Mercer’s 2023 worldwide quality of living ranking highlights Hyderabad, Pune, and Bengaluru as the top three Indian cities, securing positions 153rd, 154th, and 156th, respectively. Vienna, Austria, retained its premier spot, praised for its rich history, architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. Zurich, Switzerland, and Auckland, New Zealand, follow closely in second and third place.
In contrast, several African cities, including N’Djamena, Bangui, and Khartoum, rank lower in terms of quality of living. Middle Eastern cities, such as Sana’a and Baghdad, also face challenges, necessitating attention to humanitarian efforts and infrastructure rebuilding.
Seven European countries dominate the top 10, with Amsterdam, Oslo, Stockholm, and Paris showcasing high-quality living standards. London, the leading UK city, secures the 45th position, followed by other notable cities like Aberdeen, Edinburgh, and Belfast.
Eastern European cities like Prague, Budapest, and Warsaw are experiencing a slight decrease in quality of living due to economic instability, political unrest, and social inequality.
In Africa, Port Louis in Mauritius takes the lead at 88th globally, recognized for its safety and living standards. Other African cities, including Victoria, Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban, also feature prominently.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi, major cities in the United Arab Emirates, rank at 79th and 84th, respectively, renowned for modern infrastructure and diverse expatriate communities. Singapore leads among Asian cities at 29th, with Japanese cities like Yokohama, Tokyo, and Osaka making significant appearances.
Seoul in South Korea is acknowledged for its fast-paced lifestyle and technological advancements, while Busan actively invests in enhancing its international appeal. Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou in China hold positions at 109th, 126th, and 132nd, respectively.
Vancouver, Canada, secures the eighth spot globally, offering a unique blend of outdoor recreation and cosmopolitan living. Toronto stands at 17th, emphasizing its global economic hub status with a commitment to inclusivity and diversity.
In North America, San Francisco leads at 37th, followed by New York City, Boston, and Honolulu. Auckland in New Zealand claims the third spot in the Pacific region, emphasizing its exceptional quality of living.
These rankings reflect Mercer’s comprehensive assessment of daily life practicalities for expatriate employees globally, considering factors like infrastructure, safety, and environmental conditions.