Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) recently published a report that ranks the world’s most liveable cities, and Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary are among the top 10. This is wonderful news for Canada as a whole since it helps to boost a city’s economy.

Although Toronto and Vancouver may take the glory as Canada’s top cities, Calgary has proven to be the finest place to live in 2022.

Calgary has climbed to third place on a list of the world’s most livable cities, its best-ever position. It’s also tied with Zurich, Switzerland as the third greatest city to live in. Calgary, Canada’s third-largest city by StatCan, has improved 15 places since 2021 owing to its early pandemic restrictions.

The index ranks 172 cities across the world on over 30 factors, including health care accessibility, greenery, cultural and sports opportunities, crime rates, and infrastructure.

The Economist cites things such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and stability as some of the most important factors. How can these ratings help a city’s economy grow? These cities will benefit from attracting businesses and people to move there since they are evolving as great areas in which to live, work, visit, and invest. This, in turn, helps to create jobs and grow the economy.

So, what are the characteristics of these liveable Canadian cities? Here are some of the things that contribute:

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Healthcare

All three of these cities have world-class healthcare systems. This is crucial for both individuals and companies.

Education

These cities also have some of the world's best education systems. This draws businesses and people from all over the globe.

Infrastructure

Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary all have excellent public transportation systems that make traveling around considerably easier and more efficient.

Stability

Another important aspect of liveability is its stability. Both politically and economically, these Canadian cities are quite stable.

Calgary City
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Culture and environment

All three of these Canadian cities have great cultures and environments. They are all surrounded by beautiful parks, and the air and water are among the cleanest in the world. They also have a wealth of cultural and recreational opportunities, which makes them a desirable place to live for people from all walks of life.

Top 10 cities

1. Vienna, Austria

Following a drop to number 12 in 2021, Vienna reclaimed the top spot in 2022 after improving COVID limitations that closed its cultural attractions.

2. Copenhagen, Denmark

Last year, Copenhagen was ranked 15th. This year, it received a 100 for stability, education, and infrastructural development, putting it at the top of the list.

3. Zurich, Switzerland (tie)

The Swiss capital has made the top 10 for two years in a row, after ranking seventh in 2021.

3. Calgary, Canada (tie)

The city has placed third, matching Zurich, which rose fifteen places since last year as a result of the lightening of COVID restrictions.

5. Vancouver, Canada

Vancouver has been a regular on the EIU's list for nearly a decade. It has made its way back into the top 10 after a one-year absence owing to the pandemic.

6. Geneva, Switzerland

Geneva moved up two spots from 8th in the 2021 report.

7. Frankfurt, Germany

Major cities in Europe like London, Berlin, and Paris were not represented in the ranking; however, Frankfurt improved its standing from 39th last year to 7th this year.

8. Toronto, Canada

Despite the fact that it dropped off the list in 2021, it has re-entered this year in 8th place.

9. Amsterdam, Netherlands

The Netherlands made a significant improvement since last year, with tourist sites reopening after COVID restrictions were lifted. It was ranked 30th in 2021.

10. Osaka, Japan (tie)

Osaka had been in the top-10 list every year since 2018, reaching its highest position of second last year.

10. Melbourne, Australia (tie)

Every year since 2011, Melbourne has topped the ranking, but this year it dropped to 10th.

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Nicola Wightman

Nicola Wightman is a regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) under the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC). Her professional immigration consultant number is R706497.

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