The World’s 10 Best Cities to Live In 2018

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Before you discover the best cities in the world to live in, how about learning about the 10 best countries in the world for expats?

We took countries from Internation’s Expat Insider survey and pitted them against one another, ranking them for cost of living, climate, employment, education, health and happiness to find out which expat destination really is best.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”9284″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator border_width=”4″][vc_column_text]Each year Mercer, the world’s largest human resources consulting firm, release their Quality of Living index. Their ongoing research into the lives of expatriate employees and their families forms the basis of their annual city ranking. Factors taken into consideration to produce the rankings of the most liveable cities include the economic, political and environmental state of play, public transport, health, housing and infrastructure.

Basel, Switzerland

Despite its size, Basel made it into the top 10 most liveable cities in the world. Due to its positioning on the northern Swiss border it is no surprise that Basel is a multicultural city with strong French and German influences.

Located on the banks of the Rhine, years of history has shaped Basel’s architecture and art, making it a popular place for culture enthusiasts, especially due to the world renowned ART Basel festival which is help annually.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Sitting in ninth place is the Danish capital Copenhagen. It is Europe’s foodie heaven with the most recent Michelin Guide awarding 16 of Copenhagen’s restaurants 20 stars, the highest number ever. Culinary prowess aside, Copenhagen is one of the world’s leading examples of a green, clean, and sustainable city.

Geneva, Switzerland

Often incorrectly referred to as the swiss capital, Geneva is actually Switzerland’s second-largest city and ranked as the eight best city to live in. Whilst undisputedly beautiful, Geneva has a rich and colourful history of religious turmoil and revolution and this is present in the much-loved museums and monuments which give the city a unique vibe.

Frankfurt, Germany

The first of three German contenders in the top ten and taking seventh position is Frankfurt. With architecture a mix between provincial half-timber house and dominating sky-scrapers, Frankfurt is a unique type of city, and Germany’s largest.

Frankfurt has a high population of students, meaning its nightlife, entertainment and restaurants are second only to Berlin/

Dusseldorf, Germany

If you love culture and arts, Dusseldorf (in sixth position) is the city for you. With 100 art galleries, 26 museums, modern architecture and the famed opera house, it is perfect for those who enjoy this aspect of life.

Whilst the city does have a fully functioning public transport system, everything in Dusseldorf can be easily reached by walking or bicycle which means less congestion if you do need to drive and decrease in pollution compared to other cities.

Vancouver, Canada

Blessed with warm sun-drenched summers and as one of the world’s cleanest cities, Vancouver hits the top 10 in fifth position. The city is known worldwide for its impressive and innovative programmes in the areas of environmental sustainability, accessibility and inclusivity.

Munich, Germany

Germany’s third and final offering in fourth place is Munich. Whilst the annual Oktoberfest might be to everyone’s taste, the city spends the remainder of the year hosting a diverse range of cultural attractions and is regarded as a sophisticated European city by those who live there.

Auckland, New Zealand

The city of Auckland is home to nearly one-third of New Zealand’s population. Many who live there love the hustle and bustle of the city and the ability to disappear into nature and tranquillity in just 30 minutes.

Ranked as the third most liveable city in the world, the city is open and friendly to all non-natives and the beautiful views keep people motivated throughout their working day in the metropolis.

Zurich, Switzerland

With snow-capped mountains in the distance, Lake Zurich to the south, and the city split by the majestic river Limmat, Zurich is the second-best city in the world. Whilst it boasts the restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues synonymous with most European cities, the public transport doesn’t suffer delays and the streets are free of litter and chewing gum. Everything about Zurich is charming and serene.

Vienna, Austria

Few were surprised by this year’s winner. For the eighth year in a row Austria’s capital city, Vienna, was ranked the best city to live in on the planet.

Championed as one of the greenest cities in Europe and surrounded by beautiful countryside escapes, it is no surprise that Austria hit the stop spot yet again. The city itself boasts enviable properties at affordable prices, a fully functioning transport system and one of the lowest crime rates in Europe. Add to this the resplendent culture and art the city exudes, why aren’t we living there yet?[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]