Vienna loses first place: Zurich overtakes our federal capital!

Vienna loses first place: Zurich overtakes our federal capital!

In the current Mercer ranking for 2024, Vienna has lost its status as the “most livable city in the world” and is now in second place. The Swiss city of Zurich secured first place due, among other things, to its excellent public services and low crime rate. In recent years, Vienna has been repeatedly praised for its quality of life, but now that luck seems to have disappeared MyDistrict reported. A key reason for this decline is the limited availability of rental apartments suitable for international professionals.

The Mercer rankings evaluate numerous factors, including living conditions, recreational opportunities and general infrastructure. According to Markus Kurth, Global Mobility Practice Lead at Mercer, Vienna has lost ground mainly due to the high demand for rental properties and their insufficient supply. While Vienna was disqualified, the city was still able to score points in internet availability. This could appeal to potential employees, although the cost of living in Zurich is challenging. Geneva, Copenhagen and Auckland follow in the top 5, while cities such as Tripoli and Kinshasa have the lowest quality of life Cosmo reported.

The latest changes in the ranking indicate that, despite its numerous advantages, Vienna needs to make improvements in the housing market in order to return to the top position. So far, Zurich has not only scored points for its excellent quality of life, but also for its strong commitment to sustainability and a lively cultural scene. The competition in the global ranking is becoming ever stronger, which brings with it both opportunities and challenges for the federal capital.