12-12-2023 (HONG KONG) When it comes to choosing a destination for living and working abroad, the decision can be daunting, especially if you have your family in tow. The question on everyone’s mind is, “Where should we go?”
According to Mercer’s 2023 Quality of Living survey for expatriates, Vienna, Zurich, and Auckland have emerged as the top choices. These cities have secured the top spots in the global consulting firm’s rankings.
Singapore, the highest-ranked Asian city, shares the 29th place with Adelaide. Unfortunately, Hong Kong finds itself in the 77th position out of the 241 destinations listed.
Mercer evaluated living conditions in over 450 cities worldwide, considering 39 factors such as the political and social environment, healthcare, education, recreation, and housing.
The previous survey was conducted in 2019, before the pandemic hit. Singapore had been the top Asian city in the rankings that year as well as in the five years prior. However, it has never managed to break into the top 10 globally.
Vienna has maintained its position as the overall leader in this year’s rankings. The city’s vibrant cultural scene, architecture, and rich history were highlighted by the survey compilers as key factors. Zurich, in second place, was praised for its political stability and excellent infrastructure. Auckland, on the other side of the world, was commended for its high standard of healthcare and dynamic culture.
Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, secured the fourth spot, followed by Geneva in Switzerland at fifth place. The top 10 cities were largely dominated by Western European destinations, with Vancouver being the sole North American entry, ranking eighth and applauded for its outdoor recreational opportunities and cosmopolitan lifestyle.
New York came in at 40th place, three spots below San Francisco. London topped the British entries at 45th place, followed by Aberdeen at No. 49 and Edinburgh at No. 51.
Among Middle Eastern cities, Dubai claimed the highest rank at 79th place, while Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius, emerged as the top African city at No. 88. In Australia, Sydney secured the ninth spot, with Melbourne and Perth following closely at 21st and 22nd places, respectively.
At the bottom of the list, in 241st place, sits Khartoum, the capital of Sudan.
Yvonne Traber, Mercer’s global head of mobility, acknowledged the impact of geopolitical tensions, natural disasters, and economic challenges on the global landscape. She stated, “Many employees are reconsidering their priorities and assessing the quality of life provided to them and their families in the places they live and work.”
Here are the top 10 cities with the best quality of living, according to the survey:
- Vienna, Austria
- Zurich, Switzerland
- Auckland, New Zealand
- Copenhagen, Denmark
- Geneva, Switzerland
- Frankfurt, Germany
- Munich, Germany
- Vancouver, Canada
- Sydney, Australia
- Dusseldorf, Germany
