In a result that bucks expectations, Auckland (#5) and Wellington (#14) outperform all Australian cities, including Sydney (#12) and Melbourne (#20), in Mercer’s Quality of Living Report.
Auckland, the only Southern Hemisphere city in the top five, slipped two places from last year but remains a standout for its blend of modern amenities and natural beauty.
The rankings highlight New Zealand’s ability to punch above its weight, offering world-class livability despite its smaller scale compared to its larger neighbour. Mercer’s methodology uses New York City as a base city for global comparisons.
Sydney leads Australia’s entries at 12th, followed by Melbourne, Perth, and Adelaide tied at 20th, and Canberra at 29th. Globally, Zurich claimed the top spot for its public services, safety, and sustainability, followed by Vienna (#2) and Geneva (#3). Vancouver (#7) was North America’s highest-ranked city, while Singapore topped Asia at #30.
At the bottom of the list, Khartoum, Sudan, ranked last, followed by Baghdad, Iraq, and Bangui, Central African Republic. These cities reflect significant challenges, including conflict, instability, and weak infrastructure.
Centrist Ltd. 2024