Osaka Among World’s Most Liveable Cities
Japan’s second city has again scored a top ten place—just about—in The Economist Intelligence Unit’s (EIU) annual Global Liveability Index.
As well as being the central business hub in western Japan, Osaka has been at the heart of the nation’s cultural and economic development for hundreds of years, according to the local government.
Japan’s third most populous city, Osaka received perfect scores for stability, healthcare and education to tie with Auckland for 9th place, just like last year. Osaka residents appreciate the ease of a smaller city that has plentiful amenities, a thriving culinary scene and many opportunities for day trips to enjoy nature and history.
The Global Liveability Index 2024
1. Vienna
2. Copenhagen
3. Zurich
4. Melbourne
5. Calgary/Geneva
7. Sydney/Vancouver
9. Osaka/Auckland
For the third year in a row, Vienna is the world’s most liveable city, with perfect scores for stability, healthcare, education and infrastructure, but lost points for culture and environment.
Four European cities made the top 10, along with another four from the Asia-Pacific and two from Canada. All the cities remain the same as 2023 except Toronto, which suffered failing infrastructure and a housing crisis that also held back Melbourne, Sydney and Vancouver.
The EIU said: “The assessment scores 173 cities across the world on 30 indicators divided into five categories: stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education and infrastructure, with the aim of showing how comfortable these cities are to live in.”
Western Europe remains the best-performing region for liveability, coming top in four categories, while second-placed North America is best for education.