Australia Leads the World: Five Cities in Top 20 of Global Liveability Index

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In June 2025, the Economist Intelligence Unit released its latest Global Liveability Index, and Australia once again proved its status as one of the world’s most desirable places to live. The country secured more top-20 positions than any other nation, with five Australian cities making the prestigious list.

Melbourne and Sydney Lead the Way

Melbourne claimed the fourth spot globally, maintaining its position as Australia’s most liveable city. The Victorian capital scored exceptionally well across all categories, achieving perfect scores of 100 in both healthcare and education. Sydney followed close behind in sixth place, continuing to demonstrate its world-class appeal.

Both cities received identical scores of 96.4 out of 100 for infrastructure, along with matching perfect scores for healthcare and education, and 95 points for stability. However, Melbourne edged ahead in the culture and environment category, scoring 95.8, highlighting the city’s renowned arts scene, diverse culinary offerings, and vibrant cultural landscape.

The Complete Australian Top 20

Beyond Melbourne and Sydney, three other Australian cities secured positions in the global top 20:

• Adelaide ranked 9th, climbing two spots from 11th place in 2024

• Perth came in at 15th place.

• Brisbane secured 16th position.

  
  

This remarkable achievement means Australia claimed more top-20 spots than any other country in the 2025 index, underscoring the nation’s consistently high quality of life across multiple metropolitan areas.

Understanding the Rankings

The Economist Intelligence Unit evaluates 173 cities worldwide using 30 indicators across five key categories: stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure. Each city receives a score out of 100, providing a comprehensive assessment of living conditions.

Vienna, Austria, retained the top position for the third consecutive year, achieving perfect scores in four of the five categories. Copenhagen, Denmark, and Zurich, Switzerland, rounded out the top three.

What Makes Australia So Liveable?

Australia’s exceptional performance in the Global Liveability Index reflects a unique combination of factors that set its cities apart on the world stage. The country’s success isn’t just about one or two outstanding cities, but rather a consistently high standard of living across multiple metropolitan areas.

World-Class Healthcare and Education: Australian cities achieved perfect scores of 100 in both healthcare and education categories. This reflects the nation’s universal healthcare system, excellent public and private hospitals, and world-renowned universities. Residents benefit from accessible medical care, highly trained professionals, and educational opportunities that rank among the best globally.

Political and Social Stability: With a stable democratic government, low crime rates, and strict rule of law, Australian cities provide residents with a sense of security that’s increasingly rare in the modern world. This stability creates an environment where people can plan for the future with confidence.

Outstanding Infrastructure: Scoring 96.4 for infrastructure, Australian cities boast reliable public transport systems, well-maintained roads, modern utilities, and excellent telecommunications networks. The infrastructure supports both daily life and economic activity, making cities functional and efficient.

Cultural Diversity and Vibrancy: Australia’s multicultural society enriches its cities with diverse cuisines, festivals, arts, and perspectives. From Melbourne’s laneway culture to Sydney’s harbour attractions, each city offers a unique cultural identity while celebrating diversity and inclusion.

Natural Environment and Climate: Australian cities benefit from proximity to stunning natural landscapes, from beaches and harbours to parks and gardens. The generally mild climate allows year-round outdoor activities, fostering an active, healthy lifestyle that many residents cherish.

Economic Opportunity: Strong economies, low unemployment, and diverse job markets across industries make Australian cities attractive for professionals and families seeking career advancement and financial stability.

Melbourne: Australia’s Cultural Heart and Culinary Capital

Melbourne’s fourth-place ranking makes sense when you understand what the city really is. Sure, there are the famous laneways and cafe culture, but Melbourne is actually a collection of villages. Each suburb has its own vibe and tree-lined streets—bohemian Brunswick, beachside St Kilda, leafy Hawthorn, the multicultural buzz of Richmond and Footscray. It’s a city that gives you everything without losing that local feel.

The scores back this up: Melbourne hit 97.0 overall, with perfect 100s in healthcare and education. The culture and environment score of 95.8 was the highest of any Australian city, and the infrastructure score of 96.4 reflects a tram network that actually works.

Sydney: Harbour City Excellence

Sydney’s sixth-place ranking confirms its status as one of the world’s premier cities. Sydney achieved identical scores to Melbourne in several key categories, including perfect marks for healthcare and education, and 96.4 for infrastructure. The city’s harbour-side location, iconic landmarks like the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, and stunning beaches contribute to its global appeal.

Sydney’s strengths lie in its economic opportunities, multicultural population, and high-quality public services. The city’s stable political environment and well-developed infrastructure make it an attractive destination for both residents and businesses. As Australia’s largest city and financial hub, Sydney combines urban sophistication with natural beauty in a way few cities can match.

Adelaide: The Rising Star

Adelaide’s 11th-place ranking is particularly noteworthy as it was the only Australian capital city to improve its position from 2023. This upward movement highlights Adelaide’s growing appeal as a liveable city. Often called the “20-minute city” for its compact size and ease of navigation, Adelaide offers residents a more relaxed pace of life than its larger counterparts.

The South Australian capital combines excellent healthcare and education facilities with a lower cost of living than Sydney or Melbourne, making it increasingly attractive to families and professionals seeking better affordability without sacrificing quality of life. Adelaide’s festival culture, wine regions, and coastal lifestyle add to its charm, while recent investments in infrastructure and urban development are helping to position the city as a serious alternative to the east coast capitals.

Looking Forward

Australia’s dominance in the 2025 Global Liveability Index demonstrates that the country has successfully created multiple cities where people can thrive. With five cities in the top 20 and three in the top 10, Australia offers residents and potential newcomers a range of excellent options, each with its own unique character and strengths.

The 2025 results clearly demonstrate that Australian cities remain among the best places to live in the world, offering exceptional healthcare, education, stability, and cultural opportunities that attract residents from across the globe. Whether drawn to Melbourne’s cultural vibrancy, Sydney’s economic dynamism, Adelaide’s rapid improvement, or the relaxed lifestyles of Perth and Brisbane, those choosing to call Australia home are choosing cities that consistently rank among the world’s finest.