A Mild Drop in the Rankings: Singapore Still Stays Pretty Cool
Just because a city slips a couple spots on a global list doesn’t mean it’s losing its spark. Singapore’s overall score actually nudged higher, although its rank fell from 35 to 37 in the EIU Global Liveability Survey.
Why Everyone Loves Singapore
- Rising Score (90.4 → 91.2) – The city’s livability rating climbed, showing that residents still feel the place is solid.
- Consistent Gold in Quality of Living – Mercer’s latest survey still crowned Singapore the top Asian city, placing it at 25th worldwide.
- Built‑for‑Life Features – Like housewife Belinda Carlson, many expats note how easy it is to hop onto a bus without a car. “Everything’s under a roof, rain or shine,” she says.
What the EIU Says
Simon Baptist, global chief economist at EIU, explained the hiccup:
“Singapore’s public healthcare has hit the top score, but other cities—especially Hong Kong—improved more across the board. Stability, which carries a hefty weight, boosted Hong Kong from 45th to 35th.”
“We see Singapore a bit lower than Vienna mainly due to tighter censorship and limited social freedoms.”
Key Takeaways from The Centre for Liveable Cities
“We’re aiming for a competitive economy, sustainable environment, and a high quality of life that includes social and psychological well‑being.”
Word From the Local Voice
Alfred Hong, a 65‑year‑old retiree, warned:
“Floods and trains breaking down lately could dent Singapore’s desirability if we’re too fast‑paced. Pick a steady climb instead of a sharp sprint.”
Experts Say, “Don’t Put All Eggs in One Ranking Basket”
Professor David Chan of Singapore Management University stresses the importance of inside the city changes over outside ranking comparisons. He says:
“Liveability hinges on hope, experience, and everyday interactions. Rankings are helpful, but they shouldn’t guide all policy decisions.”
Bottom line: Singapore remains a city that’s still highly livable, with a strong chance to keep improving. Just remember that a few ranking points don’t spell the whole story.
