Canada News / July 04, 2024

Two Canadian cities ranked among world’s best places to live, Toronto falls from top 10

Two Canadian cities, Vancouver and Calgary, are among the top 10 most livable cities globally, with Toronto placing 12th.

The Economic Intelligence Unit (EIU) has unveiled its annual report on the world’s most livable cities, spotlighting two Canadian cities among the top contenders. Each year, EIU meticulously evaluates cities worldwide, considering factors such as stability, healthcare, culture, education, and infrastructure to compile the Global Livability Ranking.

In 2024, Calgary made a significant leap from seventh place to fifth, sharing the spot with Geneva, while Vancouver dropped to seventh from fifth in 2023. Notably, Toronto, a consistent top performer, slipped out of the global top 10 for the first time in three years, settling in 12th place. Vienna and Copenhagen retained their first and second positions respectively for the third consecutive year, with this year's top 10 featuring ten cities compared to eleven due to a tie in 2023.

EIU 2024 Rankings: Most Livable Cities in the World

1. Vienna

2. Copenhagen

3. Auckland

4. Munich

5. Calgary (tied with Geneva)

7. Vancouver

8. Sydney

9. Tokyo

10. Toronto (ranked 12th)

EIU's livability index bases its assessment on five key criteria:

- Stability (considering crime rates, threat levels, and conflict)

- Healthcare (availability and quality of healthcare services)

- Culture and Environment (climate conditions, social freedom, cultural offerings)

- Education (quality of education systems)

- Infrastructure (transportation, utilities, housing quality)

Calgary

Once again recognized as Canada's most livable city, Calgary achieved an impressive overall score of 96.8. The city excels in stability, healthcare, and education, scoring a perfect 100 in these areas. However, challenges remain in culture, environment, and infrastructure, where Calgary scored slightly lower but still above 90.

Calgary, along with Toronto, Montréal, and Vancouver, continues to attract immigrants and locals alike, drawn by lower taxes, affordable housing options, and strong educational facilities.

Vancouver

Despite slipping two places in this year’s rankings, Vancouver maintains its status as one of the world's most livable cities with an overall score of 96.6.

The city performs exceptionally well in education and healthcare, earning perfect scores of 100 in both categories. However, Vancouver faces challenges in culture, stability, and infrastructure, primarily due to ongoing housing issues that plague the region. Despite these setbacks, Vancouver's strengths in healthcare, education, and cultural richness uphold its solid ranking.

Toronto

Toronto, a perennial top contender, dropped out of the top 10 for the first time since 2021, settling in 12th place in 2024. Known for its stability, healthcare, and educational institutions, Toronto’s decline in ranking is attributed to persistent housing challenges. Escalating housing costs and limited availability have impacted the city’s overall score despite its strong foundational qualities.

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