Vienna has retained its title as the most liveable city in the world in 2023, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit's (EIU) Global Liveability Index, while other European cities saw a decline, falling out of the top 10 in the rankings. This is not the first time Vienna has clinched the top spot; it has a history of leading the rankings in previous years, including 2018, 2019, and 2022.
The EIU evaluates cities based on 30 critical aspects across five broad categories: stability (e.g., prevalence of crime, conflict, terrorist threats), healthcare (e.g., quality and availability of public and private care), culture and environment (e.g., climate, amenities, protection of civil liberties), education (e.g., quality and availability of public and private education), and infrastructure (e.g., quality of roads, water service, housing, public transportation). 173 cities worldwide have been compared in the ranking. Cities in the Asia-Pacific region also showed significant improvements, attributed to the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions and a return to normalcy. Notably, Hong Kong also moved 13 places up the rank to 61st most livable city in the world.
EIU Global Livability Index 2023
Vienna, Austria
Copenhagen, Denmark
Melbourne, Australia
Sydney, Australia
Vancouver, Canada
Zurich, Switzerland
(tie) Calgary, Canada, and Geneva, Switzerland
9. Toronto, Canada
10. (tie) Osaka, Japan, and Auckland, New Zealand
Stability
Vienna is praised for its stability, a crucial factor that contributes to its high liveability score. This stability is reflected in the city's social, economic, and political environment, which is characterised by a low level of crime, effective law enforcement, and a well-functioning government.
Healthcare
Healthcare practitioners in Vienna are highly skilled, and the facilities are considered excellent, even attracting medical tourists from across Europe. The system ensures every resident has access to free healthcare, thanks to tax contributions, which speaks volumes about the inclusivity, accessibility, and efficiency of the Austrian healthcare model. The General Social Insurance Law mandates healthcare as a right, providing extensive coverage that includes unrestricted hospital care and preventive check-ups. Such comprehensive coverage, funded by the Krankenkasse sickness insurance fund, accounted for 11.0% of the GDP.
Education
The city is home to prestigious institutions that achieve high rankings in various academic subjects. For instance, the University of Vienna is not just the largest research institution in Austria but also claims a historical legacy of producing Nobel Laureates and notable alumni like Sigmund Freud. The presence of a large international student population and a variety of degree programmes, including those taught in English, make Vienna an attractive educational hub.
Moreover, early leaving from education and training remains below the EU average. Austria's vocational education is highly effective, attracting 75% of students post-compulsory school. Despite the unbalanced socio-economic background of students, this is aiding in low youth unemployment rates by easing job entry.
Culture and Environment
The city's dedication to both historical and contemporary art forms is evident in its diverse museum offerings. Vienna's music scene is renowned globally, with its history deeply rooted in classical music, being home to legendary composers like Mozart and Beethoven. The Vienna State Opera, for example, offers an accessible experience to this rich musical heritage with standing-room-only tickets for just a few euros, allowing everyone to partake in the city's renowned operatic performances. An afternoon spent at the Kunsthistorisches Museum offers a journey through time with its extensive collections, while newer institutions like the Albertina Modern and the Heidi Horten Collection showcase the city's commitment to contemporary art.
Vienna's dedication to preserving and expanding its green spaces is another cornerstone of its livability. Green areas such as lawns, parks, gardens, woods, and even agricultural lands cover almost half of the city, providing residents with ample space for recreation and relaxation in nature.
Infrastructure
Vienna's social housing system is a model of success, providing high-quality, affordable housing to a broad segment of its population. In Vienna, renters enjoy significantly lower housing costs compared to those in London, Paris, or Dublin, paying on average about a third of what their counterparts in these cities do. This affordability is largely due to a substantial portion of the housing being owned by the city itself, making Vienna the largest municipal landlord in Europe with around 220,000 socially rented apartments.
Through its comprehensive approach to well-being and quality of life, Vienna sets a global standard for urban livability that cater to the diverse needs of their residents. In essence, Vienna's success story is a compelling reminder that the heart of a city's livability lies in its commitment to creating a balanced, inclusive, and enriching environment for all who call it home.
Explore Our Vienna Study Tours
Have any questions or ready to embark on a memorable journey to the world's most liveable city? Contact us at hello@hkpma.com.hk to discover the magic of Vienna!
Reference: