The year 2023 has brought significant changes to the world, with the global pandemic reshaping the way we live and altering migration patterns. In this guest post, we will explore the 30 best places to live in the world based on various factors such as economic prosperity, healthcare, education, and cultural opportunities.

The Impact of the Coronavirus Pandemic

The outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic has had a profound impact on cities and migration patterns worldwide. Urban areas in developing countries, which were once experiencing rapid urbanization, were hit particularly hard. Many people have now started moving back to rural areas, seeking a safer and more sustainable lifestyle.

The Global Impact of the Virus

The coronavirus initially surfaced in Wuhan, China, leading to a worldwide health crisis. Researchers have studied how global cities like London, New York, and Tokyo dealt with the pandemic. These cities, known as premier global locations, were among the hardest hit by the virus. The elderly population was particularly vulnerable, and the spread of the virus was closely linked to the level of urbanization in these areas.

Economic Powerhouses

Some of the world's largest cities boast staggering gross domestic products (GDP). Tokyo, with its $2 trillion GDP in 2021, leads the pack, followed closely by New York City with a $1.8 trillion GDP. To put this in perspective, the GDP of Africa, the second most populous continent, was $3 trillion in 2023, despite having ten times the population of Japan.

Happiness vs. Prosperity

Contrary to popular belief, the most prosperous cities may not necessarily be the happiest. A comparison between the top ten most prosperous cities in terms of GDP and the top ten happiest cities reveals that none of the prosperous cities made it to the list of the happiest places. The World Happiness Report identifies cities like Helsinki, Zurich, and Oslo among the happiest in the world.

Methodology

Compiling a list of the best places to live requires careful consideration. For this, Insider Monkey utilized rankings of the richest cities, those with the best education, healthcare, and cultural opportunities to create an initial list of 139 cities. Each city was assigned points based on its ranking, and an average score was calculated. The resulting list showcases the 30 best places to live in the world in 2023.

The Best Places to Live in the World in 2023

Here is the list of the top 30 best places to live in the world in 2023, along with their Insider Monkey's scores:

1. Melbourne, Australia (Insider Monkey's Score: 25.75): A major financial center with a rich history and a diverse population.
2. Reykjavík, Iceland (Insider Monkey's Score: 25.75): The capital city of Iceland, known for its stunning natural landscapes and vibrant culture.
3. Sao Paulo, Brazil (Insider Monkey's Score: 25.5): The largest city in Brazil, offering a thriving economy and cultural diversity.
4. Copenhagen, Denmark (Insider Monkey's Score: 25.5): The capital city of Denmark, renowned for its quality of life and sustainable urban development.
5. Brussels, Belgium (Insider Monkey's Score: 25.25): The capital city of Belgium, combining a strong economy with a rich cultural heritage.
6. Lausanne, Switzerland (Insider Monkey's Score: 25): A major city in Switzerland with a vibrant business district and a focus on biotechnology and finance.
7. Prague, Czechia (Insider Monkey's Score: 25): The capital city of the Czech Republic, famous for its historic architecture and cultural landmarks.
8. Cleveland, United States (Insider Monkey's Score: 24.75): A city in the United States with a strong healthcare industry and a thriving economy.
9. Venice, Italy (Insider Monkey's Score: 24.5): An Italian city known for its picturesque canals and unique architecture.
10. Dubai, United Arab Emirates (Insider Monkey's Score: 24.5): A global financial hub with impressive modern architecture and a thriving business environment.
11. Vatican City State (Insider Monkey's Score: 24.25): A city and country known for its historical and religious significance as the headquarters of the Catholic Church.
12. Shanghai, China (Insider Monkey's Score: 24.25): One of China's largest cities, serving as a major economic center and a symbol of rapid development.
13. Oslo, Norway (Insider Monkey's Score: 23.75): The capital city of Norway, offering a high standard of living and a strong emphasis on sustainability.
14. Rome, Italy (Insider Monkey's Score: 22.25): The historic capital city of Italy, renowned for its cultural heritage, world-class cuisine, and iconic landmarks.
15. Beijing, China (Insider Monkey's Score: 21.25): The capital city of China, boasting a rich history, technological advancements, and economic prosperity.
16. Chicago, United States (Insider Monkey's Score: 21): An American city known for its cultural diversity, vibrant arts scene, and economic significance.
17. Zurich, Switzerland (Insider Monkey's Score: 20.75): A major financial center in Switzerland, offering a high quality of life and a strong economy.
18. Sydney, Australia (Insider Monkey's Score: 20.25): One of Australia's most developed cities, known for its beautiful beaches, thriving arts scene, and cultural diversity.
19. Boston, Massachusetts (Insider Monkey's Score: 19.75): A city in the United States renowned for its prestigious universities, booming healthcare industry, and historic significance.
20. Amsterdam, Netherlands (Insider Monkey's Score: 19.25): The capital city of the Netherlands, famous for its canals, vibrant nightlife, and thriving startup culture.
21. San Francisco Bay Area, United States (Insider Monkey’s Score: 19.25): A region known for its world-class universities, technological innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit.
22. Hong Kong SAR (Insider Monkey’s Score: 18.25): An Asian financial hub with a dynamic cultural scene and a reputation for culinary excellence.
23. Toronto, Canada (Insider Monkey’s Score: 18): A diverse and multicultural city, attracting immigrants with its strong economy and world-class educational institutions.
24. Los Angeles, United States (Insider Monkey’s Score: 17): A culturally diverse city famous for its entertainment industry, beautiful beaches, and pleasant climate.
25. Seoul, South Korea (Insider Monkey’s Score: 15.75): The capital city of South Korea, combining a rich cultural heritage with modern infrastructure and technological advancements.
26. Singapore, Singapore (Insider Monkey’s Score: 15): A city-state renowned for its efficient governance, economic prosperity, and high standard of living.
27. Tokyo, Japan (Insider Monkey’s Score: 11.25): The bustling capital city of Japan, known for its technological innovations, vibrant nightlife, and unique cultural experiences.
28. Paris, France (Insider Monkey’s Score: 6.25): The romantic capital city of France, celebrated for its world-class art, cuisine, and historical landmarks.
29. New York, United States (Insider Monkey’s Score: 6.25): The iconic financial and cultural center of the United States, offering a diverse array of opportunities and attractions.
30. London, United Kingdom (Insider Monkey’s Score: 4): The capital city and financial hub of the United Kingdom, known for its prestigious universities, vibrant cultural scene, and historical significance.

Conclusion

These 30 best places to live in the world in 2023 offer a blend of economic prosperity, cultural richness, and quality of life. From bustling metropolises to charming historic cities, each location provides unique opportunities and experiences for residents. Whether you seek economic opportunities, cultural immersion, or a high standard of living, these cities offer a glimpse into the best the world has to offer.