Where Should I Live?
An analysis of the top cities in the world.
One of the most important decisions to make is where to live. Generally speaking, where you live determines what you do, where you work, who you marry, and who you befriend. Where you live is a key driver of success and happiness. There are dozens, if not hundreds, of factors that can determine the quality of a city. After extensive thought, I identified 25 of the most critical factors. I subdivided those factors into three general categories: 1) prosperity, 2) livability, and 3) lovability.
Prosperity factors include:
Education - Quality and accessibility of schools (primary to secondary levels).
Labor Force Participation - Percentage of the population actively working or seeking employment.
Fortune 500 Companies - Presence and influence of major companies in the city.
Universities - Quality, reputation, and number of higher education institutions.
Airport Connectivity - Number of direct flights and overall accessibility.
Convention Centers - Availability and quality of venues for conferences.
GDP per Capita - The city's average economic output per person.
Business Environment - Ease of doing business, startup ecosystem, and corporate-friendly policies.
Unemployment Rate - Percentage of unemployed individuals actively seeking work.
Crime Rate - Prevalence of crime and overall safety perception.
Poverty Level - Proportion of the population below the poverty line.
Livability factors include:
Price-to-Income Ratio - Affordability of property relative to local income.
Average Cost of Rent - Typical rental prices for housing relative to local wages.
Healthcare System - Access to and quality of hospitals, clinics, and medical care.
Commute Times - Average time taken to travel for work or leisure.
Sights & Landmarks - Availability of historic or unique attractions.
Tree Coverage - Percentage of city covered by greenery.
Parks & Recreation - Availability and quality of public green spaces and outdoor activities.
Lovability factors include:
Nightlife - Quality and diversity of entertainment options during late hours.
Restaurants - Variety, quality, and accessibility of dining options.
Shopping - Availability of retail options from local boutiques to malls.
Culture - Presence of theaters, galleries, music venues, and festivals.
Attractions - Additional points of interest like museums, zoos, etc.
Desirability - Attractiveness of the city as a place to live, work, or visit.
Public Perception - How both residents and outsiders view the city.
For each city, I used AI to query statistics for each factor and compute a score between 1 and 5, with one being the lowest and five being the highest. I then summed the scores of all aspects and divided them by 125, which would be a hypothetical perfect score of 5/5 on all 25 factors, to arrive at an overall rank for all top 100 cities.
I went through the list and crossed off all the undesirable cities due to economics, location, climate, culture, language barrier, crime, and politics.
Top 100 Cities Ranked
London, United Kingdom
New York, United States
Paris, France (culture)Tokyo, Japan (language barrier)Singapore, Singapore
Rome, Italy (climate)Madrid, Spain
Barcelona, Spain (economics)Berlin, Germany (language barrier)Sydney, Australia (location)Amsterdam, Netherlands
San Francisco, United States (crime)Dubai, United Arab Emirates (politics)Los Angeles, United States (politics)Toronto, Canada (climate)Seoul, Korea (language barrier)Chicago, United States (climate)Vienna, Austria (language barrier)Seattle, United States
Milan, Italy
Boston, United States
Vancouver, Canada (politics)Miami, United States
Stockholm, Sweden (language barrier)Melbourne, Australia (location)Oslo, Norway (language barrier)Munich, Germany (language barrier)Istanbul, Turkey (culture)Las Vegas, United (culture)Helsinki, Finland (climate)Atlanta, United States (culture)Bangkok, Thailand (culture)Prague, Czech Republic (language barrier)Washington D.C., United States (politics)Montreal, Canada (climate)Beijing, China (politics)Orlando, United States (economics)St. Louis, United States (location)Portland, United States (crime)Houston, United States (climate)Dublin, Ireland
Osaka, Japan (language barrier)Philadelphia, United States (climate)Denver, United States
Copenhagen, Denmark (language barrier)San Diego, United States (politics)Auckland, New Zealand (location)Frankfurt, Germany (language barrier)Zurich, Switzerland
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (politics)Minneapolis, United States (climate)Ottawa, Canada (climate)Austin, United States
Calgary, Canada (climate)Dallas, United States (culture)Brussels, Belgium (economics)Lisbon, Portugal (economics)Honolulu, United States (location)Detroit, United States (climate)Krakow, Poland (location)Shanghai, China (politics)San Jose, United States (politics)New Orleans, United States (culture)Nashville, United States (culture)Edmonton, Canada (climate)Salt Lake City, United States (culture)Baltimore, United States (culture)Bordeaux, France (culture)Gothenburg, Sweden (language barrier)Cleveland, United States (climate)Valencia, SpainEdinburgh, United Kingdom
Doha, United Arab Emirates (politics)Warsaw, Poland (location)Sao Paulo, Brazil (crime)Taipei, Taiwan (language barrier)Tucson, United States (climate)Pittsburgh, United States (climate)Charlotte, United States (culture)Lyon, France (culture)Nagoya, Japan (language barrier)Porto, Portugal (economics)Perth, Australia (location)Bilbao, Spain (economics)Cape Town, South Africa (crime)Sapporo, Japan (language barrier)Athens, Greece (language barrier)Hamburg, Germany (language barrier)Phoenix, United States (climate)Brisbane, Australia (location)Tampa, United States (culture)Naples, Italy (crime)Richmond, United States (culture)Birmingham, United Kingdom (culture)Raleigh, United States (culture)Rochester, New York (climate)Hong Kong, Hong Kong (language barrier)Nantes, France (culture)Toulouse, France (culture)Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (crime)
I then picked my ideal cities to live in to analyze further.
Zurich, Switzerland
Statistics
Overall Score: 98% (123/125)
Education: 5/5, Labor force participation: 5/5, Fortune 500 companies: 4/5, Universities: 5/5, Airport connectivity: 5/5, Convention centers: 5/5, GDP per capita: 5/5, Business environment: 5/5, Unemployment rate: 5/5, Crime rate: 5/5, Poverty level: 4/5, Price-to-income ratio: 3/5, Average cost of rent: 3/5, Healthcare system: 5/5, Commute times: 5/5, Sights & landmarks: 5/5, Tree coverage: 5/5, Parks & recreation: 5/5, Nightlife: 4/5, Restaurants: 5/5, Shopping: 5/5, Culture: 5/5, Attractions: 5/5, Desirability: 5/5, Public Perception: 5/5
Upsides
High Quality of Life: Zurich consistently ranks among the top cities in the world for its high standard of living, safety, healthcare, and public services.
Beautiful Scenery: Surrounded by the Swiss Alps and situated on the shores of Lake Zurich, the natural beauty is breathtaking with opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and skiing.
Excellent Education and Career Opportunities: Zurich offers world-class education institutions and is a hub for finance, technology, and innovation, attracting professionals from various fields.
International Culture: With a diverse population, Zurich provides a multicultural environment with a variety of international events, museums, and cultural experiences.
Efficient Public Transportation: Zurich has a well-connected public transport system, making commuting easy and efficient within the city and beyond.
Downsides
Competitive Job Market: While career opportunities are abundant, the job market is highly competitive, especially in finance, tech, and other specialized fields.
Limited Space: Due to its compact size, housing options can be limited and may not offer much in terms of affordable or spacious accommodations.
Language Barrier: Although English is widely spoken, knowledge of German can be helpful in daily life and work, which may pose a challenge for newcomers.
Singapore
Statistics
Overall Score: 97% (121/125)
Education: 5/5, Labor force participation: 5/5, Fortune 500 companies: 5/5, Universities: 5/5, Airport connectivity: 5/5, Convention centers: 5/5, GDP per capita: 5/5, Business environment: 5/5, Unemployment rate: 5/5, Crime rate: 5/5, Poverty level: 4/5, Price-to-income ratio: 4/5, Average cost of rent: 4/5, Healthcare system: 5/5, Commute times: 5/5, Sights & landmarks: 5/5, Tree coverage: 4/5, Parks & recreation: 5/5, Nightlife: 5/5, Restaurants: 5/5, Shopping: 4/5, Culture: 5/5, Attractions: 5/5, Desirability: 4/5, Public Perception: 4/5
Upsides
Thriving Economy: Singapore is a global financial hub with a strong economy, offering diverse job opportunities, especially in finance, tech, and trade.
Excellent Infrastructure: Singapore boasts world-class infrastructure, including top-notch public transportation, modern facilities, and a clean urban environment.
Safety and Security: Singapore is considered one of the safest cities in the world, with low crime rates and a strong sense of security.
Quality Education and Healthcare: The city-state offers top-tier education systems and advanced healthcare services, making it attractive for families and professionals.
Downsides
Humidity and Heat: The climate can be challenging, with high humidity and temperatures, which may not be suitable for everyone.
Limited Space: Space is limited in Singapore, leading to high-density living and smaller living spaces.
Strict Regulations: Singapore has strict laws and regulations, which can feel restrictive for some, especially in areas like internet censorship and personal freedoms.
Competitive Job Market: While job opportunities are abundant, the market is competitive, and navigating through it can be challenging, especially for foreigners.
Geneva, Switzerland
Statistics
Overall Score: 94% (117/125)
Education: 5/5, Labor force participation: 5/5, Fortune 500 companies: 4/5, Universities: 5/5, Airport connectivity: 5/5, Convention centers: 4/5, GDP per capita: 5/5, Business environment: 5/5, Unemployment rate: 4/5, Crime rate: 5/5, Poverty level: 4/5, Price-to-income ratio: 4/5, Average cost of rent: 4/5, Healthcare system: 5/5, Commute times: 5/5, Sights & landmarks: 5/5, Tree coverage: 4/5, Parks & recreation: 5/5, Nightlife: 4/5, Restaurants: 5/5, Shopping: 5/5, Culture: 5/5, Attractions: 5/5, Desirability: 5/5, Public Perception: 5/5
Upsides
High Quality of Life: Geneva is known for its excellent quality of life, with access to world-class healthcare, education, and public services.
Scenic Beauty: Nestled between the Alps and Jura mountains, and located by Lake Geneva, the natural surroundings provide stunning views and opportunities for outdoor activities.
Safety and Stability: Geneva is one of the safest cities in the world, offering a secure and stable environment for residents and families.
Strong Economy: With a focus on finance, banking, and high-tech industries, Geneva provides a variety of career opportunities for professionals.
Downsides
Limited Housing Options: The limited availability of affordable housing can make finding suitable accommodation difficult for newcomers.
Language Barrier: While English is commonly used, knowledge of French is helpful in daily interactions and navigating administrative processes.
High Workload and Competition: The job market can be competitive, and the work culture may be demanding, especially in sectors like finance and international organizations.
Boulder, Colorado
Statistics
Overall Score: 92% (115/125)
Education: 5/5, Labor force participation: 5/5, Fortune 500 companies: 3/5, Universities: 5/5, Airport connectivity: 4/5, Convention centers: 3/5, GDP per capita: 5/5, Business environment: 5/5, Unemployment rate: 5/5, Crime rate: 5/5, Poverty level: 4/5, Price-to-income ratio: 3/5, Average cost of rent: 3/5, Healthcare system: 5/5, Commute times: 5/5, Sights & landmarks: 5/5, Tree coverage: 5/5, Parks & recreation: 5/5, Nightlife: 4/5, Restaurants: 5/5, Shopping: 4/5, Culture: 5/5, Attractions: 5/5, Desirability: 5/5, Public Perception: 5/5
Boston, Massachusetts
Statistics
Overall Score: 90% (112/125)
Education: 5/5, Labor force participation: 5/5, Fortune 500 companies: 5/5, Universities: 5/5, Airport connectivity: 5/5, Convention centers: 5/5, GDP per capita: 5/5, Business environment: 4/5, Unemployment rate: 5/5, Crime rate: 4/5, Poverty level: 3/5, Price-to-income ratio: 3/5, Average cost of rent: 3/5, Healthcare system: 5/5, Commute times: 3/5, Sights & landmarks: 5/5, Tree coverage: 4/5, Parks & recreation: 5/5, Nightlife: 4/5, Restaurants: 5/5, Shopping: 4/5, Culture: 5/5, Attractions: 5/5, Desirability: 5/5, Public Perception: 5/5
Upsides
Educational and Research Hub: Boston is home to some of the top universities and research institutions in the world, including Harvard and MIT, fostering a vibrant academic and intellectual community.
Strong Job Market: Boston offers diverse career opportunities in industries such as finance, technology, healthcare, education, and biotechnology.
Rich History and Culture: With its historic landmarks, museums, theaters, and vibrant arts scene, Boston provides a deep cultural experience.
Downsides
Harsh Winters: The city experiences cold winters with heavy snowfall, which may not be appealing for those who prefer warmer climates.
High Rent and Limited Space: Housing options can be limited and pricey, making it difficult to find affordable living spaces.
Competitive Job Market: While there are ample opportunities, the job market is competitive, especially in industries like tech, healthcare, and finance.
Seattle, Washington
Statistics
Overall Score: 88% (111/125)
Education: 4/5, Labor force participation: 5/5, Fortune 500 companies: 5/5, Universities: 5/5, Airport connectivity: 5/5, Convention centers: 5/5, GDP per capita: 5/5, Business environment: 5/5, Unemployment rate: 4/5, Crime rate: 3/5, Poverty level: 3/5, Price-to-income ratio: 3/5, Average cost of rent: 3/5, Healthcare system: 5/5, Commute times: 3/5, Sights & landmarks: 5/5, Tree coverage: 5/5, Parks & recreation: 5/5, Nightlife: 4/5, Restaurants: 5/5, Shopping: 4/5, Culture: 5/5, Attractions: 5/5, Desirability: 5/5, Public Perception: 5/5
Upsides
Thriving Job Market: Seattle is a hub for tech giants like Amazon and Microsoft, along with booming industries in healthcare, aerospace, and biotechnology.
Beautiful Scenery and Outdoor Activities: Surrounded by water, mountains, and forests, Seattle offers breathtaking views and easy access to outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and boating.
Mild Climate: Seattle has relatively mild winters compared to other U.S. cities, with no extreme temperature fluctuations.
Downsides
Rainy Weather: The city’s reputation for frequent rain and gray skies can be a downside for those who prefer sunnier climates.
Traffic and Infrastructure Challenges: Seattle’s traffic congestion is notorious, and public transportation options, while improving, are still limited compared to other cities.
Earthquake Risk: Seattle is located in a seismically active region, posing a potential risk of earthquakes.
Austin, Texas
Statistics
Overall Score: 84% (105/125)
Education: 4/5, Labor force participation: 5/5, Fortune 500 companies: 4/5, Universities: 5/5, Airport connectivity: 4/5, Convention centers: 4/5, GDP per capita: 4/5, Business environment: 5/5, Unemployment rate: 5/5, Crime rate: 3/5, Poverty level: 3/5, Price-to-income ratio: 3/5, Average cost of rent: 3/5, Healthcare system: 4/5, Commute times: 3/5, Sights & landmarks: 4/5, Tree coverage: 4/5, Parks & recreation: 5/5, Nightlife: 5/5, Restaurants: 5/5, Shopping: 4/5, Culture: 5/5, Attractions: 4/5, Desirability: 5/5, Public Perception: 5/5
Upsides
Booming Job Market: Austin has a thriving economy with opportunities in tech (it's called "Silicon Hills"), healthcare, education, and creative industries.
Relatively Affordable (for Now): While prices are rising, Austin is still more affordable than other major tech hubs like San Francisco or Seattle.
Outdoor Lifestyle: With abundant green spaces, lakes (like Lady Bird Lake), and trails, Austin is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy activities like kayaking, hiking, and biking.
Downsides
Rising Cost of Living: Housing prices have skyrocketed in recent years, making it harder to find affordable homes.
Hot Summers: Austin's summers can be brutally hot, with temperatures often exceeding 100°F (38°C).
Allergy Capital: Austin is infamous for its high pollen counts, especially during cedar fever season, which can be tough for allergy sufferers.
New York, New York
Statistics
Overall Score: 84% (105/125)
Education: 4/5, Labor force participation: 5/5, Fortune 500 companies: 5/5, Universities: 5/5, Airport connectivity: 5/5, Convention centers: 5/5, GDP per capita: 5/5, Business environment: 4/5, Unemployment rate: 3/5, Crime rate: 3/5, Poverty level: 3/5, Price-to-income ratio: 2/5, Average cost of rent: 2/5, Healthcare system: 4/5, Commute times: 3/5, Sights & landmarks: 5/5, Tree coverage: 3/5, Parks & recreation: 4/5, Nightlife: 5/5, Restaurants: 5/5, Shopping: 5/5, Culture: 5/5, Attractions: 5/5, Desirability: 4/5, Public Perception: 4/5
Upsides
Endless Opportunities: NYC is a global hub for finance, media, fashion, tech, and arts, offering unparalleled career and networking opportunities.
World-Class Entertainment and Arts: Broadway shows, concerts, museums, and galleries—NYC offers endless options for entertainment and culture.
Exciting Lifestyle: NYC is the "city that never sleeps," with 24/7 restaurants, bars, and activities for those who thrive on constant energy.
Downsides
Crowds and Noise: The city is densely populated, which can feel overwhelming with constant noise, traffic, and crowded spaces.
Small Living Spaces: Apartments are notoriously small and expensive, with limited affordable housing options.
Fast-Paced and Stressful: The hustle and bustle of NYC can be exhausting, especially for those who prefer a slower pace of life.
Harsh Winters and Hot Summers: The winters can be cold and snowy, while summers are often humid and uncomfortable, making the weather a challenge for some.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Statistics
Overall Score: 82% (103/125)
Education: 4/5, Labor force participation: 4/5, Fortune 500 companies: 3/5, Universities: 5/5, Airport connectivity: 5/5, Convention centers: 4/5, GDP per capita: 4/5, Business environment: 4/5, Unemployment rate: 4/5, Crime rate: 4/5, Poverty level: 3/5, Price-to-income ratio: 3/5, Average cost of rent: 3/5, Healthcare system: 4/5, Commute times: 4/5, Sights & landmarks: 5/5, Tree coverage: 4/5, Parks & recreation: 4/5, Nightlife: 5/5, Restaurants: 5/5, Shopping: 4/5, Culture: 5/5, Attractions: 5/5, Desirability: 4/5, Public Perception: 4/5
Upsides
High Quality of Life: Amsterdam offers excellent healthcare, education, and public services, making it one of the most livable cities in the world.
Cycling Culture: With its extensive bike lanes and flat terrain, Amsterdam is a cyclist’s paradise, promoting an eco-friendly and active lifestyle.
Compact and Accessible: Amsterdam’s small size and excellent public transportation system make it easy to get around without a car.
Downsides
Rainy Weather: Amsterdam experiences frequent rain and cloudy skies, which can be challenging for those who prefer sunnier climates.
Strict Housing Rules: Renting or buying property comes with strict regulations, and navigating the housing market can be complicated.
Taxation: While salaries are generally good, the Netherlands has relatively high taxes, which can take a significant portion of earnings.
Miami, Florida
Statistics
Overall Score: 82% (103/125)
Education: 3/5, Labor force participation: 4/5, Fortune 500 companies: 3/5, Universities: 4/5, Airport connectivity: 5/5, Convention centers: 5/5, GDP per capita: 4/5, Business environment: 4/5, Unemployment rate: 4/5, Crime rate: 3/5, Poverty level: 3/5, Price-to-income ratio: 3/5, Average cost of rent: 3/5, Healthcare system: 4/5, Commute times: 3/5, Sights & landmarks: 5/5, Tree coverage: 4/5, Parks & recreation: 5/5, Nightlife: 5/5, Restaurants: 5/5, Shopping: 4/5, Culture: 5/5, Attractions: 5/5, Desirability: 5/5, Public Perception: 5/5
Upsides
Beautiful Weather: Miami enjoys warm, sunny weather year-round, with mild winters, making it a paradise for those who love the sun.
Thriving Nightlife: Miami is famous for its dynamic nightlife, luxury restaurants, and world-class music and art scenes, including events like Art Basel.
No State Income Tax: Florida’s lack of state income tax makes Miami an attractive destination for professionals and retirees alike.
Downsides
Hot and Humid Summers: Summers can be extremely hot and humid, with the added challenge of frequent thunderstorms and hurricane risks.
Traffic and Public Transit Issues: Miami’s traffic can be intense, and the public transportation system is limited compared to other major cities.
Climate Challenges: Rising sea levels and the risk of flooding due to Miami's low elevation are long-term concerns for residents.
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Statistics
Overall Score: 80% (100/125)
Education: 4/5, Labor force participation: 4/5, Fortune 500 companies: 3/5, Universities: 5/5, Airport connectivity: 4/5, Convention centers: 3/5, GDP per capita: 4/5, Business environment: 4/5, Unemployment rate: 4/5, Crime rate: 4/5, Poverty level: 3/5, Price-to-income ratio: 3/5, Average cost of rent: 3/5, Healthcare system: 4/5, Commute times: 4/5, Sights & landmarks: 5/5, Tree coverage: 5/5, Parks & recreation: 5/5, Nightlife: 4/5, Restaurants: 4/5. Shopping: 4/5, Culture: 5/5, Attractions: 5/5, Desirability: 4/5, Public Perception: 4/5
Upsides
High Quality of Life: The city offers excellent healthcare, education, and a strong sense of community, making it a great place for families and professionals.
Compact and Walkable: Edinburgh is relatively small, making it easy to explore on foot, with beautiful architecture, green spaces, and scenic views around every corner.
Friendly Atmosphere: Known for its welcoming locals, Edinburgh has a laid-back and friendly vibe compared to larger cities like London.
Downsides
Weather: The city experiences cold, wet, and windy weather for much of the year, with limited sunshine.
Job Market: While opportunities exist, the job market may be smaller and more specialized compared to larger cities, particularly outside fields like education and tourism.
Limited Nightlife Variety: While the pub culture is strong, the nightlife options may feel limited compared to larger metropolitan cities.
London, United Kingdom
Statistics
Overall Score: 78% (98/125)
Education: 4/5, Labor force participation: 4/5, Fortune 500 companies: 5/5, Universities: 5/5, Airport connectivity: 5/5, Convention centers: 4/5, GDP per capita: 4/5, Business environment: 4/5, Unemployment rate: 3/5, Crime rate: 3/5, Poverty level: 3/5, Price-to-income ratio: 2/5, Average cost of rent: 2/5, Healthcare system: 4/5, Commute times: 3/5, Sights & landmarks: 5/5, Tree coverage: 3/5, Parks & recreation: 4/5, Nightlife: 5/5, Restaurants: 5/5, Shopping: 5/5, Culture: 5/5, Attractions: 5/5, Desirability: 4/5, Public Perception: 4/5
Upsides
Global Hub for Opportunities: London is a major center for finance, technology, media, and the arts, offering abundant career opportunities across diverse industries.
Excellent Public Transport: The extensive Tube, bus, and rail networks make it easy to navigate the city and connect to other parts of the UK and Europe.
Vibrant Social Scene: From historic pubs to trendy bars, fine dining to food markets, and endless festivals, London offers something for everyone.
Downsides
Crowded and Busy: With a population of over 9 million, the city can feel overwhelming, especially during peak travel times.
Weather: London’s gray skies, frequent rain, and chilly winters may not appeal to those who prefer sunnier climates.
Competitive Job Market: While opportunities are plentiful, the job market is highly competitive, especially in high-demand industries like finance and tech.
Noise and Pollution: As a bustling metropolis, London can be noisy and has issues with air pollution, particularly in central areas.
Milan, Italy
Statistics
Overall Score: 78% (98/125)
Education: 4/5, Labor force participation: 4/5, Fortune 500 companies: 4/5, Universities: 4/5, Airport connectivity: 4/5, Convention centers: 4/5, GDP per capita: 5/5, Business environment: 5/5, Unemployment rate: 3/5, Crime rate: 3/5, Poverty level: 3/5, Price-to-income ratio: 3/5, Average cost of rent: 3/5, Healthcare system: 4/5, Commute times: 3/5, Sights & landmarks: 5/5, Tree coverage: 3/5, Parks & recreation: 3/5, Nightlife: 4/5, Restaurants: 5/5, Shopping: 5/5, Culture: 5/5, Attractions: 5/5, Desirability: 4/5, Public Perception: 4/5
Upsides
Economic and Fashion Hub: Milan is Italy's financial and business capital, offering diverse job opportunities, especially in fashion, design, finance, and technology.
World-Class Fashion and Shopping: Known as one of the fashion capitals of the world, Milan is a paradise for fashion lovers, with high-end boutiques and iconic fashion events.
Strategic Location: Milan’s location makes it easy to travel to other parts of Italy and Europe, with excellent train and air connections.
Downsides
Air Pollution: Milan has some of the highest levels of air pollution in Italy, which can be a concern for long-term residents.
Limited Green Spaces: While there are parks, Milan lacks the abundance of green spaces found in other European cities.
Weather Extremes: Summers can be hot and humid, while winters are often cold and foggy, which may not suit everyone’s preferences.
Madrid, Spain
Statistics
Overall Score: 76% (95/125)
Education: 4/5, Labor force participation: 4/5, Fortune 500 companies: 3/5, Universities: 4/5, Airport connectivity: 4/5, Convention centers: 4/5, GDP per capita: 4/5, Business environment: 4/5, Unemployment rate: 3/5, Crime rate: 3/5, Poverty level: 3/5, Price-to-income ratio: 3/5, Average cost of rent: 3/5, Healthcare system: 4/5, Commute times: 3/5, Sights & landmarks: 4/5, Tree coverage: 3/5, Parks & recreation: 4/5, Nightlife: 5/5, Restaurants: 5/5, Shopping: 4/5, Culture: 5/5, Attractions: 4/5, Desirability: 4/5, Public Perception: 4/5
Upsides
Affordable (Compared to Other Capitals): While a major city, Madrid is more affordable than other European capitals like London or Paris, especially in terms of dining and public transport.
Delicious Food and Drink: Madrid is known for its tapas culture, traditional Spanish cuisine, and excellent wine, as well as lively food markets like Mercado de San Miguel.
Central Location: Its location in the heart of Spain makes it easy to travel to other parts of the country via an excellent rail and road network.
Sunny Weather: Madrid enjoys a sunny climate with warm summers and mild winters, making it a pleasant place to live year-round.
Downsides
Hot Summers: Summers in Madrid can be extremely hot, with temperatures often exceeding 35°C (95°F), especially in July and August.
Air Pollution: Like many large cities, Madrid struggles with air pollution, which can be noticeable during certain times of the year.
Crowded and Noisy: As Spain’s capital and largest city, Madrid can feel busy and noisy, especially in central areas.
Late Lifestyle: The Spanish culture of late dinners and nightlife may be a challenge for those who prefer an earlier schedule.
Housing Market Challenges: Renting or buying property in Madrid, especially in central neighborhoods, can be competitive and increasingly expensive.
Dublin, Ireland
Statistics
Overall Score: 76% (95/125)
Education: 4/5, Labor force participation: 4/5, Fortune 500 companies: 3/5, Universities: 4/5, Airport connectivity: 4/5, Convention centers: 3/5, GDP per capita: 4/5, Business environment: 4/5, Unemployment rate: 4/5, Crime rate: 4/5, Poverty level: 3/5, Price-to-income ratio: 3/5, Average cost of rent: 3/5, Healthcare system: 4/5, Commute times: 4/5, Sights & landmarks: 4/5, Tree coverage: 3/5, Parks & recreation: 4/5, Nightlife: 4/5, Restaurants: 4/5, Shopping: 4/5, Culture: 5/5, Attractions: 4/5, Desirability: 4/5, Public Perception: 4/5
Upsides
Thriving Job Market: Dublin is a hub for tech giants like Google, Facebook, and Microsoft, as well as companies in finance and pharmaceuticals, offering excellent career opportunities.
Friendly Atmosphere: Known for its warm and welcoming people, Dublin is a city with a strong sense of community.
Compact and Walkable: Dublin is relatively small for a capital city, making it easy to explore on foot or bike, with most major attractions within close proximity.
Lively Social Scene: The city is famous for its pubs and music, including the iconic Temple Bar district, and its strong focus on live entertainment.
Downsides
Weather: Dublin's weather is often gray, rainy, and unpredictable, which may not suit those who prefer sunny climates.
Limited Housing Availability: The housing market in Dublin is highly competitive, with a shortage of affordable options in central areas.
Tax Rates: Ireland has relatively high income tax rates, which can be a downside despite the higher salaries in certain industries.
Final Thoughts
Choosing where to live is a highly subjective decision. There's no such thing as a perfect city. Many factors not included in the calculation above, such as family members or close friends, specific career industries or hobbies, childcare, tax rates, etc., may significantly influence the desirability of one city over another.
Choosing the correct city is knowing what you're trying to optimize in your life. Some cities are better suited to specific areas of life. You may also outgrow a city. Your priorities change, and suddenly, the place you've loved living for years feels like the wrong fit. Moving is hard. Change is hard. Hopefully, this template will serve as a reference point for figuring out what you'd like to optimize and how to use numbers to justify your intuition.