This European City Has the Highest Quality of Life in the World for Climate, Safety, and Health Care
The Hague ranks No. 1 for safety, health care, and climate.
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Who wouldn't want to improve their quality of life? While there are many things you can likely do at home to improve your day-to-day, sometimes, it all comes down to where you live. And if you want to stack the deck, it may be time to consider relocating to one particular European city.
The Quality of Life Index by Numbeo is an "estimation of the overall quality of life in a city or country," the website explains in its methodology. The index looks at several variables, including "purchasing power, pollution levels, housing affordability, cost of living, safety, healthcare quality, commute times, and climate conditions." The list is also based on survey responses that capture the real-world experiences of those living in each place.
In the end, all this is compiled, each factor is given a weighted score, and places with a higher index value have a better quality of life. As of the mid-year 2024 review, The Hague (Den Haag), a city located near the North Sea in the Netherlands, is at the top of the list. And it's a position it's held for more than a year.
As the findings show, The Hague scored an overall 223.8, with its highest marks in climate, health care, and safety. It's a place where everyone can find their joy thanks not only to its gorgeous historic center but as the Hague International Center noted, it's also near verdant outdoor spaces and sandy beaches. And, it's close to major airports like Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), with plenty of options for international trains nearby and lots of local public transit options as well.
As for the rest of the list, the top spots were dominated by European destinations, with the No. 2 spot going to Luxembourg, followed by Eindhoven, Netherlands; Rotterdam, Netherlands; Zurich; Copenhagen; Vienna; Helsinki, Finland; Geneva; and Frankfurt. The first non-European Union spot went to Perth, Australia, No. 14.
The first U.S. destination to make the list is Austin, at No. 15. Seattle and Tampa also scored high marks, getting into the 20th and 21st spots, respectively.
See the full rankings at numbeo.com.
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