Copenhagen has been officially ranked as the best city in the world to live in, according to the latest Global Liveability Index 2025 published by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). The Danish capital outperformed 172 other cities based on a wide array of indicators measuring stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education and infrastructure.
Copenhagen achieved a perfect score of 100% in stability, healthcare and infrastructure, highlighting its reputation for safety, a robust public health system, and efficient urban planning. The EIU’s index evaluates cities across 30 key metrics, offering a comprehensive snapshot of urban quality of life on a global scale.
Denmark’s social model drives strong scores
The high ranking for Copenhagen is often linked to Denmark’s longstanding social welfare model, which ensures broad access to healthcare and education, coupled with strong governance and low levels of corruption. In recent years, Copenhagen has also invested heavily in sustainable urban development, making it a leader in green mobility and climate adaptation.
According to local media, the mayor of Copenhagen welcomed the ranking as “an important recognition of our efforts to create a healthy, safe and vibrant city for everyone.” The city continues to prioritise projects that promote cycling, green spaces and inclusive neighbourhoods.
Top ten cities highlight Europe’s strength
Following Copenhagen, the top ten cities in the EIU’s 2025 ranking include:
- Copenhagen, Denmark
- Vienna, Austria
- Zurich, Switzerland
- Melbourne, Australia
- Geneva, Switzerland
- Sydney, Australia
- Osaka, Japan
- Auckland, New Zealand
- Adelaide, Australia
- Vancouver, Canada
European cities continue to dominate the list, underlining the continent’s emphasis on quality public services, cultural offerings and urban liveability.
Why Copenhagen continues to excel
While global liveability rankings often fluctuate due to political or economic shifts, Copenhagen’s consistent performance underscores broader trends in Nordic and central European cities. Factors such as social trust, environmental policies and balanced urban growth appear to be crucial in shaping what makes a city truly liveable in 2025.
