Anoldent

Where is the best place to live? According to Mercer, an international consulting and human resources firm, it’s Vienna, Austria.

Based on their research of 460 cities across the globe, of which they rank the top 223, Vienna offers the highest quality of life of all of the places they surveyed, making it the best place in the world to live and work.

Other top ranking cities were Zurich, Switzerland; Auckland, New Zealand; and Munich, Germany.  Vancouver, Canada, the highest-ranking North American city, came in 5th.  Two more German cities, Dusseldorf and Frankfurt, claimed the 6th and 7th slots.

The highest U.S. city to appear in the rankings was San Francisco, at 27th.  New York scored 43rd, and Detroit ranked the lowest (70th) of all the U.S. cities surveyed.

Anthony Doudt

What’s the Basis for the Survey’s Rankings?

The cities studied are evaluated based on a number of factors in order to compile the annual list of rankings.  Some areas they look at include the political and social environment, medical and health considerations, education, public services, consumer goods, and housing, to name a few.

Examples of elements that the survey conductors consider to be beneficial to an area’s quality of life include an abundance of entertainment options, easy access to medical services, good public transportation, and a pleasant climate.

Factors that might cause them to dock points include crime, political instability, natural disasters, traffic congestion, and air pollution.

Bonsairolex

Why Are the Results Wrong?

Well, maybe they’re not exactly wrong per se.  Just a bit misleading.  Touting a city as the best place to live is a pretty bold claim.  Then again, it’s not so far off base when you take into consideration the purpose of the survey itself.

Consider the survey’s target audience.

The survey is conducted each year in order to help educate businesses on the quality of living in the cities where they operate.  Why?  So that, when they relocate employees overseas or place them on international assignments, they’ll know how to compensate them fairly.

For example, say an employee was being transferred from #10 ranked Sydney, Australia, to St. Petersburg, Russia (#168).  That person might be offered a “hardship” allowance to account for the decrease in the standard of living between his or her home base and the destination city.

The survey’s other purpose is to help city leaders see how they compare to competitors in terms of attracting multinational companies and mobile talent.  By evaluating their quality of living rankings they can better align their goals with what’s needed to improve their city’s appeal.

David Dennis

Keep in mind the limited number of cities surveyed.

The survey ranks only the top 223 global cities.  With 196 countries in the world (at last count), that’s not a very good representation.  However, as the survey is geared towards international businesses, it understandably focuses on those that are considered major players in the global market.

However, recognizing their own shortsightedness, this year the researchers did begin to broaden their scope to include a few places that are newer to the international scene.  These “second tier” or “emerging” cities are ones that “have been investing massively in their infrastructure and attracting foreign direct investments by providing incentives such as tax, housing, or entry facilities,” said Slagin Parakatil, a senior researcher.

Casey

Remember it ultimately comes down to individual preference.

Quality of life is such a subjective concept.  One man’s paradise could be another’s idea of absolute hell on earth.

Take the employee from our previous example.  If he has absolutely no interest in cricket or rugby and loves the idea of 100+ days of annual snow cover, then the move might not present him with that much of a “hardship.”

Or look at most of my clients and the quality of life they’re seeking.  When I talk to people from other parts of the world about starting a new chapter of their lives in the Latin tropics, not many of them mention wanting to be near an 18-screen multiplex theater or a car dealership.  And most don’t give a rip about whether there’s media censorship or free waste disposal services.

What more of them care about is being able to live sustainably in a place where they’re free to enjoy a laid-back lifestyle and live according to their own priorities.  They also understand that, while there are some things (like safety) that can’t be compromised, there are a number of issues for which you can easily find a work-around.

No access to quality international schools can be a problem for some.  But homeschooling is a great solution.  Being a bit farther from a grocery store can be an inconvenience.  But having fresh produce delivered, or being able to grow your own year-round, can help combat it.

Panama ATP

Some Contenders I’d Like to Have Seen in the Ring

So, let’s say the survey had been based on the actual health and happiness of the cities’ residents, rather than arbitrary factors like the saturation of doughnut shops and the availability of appliance repair technicians.  Where is the best place to live according to VivaTropical standards?

Here are a few that I think could have stood up against even the most worthy competitors.  And interestingly they’re all located in some of the most popular countries North American expats choose to call their home away from home.  

Panama

Panama topped a survey of a different kind when it ranked number one in International Living’s Global Retirement Index (which looks at 8 completely different categories than the Mercer survey) as the best place to retire overseas in 2014.

It performed well in the Real Estate category, as well as Health Care, Entertainment and Amenities, Ease of Integration, and Special Benefits for Retirees (thanks to the generous discounts offered by its Pensionado program).

It’s also incredibly affordable and offers a ton of options to suit every lifestyle.  Here are some of its top cities:

• Panama City – Panama’s capital is a cosmopolitan, first-world city, so even the most diehard urbanite would lack very little in the way of amenities living there.

• Coronado – Those looking for a less hurried lifestyle that’s still close to big city conveniences love this upscale beach town that’s only an hour from the capital city.

• Boquete – Home to Panama’s largest expat population (and a well-organized one at that), this mountain haven offers a break from the coastal heat, amazing vistas, and plenty of outdoor adventures.

• Boca Chica – Located a mere hour from the major city of David (and its newly renovated international airport), Boca Chica is an otherworldly destination that offers a quality of life that could rival any place on the planet.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica has long been a popular choice among North American expats for its laid-back bohemian lifestyle, healthy living options, sustainability, and drop dead gorgeous scenery.

Here are a few of its better options:

• Nosara – It’s safe.  It’s clean.  It’s family friendly.  Nosara is the result of what happens when a town is intentionally developed accordingly to a well-designed master plan.  Did I mention it’s beautiful?

• San Jose – Located in Costa Rica’s Central Valley, its capital city is also rich with all the same modern conveniences, cultural offerings, and other creature comforts that make living abroad easy.

• Tamarindo – Your typical beach town, Tamarindo is a funky city with an eclectic mix of friendly residents.  Shoes are optional, and time is relative. Except every day at sunset, when your presence is required at the daily beach gathering.

Ecuador

Panama ranked as the top retirement destination for 2014, but Ecuador was right at its heels (with scores of 91.2 and 91.1 respectively).  It continually scores well for its extremely affordable cost of living (one of the lowest in the world).

Yet it offers some of Latin America’s best authentic culture, healthy lifestyles,  and some of the top expat destinations in the region.  Here are our top picks:

• Cuenca – Located high in the Andes this colonial city offers spectacular architecture, an established expat community, a lively art and music scene, several universities, and all the goods and services you could possibly need.

• Vilcabamba – Known as the Valley of Longevity, this mountain town has some of the purest water in the world.  Thanks to the fresh springs and their active lifestyle, many of its residents live to be over 100.

• Salinas – Think of this popular coastal destination as South Beach on a budget. It’s the same glamorous beaches and resorts, but for about ⅛ of the price.

• Quito – Ecuador’s capital, it has a well-preserved historic district as well as a monument to mark the location of the equator.  However, thanks to its elevation, its climate is surprisingly pleasant.

Sally American Curise

Nicaragua

Another affordable Latin American country, Nicaragua has stayed a little farther off most North Americans’ radar.  As a result, it’s less crowded and less expensive.

• Granada – Located on the shores of Lake Nicaragua, it’s a charming colonial city with a number of ways to explore nature nearby.  It has a European flair with lively squares and a vibrant art scene.

• Leon – Similar to Granada, it’s a little hipper and more laid back.  It’s also close to several popular Pacific beaches, as well as 8 volcanoes.

• San Juan del Sur – Nicaragua’s biggest beach town, it’s becoming increasingly popular with expats.  It has great surfing, plenty of dining options, and a happening party scene.

• Managua – Nicaragua’s capital city offers museums, cultural centers, and many other forms of entertainment.  It’s also located on a lake of the same name and offers a wide array of beautiful flora.

O En Voyage

So, Where Is the Best Place to Live?

The ultimate answer to this question is dependent, not on any particular study (especially since they can be quite biased), but on your individual interests and priorities.  Don’t let anyone else tell you where is the best place to live.

Don’t trust a survey.  Heck, don’t even trust me.  Pick a few places that seem to line up with the things you value.  Then plan a trip to visit your top choices and decide for yourself.