An IMGlobalWealth.com News Report
Swiss capital Bern has claimed the top spot in Monocle magazine’s annual Quality of Life Survey 2026*, reinforcing Europe’s dominance among the world’s most desirable urban centres. The London-based international affairs and lifestyle publication has published the influential survey for almost two decades, evaluating cities on a broad range of factors that extend well beyond traditional economic indicators.
Unlike many data-driven rankings, Monocle places strong emphasis on the everyday experience of city living. Its assessment considers factors such as urban design, architecture, safety, public transport, healthcare, environmental quality, access to nature, business conditions, international connectivity and the overall sense of community that makes a city enjoyable to live in.
According to the 2026 survey, the world’s leading cities for quality of life are:
1. Bern, Switzerland
2. Copenhagen, Denmark
3. Stavanger, Norway
4. Singapore
5. Kyoto, Japan
6. Sydney, Australia
7. Vienna, Austria
8. Stockholm, Sweden
9. Paris, France
10. Lisbon, Portugal
The remainder of the Top 20 includes Madrid, Auckland, Zurich, Singapore, Amsterdam, Helsinki, Seoul, Melbourne, Vancouver, and a tie between Kyoto and Perth, illustrating the continued strength of European cities while highlighting leading destinations across Asia-Pacific and North America.
Monocle describes its annual survey as an alternative to conventional liveability indices, arguing that the best cities are defined not only by measurable statistics but also by qualities that encourage people to build long-term lives there. The publication says successful cities combine efficient infrastructure with culture, green spaces, walkability, vibrant neighbourhoods and a strong sense of belonging.
The 2026 results continue a broader trend seen in recent years, with European cities consistently dominating global quality-of-life rankings thanks to their investment in public spaces, sustainable transport, healthcare and thoughtful urban planning. Switzerland, the Nordic countries and several Japanese and Australian cities also remain regular high performers across international liveability surveys.
* The Monocle Quality of Life Survey 2026 – Link
