An IMGW News Report
Thinking of a move? Recent global rankings offer a useful compass for would-be relocators, highlighting cities and countries that excel in wealth, innovation, happiness, and work-life balance. Some places manage to tick every boxβproof that prosperity and well-being need not be mutually exclusive.
“…cities like Berlin, Oslo and Copenhagen consistently surface as well-rounded leaders”
What makes a place truly liveable? Beyond skyscrapers and broadband speeds, itβs the intangiblesβsocial cohesion, quality governance, and everyday joyβthat define a high-functioning society. As mobility becomes easier and borders blur, these rankings offer a timely guide to locations where citizens are not just surviving, but thriving.
The World Happiness Report 2025 places Finland atop the global happiness league for the seventh year running, followed closely by Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, and the Netherlands. Not coincidentally, many of these same countries also score highly on work-life balance indicesβsuggesting a direct link between progressive social policies and national contentment.
“the IESE Cities in Motion Index 2025 evaluates cities across nine dimensions, including governance, innovation, environment, and social cohesion. London comes first”
New Zealand ranks 12th in happiness and comes first in the Global Work-Life Balance Index, boasting 32 days of statutory annual leave, universal healthcare, and inclusive labour practices. Its recent relaxation of Golden Visa rules, coupled with a long-term digital nomad scheme, make it an appealing choice for those seeking professional flexibility with a lifestyle upgrade. Cities such as Wellington, Dublin, Brussels, and Copenhagen feature strongly for work-life balance.
The Worldβs Wealthiest Cities Report 2025, compiled by Henley & Partners, finds New York leading globally, home to nearly 400,000 millionaires and 66 billionaires. London, ranked sixth overall, hosts over 215,000 millionaires and 33 billionairesβmaking it Europeβs top performer. Paris, Hong Kong, and Sydney complete the top ten.
Meanwhile, the IESE Cities in Motion Index 2025 evaluates cities across nine dimensions, including governance, innovation, environment, and social cohesion. London comes first, praised for its human capital and international profile, though it ranks just 20th in social cohesion. Berlin and Paris secure places in the top five, while Oslo and Copenhagen continue to impress with their digital infrastructure and civic trust. Tokyo, Singapore and New York also place in the top tier, though American cities struggle in areas such as environmental sustainability and societal inclusion.
In sum, cities like Berlin, Oslo and Copenhagen consistently surface as well-rounded leaders. They combine economic resilience with liveabilityβproof that it is possible to be rich, smart and happy all at once. For the globally mobile, these rankings are more than just numbers; theyβre a shortlist for a better life.
