Which European cities are the best to live in: rating from the European Commission
Since 2022, millions of Ukrainians, fleeing the war, have changed their cities of residence. Many moved to such cities as Berlin, Munich, Warsaw, Wroclaw, Prague, Brno, and others. Every fourth Ukrainian (26%) is dissatisfied with living conditions abroad. Which European cities are really comfortable to live in, the European Commission has assessed.
Localities were evaluated by the residents themselves according to the following criteria: the ability to find a good job, the convenience and availability of public transport, the quality of health care services, the availability of housing, safety and air quality.
The most comfortable city in Europe
The most convenient city in Europe in every sense currently considered to be Swiss Zurich, the capital of the country’s German-speaking canton. 97% of its residents are happy to live there. They are satisfied with their work, medical services, and air quality. And this is not surprising, since Zurich is located between wooded hills on the shores of lakes. The distance to the Alps is only 60 kilometers.
However, one indicator does not completely satisfy the residents of the city. Residents complain about the high cost of housing – both rent and purchase.
Other convenient cities
96% of residents of the city of Groningen (Netherlands) are satisfied with the fact that they live there. With a population of about 230,000, it is the largest city in the north of the country. Residents consider many parks and green areas to be the main attraction of the city. 85% of residents are not afraid to walk there alone even at night.
The third position in the rating from the European Commission is occupied by the capital of Denmark, Copenhagen. About 96% of residents are happy to live there. A high standard of living, well-paid work, convenient bicycle infrastructure and a relatively small number of cars on the streets, picturesque canals and colorful houses – all this makes Copenhagen a fairly convenient city. However, like most capitals, the capital of Denmark has one disadvantage – the high cost of renting housing.
German Leipzig is in fourth place. It is the largest city in Saxony (over 600,000 inhabitants). Respondents consider it especially convenient for young people. Perhaps this impression is due to the popularity of the famous Leipzig University, which is located in the heart of the city.
Polish Gdansk closes the top five. 95% of residents are happy to live there. The city is considered quite convenient for the life of migrants. A significant part of Ukrainian refugees in Poland lives there or in the vicinity of Gdańsk.
Also, the top 10 most livable cities in Europe include:
- 6th place – Stockholm (Sweden)
- 7th place – Geneva (Switzerland)
- 8th place – Rostock (Germany)
- 9th place – Braga (Portugal)
- 10th place – Cluj-Napoca (Romania)
