According to an annual 2026 report on the most livable cities, Boston offers some of the best overall living standards for residents. The study by digital entertainment platform JB examined 45 cities around the world on key factors aligned with quality of life, safety, and affordability.
The top 10 cities to live in for 2026
Zurich, Switzerland, took home the top spot, ranking as the world’s most livable city.
Boston and Seattle are the only North American cities to make the list, proving that the American coastline offers abundance. Here are the world’s “most livable” cities for 2026, according to the study from JB:
- Zurich, Switzerland
- Copenhagen, Denmark
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Vienna, Austria
- Munich, Germany
- Helsinki, Finland
- Melbourne, Australia
- Seattle, United States
- Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Boston, United States
Based on the study, Boston earned a 60.3 ranking for safety index, 186.4 for quality of life, 72.2 for health care, and residents have an average of $1,776 in monthly disposable income with a citywide unemployment rate of 4.2%.
To put that in perspective, Boston’s American companion on the list, Seattle, scored 44.9 in safety, 194.6 in quality of life, and 68.7 in healthcare with $2,703 left in disposable income and an unemployment rate of 4.9%.
Zurich, Switzerland, which earned the title of “the world’s most livable city,” earned a safety index score of 76.6, quality of life score of 203.2, health care index score of 70.1, with an average of $3,966 in disposable income and an unemployment rate of 2.9%.
Methodology
The company evaluated cities across six factors that shape everyday living. The research measured quality of life ratings reflecting overall resident satisfaction, safety, and healthcare access. It also tracked air pollution levels, unemployment rates—revealing job market stability and disposable income— and showed how much money people save after paying rent and covering basic expenses.