Auckland and Wellington have once again proven their status as some of the world’s most desirable places to live, maintaining their positions in the top 20 of the Economist Intelligence Unit’s 2025 Global Liveability Index. Auckland, known as the “City of Sails,” has climbed to a joint seventh place alongside Osaka, Japan, improving from its previous ninth-place ranking. Meanwhile, New Zealand’s capital, Wellington, holds steady at 20th place.
The announcement comes as both cities continue to be recognized for their high quality of life, a testament to their robust infrastructure, cultural vibrancy, and overall stability. The index evaluates 173 cities worldwide based on factors such as stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure.
Auckland and Wellington: Consistent Performers
Auckland’s rise in the rankings is a notable achievement, reflecting improvements in various sectors that contribute to its liveability. In 2021, Auckland was celebrated as the world’s most liveable city, while Wellington secured the fourth spot. This year, both cities have maintained their strong positions, underscoring their appeal on the global stage.
Wellington, often praised for its picturesque landscapes and vibrant arts scene, remains a favorite despite not moving up the ranks. The city’s ability to maintain its position highlights its consistent performance in providing a high quality of life for its residents.
Global Context: A Competitive Landscape
Across the Tasman Sea, Australian cities also performed well, with Melbourne and Sydney securing fourth and sixth places, respectively. Perth and Brisbane followed closely, ranked 15th and 16th. The competition among these cities underscores the region’s strong emphasis on liveability and urban development.
On the global front, Copenhagen, Denmark, has taken the top spot, dethroning Vienna, Austria, which had held the position for three consecutive years. The Danish capital’s rise to the top reflects its commitment to sustainability and quality urban living.
Challenges and Opportunities
While New Zealand’s cities continue to shine, the report also highlights areas for improvement. Experts suggest that ongoing investment in infrastructure and healthcare will be crucial for maintaining and enhancing liveability scores in the future. The focus on sustainable urban development is increasingly important as cities worldwide face challenges related to climate change and population growth.
In contrast, the index paints a stark picture for cities like Damascus, Syria, which remains the least liveable city due to ongoing conflict and instability. The report notes,
“Despite last year’s regime change, Syria’s capital city continues to be scarred by years of civil war and has seen no improvement in liveability.”
Looking Ahead
As Auckland and Wellington celebrate their achievements, the focus now shifts to sustaining and improving these rankings. With global attention on urban sustainability and resilience, the cities’ leaders are expected to prioritize policies that enhance quality of life while addressing future challenges.
Meanwhile, New Zealand’s Prime Minister is set to meet with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Sydney, a move that underscores the importance of regional cooperation in addressing shared urban challenges.
As the world continues to evolve, the liveability index serves as a valuable benchmark for cities striving to offer the best environments for their residents. The future will undoubtedly bring new challenges and opportunities, but for now, Auckland and Wellington’s positions in the top 20 are a testament to their enduring appeal and commitment to excellence.
