Annual Mercer City Ranking: Vienna Tops, Baghdad Bounces
Mercer’s Hot Take on Where to Live
Mercer, that savvy consulting firm that helps corporate folks decide where to plant their staff abroad, has just released its latest survey of 231 cities. Think of it as the superhero ranking list for quality of life: politics, health care, schools, crime, playtime, and the daily hustle of getting around. The star of the show for the ninth consecutive year? Vienna, Austria.
Vienna: The Gold‑Lined Top Spot
With a lively arts scene, top‑notch medical care, and housing that won’t leave you screaming “Why is the rent so high?”, Vienna is winning hearts and rating charts alike. It handily outshines Zurich and pulls a tight trio with Auckland and Munich for the mix of culture and comfort.
Europe Leads the Lottery of Luxury
- Germany and Switzerland each bagged three of the top 10.
- New Zealand, Canada and Australia had one city each.
North America’s Dreamer
Vancouver claims the fifth spot, proving that Canada’s peace‑ful vibe is indeed living up to its reputation.
Asia & Latin America’s Highlights
- Singapore lands at number 25.
- Montevideo makes a splash at 77.
- In Africa, Durban from South Africa holds the 89th spot.
UK’s Minor Dip
London, once the centrepiece of the UK’s nice‑place list, slipped down to 41 just before the country pulls out of the EU. “Cities in the UK continue to rank highly for quality of living, and remain attractive destinations for multinationals and their employees,” says Kate Fitzpatrick of Mercer’s UK practice.
East Meets West: Rising Stars
Over two decades, places like Sarajevo and Bratislava have seen living standards rise faster than one can say “economy”. That’s attracting big‑name businesses to vie for their talent and market.
Baghdad’s Bad Luck Badge
For a decade in a row, Baghdad sits dead‑center of the “worst” category. Ongoing sectarian turbulence has taken its toll. The capital of Yemen, Sanaa, flips just above Baghdad, and Damascus—still embroiled in a civil war—surges six spots higher.
