04Jan 2024
According to the European Commission’s latest report, Switzerland and Germany dominate the list of cities where residents are most satisfied with their quality of life.
The Commission’s 2023 Report on Quality of Life in European Cities surveyed over 70,000 residents of 83 cities across Europe.
It found that overall satisfaction remains high, with nine out of ten people happy with living in their city.
Smaller Cities Shine Brightest
The study confirmed that smaller cities tend to outperform larger ones in multiple categories.
“Smaller cities are perceived as a better place to live in many aspects, including safety, availability of public spaces, healthcare, housing affordability, and local public administrations,” the report stated.
Around 89% of residents in cities with under 250,000 people expressed satisfaction with their city life.
People feel safer and believe smaller cities have cleaner public areas and environments, affordable housing, and accessible healthcare.
Smaller urban areas also got high marks for public administration and were seen as better for immigrants, older people, and families with young children.
Top 10 European Cities for Quality Living
According to the percentage of satisfied residents, the top 10 most livable European cities are:
- Zurich, Switzerland (97%)
- Copenhagen, Denmark (96%)
- Groningen, Netherlands (96%)
- Gdansk, Poland (95%)
- Leipzig, Germany (95%)
- Stockholm, Sweden (95%)
- Geneva, Switzerland (97%)
- Rostock, Germany (94%)
- Cluj-Napoca, Romania (94%)
- Braga, Portugal (94%)
The study found Groningen, Braga, and Gdansk were also among the best European cities for immigrants, along with Cardiff, Lisbon, Barcelona, and others.
Quality of Life Slipping in Some Areas
While overall satisfaction remains high, the report did note some declines compared to 2019.
When asked about quality of life changes in the past five years, 31% said it improved, 40% saw no change, and 29% said it declined.
Cities With the Least Satisfied Residents
At the bottom of the rankings for resident satisfaction were:
- Palermo, Italy
- Athens, Greece
- Istanbul, Turkey
- Tirana, Albania
- Naples, Italy
- Belgrade, Serbia
- Rome, Italy
- Skopje, North Macedonia
- Miskolc, Hungary
- Podgorica, Montenegro
The 2023 quality of life report surveyed 71,153 residents of cities in the EU, European Free Trade Association, Western Balkans, Turkey, and the UK from January to April 2023.
The minimum sample was 839 people per city.
Therefore, while satisfaction has dipped slightly in recent years, the vast majority of urban Europeans still enjoy a high quality of life, especially in mid-sized cities in nations like Switzerland, Germany, the Netherlands, and Scandinavia.
For those looking to relocate to Europe, targeting these cities could lead to a smooth transition and a happy home.
ETIAS Requirements Ease Ahead for Top Cities
For non-EU citizens looking to visit or relocate to Europe’s highest-rated cities, the upcoming ETIAS visa waiver will simplify travel after its launch in May 2025.
The ETIAS will allow visa-free entry to the Schengen Area for short stays of 90 days under a simple online application process.
This will benefit tourists, visiting families, students, and business travelers heading to cities like Zurich, Copenhagen, Stockholm, and others on the top ten list.
ETIAS to Support Immigration Boost
With application rejection rates projected below 3%, the hassle-free ETIAS system should make it easier for non-EU nationals to immigrate to Europe’s most livable cities.
The report findings highlight the appeal of smaller urban areas in Switzerland, Germany, Scandinavia, and more.
ETIAS should assist families, workers, investors, and digital nomads looking to relocate long-term by enabling multiple entries during an approved three-year validity period.
Its low cost and quick digital process will support immigration growth in the EU’s shining stars.
The Grass is Greener in Switzerland
While the quality of life satisfaction has declined in some areas recently, the 2023 report shows most Europeans still enjoy their city lives, especially in the smaller cities of Switzerland, Germany, and Northern Europe.
For those seeking relocation, aiming for these urban gems may lead to a smoother transition and greater contentment in their new European home.
