Mercer is the leading provider of data on quality of living for employees sent to work abroad. Every year, the company publishes its Quality of Living City Ranking. The results are based on a survey with expatriates on how they evaluate living conditions in 450 cities globally, 231 of which are included in the ranking. The ranking is based on factors such as political stability, health care, education, crime and transport.
As in the previous year, European cities continue to have the highest quality of living in the world with the Swiss cities Zurich, Basel, Geneva and Bern in top positions. While Vienna remains the global leader, Zurich closely follows in second place. Geneva (9th) and Basel (10th) remain in the top 10, while Bern comes in 14th position.
2019 Quality of Living Ranking
1. Vienna
2. Zurich
3. Vancouver
3. Munich
3. Auckland
6. Düsseldorf
7. Frankfurt
8. Copenhagen
9. Geneva
10. Basel
The three Swiss cities Basel, Bern and Zurich are also jointly ranked second safest cities in Europe, only surpassed by Luxembourg.
Switzerland traditionally scores very highly in such rankings. Its political stability, safety, low crime rate, good healthcare system, and high salaries help its reputation. The country is also regarded as the most attractive country in the world for top talent and has defended its leading position in the UN Global Talent Competitiveness for the last six years (see article).
