Mercer's 2023 Quality of Living Survey: Best and Worst Cities for Expats

Mercer's 2023 Quality of Living Survey provides a comprehensive ranking of cities around the world based on factors such as political stability, healthcare, education, infrastructure, and socio-cultural environment. This survey is crucial for multinational companies and expatriates seeking to understand the quality of life in various cities globally. Here's an overview of the best and worst cities for expats in 2023:

Best Cities for Expats

1. Vienna, Austria: For the eleventh consecutive year, Vienna tops the list due to its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. It offers a high standard of living, excellent public transportation, and a clean environment16.

2. Zurich, Switzerland: Known for its financial stability and high quality of life, Zurich ranks second. It offers excellent education and healthcare systems16.

3. Auckland, New Zealand: Auckland is praised for its natural beauty, mild climate, and strong infrastructure, making it an attractive destination for expats16.

4. Copenhagen, Denmark: This city is renowned for its safety, environmental policies, and high standard of living24.

5. Vancouver, Canada: Vancouver offers a diverse cultural scene, excellent education system, and a high quality of life35.

Worst Cities for Expats

1. Baghdad, Iraq: Ranked 240th out of 241 cities, Baghdad faces significant challenges due to political instability and security concerns24.

2. Sudan: The only city ranked lower than Baghdad, Sudan struggles with displacement crises and economic instability2.

3. Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo: This city is plagued by violent crime and political instability4.

4. Tripoli, Libya: Known for civil unrest and terrorism, Tripoli poses significant risks to expats4.

5. Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso: Crime and terrorism are major concerns in this city4.

Key Trends

• European Dominance: European cities, particularly those in Western Europe, dominate the top rankings due to their stability, infrastructure, and quality of life14.

• Middle East Challenges: Cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi offer high living standards but face issues such as traffic congestion and pollution1.

• Global Economic Factors: The survey highlights how global economic factors influence living standards, with many cities reevaluating work-life balance priorities1.

Conclusion

Mercer's 2023 Quality of Living Survey provides valuable insights for expatriates and multinational companies. It underscores the importance of factors like political stability, healthcare, and education in determining the quality of life in cities worldwide.

Sources:

• "The Mercer 2023 Quality of Living Rankings Reveal Top Urban Havens," Hubbis, https://www.hubbis.com/news/the-mercer-2023-quality-of-living-rankings-reveal-top-urban-havens1.

• "Iraq dwindles at the bottom of Mercer's 2023 quality of living survey for expats," Shafaq News, https://shafaq.com/en/Iraq/Iraq-dwindles-at-the-bottom-of-Mercer-s-2023-quality-of-living-survey-for-expats2.

• "Mercer's Quality of Living Index 2023," Civilstap Himachal, https://civilstaphimachal.com/current-affair/mercers-quality-of-living-index-2023/3.