According to the 2023 Quality of Living Index by the consulting firm Mercer, Vienna (Austria), Zurich (Switzerland) and Auckland (New Zealand) are ranked as the cities with the highest quality of life. The index assesses the practical aspects of daily life for workers and their families in 450 cities. Madrid (46th) and Barcelona (48th) are among the top 50 cities.
Seven of the top 10 cities are also located in Europe. In addition to Vienna and Zurich, other top cities include Copenhagen (Denmark, ranked fourth), Geneva (Switzerland, ranked fifth) and Frankfurt, Munich and Düsseldorf in Germany (ranked sixth, seventh and tenth, respectively).
The top 10 cities with the best quality of life also include Auckland (New Zealand, third position), Vancouver (Canada, eighth) and Sydney (Australia, ninth).
Among the Spanish cities in the top 50, Madrid climbed one spot compared to the last edition of the index in 2020, when its production was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Barcelona dropped from 45th place.
| Ranking | City | Country |
| 1 | Vienna | Austria |
| 2 | Zúrich | Switzerland |
| 3 | Auckland | New Zealand |
| 4 | Copenhague | Denmark |
| 5 | Geneva | Switzerland |
| 6 | Frankfurt | Germany |
| 7 | Munich | Germany |
| 8 | Vancouver | Canada |
| 9 | Sidney | Australia |
| 10 | Dusseldorf | Germany |
| 39 | Lisbon | Portugal |
| 44 | Milan | Italy |
| 46 | Madrid | Spain |
| 48 | Barcelona | Spain |
By region, the index highlights Vancouver (eighth overall) as the top-ranked city in North America; San Francisco (California, position 37), on the other hand, is the top US city, while Montevideo (Uruguay, 89th) is the top-ranked Latin American city.
Singapore ranks first in Asia and 29th overall. Finally, Auckland is the highest-ranked city in the Pacific (third in the overall ranking). Dubai (79th overall) in the United Arab Emirates leads the Middle East rankings. Port Louis, Mauritius (88th overall), has the best quality of life in Africa.
Mercer explains that it extended its ranking by producing another index for the most environmentally friendly cities. Canberra (Australia) is ranked first, reflecting its strong performance on several sustainability indicators. Oslo (Norway), Adelaide (Australia), Helsinki (Finland), and Ottawa (Canada) tie for second place for their recent efforts in sustainable development.
The Quality of Living City Index assesses local living conditions in more than 450 cities surveyed worldwide according to 39 factors, grouped into ten categories: political and social environment, economic environment, socio-cultural environment, medical and health aspects, schools and education, public services and transport, leisure, consumer goods, housing and natural environment.
Mercer also notes that the data collected shows that countries with a good quality of life provide their citizens access to excellent health care, education, infrastructures and social services.
Lastly, it points out that many developing countries face numerous challenges that impact people's quality of life. Issues, such as poverty, inadequate health systems, limited access to education, political instability and social inequality all contribute to lower living standards in these regions.
"It is important to note that the current global landscape is marked by geopolitical turmoil, natural disasters and economic volatility, which have significant implications for cities and their ability to attract and retain talent. That's why Mercer has developed this index to help employers and their employees make decisions," says Mercer Spain's Human Capital Consulting Practice Leader, Juanvi Martinez.