What does a dry, analytical entity like The Economist Intelligence Unit know about great travel?
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The company, which conducts research and analysis on global economics, politics, and business, was founded in 1946 and provides research-based insights to 205 countries around the world. In short, they provide in-depth analysis on countries from a socio-economic perspective. (They’re also related to that famous publication, The Economist.)
Each year, the EIU rolls out an annual report on the best place to live. Livability scores are based on factors like a strong economy and stable politics. And while they’re used by the EIU to create five-year forecasts in business-related fields, they can also be used by travelers like you and me to uncover some new bucket list destinations.
Inside the EIU’s report on the world’s most liveable cities
The EIU’s annual Global Liveability Index takes a closer look at what life is like in 173 cities around the world based on 30 key metrics in five categories. The study takes into account stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure. Think: things like fresh air, community centers, and traffic levels, for example.
Here’s what we know from the latest Global Liveability Index:
- Western Europe is the world’s most livable region, followed by North America, Asia, and Eastern Europe
- Chinese cities are moving up in the rankings year over year; of the 15 cities that moved up in the rankings most, ten are Chinese
- Middle Eastern cities have moved down in the rankings the most year over year; of the 15 cities that moved down in the rankings the most, seven are Middle Eastern
These are the most liveable cities in the world, according to EIU in 2026:
- Copenhagen, Denmark
- Vienna, Austria
- Melbourne, Australia
- Sydney, Australia
- Zurich, Switzerland
- Geneva, Switzerland
- Osaka, Japan
- Adelaide, Australia
- Vancouver, Canada
- Tokyo, Japan
