The Economic Intelligence Unit (EIU) has released its annual report on the world's most livable cities, highlighting the prominent presence of two Canadian cities.
Each year, the EIU conducts an assessment and ranking of cities based on criteria such as stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure, which together form the Global Livability Ranking.
In 2024, Calgary, previously ranked seventh, ascended to fifth place, tying with Geneva, while Vancouver moved down to seventh place after holding fifth place in 2023.
Toronto, which had ranked ninth in 2023, dropped out of the global top 10 this year, now sitting at 12th place. Vienna and Copenhagen maintained their positions at the top two spots for the third consecutive year. Unlike the 2023 ranking, which included 11 cities due to a tie, the 2024 list features 10 cities, all of which were also part of the 2023 top 10.
Understanding the criteria
The EIU's livability index is based on five distinct criteria, which are compiled to calculate an overall score. These criteria include:
1. Stability: Measures the presence of petty crime, violent crime, threat of terrorism, military conflicts, and civil unrest or conflicts.
2. Healthcare: Evaluates the availability and quality of private and public healthcare, access to over-the-counter drugs, and healthcare indicators sourced from World Bank data.
3. Culture and Environment: Considers factors such as climate conditions (humidity and temperature), discomfort to travelers, levels of corruption and censorship, social or religious restrictions, availability of sporting and cultural activities, food and beverage options, and the availability of consumer goods and services.
4. Education: Assesses the availability and quality of private education, alongside public education indicators from World Bank data.
5. Infrastructure: Evaluates the quality of road networks, public transportation, international connectivity, water and energy provision, telecommunications infrastructure, and the availability of high-quality housing.
Calgary
Reaffirmed as Canada's most livable city, achieved an overall score of 96.8. Known for consistently high scores in stability, healthcare, and education (all receiving a perfect 100), Calgary faces challenges in culture and environment, as well as infrastructure, though it still scored 90 or above in these areas.
Like Toronto, Montréal, and Vancouver, Calgary has emerged as a prime destination for immigrants and Canadians seeking lower taxes, affordable rents, and excellent school systems.
Vancouver
Despite dropping two places in this year’s rankings, Vancouver remains among the world’s most livable cities, achieving an overall score of 96.6.
The city excels in education and healthcare, earning perfect scores of 100 in each category, but faces slightly lower scores in culture and environment, stability, and infrastructure.
Persistent housing challenges, which are widespread across Canada, have impacted Vancouver’s recent rankings. Nevertheless, the city maintains strong standings due to its robust healthcare and education sectors, as well as its rich cultural offerings.
Toronto
For the first time since 2021, Toronto is absent from the top 10 rankings, placing 12th in 2024. While historically performing well across EIU’s criteria, including stability, healthcare, and education, Toronto has been adversely affected by ongoing housing issues. Escalating housing costs and limited availability have contributed to the city's decline in the rankings.