What are the best cities in the world? This is a question that everyone will be curious about and pay attention to. Cities have always been the melting pot of innovation, the center of culture and the engine of economy. They are not only geographical settlements but also stages where countless dreams interweave and the future is shaped. This article will conduct an in-depth analysis of those cities that have stood out on the global stage based on the latest reports from authoritative institutions such as Resonance Consultancy and global living data. We will not only focus on those traditional giants that have long been recognized as the most famous cities in the world, such as London, New York and Paris, but also explore those emerging forces that are rapidly becoming the coolest cities in the world with their unique charm and innovative spirit. Through a detailed analysis of key dimensions such as livability, Lovability, and prosperity, we will present you with an ultimate guide to best city on earth. Whether you are seeking a new place to live, a study destination, an investment opportunity, or a travel destination, you can find inspiration from it.
10 Best Cities in The World
Among the numerous competitors, a few cities have remained at the top of the best cities in the world list thanks to their profound historical accumulation and continuous innovation capabilities. They are not only economic and cultural centers, but also globally recognized as the most famous cities in the world.
To help save your time, we list the 10 world’s nicest cities as following:
| 10 Best Cities in The World | ||
|---|---|---|
| Rank | City | Country |
| 1 | London | United Kingdom |
| 2 | New York City | United States |
| 3 | Paris | France |
| 4 | Tokyo | Japan |
| 5 | Madrid | Spain |
| 6 | Singapore | Singapore |
| 7 | Rome | Italy |
| 8 | Dubai | United Arab Emirates |
| 9 | Berlin | Germany |
| 10 | Barcelona | Spain |
1. London
- Population: 12,451,000
- Liveability Ranking: #3
- Loveability Ranking: #2
- Prosperity Ranking: #1
- Highlighted Rankings: #1 Airports; #1 Large Companies.
- Average monthly costs (excluding housing): $1,393.7/person
- Average monthly rent for 1B apartment in the city center: $3,112.03
- Average cost of a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant: $104.58
London, the city known as the “Capital City”, has topped the Resonance list for the 11th consecutive year. It ranks among the top three in terms of prosperity, loveability, and livability, demonstrating unparalleled comprehensive strength.
As one of the most well known cities in the world, London’s history can be traced back to the Roman era, but its charm lies in its embrace of modernity. It boasts a world-class financial district, countless museums (such as the British Museum and the National Gallery) and theaters (West Side), and its cultural life is extremely rich. For international students, London is home to top institutions such as Imperial College London and the London School of Economics and Political Science, making it one of the world’s most popular destinations for studying abroad.
London’s transportation network, such as the London Underground, is one of the oldest and most complex in the world, ensuring the city’s efficient operation. Despite the high cost of living, especially the rent in the city center, the career development opportunities and cultural experiences it offers have kept the city’s “magnetic appeal” to global talents undiminished.
2. New York
- Population: 19,940,000
- Liveability Ranking: #2
- Loveability Ranking: #3
- Prosperity Ranking: #2
- Highlighted Rankings: #1 Google Trends; #2 Large Companies.
- Average monthly costs (excluding housing): $1,668.60/person
- Average monthly rent for 1B apartment in the city center: $4,142.86
- Average cost of a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant: $145
New York City, the “eternal heartbeat”, follows closely behind London on the list. It has an unparalleled global influence in the fields of culture, media, finance and fashion. Wall Street, Broadway and Times Square – these landmarks make it undoubtedly the world’s most famous cities.
The charm of New York lies in its diversity and ceaseless vitality. It ranks first in the “Google Trends” metric, indicating that it has the highest level of attention worldwide. This vitality also makes it a representative of most popular world cities. From the independent art scene in Brooklyn to the Michelin-starred restaurants in Manhattan, New York offers endless possibilities for every lifestyle.
However, the cost of living in New York is one of the highest in the world. The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center exceeds 4,000 US dollars, which brings huge economic pressure to ordinary residents. Despite this, the career opportunities and cultural stimulation offered by New York still attract the world’s most ambitious talents.
3. Paris
- Population: 13,171,000
- Liveability Ranking: #1
- Loveability Ranking: #1
- Prosperity Ranking: #4
- Highlighted Rankings: #2 Google Trends; #3 Museums.
- Average monthly costs (excluding housing): $1,206.80/person
- Average monthly rent for 1B apartment in the city center: $1,609.17
- Average cost of a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant: $74.93
Paris, the “City of Light”, firmly ranks third. It is not only a globally recognized city of romance, but also one of the most beautiful world cities that combines historical heritage with future innovation the best.
Paris excels in the number of museums and cultural depth. In recent years, Paris has been committed to urban regeneration, promoting green transportation and sustainable development, which has continuously improved its livability. For tourists, the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and the Champs-Elysees are eternal classics. For residents, Paris offers a high quality of life, world-class education and medical systems, and is one of the best cities to live in the world.
4. Tokyo
- Population: 36,635,000
- Liveability Ranking: #4
- Loveability Ranking: #4
- Prosperity Ranking: #3
- Highlighted Rankings: #1 Restaurants; #1 Museums.
- Average monthly costs (excluding housing): $930.3/person
- Average monthly rent for 1B apartment in the city center: $996.97
- Average cost of a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant: $41.95
Tokyo, this vast metropolis, ranks among the top five for its humanized innovation and astonishing efficiency. It scored extremely high in terms of safety, public transportation and dining culture.
Tokyo’s public transportation system is regarded as one of the most punctual and reliable in the world, which greatly enhances the city’s livability. Meanwhile, Tokyo has the largest number of Michelin-starred restaurants in the world. Its food culture and unique subculture make it a top ranking cities in the world full of surprises. Despite its large population, Tokyo has an extremely low crime rate, providing residents with a high sense of security. Furthermore, compared with London and New York, the average rent in Tokyo is more reasonable and it is also attractive in terms of the cost of living, which makes it another best city in the world for living.
5. Madrid
- Population: 6,983,000
- Liveability Ranking: #7
- Loveability Ranking: #6
- Prosperity Ranking: #10
- Highlighted Rankings: #2 Nightlife; #7 Theaters & Concerts.
- Average monthly costs (excluding housing): $929.20/person
- Average monthly rent for 1B apartment in the city center: $1,512.80
- Average cost of a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant: $69.17
Madrid, the capital of Spain, has successfully surpassed Singapore in the latest ranking and entered the top five. Madrid is known as one of the coolest cities in the world for its vibrant nightlife and rich cultural and artistic heritage.
Madrid ranks second in the world in terms of nightlife, and its unique “Madrid Night” attracts tourists from all over the world. In addition, Madrid is committed to urban renewal and green projects, enhancing its livability. World-class cultural institutions such as the Prado Museum and the Reina Sofia Art Center make it not inferior to any best city on earth in terms of cultural heritage.
6. Singapore
- Population: 6,038,000
- Liveability Ranking: #9
- Loveability Ranking: #12
- Prosperity Ranking: #5
- Highlighted Rankings: #1 Standard of Living; #4 University.
- Average monthly costs (excluding housing): $1,126.1/person
- Average monthly rent for 1B apartment in the city center: $2,967.40
- Average cost of a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant: $68.86
Singapore, this city-state, is renowned for its efficient government management, outstanding infrastructure and commitment to the environment. It has consistently received high scores in terms of economic prosperity and livability, and is a model of the best cities in the world in Asia.
Singapore’s urban planning focuses on green Spaces and sustainable development, making it a garden city. Its Changi Airport is one of the world’s busiest and best-serviced airports, demonstrating its advantage in connectivity. For business, Singapore is the financial and technology hub of Asia, attracting a large number of multinational companies to set up regional headquarters.
7. Rome
- Population: 4,306, 000
- Liveability Ranking: #5
- Loveability Ranking: #5
- Prosperity Ranking: #34
- Highlighted Rankings: #4 Sights & Landmarks; #11 Museums.
- Average monthly costs (excluding housing): $1,022.6/person
- Average monthly rent for 1B apartment in the city center: $1,447.95
- Average cost of a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant: $80.69
Rome, as the cradle of Western civilization, is undoubtedly the oldest among the best cities to visit in the world. It ranked seventh in the latest ranking.
The charm of Rome lies in its ubiquitous historical sites, such as the Colosseum, Vatican City and the Trevi Fountain. Although it may not be as prosperous economically as London or New York, it scores extremely high in terms of cultural and historical “cuteness”. the pace of life in Rome is relatively slow, with more emphasis on quality of life and food enjoyment, which makes it an ideal best cities to live in the world.
8. Dubai
- Population: 6,000,000
- Liveability Ranking: #9
- Loveability Ranking: #6
- Prosperity Ranking: #17
- Highlighted Rankings: #2 Labor Force Participation; #2 Facebook Check-ins.
- Average monthly costs (excluding housing): $1,128.6/person
- Average monthly rent for 1B apartment in the city center: $2,458.65
- Average cost of a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant: $81.69
Dubai, a city rising in the desert, has rapidly ranked among the world’s best cities with its avant-garde architecture, luxurious tourism and strong investment appeal. It stands out in terms of “prosperity” and “cuteness”.
The urban landscape of Dubai is brimming with a futuristic feel, featuring the world’s tallest building (Burj Khalifa) and the largest artificial island. It is a global business hub that attracts investors and professionals from all over the world. The cultural life in Dubai is also becoming increasingly rich, ranging from world-class shopping centers to art galleries.
9. Berlin
- Population: 5,106,000
- Liveability Ranking: #6
- Loveability Ranking: #7
- Prosperity Ranking: #23
- Highlighted Rankings: #4 Biking; #5 Walkability.
- Average monthly costs (excluding housing): $1,140.7/person
- Average monthly rent for 1B apartment in the city center: $1,420.68
- Average cost of a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant: $72.05
Berlin, the historic capital of Germany, has become one of the most popular world’s coolest cities in Europe due to its free and inclusive atmosphere and low cost of living (compared to other major cities in Western Europe).
Berlin is a hub for art and technological innovation in Europe, boasting a thriving ecosystem of start-ups. Its historical relics (such as the ruins of the Berlin Wall and the Brandenburg Gate) form a sharp contrast with modern art and underground culture. For young people who pursue creativity and an independent spirit, Berlin offers a broad stage.
10. Barcelona
- Population: 5,094,000
- Liveability Ranking: #2
- Loveability Ranking: #3
- Prosperity Ranking: #76
- Highlighted Rankings: #3 Public Transit; #12 Walkability.
- Average monthly costs (excluding housing): $1,549.23/person
- Average monthly rent for 1B apartment in the city center: $911.3
- Average cost of a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant: $69.17
Barcelona, the tenth-ranked city, is a brilliant pearl along the Mediterranean coast. It has become one of the most popular in Europe and one of the best cities worldwide for its unique Catalan culture, Gaudi’s magical architecture and vibrant beach life.
Barcelona scores outstandingly in terms of “cuteness”, which is attributed to its rich cultural activities, world-class cuisine and desirable outdoor life. From the hustle and bustle of La Rambla to the old alleys of the Gothic Quarter and the grandeur of the Sagrada Familia, this city perfectly blends history, art and modern design. Meanwhile, Barcelona is also an important business and technology center, with a thriving ecosystem of start-ups, providing a broad platform for talents seeking innovation and international job opportunities. Its pleasant climate and relaxed pace of life make it one of the ideal best cities to live in the world in the hearts of many people.
What's Changed in 2026's Top 10 Cities in the World?
The most notable change on the 2026 list of the world’s best cities is undoubtedly the strong rise of Madrid. This Spanish capital has successfully surpassed Singapore and risen to the fifth place. Madrid’s success is mainly attributed to its outstanding performance in terms of “Lovability”. It ranks second globally in terms of nightlife, and at the same time, urban regeneration projects and investment in green Spaces have significantly enhanced its livability. This vibrant and creative atmosphere makes it undoubtedly one of the coolest cities in the world.
In contrast, Singapore dropped out of the top five and ranked sixth. Although Singapore remains a global model in terms of economic efficiency and infrastructure, Madrid’s score advantage in cultural and social vitality makes it slightly inferior in the overall ranking.
Another notable change is that Dubai has returned to the top ten, ranking eighth. Dubai has once again demonstrated its status as the future city of the Middle East through its continuous investment in investment appeal, luxury tourism and ultra-modern architecture. The return of Dubai highlights the high attention of global capital to emerging markets and innovative cities.
Meanwhile, Sydney dropped out of the top ten. Although this Australian city remains an important center in the Asia-Pacific region, in the context of increasingly fierce global competition, its performance in some key indicators has failed to keep up, ceding the top ten position to Dubai.
| Rank | City | Trend of change | Key Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | London | Unchanged | It has topped the list for 11 consecutive years, leading in prosperity, cuteness and livability. |
| 2 | New York City | Unchanged | An eternal city of vitality, with significant influence in culture and finance. |
| 3 | Paris | Unchanged | Romance and innovation coexist, and the urban regeneration has achieved remarkable results. |
| 4 | Tokyo | Unchanged | A model of technological, safe and efficient transportation. |
| 5 | Madrid | Rise | Entering the top five for the first time, with a burst of nightlife and cultural vitality, it has become the representative of coolest cities in the world. |
| 6 | Singapore | Decline | Surpassed by Madrid, but still a model of Asia’s best cities in the world. |
| 7 | Rome | Unchanged | It has a profound historical background and a high score in cultural “loveability”. |
| 8 | Dubai | Rise | It has returned to the top ten, with strong investment appeal and a futuristic feel. |
| 9 | Berlin | Unchanged | A hotbed of freedom and creativity, one of the coolest cities in the world, also in Europe. |
| 10 | Barcelona | Unchanged | Unique architecture and the charm of the Mediterranean. |
How The World's Best City Rankings Work?
When authoritative institutions select the best cities in the world, they generally adopt a comprehensive set of indicators covering economy, environment, culture and quality of life. According to the latest information from Resonance Consultancy, there are three core pillars: Livability, Lovability and Prosperity.
Liveability
Livability is the foundation for measuring the quality of urban life and it is directly related to the daily well-being of residents. Best cities in the world must provide an efficient, safe and sustainable living environment. From the availability of green spaces in the city center, to how many high-quality parks, outdoor experiences, attractions and landmarks are recommended online by locals and tourists, as well as the number of trees covered and the air quality that residents and tourists breathe. It also includes key socio-economic factors, such as the cost of living relative to income, which can reveal a city’s ability to attract talent, retain talent, and draw in companies and capital.
Detailed Livability Metrics are as follows:
- Sights & Landmarks
- Walkability
- Biking
- Weather
- Air Quality
- Green Space
- Nature & Parks
- Public Transit
- Internet Infrastructure
- Standard of Living
- Health
- Perception – top 3 cities and towns respondents would most like to live in someday
Loveability
Loveability reflects a city’s appeal in terms of culture, entertainment and social interaction, and it is the embodiment of the city’s “soul”. It determines whether a city can become one of the coolest cities in the world. The more vibrant a city is in terms of culture, dining and nightlife, the more tourists, young people and big companies it can attract. When professional institutions assess the loveability of a city, they base their judgment on the number of stories, references and recommendations about the city shared by key users on software and social media platforms such as Google, Instagram and TikTok.
Betailed Lovability Metrics are listed as below:
- Google Trends
- Facebook Check-ins
- Instagram Posts
- TikTok Videos
- Nightlife
- Shopping
- Restaurants
- Museums
- Theaters & Concerts
- Family-Friendly Attractions
- Perception – top 3 cities and towns respondents would most like to visit in the next 12 to 24 months.
Prosperity
Prosperity is a barometer of a city’s economic vitality and a key factor in attracting investment and talent. In a city, the number and scale of enterprises it possesses, the maturity of its entrepreneurial ecosystem, the employment rate and unemployment rate, business infrastructure, as well as the number of top universities, indicate the city’s innovation capacity, job creation ability, long-term economic capacity, human capital and global competitiveness.
Here are Prosperity Metrics:
- Convention Center
- Large Companies
- Labor Force Participation
- Airports
- University
- Economic Output
- Business Ecosystem
- Unemployment Rate
- Educational Attainment
- Perception – top 3cities and towns respondents think currently have the best job opportunities.
100 Best Cities Worldwide To Live, Work and Visit
Here is the table of 100 world’s best cities in 2026, according to the research from Resonance Consultancy.
| The 100 Best Cities To Live, Work And Visit | ||
|---|---|---|
| Rank | City | Country |
| 1 | London | United Kingdom |
| 2 | New York City | United States |
| 3 | Paris | France |
| 4 | Tokyo | Japan |
| 5 | Madrid | Spain |
| 6 | Singapore | Singapore |
| 7 | Rome | Italy |
| 8 | Dubai | United Arab Emirates |
| 9 | Berlin | Germany |
| 10 | Barcelona | Spain |
| 11 | Sydney | Australia |
| 12 | Los Angeles | California |
| 13 | Seoul | South Korea |
| 14 | Amsterdam | Netherlands |
| 15 | Beijing | China |
| 16 | Shanghai | China |
| 17 | Toronto | Canada |
| 18 | São Paulo | Brazil |
| 19 | Hong Kong | China |
| 20 | Istanbul | Turkey |
| 21 | Melbourne | Australia |
| 22 | Bangkok | Thailand |
| 23 | Osaka | Japan |
| 24 | Oslo | Norway |
| 25 | Stockholm | Sweden |
| 26 | Miami | Florida |
| 27 | Vienna | Austria |
| 28 | San Francisco | California |
| 29 | Bengaluru | India |
| 30 | Mexico City | Mexico |
| 31 | Munich | Germany |
| 32 | Dublin | Ireland |
| 33 | Copenhagen | Denmark |
| 34 | Zürich | Switzerland |
| 35 | Chicago | Illinois |
| 36 | Milan | Italy |
| 37 | Lisbon | Portugal |
| 38 | Prague | Czech Republic |
| 39 | Buenos Aires | Argentina |
| 40 | Mumbai | India |
| 41 | Vancouver | Canada |
| 42 | Rio de Janeiro | Brazil |
| 43 | Warsaw | Poland |
| 44 | Hamburg | Germany |
| 45 | Shenzhen | China |
| 46 | Montreal | Canada |
| 47 | Budapest | Hungary |
| 48 | Brussels | Belgium |
| 49 | Riyadh | Saudi Arabia |
| 50 | Kuala Lumpur | Malaysia |
| 51 | Bogotá | Colombia |
| 52 | Guangzhou | China |
| 53 | Jakarta | Indonesia |
| 54 | Delhi | India |
| 55 | Las Vegas | Nevada |
| 56 | Boston | Massachusetts |
| 57 | Washington | D.C. |
| 58 | Houston | Texas |
| 59 | Auckland | New Zealand |
| 60 | San Jose | California |
| 61 | Helsinki | Finland |
| 62 | Orlando | Florida |
| 63 | Taipei | Taiwan |
| 64 | Frankfurt | Germany |
| 65 | Lima | Peru |
| 66 | Atlanta | Georgia |
| 67 | Seattle | Washington |
| 68 | Perth | Australia |
| 69 | Manchester | United Kingdom |
| 70 | Cape Town | South Africa |
| 71 | Kraków | Poland |
| 72 | Valencia | Spain |
| 73 | Ottawa | Canada |
| 74 | Athens | Greece |
| 75 | Santiago | Chile |
| 76 | Medellín | Colombia |
| 77 | Cologne | Germany |
| 78 | Dallas | Texas |
| 79 | Brisbane | Australia |
| 80 | Hangzhou | China |
| 81 | San Diego | California |
| 82 | Hyderabad | India |
| 83 | Chengdu | China |
| 84 | Denver | Colorado |
| 85 | Calgary | Canada |
| 86 | Abu Dhabi | United Arab Emirates |
| 87 | Austin | Texas |
| 88 | Philadelphia | Pennsylvania |
| 89 | Baltimore | Maryland |
| 90 | Stuttgart | Germany |
| 91 | Rotterdam | Netherlands |
| 92 | Lyon | France |
| 93 | The Ruhr | Germany |
| 94 | Busan | South Korea |
| 95 | Düsseldorf | Germany |
| 96 | Mecca | Saudi Arabia |
| 97 | Porto | Portugal |
| 98 | Bucharest | Romania |
| 99 | Birmingham | United Kingdom |
| 100 | Doha | Qatar |
Challenges & Chances in The World's Nicest Cities
Choosing to live in best cities in the world means facing the complex reality where opportunities and challenges coexist.
Housing & Living Costs: A Global Challenge
Housing costs are a common challenge faced by best cities in the world. The rents in the city centers of London, New York, Singapore and other places are astonishingly high, which forces many young professionals and students to choose the suburbs with longer commuting times.
Take London as an example. The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in its city center has approached 3,000 US dollars. Such high costs not only affect the quality of life of residents, but may also weaken the long-term competitiveness of the city. Therefore, for those who plan to live or study in these cities for a long time, finding cost-effective, safe and reliable student accommodation is a crucial first step.
Transportation & Commuting: Efficiency & Stress
Top-rated cities in the world usually have world-class public transportation systems, such as the subway networks in Tokyo and London. However, the huge population base also means congestion and pressure during peak hours. Here are some examples:
- New York City: The subway system operates 24 hours a day, but aging facilities and frequent delays are problems that residents often complain about.
- Tokyo: Renowned for its incredible punctuality, but the “crowds” during the morning rush hour are equally famous.
- Singapore: The transportation system is efficient and modern, but the government controls the number of private cars through the high cost of car ownership.
International Education & International Student Life
The best cities have also become the most famous cities in the world due to their pretigeous educational resources and scientific research strength. From the G5 elite universities in London to the Ivy League schools in New York, and then to the top Asian institutions in Tokyo and Singapore, they offer international students unparalleled learning resources and an international perspective.
Studying in these cities not only enables one to receive high-quality education but also allows one to come into contact with the most cutting-edge industries and cultures around the world. This kind of international experience is a valuable asset for future career development.
How uhomes.com Can Help?
As a professional rental platform for international students with Trustpilot 4.9/5 (Nearly 2,000 reviews), uhomes.com is committed to providing safe, convenient and reliable accommodation solutions for international students worldwide. Whether you need an apartment close to a university or a shared home to experience city life, we offer a vast selection of properties, a transparent rental process, and 24/7 1-on-1 professional multilingual customer service support, making it easy for you to solve your rental problems. Focus your energy on your studies and work as well as exploring the wonderful life of this best cities in the world.
Conclusion on Best Cities in The World
“Best cities in the world” is not a single and fixed concept. They are a combination of economic prosperity, cultural vitality and quality of life. Whether it is the historic and globally recognized most famous cities in the world like London and New York, or the creative and rapidly rising coolest cities in the world like Madrid and Berlin, Every city defines “the best” in its own unique way.
FAQs About Best City on Earth
What Are The 10 Best Cities in The World?
10 best cities in the world are London, New York, Paris, Tokyo, Madrid, Singapore, Rome, Dubai, Berlin, and Barcelona. These cities have relatively outstanding performances in liveability, loveability, and prosperity. Among them, London, New York, Paris, Tokyo, Rome, Berlin, and Barcelona hold the same status as the previous year, while Singapore declined from 5th to 6th, yet Madrid rise to top 5 and Dubai rise to top 10.
What Are The Most Influential Cities in The World?
The most influential cities in the world in 2026 are London, New York, Paris, and Tokyo, followed by Madrid, Singapore, Rome, Dubai, Berlin, and Barcelona. Each of the above world’s nicest cities boasts its own unique features and has huge influence in different categories.
Which Is The Best City to Live in The World?
Paris is the best cities to live in the world, with the top 1 ranking of liveability in 2026. Meanwhile, Barcelona gets the 2nd place at liveability, and London is in the 3rd place.
