The Economic Intelligence Unit (EIU) has released its annual report on the world’s most livable cities, highlighting two Canadian cities that have made it to the top ranks.

Each year, the EIU assesses and ranks cities based on factors such as stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure to create the Global Livability Ranking.

In the 2024 report, Calgary has risen to fifth place, tying with Geneva and swapping positions with Vancouver, which has moved from fifth to seventh place. For the first time in three years, Toronto has fallen out of the global top 10, now ranking 12th, after being in ninth place in 2023. Vienna and Copenhagen have retained the first and second spots for the third consecutive year. This year’s top 10 includes the same cities as 2023, although last year featured an 11-city top 10 due to a tie.

Understanding the Criteria

The EIU livability index is based on five key criteria:

• Stability: Includes factors like petty and violent crime, threat of terror, military conflict, and civil unrest.
• Healthcare: Covers the availability and quality of private and public healthcare, over-the-counter drugs, and general healthcare indicators from World Bank data.
• Culture and Environment: Looks at climate, corruption, censorship, social or religious restrictions, cultural availability, food and drink, and consumer goods and services.
• Education: Assesses the availability and quality of private and public education, using indicators from World Bank data.
• Infrastructure: Evaluates road networks, public transport, international links, water and energy provision, telecommunications, and quality housing availability.

Calgary

Calgary is once again ranked as the most livable city in Canada with an overall score of 96.8. The city excels in stability, healthcare, and education, scoring a perfect 100 in these categories. However, its scores in culture and environment, and infrastructure are slightly lower, though still above 90.

Calgary is a popular destination for immigrants and Canadians, offering lower taxes, affordable rents, and strong school districts.

Vancouver

Despite dropping two places, Vancouver remains one of the world’s most livable cities with an overall score of 96.6. It scores 100 in education and healthcare but faces slightly lower marks in culture and environment, stability, and infrastructure. Vancouver’s ranking has been affected by persistent housing issues, yet it continues to shine in healthcare, education, and cultural features.

Toronto

Toronto has dropped to 12th place in the 2024 rankings, falling out of the top 10 for the first time since 2021. The city’s ranking has been impacted by rising housing costs and shortages. Despite these challenges, Toronto maintains strong performance in stability, healthcare, and education, according to the EIU criteria.