Copenhagen has been named the world’s most liveable city for the second consecutive year, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit’s (EIU) annual Global Liveability Index for 2026. The Danish capital secured the top spot by achieving perfect scores in stability, infrastructure, and education, edging out Vienna, which had previously held the top rank for three years.
The EIU evaluated 173 cities worldwide based on factors including education, stability, healthcare, infrastructure, and culture. Copenhagen’s consistent excellence in public services and cultural offerings helped it maintain its lead. Vienna dropped to second place, while Melbourne climbed to third, followed by Sydney in fourth. Zurich fell to fifth, and Geneva ranked sixth. Osaka remained seventh, Adelaide eighth, Vancouver ninth, and Tokyo rounded out the top ten.
Among U.S. cities, New York rose three spots to 66th due to improved stability scores, including lower crime rates and reduced terrorism risk. Honolulu remains the highest-ranked U.S. city at 25th, despite a slight drop. Vancouver was the only North American city in the global top ten.
The index also highlighted regional trends: Western Europe remains the strongest region for liveability with an average score of 91.7, though slightly down from 2025. Asia’s average rose by 0.3 points to 73.9, driven by healthcare improvements in Chinese cities like Fuzhou, which climbed seven places to 93rd. The Middle East saw declines due to the war with Iran, with Muscat dropping 14 places and Kuwait City falling 12. Damascus remains the least liveable city globally, while Tehran fell to 164th and Kyiv to 166th.
The EIU’s industry director, Ana Nicholls, noted that global average liveability remained stable as stability declines in the Middle East were offset by healthcare gains in Asia. The report underscores how shifting geopolitical and health dynamics continue to reshape urban liveability rankings worldwide.
