If you want to be surrounded by some of the most beautiful cities in the world, Europe is the place to go. From London and Paris to Prague and Barcelona, many of the continent’s cities are rich with history, impressive architecture, and gorgeous culture. But how do you decide which one to live in? Finding a good place to live is a very individual decision. While there may be plenty of picturesque views around every corner and delicious food on every street corner, these are only a few things that make up your quality of life. It’s quite difficult to compile a list of the best cities to live in Europe.
So what makes a good quality of life? It starts with finding an environment where you can meet your needs and achieve your goals as easily as possible. In other words, it’s finding a home where you are satisfied with all aspects of your environment and your life in general, and that means more than just having access to fancy restaurants. A city’s quality of life includes many factors that affect everyday living, such as:
- Quality of education
- Quality of infrastructure
- Housing quality
- Access to transportation
- The price of utilities
- Availability of medical care
- Employment opportunities
- Safety of life
Our list of best cities to live in Europe
Europe is a region of diverse cultures, languages, and borders. These attributes make Europe a fascinating place to live. European cities, in particular, are modern and multicultural, with impressive art and architecture that make moving there attractive. We have carefully compiled a list of the top 15 best cities to live in Europe. Maybe someone else has a different list based on some other factors, or maybe there is an up and down in city numbers. We have tried to include top cities, keeping in mind the above mentioned factors and excluding the cost of living factor. Of course, quality of life comes with a cost, so we advise you to keep your budget in mind while selecting one of these cities for relocation or living in them.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna is the capital of Austria and is also the largest city in the country. It’s a leading city in finance, culture, and politics and is home to some of the world’s most renowned architectural treasures. The UN Complex there houses the United Nations Office in Vienna, where international treaties on nuclear weapons are negotiated; it’s also home to the UN Industrial Development Organization, which promotes sustainable industrial development throughout the world. It has a population of 19,60,000 (April 2022) residents and has been ranked as the best city to live in Europe by numerous studies conducted by Mercer, the Economist Intelligence Unit, and Monocle.
Vienna is one of Europe’s leading tourist destinations, with numerous sights and attractions that are popular with travellers. The museums here include the Museum of Fine Arts (Kunsthistorisches Museum) and Albertina, which holds one of Europe’s best collections of drawings. The Leopold Museum exhibits modern Austrian art from around 1900 to the present day. The city has also been an important centre for music for centuries, with composers like Mozart, Beethoven and Mahler spending time here.
One of the things that drew us to Vienna was its excellent healthcare system. The general level of medical care in Austria is high, and that includes access to emergency rooms and highly qualified physicians who can advise patients on their diseases.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands and it is one of the best cities in Europe to live in, with a population of 11,58000 (2021) inhabitants. Amsterdam has been ranked as the second best city in Europe to live in. Amsterdam is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. That’s why there are always a huge number of visitors here from across the globe. You can enjoy its many museums and galleries or explore its beautiful canals by boat. Amsterdam is also famous for its nightlife.
The public health care system in Amsterdam helps residents get access to high-quality medical services. The hospital facilities are excellent, and there are many doctors and nurses per person. There are many universities and colleges in Amsterdam offering degrees in various fields, which include engineering, management studies, science, arts, and humanities.
Amsterdam ranks second when it comes to employment opportunities. If you want to work here, there are numerous opportunities for professional advancement. One of the biggest benefits of living in Amsterdam is that there is virtually no unemployment. In fact, over 200 corporations are headquartered in the Dutch capital. It is easy to travel around Amsterdam as there are many buses, trams, and trains that run on a daily basis, connecting different parts of the city with each other. The crime rate is very low, which means that you can walk around safely even at night without any worries about being robbed or attacked by anyone else.
Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
Luxembourg is a small country in western Europe with a population of about 644,414 (April 2022). It is bordered by France, Belgium, and Germany. Luxembourg has the highest GDP per capita in the EU. If you’re looking for a safe place to live with a low crime rate, a good education system, and a good transport system, then Luxembourg might be your choice.
Luxembourg benefits from an advanced healthcare system. The country also boasts high safety standards when it comes to its road network, which is further supported by public transportation options such as buses and trains. There are many museums and galleries in Luxembourg, including the National Museum of History and Art, which features artwork from around the world. In addition to this, there is also an opera house that hosts performances throughout the year.
The city centre offers some of Europe’s most luxurious hotels as well as being home to some great restaurants such as L’Auberge du Pont Rouge, where you can enjoy French cuisine at its finest! If you’re looking for something more casual, then head over to La Table De L’Epicure, where they offer delicious Mediterranean food served beautifully presented on wooden tables made by local craftsmen using reclaimed materials sourced from across Europe.
It’s also one of the best cities in Europe to get an education in. The country’s schools are among the highest-ranked in the EU, and its citizens are considered some of the most educated in the world. One reason that Luxembourg is such a great place to start a family is that they are committed to providing quality care for families and children. They offer 14 weeks of paid maternity leave, with parental leave available following that.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen is the capital of Denmark, but it has a population of only 13,70,000 (April 2022) inhabitants. This city has very low pollution levels and offers many opportunities to its residents. Copenhagen ranks very high in terms of quality of life in Europe. It is undoubtedly one of the safest cities in Europe with a very low crime rate, which makes it ideal for raising children or simply because of the tranquillity that it brings to your daily life.
The cost of living in Copenhagen is rather expensive by Western European standards, but you will not have any problem paying utility bills, as most services are covered by them. The transport system works well, although there are no high-speed trains here, and tourists come here from all over Europe to enjoy this wonderful place where history and everyday life go together.
The educational system in Copenhagen is the most highly ranked in the world. Children from kindergarten level are taught the Danish language, and foreigners can expect to learn it by attending courses at one of the city’s many language schools. Copenhagen is a global financial centre with low unemployment rates and high wages, which makes it easier for expatriates to find employment here. Healthcare facilities are also very good in Copenhagen, and it is one of the happiest cities in the world. The Danish government provides free medical services to every citizen, so there is no need to worry about your health.
Copenhagen has been voted as one of the top tourist destinations in Europe because of its rich history and cultural heritage. Visitors can enjoy visiting various historical sites like the Little Mermaid statue, Tivoli Gardens, etc. There are a number of ways to travel around Copenhagen, including taxis, buses, trains, and bicycles. Car ownership isn’t as widespread as it is in some other cities due to the high costs associated with car ownership, like insurance and fuel prices.
Dublin, Ireland
Dublin is the capital and largest city in Ireland. Dublin is in the province of Leinster, on Ireland’s east coast, at the mouth of the River Liffey. The city has an urban area population of around 12,56,000 (April 2022). Dublin, Ireland has consistently ranked highly in terms of quality of life. In fact, it was ranked as the third best city to live in Europe by Mercer’s Quality of Living Survey 2017. The report ranks cities in terms of health care facilities, quality of education, employment opportunities, tourism, transportation facilities, personal safety, food prices, and utility prices.
Dublin is a popular tourist destination with a plethora of historical landmarks like Trinity College and the Book of Kells. It also boasts an extremely efficient transportation system, which consists of the Luas tram system and a public bus network. The cost of living is not very high, with the exception of housing. However, there are plenty of job opportunities in Dublin, especially in the IT sector, with many multinational companies being based here. Overall, it’s a great place to visit or even live permanently!
For good reason, Dublin is one of the most-visited cities in Europe. It’s a city bursting with history, culture, and an undeniable sense of the unexpected and extraordinary. The capital of Ireland has been ranked as the fifth best city in Europe to live and work in, thanks to its bilingualism, quality of education, excellent healthcare facilities, quality of life, tourism and transportation facilities.
United Kingdom, London
London is the capital of the United Kingdom and definitely one of the best cities to live in Europe. It offers you all the amenities of the first world and a lot more. The health care facilities in London are among the best in the world. The quality of education is also on par with other first-world countries. The employment opportunities are endless, and the city has everything for everyone. London is the most populous city in the United Kingdom, with a population of 95,41,000 (April 2022). London is also the most visited city in the world for various reasons, like its history, architecture, culture, entertainment, fashion, and sports. It has been ranked as the fifth most expensive city in the world to live in.
London has one of the best healthcare facilities in the world. It is free and easily accessible to everyone through the National Health Service (NHS). All you need to do is show your NHS card at a doctor’s office or hospital and you will be treated for free. Healthcare quality is great in London. Doctors are highly educated, and hospitals are equipped with the latest technologies.
London has a lot of quality schools, from primary level to university level. It is also one of the best places for higher studies as it has quality universities like Oxford University and Cambridge University. These universities attract students from all around the world because they provide the best education in the world with great research opportunities for PhD students as well as master’s students.
London is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, with millions of visitors every year from all over the world. The transportation facilities are also very good, with an extensive tube network connecting all parts of London and buses traveling to even smaller areas. London has a low crime rate as compared to other cities in Europe, and you can walk around safely even late at night.
The food prices are also quite reasonable, with many restaurants offering discounts on meals if you present your student ID card. Utility prices vary depending on where you live and your usage, but they tend to be higher than in other European cities because most homes have central heating (not common elsewhere). The cost of living is quite high due to this fact, as well as high taxes imposed by the government.
Helsinki, Finland
In Europe, there are many cities that have high quality of life standards and a great environment for people who want to live a comfortable life. Helsinki, Finland, is considered one of the best cities to live in Europe with a top quality of life. The city has a beautiful location on the Baltic Sea, and it offers a high standard of living for all its residents and tourists. There are various recreational activities like boating and fishing to be enjoyed in this beautiful city, along with the presence of great restaurants and shopping malls. The city has very good educational facilities, along with excellent transportation facilities and a health care system for its residents.
The Finnish capital city of Helsinki is one of the most liveable cities in the world. It’s also a great place to live if you are interested in technology, as it has many tech companies located there. It has a high-quality education system and it’s an affordable place to live, with housing and utility bills costing only around 200 euros per month (about $250). There are plenty of quality restaurants and accommodations for visitors who visit the city. Helsinki is known for its Design District, which comprises over 200 galleries and shops, most of which are housed in former industrial buildings. Helsinki’s South Harbor is lined with 19th-century warehouses that have been converted into restaurants, bars, and cafes, while the Esplanandi park hosts outdoor dance events in summer.
Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm, Sweden, is the capital and largest city of Sweden. The city was founded by Birger Jarl on the banks of Stockholm Lake in 1252. It is the hub of most Swedish companies and agencies. It has a major cultural and economic impact on the country. The metro area has a population of about 2 million people. The city is known for its cleanliness, safety, and quality of life. Stockholm consistently ranks as one of the cleanest cities in Europe. The biggest employers are ABB Group, Ericsson, Nokia Networks, Saab Group, and Volvo Group. The city provides numerous job opportunities in a variety of industries, including IT services, biotechnology, automotive, and electronics.
The city has about 60,000 students at its universities and colleges. The University of Stockholm is one of the largest universities in Scandinavia with 60,000 students. Other important universities are the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), Karolinska Institute (KI), and Stockholm School of Economics (SSE). One major reason that makes Stockholm such a great place to live is its healthcare system. In Sweden’s national health care model, all residents have access to free medical services at public hospitals or private clinics by paying small fees for each visit.
Stockholm enjoys an extensive public transportation system that includes trains, buses, and ferries. Subways run 24 hours a day on all weekdays. There is also an extensive network of cycle lanes in the city which are well-maintained throughout the year. Do consider this beautiful city in your search for the best cities to live in Europe.
Bern, Switzerland
Bern is a small city, with a population of just about 437,000 (April 2022). It’s the capital of Switzerland and is located in the Bernese Highlands. In fact, it’s considered one of the oldest cities in Europe. Bern is often referred to as the “City of Fountains”. The city’s architecture consists of numerous medieval-style buildings, which make it one of the most beautiful cities in Switzerland.
One thing that you will find amazing about Bern is that there are no cars allowed inside the city, which makes it a perfect place to visit if you want to avoid traffic and loud cars everywhere. The city has an excellent public transport system, which makes it very easy to get around. Switzerland overall is famous for tourism in the world. It has beautiful landscapes and lush green mountains that attract millions of tourists around the globe. So Bern, Switzerland is an excellent place to live and one of the best cities in Europe.
It has one of the best healthcare systems in the world, with free access to hospitals for residents as well as non-residents who pay a small fee. The city’s public transportation system is also highly efficient and reliable, with an integrated network of trains, trams, and buses that run frequently on weekdays and Saturdays. Residents enjoy mild weather all year, with temperatures rarely exceeding 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21.11 degrees Celsius) or falling below freezing.
Oslo, Norway
Oslo is the capital and largest city in Norway. It has a population of 10,71,000 people (April 2022). The city is the centre of Norwegian trade, banking, industry, and shipping. It is an important place for the maritime industry and maritime trade in Europe. Scandinavian countries are the best for living, with the lowest corruption, crime rates, and high development. Oslo is one of the top candidates when someone is considering the best cities to live in Europe.
Oslo is surrounded by mountains and the sea, which makes for stunning scenery and plenty of outdoor activities for residents. It’s also one of the cleanest cities in the world. It’s not only known for its green spaces and sustainable living features, but it also has very low levels of pollution. Oslo has a very high quality of life, with an above-average health care system and excellent educational facilities. Its employment opportunities are good as well, with a large number of jobs available at any given time.
For those who enjoy visiting museums or galleries, Oslo has plenty to offer as well. It’s home to more than 50 museums and 100 art galleries. The city also has great transportation facilities, including both public transportation options like buses and trains, as well as private car services like Uber or Lyft. Personal safety is another important factor that residents look at when choosing where they want to live. Oslo consistently ranks among the safest cities in Europe due to its low crime rate (and even lower violent crime rate).
Paris, France
Paris is the capital and biggest city of France; it is one of the most populated cities in Europe with around 12 million inhabitants (April 2022). Paris is a beautiful city that is famous for its monuments and landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower. The city has many other attractions, including the Louver Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Palace of Versailles. Paris has some of the best schools and universities in Europe. Its economic structure is stable and it enjoys one of the highest per capita incomes in Europe. The city has a large number of employment opportunities along with excellent health care facilities.
The unemployment rate in Paris is very low compared to most European capitals. The cost of living in Paris is higher than in other European cities, but wages are also higher, so that allows people living and working there to live comfortable lives. Public transportation is very well developed in Paris, one of the best in Europe. Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world and also one of the best cities to live in Europe.
Paris has an excellent healthcare system that includes both government-funded health care and private health care providers. There are plenty of doctors practicing different branches of medicine who are available to treat patients who are nationals or residents of France or visitors from another country who have purchased travel insurance from one of Paris’s insurance companies. Paris also has stunning traditions and customs and is one of the most visited cities in Europe.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is the second-largest city in Spain. It has a population of 56,578,000 (April 2022) people and is located on the north-east border of Spain. Economically, it has been performing really well due to its robust trade network with other countries. Tourism is another very important industry here, contributing significantly to the country’s economic prosperity. The city offers a high quality of life, especially for those who are interested in settling down in Europe. The quality of life is measured based on factors like health care facilities, safety, education, and employment opportunities.
Barcelona is one of the most vibrant and bustling cities in Europe. It has a rich cultural heritage and offers lots of opportunities for tourists to explore it. The city boasts world-class museums, theatres, and art galleries. One can also visit the historical sites and monuments here.
The standard of education and healthcare facilities in the city is very high and widely available to all residents. Employment opportunities are abundant and are mostly concentrated around the tourism and manufacturing industries. It is also a very safe place to live, with very low crime rates for a city of its size. The transportation facilities are excellent, with plenty of public transport options to get around the city conveniently. There are also many tourist attractions that can be enjoyed by visitors as well as locals alike at any time of the year.
Munich, Germany
Munich, Germany’s most populous and capital city, is also the state capital of Bavaria. It has a population of around 15,66,000 as of April 2022. When it comes to living in Munich, the quality of life is high. This is thanks to the low crime rate, excellent healthcare and education systems, and a stable political climate. If you’re looking for a city with a strong economy that has plenty of opportunities for business, then Munich is worth considering due to its status as one of Europe’s strongest economies. The employment rates are also high here, and there are lots of opportunities for employment for expats in Germany.
The transport system in this German city is also excellent, with excellent road networks as well as an efficient train network with over 160 stations. If you have your own car or prefer cycling as your means of transportation, then you will find the roads great to drive on. Safety wise, like most cities in Germany, Munich is pretty safe with relatively low crime rates. However, pickpocketing does occasionally occur, so make sure you keep an eye out for suspicious activity when visiting crowded areas.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic, and it is one of the largest cities in Central Europe. Known as the “City of a Hundred Spires” for its many cathedrals and churches, Prague is also home to many famous examples of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. The city is located in the north-west of the country on the Vltava River.
Prague’s low cost of living makes it a popular destination for expats, who can enjoy an excellent quality of life and affordable accommodation. The city also has an extensive public transport network. The city is also a hub for culture, with a wide range of museums, galleries, and theatres. Its historical centre has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1992 thanks to its well-preserved baroque buildings and medieval streets.
Prague is also one of Europe’s safest cities. It has very low crime rates compared to other European capitals, and most people feel comfortable walking around alone at night without fearing for their personal safety. The city offers excellent public transportation, with buses running every 10 minutes during peak hours and trams every five minutes during off-peak times (from 6pm to 8am).
It has a lot to offer when it comes to tourism. You can find here some of the finest museums and galleries in Europe. The transportation is good and affordable; you can get anywhere by tram or bus within a few minutes. Prague is safe even at night, so you won’t have to worry that someone will steal your belongings. Food prices are affordable and utility bills are reasonable too, so you can live comfortably on an average salary. So, if you want to live a high-quality life on a low budget, Prague is a great option, and it is one of the best cities to live in Europe.
Budapest, Hungry
Budapest, the capital city of Hungary, is one of the most sought-after cities to live in Europe. The reason behind its popularity among Europeans is that it offers almost everything a person needs for a quality life.
Budapest has a standard of living that’s higher than average. Budapest’s health care system also ranks highly among other nations in Europe because it offers both public and private hospitals with world-class facilities. A good education is also assured in Budapest, and its university schools offer degrees that can be used anywhere in the EU and beyond. In addition to all of these, Budapest has excellent transportation services, which include trams, bus service, taxis, metro trains, trolley buses, and boats on the Danube River.
When compared to other European capitals, the cost of living is reasonable; it is only 5% more expensive than the average European city. The cheapest things you will find here are utility bills. Gas bills are as low as $38 per month, while electricity costs around $64 per month. Finally, safety is not an issue because there are cameras installed everywhere in Budapest that keep you safe from any violence or crime.
This was our list of the best cities to live in Europe. In the end, let us know by commenting below which city you like the most and where you are planning to settle down. Also check out the list of the top 20 cheapest cities to visit in Europe.
