The 10 best cities for Gen Z to live in 2026 traduzido por: OPENROUTER

What makes a city a good place to live when you're under 30? For Gen Z, the answer seems to go far beyond professional opportunities and nightlife. A survey conducted by Time Out in 2026 shows that factors such as happiness, sense of community, mobility, access to nature, culture, entertainment and cost of living also weigh in when evaluating urban quality of life.

(Wyron A./Unsplash/Divulgação)

To reach the ranking, the publication analyzed the responses of thousands of people under 30 in different cities around the world and considered only the highest-rated city in each country. The result brings together well-known destinations, but also reveals some surprises. Check out the top ten.

What does the ranking reveal about Gen Z?

The survey helps to understand how Gen Z sees life in cities. The research shows that a good urban experience depends on a set of factors: being able to walk or bike, having access to green areas, finding cultural activities, meeting people, enjoying community spaces and, whenever possible, doing all this without spending a fortune.

(Ignacio Brosa/Unsplash/Divulgação)

In other words, the ideal city for this generation seems to be one that offers opportunities for connection and everyday experiences, and not just major attractions or a bustling nightlife.

1. Tokyo, Japan

At the top of the list is Tokyo, which stood out especially for its happiness rates among young people. According to the survey, 100% of the Gen Z members interviewed said they find joy in the city's everyday experiences. The Japanese capital also combines good walkability, efficient public transport, access to culture and a wide range of activities for different interests.

O cruzamento de Shibuya, em Tóquio, é um dos locais mais movimentados do mundo: em suas cinco faixas de pedestres, estima-se que atravessam cerca de 250 mil pessoas diariamente. Em momentos de maior fluxo, até 2,5 mil pessoas podem passar por ali a cada dois minutos. (Nádia Sayuri Kaku/Divulgação)

For those who like to go out, the possibilities go far beyond bars and clubs: karaokes, 24-hour bathhouses and sports entertainment centers are part of young people's routine. Nightlife was well rated by 89% of respondents, although only 33% consider it financially accessible.

2. Porto, Portugal

Porto appears in second place, driven mainly by its strong sense of community. All the young people interviewed positively rated this aspect of the city, while 93% considered the destination affordable. The combination of river, sea, green areas, historic center and cultural facilities creates a highly diverse urban routine.

Porto, Portugal (Unplash/Divulgação)

The survey also highlights the possibility of accessing museums and cultural institutions for free or at a discount, which helps make the city especially interesting for those looking for cultural experiences without significantly compromising their budget.

3. Melbourne, Australia

Known for its cultural scene, Melbourne won third place among Gen Z's favorite cities. The city received 100% approval for restaurants and food among respondents and 97% for its cultural offerings.

Melbourne (Austrália) (Unplash/Divulgação)

Independent theaters, live music, comedy, events, and green spaces help build a lively urban life, while the presence of a large student community reinforces its youthful profile. Even though it is considered an expensive city, there are more affordable alternatives for food, and in 2026, public transportation also offers reduced fares for certain users.

4. Edinburgh, Scotland

The Scottish capital stands out for its combination of quality of life, nature, walkability, and culture, but it is mainly its nightlife that draws the attention of Generation Z. The Cowgate area, for example, gathers clubs and live music venues housed in historic structures, while different neighborhoods host events and parties of varied styles.

Edimburgo, Escócia (Unplash/Divulgação)

The survey also points out that 90% of respondents feel happier in Edinburgh than in other places where they have lived, and 94% consider the city's people to be positive. Well-being also received a high rating, reaching 84%.

5. Shanghai, China

Shanghai appears in fifth place with a combination of sociability, safety, and affordability that appeals to young people. Among respondents under 30, 76% said it is easy to meet new people and make friends, while 63% consider the city welcoming.

Xangai, China (Divulgação/Divulgação)

Another highlight lies in the perception of cost: 100% of participants considered prices affordable for going to the cinema or having coffee. The city has also been expanding initiatives aimed at the young population, including policies to increase the supply of affordable rental housing near subway stations and employment areas.

6. New York, United States

New York occupies sixth place and remains one of the great urban hubs for young people. The city received 98% approval for walkability among Generation Z respondents, while 88% consider the destination lively and 95% positively evaluate its cultural offerings.

(Max Touhey/Divulgação)

Despite the high cost of living, the possibility of getting around on foot and finding an enormous variety of events, exhibitions, and activities helps offset some of the difficulties. The survey also points out that 93% of respondents consider it financially affordable to go out to enjoy art, showing how culture remains one of the metropolis's great attractions.

7. Copenhagen, Denmark

The Danish capital appears in seventh place with an urban proposal marked by bicycles, green spaces, and quality of life. For 83% of the young respondents, it is easy to walk or cycle around the city, while 65% approve of public transportation. The relationship between mobility and well-being appears again in the results: 78% stated that living in Copenhagen makes them happy.

Copenhague, Dinamarca. (Nick Karvounis/Unsplash/Divulgação)

The city also offers initiatives that facilitate young people's access to culture, such as programs with free admission to cultural venues for certain age groups, in addition to street events and parties.

8. Berlin, Germany

Berlin occupies eighth place and stands out for its cultural diversity and the ease of finding communities with shared interests. The city offers everything from classes and events linked to different cultural expressions to fairs, meetings, and activities aimed at specific audiences.

Berlim, Alemanha. (Norbert Braun/Unsplash/Divulgação)

Although the cost of living has increased, the German capital still offers affordable options in certain segments, especially in the arts scene. According to the survey, 65% of young people positively rate the restaurants, green spaces, well-being, and the ease of meeting new people. Nightlife also received 65% approval, although only 57% consider its prices affordable.

9. Valencia, Spain

Valencia comes in ninth place with a combination of climate, outdoor spaces, social life, and affordability. No fewer than 93% of the young people interviewed said that living in the city makes them happy, while 86% highlighted the sense of community.

Valência, Espanha (Divulgação/Divulgação)

The city has also invested in collective outdoor activities, such as running groups, hiking, yoga, and gatherings for swimming in the Mediterranean. To top it off, free cultural options and a transportation system with relatively affordable passes make urban routine even more attractive for those starting their adult life.

10. Bangkok, Thailand

Closing the top 10 is Bangkok, which combines gastronomy, creativity, entertainment, and an intense urban life. The city received 87% approval for its gastronomic scene and 78% for its nightlife, but the most striking figure is the happiness index: 96% of respondents said the city makes them happy and that they are happier there than in other places they have lived.

Bangkok, Tailândia. (Florian Wehde/Unsplash/Divulgação)

In addition to the traditional bar and restaurant scene, Generation Z has also been occupying the city with running clubs, yoga classes, and wellness activities. The Song Wat neighborhood, for example, appears as one of the new creative hubs, bringing together businesses set up in old buildings and spaces dedicated to urban art.

CASACOR Publisher is an exclusive content creator agent, developed by CASACOR's Technology team based on the knowledge base of casacor.com.br. This text was edited by Chrys Hadrian.

traduzido por: OPENROUTER