Global Liveability Index 2025: A Snapshot of Urban Migration and City Rankings
Key Highlights and Trends in Global Liveability Scores
Global Liveability Index 2025: A Snapshot of Urban Migration and City Rankings
In a world increasingly shaped by urban migration, the quest for better economic prospects and living standards has led to the rise of the concept of liveable cities. These urban centers are characterized by sustainability, inclusivity, and essential services that foster personal and professional growth. The recently released Global Liveability Index 2025 by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) sheds light on this evolving landscape.
Stability Amidst Challenges
The global average livability score across 173 cities remains steady at 76.1 out of 100, mirroring last year’s figures. While there have been notable improvements in education, healthcare, and infrastructure, the index also highlights a concerning decline in stability scores, which dropped by 0.2 points. This decline is attributed to rising geopolitical tensions, civil unrest, and a global housing crisis that continues to challenge urban environments.
Western Europe Leads the Way
Once again, Western European cities dominate the liveability rankings, with the Asia Pacific region closely following. Vancouver stands out as North America’s representative in the top ten. In contrast, cities in the Middle East and Africa struggle at the bottom of the rankings, although there are signs of improvement in healthcare, education, and infrastructure across the region.
Notably, cities in Saudi Arabia and the UAE have made strides, with Al Khobar in Saudi Arabia climbing the ranks. This progress is part of the Kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030, a comprehensive initiative aimed at diversifying the economy and reducing its reliance on oil through significant investments in healthcare and education.
The Top 10 Most Liveable Cities in 2025
Leading the pack, Copenhagen has claimed the title of the world’s most liveable city in 2025, ending Vienna’s three-year reign. Copenhagen achieved perfect scores in stability, education, and infrastructure, showcasing its commitment to creating a thriving urban environment. Meanwhile, Vienna experienced a significant decline in its stability score due to heightened terror threats, although it still excelled in healthcare.
A Glimpse into the Future
As urban migration continues to shape the global landscape, the findings of the Global Liveability Index 2025 serve as a crucial reminder of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Cities that prioritize sustainability, inclusivity, and essential services will not only attract residents but also foster a sense of community and resilience in the face of global challenges.
As we look to the future, the emphasis on creating liveable cities will be more important than ever, ensuring that urban centers remain vibrant and accessible for all.
