Your employer has just placed you on an international assignment, and you wish to know what living standards to expect in your new city. Mercer, the largest human resources consulting group, ranks the quality of living for 2018 in 231 cities based on different categories — from the political and social environment, economic conditions, healthcare, and education, to public services, housing, natural environment, recreation, and availability of goods. Expat.com presents the five most competitive cities in the world when it comes to good quality of life and attraction of global talent and foreign investment.
Vienna
For the ninth consecutive year, Vienna has been ranked as the world's top city for quality of living. The results come as no surprise when looking closely at the city's high-security system, well-structured public transportation, and a variety of cultural and recreational activities for both expats and local.
Austria's capital city on the scenic Danube River ticks all boxes for enjoyable and productive expat life. Vienna is a lively, medium-sized city of 1.8 million people, with a deep-rooted café culture, theatres, museums, and the world-famous Vienna State Opera House. When compared to other European hubs, Vienna's housing and transportation are not only affordable but also of excellent quality. Geographically, Vienna's location gives easy access to other European countries such as Italy, Slovenia, Hungary, and Germany.
The city of Vienna lives up to its reputation as a green city with cyclists being especially looked after. Here, expat students will find some of the best universities in Europe, and expat parents some of the most progressive and thought-provoking schools for their children. A good healthcare system is in place, and the low crime rate is natural for a city in one of the wealthiest countries in the world, with one of the highest GDP per head.
Zürich
The second best city for quality of living is another German-speaking city. Zürich is a small city of 400,000 people, yet it doesn't lack the development, industry, and action of a metropolis. Here, expats are in the heart of the global financial business with the traditional banking sector accounting for a vast portion of the country's stable economy. However, Zürich remains one of the most expensive cities in the world with skyrocketing rents and high living expenses.
The public transport of trams, trains, buses and boats is renowned for its punctuality and connects the city in an efficient and organised manner. The everyday life is filled with culture, and expats will cherish the balanced combination of nature and urban living — the city is on the banks of the scenic Lake Zürich, and the Alpine landscape provides a stunning backdrop. Zürich is also clean and safe and is home to first-class scientific research, which takes place in top-ranked universities such as the pioneering ETH Zürich.
Auckland
Look at all that Auckland has to offer, and you will understand why it's home to almost one-third of the country's entire population and thousands of expats. The city is not only New Zealand's economic hub, but it's a key player in the international markets, and especially in the Asia Pacific. Expats in Auckland have bright career prospects thanks to the startup and innovation culture which is currently thriving, and the continuous flow of fresh ideas in the city.
However, life in Auckland isn't just about work and bustling city life. The outdoors is cherished with every opportunity thanks to the abundant natural beauty, many islands, beaches, and forests — all inviting adventurers from all walks of life for sailing, surfing, and hiking ventures.
Auckland is politically stable, respects diversity and human rights, and is a very safe city with strict gun control laws. Expats feel welcomed and are embraced by the friendly attitude of the local population. For expat families, Auckland is an ideal place to raise a family thanks to excellent public healthcare, world-class education, and a variety of activities for children.
Munich
Munich, the third largest German city with about 1.3 million population, takes the same place (3rd) in the quality of living ranking as Auckland. Munich has all the amenities and advantages of a big city, however, its charm is in the cosy, town-like ambience.
There are many reasons why Munich is a wonderful place for expats. First, the outdoors city life, which takes place in the abundance of green spaces and parks dotted around the city. Then come the rich culture and history, evident in the museums, the architecture, the concerts, and the art galleries. The population in Munich is diverse and dynamic, as Munich is also a vibrant, student city with the University of Munich and the Technical University of Munich taking their places in the top 100 universities in the world.
Regarding the more practical aspects of life, Munich has a well-organised and modern transportation system of buses, trams, metro, and trains. The city is also cycle-friendly with bike lanes and signs to ease the traffic. Crime rates are reportedly very low, making it a safe place to lead a peaceful life and an ideal city to raise a family.
Vancouver
Vancouver, at fifth place, is the only North American city that has made it to the top ten quality of living ranking, among seven European cities and two Pacific. Vancouver's mild (by Canadian standards, of course) climate has a lot to do with the city's ranking, as it allows for a dynamic outdoors life, cycling as a mean of transport, and social interactions. One of the world's largest parks, Stanley Park, is located in Vancouver, and only a stone's throw away from the city, you can watch grizzly bears, grey whales, orcas, and sea otters.
Vancouver is a diverse, cosmopolitan city — for about 50% of its citizens, English isn't their first language, making it an ideal place for expats. Families can rely on government-funded schools, which offer an inclusive education of high standard.
The city is a pioneer in environmental sustainability and accessibility, with the government focusing on and implementing strict environmental policies. Thus, it comes as no surprise to see how clean and welcoming the city is. Here, you will also find the biggest number of people walking or cycling to work than anywhere else in Canada.
