Two Canadian most livable cities among the world's top 10
The Economic Intelligence Unit (EIU) has published its annual report on the world's most livable cities, highlighting two prominent Canadian cities. This yearly evaluation ranks cities based on stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure, forming the Global Livability Ranking.
In 2024, Calgary ascended from 7th to 5th place, tying with Geneva and replacing Vancouver, which moved from 5th to 7th. Toronto, which was ranked 9th in 2023, dropped out of the global top 10 for the first time in three years, now standing at 12th. Vienna and Copenhagen maintained their positions as 1st and 2nd, respectively, for the third consecutive year. The table below lists the full rankings for the top 10 cities of 2024.
Five criteria in the livability index
The EIU livability index is based on five criteria that are combined to determine an overall score. These criteria are:
Stability This includes factors such as petty crime, violent crime, the threat of terrorism, military conflict, and civil unrest.
Healthcare This evaluates the availability and quality of both private and public healthcare, the availability of over-the-counter drugs, and general health indicators from World Bank data.
Culture and Environment This considers humidity and temperature, climate comfort for travelers, levels of corruption and censorship, social or religious restrictions, availability of sports and cultural activities, food and drink options, and consumer goods and services.
Education This assesses the availability and quality of private education and public education indicators from World Bank data.
Infrastructure This looks at the quality of road networks, public transportation, international connections, water and energy supply, telecommunications, and the availability of good quality housing.
5th place: Calgary
Once again ranked as the most livable city in Canada, Calgary achieved an overall score of 96.8. The city has consistently excelled in stability, healthcare, and education, each receiving a perfect score of 100. However, it still faces challenges with slightly lower scores in culture and environment, and infrastructure, though it still scored 90 or above in these areas.
Calgary, along with Toronto, Montréal, and Vancouver, has become a major destination for immigrants and Canadians, attracting newcomers with its lower taxes, more affordable rents, and strong school districts.
7th place: Vancouver
Despite dropping two places in this year’s rankings, Vancouver remains one of the world’s most livable cities with an overall score of 96.6. The city excels in education and healthcare, each receiving a perfect score of 100, but scores slightly lower in culture and environment, stability, and infrastructure.
Vancouver's ranking has been impacted by ongoing housing issues, a problem affecting many parts of Canada. Nonetheless, the city's strengths, particularly in healthcare, education, and its notable cultural attributes, have helped maintain its high ranking.
12th place: Toronto
For the first time since 2021, Toronto is not in the top 10 rankings, falling to 12th place in 2024. While the city has traditionally performed well in EIU’s criteria, especially in stability, healthcare, and education, its ranking has been affected by ongoing housing issues. The rising cost of housing and shortages in housing availability have significantly contributed to Toronto's decline in the rankings.
