Oxford Economics has released its 2025 Global Cities Index, ranking the best cities in the world to live in based on five categories: Economics, Human Capital, Quality of Life, Environment, and Governance.
Two Australian cities, Melbourne and Sydney, have made it into the top 10 global rankings, marking a significant achievement for the country.
Melbourne ranked sixth globally, credited for its strong economy, vibrant sporting culture, and high-quality universities, placing 12th worldwide in Human Capital.
Sydney followed closely at seventh place, noted for its improved Quality of Life and Environment scores and a highly diverse population that strengthens its Human Capital score.
Other cities in the top 10 include New York City at number one, followed by London, Paris, San Jose, Seattle, Boston, Tokyo, and San Francisco.
New York retained its top spot due to its world-leading economy and strong performance in Human Capital, while London stood out for its educational institutions and high levels of attainment.
Tokyo was the highest-ranked Asian city, praised for its youthful population and strong internal migration due to job and educational opportunities.
Boston and Sydney were new entries to the top 10 in 2025, replacing previous cities, reflecting changes in urban performance and livability factors.
San Jose and Seattle received high scores due to their thriving tech sectors, though both face challenges such as high living costs and income inequality.
Paris, known for its cultural heritage and tourism, managed to score exceptionally well in Quality of Life, defying the typical trends seen in large metropolitan cities.
