The Top 12 Best Places to Live in the World

oving is stressful, and the only thing more stressful may be finding the perfect place to settle down. It’s hard to judge where the best place to live in the world is, and with more than enough options to choose from, it can feel overwhelming. Don’t fear! Your superhero blog is here to help! 

Today we’re covering a variety of places, including:

• Cities in North America, Europe, and Asia
• Top rated places with a high quality of life ranking
• Fantastic options that offer lots of opportunities

Spain

With gorgeous scenery and mouth-watering food, the European country is one of the most desirable places to live. It’s abundant with culture, color, and climate that’s perfect year-round. But it’s not just a pretty place. Spain has five cities in the top twenty-five best cities to live in, but that’s not all. The country currently occupies the top three slots and has had a city in the top three since 2022. So which cities in Spain are the best? Why, none other than the reigning top three!

Valencia

Valencia, Spain was recently deemed the best city in the world to live in based on its stellar quality of life index, amazing leisure options, and brilliant access to healthcare—ranking first in quality of life and personal finance. Valencia is widely recognized as the City of Arts and Sciences, with museums, theaters, and cinemas galore. Plus, their paellas are to die for, making it a solid contender for one of the best places to live in the world.

Malaga

Malaga, Spain ranked second in the 2024 poll, passing its first place crown from 2023 to Valencia. The city ranked first in local friendliness and fifth in the Quality of Life Index, so it’s safe to say this city earned its silver medal. The famous birthplace of Picasso has deep historical roots and pedestrian-friendly architecture. With friendly natives and sunny beaches, who wouldn’t want to settle down in Malaga!

Alicante

Alicante, Spain ranked third on the poll, capping off the top three with its main draw being quality of life (2nd place ranking) and affordable housing (5th place ranking). Alicante’s healthcare, leisure options, and climate draw people in and keep them there for life.

Switzerland

Breath-taking mountains and serene blue lakes make Switzerland a beloved country. Switzerland is known to be one of the safest, most livable countries across the globe. And with three cities in the upper sector of the list, it’s no surprise that two of them make the list for some of the best places to live in the world. 

Geneva

Geneva, Switzerland ranked 35th, but the draw of Geneva comes from its high quality health care, great public services, and unwavering safety. The city provides a rich and fulfilling lifestyle for all its inhabitants and is overflowing with culture. Whether it's skiing in the Alps or enjoying some swiss chocolate, Geneva has everything you could ever need.

Zurich

Zurich, Switzerland ranked 31st, with its major pull coming from the amount of work available in the city. It ranks 17th in the Working Abroad Index, and the generous salaries make it a wonderful place to work (and live). The beautiful city not only provides an aesthetically pleasing atmosphere but an amazing place to settle down and build a life. 

Canada 

The maple syrup capital of the world politely makes its way onto this list. The country contains multitudes of culture and diversity while also managing to be one of the safest countries in the world. Universal healthcare, low crime rates, and superb mountainous scenery make Canada a truly desirable country to live in. And who wouldn’t want to be associated with Justin Bieber! 

Toronto

Toronto, Canada has ranked relatively high in the past few years in terms of its safety and security. It’s also known to be Canada’s richest and wealthiest city, which comes with some expected perks. The city's rich and diverse inhabitants make for tons of culture wherever you are, and the state-of-the-art tech is perfect for abusing the free Wi-Fi of any and all cafes. Of course, the city itself is brimming with life and fun entertainment that anyone can enjoy! 

Calgary

Calgary, Canada has not been included in InterNations’ polling, but don’t write off this breath-taking city just yet. The city has a high quality of life and is known to be safe, clean, and affordable. Small businesses tend to thrive here, so if you’re thinking about diving into entrepreneurship, this is the place to be! Unlike Toronto, Calgary is more scenic—full of lush greenery and many trails for walking, running, and general sight-seeing.

The U.S.

Of course, the United States is making an appearance on the list. A cultural melting pot with countless job opportunities and beautiful sites to see, it’s no wonder America has two great cities worth your time. Whether you’re looking for a big city or a nice bit of country-side, the U.S. can provide. 

New York City

You don’t have to make it big on Broadway to move to the Big Apple! New York City ranked 28th overall in polling, but ranked 7th in leisure options, and 10th on the working abroad index. The bustling city has a spectacular night-life, with countless speakeasies, jazz clubs, karaoke bars, and more. And who doesn’t love a late-night showing of Hamilton? New York City’s night-life and work opportunities are just a few of the reasons the city has a population of 8.2 million. One of them could be you!

Seattle

If you’re looking for something a little less bustling than New York City, Seattle is a personal favorite. Not only is the city scenic, but it’s got a booming job market and local seafood any crab-lover can get behind. If you’re looking to settle down, Kerry Park and Queen Anne Hill are just two of the many serene areas of Seattle that would make a perfect place to live. If you’re a fan of quiet rainy days and a good book, Seattle is the city for you!

Japan

The last country on our list is the beautiful Japan. If cherry blossoms and Mount Fuji aren’t your style, the magnificent city lights and lively nightlife of its cities will captivate you. Japan is known to be one of the cleanest, most polite countries in the world, making it one of the best places in the world to live! 

Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan ranked 6th in the Quality of Life Index and 25th overall. Some of the best parts of Tokyo lie in the friendliness of locals, leisure options, and travel and transit options that make getting around the city super easy. The night-life is always teeming, and the food is some of the best there is, making Tokyo one of the go-to destinations to emigrate. 

Osaka

Osaka, Japan caps off our list as one of the most vibrant and hospitable cities. With a high quality of life and the perfect combination of modern and traditional living, Osaka ranks high on the list of the best places to live in the world. The city is known as “The Kitchen of Japan,” so you know you’ll be chowing down on a delicious meal no matter where you go. 

Those are some of the best places in the world to live!

Whether you’re looking for big-city living in NYC, Toronto, or Tokyo, or would prefer a slower pace of life in Calgary or Malaga, you can’t go wrong with any of the places on this list!