In the recently released Global Liveability Index 2024, two Canadian cities, Calgary and Vancouver, have secured places among the world’s top ten most liveable cities. The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) conducts this annual survey, assessing 173 cities worldwide based on factors such as stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure. This year, while some cities have faced challenges, Canadian cities continue to perform admirably, albeit with some setbacks.
Calgary: A Consistent Performer
Calgary, Alberta, ranked 5th globally, is one of the standout cities in this year’s index. It achieved a remarkable overall score of 96.8, reflecting its strong performance across various categories. Notably, Calgary scored a perfect 100 in stability, healthcare, and education, demonstrating its resilience and high quality of life.
Calgary’s high stability score is attributed to its low crime rates and efficient governance, ensuring a safe and secure environment for its residents. The city’s healthcare system is also top-notch, offering comprehensive and accessible medical services, which significantly contributes to its high ranking.
The education sector in Calgary is robust, with numerous top-rated institutions providing excellent learning opportunities. The city’s infrastructure, scoring 96.4, underscores its well-maintained transportation networks, utilities, and public services.
Vancouver: Balancing Strengths and Challenges
Vancouver, British Columbia, also secured a spot in the top ten, tying for 7th place with Sydney, Australia. With an overall score of 96.6, Vancouver continues to be a desirable place to live, though it has faced some challenges that have affected its ranking.
Vancouver’s culture and environment score of 97.2 is a testament to its vibrant arts scene, diverse cultural offerings, and beautiful natural surroundings. The city’s commitment to sustainability and green living further enhances its attractiveness.
Similar to Calgary, Vancouver boasts perfect scores in healthcare and education. The city’s well-regarded hospitals and schools provide excellent services and contribute to its residents’ high quality of life.
However, Vancouver’s infrastructure score of 92.9, while still impressive, reflects the city’s ongoing housing crisis. The high cost of living and limited availability of affordable housing have been significant issues, slightly pulling down its overall score.
Toronto: A Notable Absence from the Top Ten
This year, Toronto, Ontario, has dropped out of the top ten, now ranking 12th globally. Despite its decline, Toronto remains a highly liveable city, with strong scores in healthcare, education, and culture. The primary factor influencing its drop is the acute housing crisis, which has negatively impacted its infrastructure score.
Global Context and Regional Comparisons
Vienna’s Continued Dominance
For the third consecutive year, Vienna, Austria, tops the Global Liveability Index, achieving perfect scores in stability, healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Its only slightly lower score in culture and environment (93.5) keeps it from achieving an unblemished overall rating.
Western Europe and North America
Western Europe remains the most liveable region, with cities like Copenhagen, Zurich, and Geneva performing exceptionally well. North America follows closely, with Canadian cities maintaining high standards despite some infrastructure challenges.
As Canadian cities navigate these challenges, their continued high rankings in the Global Liveability Index serve as a testament to their resilience, and commitment to providing a high standard of living for all their residents.
Top Ten Most Liveable Cities
| Rank | City | Country | Index | Stability | Healthcare | Culture & Environment | Education | Infrastructure |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vienna | Austria | 98.4 | 100.0 | 100.0 | 93.5 | 100.0 | 100.0 |
| 2 | Copenhagen | Denmark | 98.0 | 100.0 | 95.8 | 95.4 | 100.0 | 100.0 |
| 3 | Zurich | Switzerland | 97.1 | 95.0 | 100.0 | 96.3 | 100.0 | 96.4 |
| 4 | Melbourne | Australia | 97.0 | 95.0 | 100.0 | 95.8 | 100.0 | 96.4 |
| 5 | Calgary | Canada | 96.8 | 100.0 | 100.0 | 90.0 | 100.0 | 96.4 |
| 5 | Geneva | Switzerland | 96.8 | 95.0 | 100.0 | 94.9 | 100.0 | 96.4 |
| 7 | Sydney | Australia | 96.6 | 95.0 | 100.0 | 94.4 | 100.0 | 96.4 |
| 7 | Vancouver | Canada | 96.6 | 95.0 | 100.0 | 97.2 | 100.0 | 92.9 |
| 9 | Osaka | Japan | 96.0 | 100.0 | 100.0 | 86.8 | 100.0 | 96.4 |
| 9 | Auckland | New Zealand | 96.0 | 95.0 | 95.8 | 97.9 | 100.0 | 92.9 |
Bottom Ten Least Liveable Cities
| Rank | City | Country | Index | Stability | Healthcare | Culture & Environment | Education | Infrastructure |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 173 | Damascus | Syria | 30.7 | 20.0 | 29.2 | 40.5 | 33.3 | 32.1 |
| 172 | Tripoli | Libya | 40.1 | 30.0 | 45.8 | 37.5 | 58.3 | 41.1 |
| 171 | Algiers | Algeria | 42.0 | 35.0 | 50.0 | 45.4 | 58.3 | 30.4 |
| 170 | Lagos | Nigeria | 42.2 | 25.0 | 37.5 | 54.4 | 41.7 | 53.6 |
| 169 | Karachi | Pakistan | 42.7 | 20.0 | 54.2 | 35.9 | 75.0 | 51.8 |
| 168 | Dhaka | Bangladesh | 43.0 | 50.0 | 41.7 | 40.5 | 66.7 | 26.8 |
| 167 | Harare | Zimbabwe | 43.8 | 40.0 | 29.2 | 56.7 | 66.7 | 35.7 |
| 166 | Port Moresby | PNG | 44.1 | 30.0 | 41.7 | 52.5 | 58.3 | 46.4 |
| 165 | Kyiv | Ukraine | 44.5 | 40.0 | 41.7 | 53.2 | 75.0 | 26.8 |
| 164 | Caracas | Venezuela | 44.9 | 35.0 | 37.5 | 45.1 | 66.7 | 53.6 |
The report highlights that while the overall global liveability score has seen a marginal increase, the improvement is minimal. Geopolitical conflicts, civil unrest, and a persistent housing crisis are key factors holding back significant progress. This is particularly evident in advanced economies like Canada, where the cost-of-living crisis exacerbates the housing issue, impacting overall liveability.