the number one spot thanks to perfect scores in stability, education, and infrastructure. Vienna, now tied with Zurich, slipped to second place due to a notable drop in stability—linked to events like the 2024 Taylor Swift concert bomb threat.

The top 10 for 2025 reflects shifting trends and challenges faced by cities worldwide. Here’s how it shapes up:

Top 10 Most Liveable Cities in 2025:

1. Copenhagen, Denmark

2. Vienna, Austria (tie)

3. Zurich, Switzerland (tie)

4. Melbourne, Australia

5. Geneva, Switzerland

6. Sydney, Australia

7. Osaka, Japan (tie)

8. Auckland, New Zealand (tie)

9. Adelaide, Australia

10. Vancouver, Canada

Key Highlights:

• Copenhagen scored perfectly in three categories, earning its crown as the most liveable city.

• Vienna’s drop was tied to safety concerns and a global dip in stability scores.

• Melbourne, Sydney, and Adelaide make Australia a strong contender with three cities in the top 10.

• Zurich and Geneva hold Switzerland’s spot as one of the best countries for urban living.

• Canada’s healthcare struggles pushed Calgary out of the top 10 and dropped Toronto and Vancouver slightly.

• UK cities saw declines due to social unrest and misinformation-led riots.

• US cities lag behind, with Honolulu ranking highest at 23rd.

• Jakarta and Al Khobar showed the most improvement due to focused investment in healthcare and education.

A Global Shift in Liveability

The 2025 index shows a clear shift: while healthcare and education improved in some regions, global stability scores are down, especially in Europe, Asia, and North America. Rising geopolitical tensions and internal unrest are impacting how cities score, despite improvements in infrastructure and access to services.

Meanwhile, cities like Dhaka, Karachi, and Algiers remain at the bottom of the list, facing long-standing challenges related to urban planning, governance, and socio-political conditions.

This year’s report is a reminder that being most liveable cities isn’t just about having modern facilities—it’s about safety, resilience, and quality of life. Copenhagen has set a new benchmark for urban living in 2025.