If you could live anywhere in the world...where would it be? AIRINC’s Global 150 Index identifies cities with the optimal combination of high salaries, low taxes, and quality of life.
This year’s index features the well-established leaders and some unexpected movements. Whether you’re a mobility professional, a global talent manager, or curious about urban dynamics and development, keep reading to explore the top 10 cities in the 2024 Global 150 Index and uncover the factors that contribute to their rankings!
What’s New?
New York is back in the top 10, thanks to improved tax scores and a relatively better lifestyle ranking than previous years. Vienna shines this year with a boost in financial scores, climbing five places. Is it time for a coffee in Vienna?
The Top Ten Cities
1. Zurich, Switzerland
Overall Rank: 1 Financial Rank: 3 Lifestyle Rank: 3
☑️ 2023 Overall Rank: 1
Zurich reigns supreme! Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland. Known for favorable economic policies, safety and cleanliness, impressive universities, and delicious chocolate, this city is a dream for lactose-tolerant expats and locals alike.
2. Geneva, Switzerland
Overall Rank: 2 Financial Rank: 6 Lifestyle Rank: 10
☑️ 2023 Overall Rank: 2
About three hours from Zurich, resting on the shores of Lake Geneva, this city is just as clean and just as safe and doubles as a global diplomatic hub with a rich history and vibrant cosmopolitan atmosphere to match.
3. Munich, Germany
Overall Rank: 3 Financial Rank: 27 Lifestyle Rank: 6
☑️ 2023 Overall Rank: 3
With its expansive greenery, cheerful culture, and wealth of beer, Munich epitomizes the bustling economy of a financial capital with the laid-back lifestyle of a small town—think beer gardens and impressive tech innovation on the same block!
4. Luxembourg
Overall Rank: 4 Financial Rank: 15 Lifestyle Rank: 19
☑️ 2023 Overall Rank: 4
Small but safe, landlocked but luxurious, Luxembourg offers a high standard of living and a strong financial sector. Their fertile business environment is supplemented by normalized multilingualism and a streamlined nationalization process, making Luxembourg an attractive option for expats.
5. Vienna, Austria
Overall Rank: 5 Financial Rank: 32 Lifestyle Rank: 10
⬆️ 2023 Overall Rank: 10
World-class healthcare and expansive social welfare programs require taxes. Vienna doesn't have the best financial rank, but its effective public transport, favorable rental conditions, and vigorous culture are among some of the many reasons it rose five spots this year.
6. Berlin, Germany
Overall Rank: 6 Financial Rank: 33 Lifestyle Rank: 10
⬇️ 2023 Overall Rank: 5
Berlin is known for its restless culture and arts scene, affordability, culinary diversity, and entrepreneurial spirit. Expats love Berlin for its progressiveness, practicality, and personality
7. Singapore
Overall Rank: 7 Financial Rank: 42 Lifestyle Rank: 6
⬆️ 2023 Overall Rank: 8
Singapore offers a truly unique mix of modernity and tradition. The city-state is renowned for its fast-paced business-conducive lifestyle and its nature preserves, sustainability efforts, and futuristic engineering.
8. Calgary, Canada
Overall Rank: 8 Financial Rank: 41 Lifestyle Rank: 10
⬇️ 2023 Overall Rank: 6
With stunning landscapes, safe streets, stability, and a strong community, Calgary is a hidden gem in North America.
9. New York, U.S.A.
Overall Rank: 9 Financial Rank: 29 Lifestyle Rank: 22
⬆️ 2023 Overall Rank: 12
The Big Apple is back in the top 10. Thanks to a better tax score and improved lifestyle ranking, New York is an attractive option for expats seeking a fast paced and energetic atmosphere! Unmatched diversity, countless activities, and a trend-setting economy make New York an appealing destination for those who can afford it.
10. San Francisco, U.S.A.
Overall Rank: 10 Financial Rank: 16 Lifestyle Rank: 29
⬆️ 2023 Overall Rank: 9
Progressive, diverse, young, and beautiful—San Francisco is quintessentially California. San Fran is home to an exciting tech scene spawning unmitigated innovation in almost every industry. The growth creates a variety of opportunities in the area, watch out for the taxes though! The natural beauty and historic monuments blend well with bold industry, creating a unique American expat destination.
Tracking Global City Rankings: Six Years of Insights and Shifts
AIRINC's Global 150 Index has been offering valuable insights into the world’s leading cities for six years. Over this time, the rankings have reflected changing local salary levels, tax rates, living costs, and living conditions. From established leaders like Zurich and Geneva to emerging stars like Vienna, the index showcases the dynamic balance between financial strength and quality of life. Subscribe to our blog for more updates!
