Melbourne is one of the most liveable cities in the world, according to the Top Ten of the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Global Liveability Index for 2022. Although Australian cities dominated the list last year, Melbourne is now the only Australian city to have made the list, tying in 10th place with Osaka.
Top Ten Most Liveable Cities
1. Vienna, Austria
2. Copenhagen, Denmark
3. Zurich, Switzerland (tied)
3. Calgary, Canada (tied)
4. Vancouver, Canada
5. Geneva, Switzerland
6. Frankfurt, Germany
7. Toronto, Canada
8. Amsterdam, Netherlands
10. Osaka, Japan (tied)
10. Melbourne, Australia (tied)
Global Liveability Index 2022
The Index, which ranks 172 cities around the world, takes into account more than 30 qualitative and quantitative factors spanning five categories: stability (25%), healthcare (20%), culture and environment (25%), education (10%), and infrastructure (20%).
Melbourne received a score of 100 for both education and infrastructure. Culture and environment received a score of 98.6, stability received a score of 95, and healthcare a score of 83.3.
Cities in both New Zealand and Australia fell the hardest in the rankings. Both countries had high rankings early last year, when borders were closed, COVID cases were kept down and vaccines were scarce. This kept their liveability high. However, as the pandemic went on, and cities in Western Europe and Canada became highly vaccinated and removed COVID restrictions, those cities climbed up the rankings.
“In Australia, some states were slower to lift restrictions than others,” said the report. “As a result, Perth and Adelaide have lost ground since last year, and Melbourne is once again Australia’s highest-ranked city. Adjusting policy dynamically will remain key to staying on top.”
Brisbane was ranked 27 on the list, and fell by 17 places since last year. Meanwhile, Adelaide came in at 30th on the list, falling by 27 places. Perth followed shortly behind, coming in at 32, and falling by 26 places. Sydney did not receive a mention in the report summary.
Wellington and Auckland fell by 46 and 33 places respectively.
Find the report here.