10 best cities to live in the world in 2026. What do they have in common? traduzido por: OPENROUTER

The best cities to live in 2026 were ranked by The Global Liveability Index 2026, an annual survey produced by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), a research unit linked to The Economist. The study assessed 173 municipalities around the world based on criteria such as stability, education, healthcare, infrastructure, culture and projects.

This year, Copenhagen took first place, followed by European, Australian, Canadian and Japanese cities. Although located on different continents, they all share characteristics that go beyond economic indicators, such as quality public spaces, efficient mobility, access to nature and urban planning focused on well-being. Below, we have gathered the main characteristics of the 10 cities that were best rated by the survey.

1. Copenhagen, Denmark

The Danish capital leads the ranking thanks to the balance between infrastructure, sustainability and quality of public services. The city is known for encouraging bicycle use, for efficient mobility and for the constant presence of parks, canals and green areas distributed throughout the urban fabric.

Copenhague (Civitatis/Divulgação)

Another highlight is the relationship between architecture and everyday life. Copenhagen invests in accessible public spaces and in projects that encourage social interaction, showing how urban planning and quality of life go hand in hand.

2. Vienna, Austria

A traditional presence among the top-ranked cities in the index, Vienna combines historical heritage with modern and highly efficient infrastructure. Museums, theaters and cultural spaces coexist with a public transportation system recognized for its ease of access.

Viena (Áustria) (Unplash/Divulgação)

In addition, the city maintains extensive green areas and policies focused on housing and public services, factors that contribute to its high standard of livability.

3. Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne stands out for its intense cultural life and the diversity of its neighborhoods, each with its own characteristics. Cafés, galleries, parks and outdoor events are part of residents' routines and help strengthen the occupation of public spaces.

Melbourne (Austrália) (Unplash/Divulgação)

The city also invests in infrastructure, mobility and environmental preservation, offering a combination of urban dynamism and quality of life.

4. Sydney, Australia

Sydney combines the infrastructure of a large metropolis with a strong connection to the natural landscape. Beaches, coastal parks and leisure areas coexist with financial and cultural centers, creating a balanced dynamic.

Sydney, Austrália (Unplash/Divulgação)

Another differentiator lies in the offer of urban amenities, public services and transportation, which contribute to the city's good rating in the international ranking.

5. Zurich, Switzerland

Zurich is recognized for its urban organization, the efficiency of its public transportation and its high safety indexes. The city also maintains a close relationship with the lake and the surrounding mountains, incorporating the natural landscape into daily life.

Zurique (Suíça) (Unplash/Divulgação)

The urban planning prioritizes comfortable commutes and well-maintained public spaces, reinforcing the sense of balance between professional life and leisure.

6. Geneva, Switzerland

On the shores of Lake Geneva, Geneva combines environmental quality, cultural diversity and a strong presence of international organizations. The natural setting contributes to a routine marked by outdoor activities and the appreciation of public spaces.

Genebra (Suíça) (Unplash/Divulgação)

The efficient infrastructure and the high standards of health and education help consolidate the city among the best rated in the world.

7. Osaka, Japan

Osaka stands out for its combination of innovation, mobility and cultural tradition. The efficient transport system facilitates movement around the city, while historic neighborhoods coexist with commercial and technological areas.

Osaka mistura gastronomia, vida noturna vibrante e cenários iluminados que revelam o lado mais animado do Japão. (Expedia/Divulgação)

The range of services, safety and urban organization make the city a benchmark for quality of life within the Japanese context.

8. Adelaide, Australia

Adelaide has a more relaxed pace compared to other major Australian cities. Surrounded by parks and close to wine regions and beaches, it offers a close relationship with nature without giving up urban infrastructure.

Adelaide (Austrália) (Unplash/Divulgação)

The city also invests in culture, education and sustainability, factors that contribute to its presence among the best-ranked in the index.

9. Vancouver, Canada

Vancouver is often remembered for its balance between city and nature. Surrounded by mountains and the ocean, it offers countless opportunities for outdoor activities, as well as an extensive network of urban parks.

(Divulgação/Divulgação)

The focus on sustainability, mobility and urban planning reinforces the quality of life and makes the municipality an international benchmark.

10. Tokyo, Japan

Even being one of the largest metropolises on the planet, Tokyo maintains high levels of organization, safety and efficiency. The transport system integrates different regions of the city and facilitates daily commutes.

Tóquio, por Fernanda Marques (Jezael Melgoza/ Unsplash/Divulgação)

At the same time, traditional neighborhoods, gardens and cultural spaces coexist with contemporary architecture and technology, creating a city marked by a diversity of experiences.

Evaluation of Brazilian cities

The Global Liveability Index 2026 also evaluated three Brazilian cities: Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo and Manaus. Among them, Rio de Janeiro appears in 108th place in the ranking. The exact positions of São Paulo and Manaus were not disclosed, but the survey states that the São Paulo capital recorded a score close to 70, while Manaus fell in the range between 60 and 70 points.

Although Brazilian performance is still far from the cities leading the index, the study reinforces the importance of continuous investments in infrastructure, mobility, health, education and public spaces to raise urban quality of life.

traduzido por: OPENROUTER