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World's 10 best cities to live in

March 05, 2015 17:31 IST

Image: Five-month old African elephant calf Tuluba and its mother Numbi eat some snow in their enclosure at Schoenbrunn zoo in Vienna. Photograph: Reuters

Vienna is the world’s best city to live in, according to the Mercer 2015 Quality of Living rankings.

Overall, European cities dominate the rankings along with major cities in Australia and New Zealand.

Hyderabad has emerged as the best city to live in India.

Take a look at the world’s 10 best cities to live in…

Image: Children play with water fountains in a public square in Vienna. Photograph: Heinz-Peter Bader/Reuters

Vienna (Austria)
Rank: 1

Vienna has remained at the top of the Quality of Living Rankings in 2015, boasting the best quality of living for expatriates.

Mercer’s Quality of Living study covers 230 destinations.

The capital and largest city of Austria has been ranked as the world’s best city for the fifth time.

The beautiful city offers world-class facilities to its residents.

Image: Oktoberfest in Munich attracts hoards of visitors yearly. Photograph: Reuters

Zurich (Switzerland)
Rank: 2

Zurich, the largest city in Switzerland and one of world's largest financial centres, has been listed as one of the most livable cities in world.

It is also one of the most expensive cities to live in, according the Economic Intelligence Unit.

Despite concerns about economic growth, the cities of Western Europe continue to offer a stable environment for employees and employers, states the Mercer study.

Image: Alison Cragie a member of a women's surf boat crew, is thrown from the boat by a breaking wave during a race in the Day of Giants Surf Boat Competition at Piha Beach, located west of Auckland. Photograph: Peter Meecham/Reuters

Auckland (New Zealand)

Rank: 3

Auckland makes it to the third position thanks to the city’s mild climate, good employment and educational opportunities and leisure facilities.

Image: Oktoberfest in Munich attracts hoards of visitors yearly. Photograph: Reuters

Munich (Germany)

Rank: 4

A city that boasts of a high quality of life, Munich is one of the most prosperous cities in Germany.

It’s also a top destination for expatriates.

Image: View of downtown Vancouver from the Lookout Tower at Harbour Centre. Photograph: MagnusL3D/Wikimedia Commons

Vancouver (Canada)

Rank: 5

Vancouver is named as one of the top five worldwide cities for livability and quality of life.

The Economist Intelligence Unit acknowledged it as the first city to rank among the top-ten of the world's most liveable cities for five consecutive years.

Image: Dusseldorf is a financial hotspot: Photograph: Reuters

Dusseldorf (Germany)
Rank: 6

A financial hotspot, Dusseldorf is known for its fashion and trade fairs.

The city is also known for its vibrant art and culture.

Image: A view of Frankfurt city. Photograph: Reuters

Frankfurt (Germany)
Rank: 7

One of world's leading financial centres, Frankfurt is Germany’s second largest metro city.

Frankfurt is the richest city in Europe by GDP per capita.

Image: A man and a child walk along an ice covered promenade on the bank of Lake Leman in Versoix near Geneva. Photograph: Reuters

Geneva (Switzerland)
Rank: 8

Geneva is a global city, a financial center, and worldwide center for diplomacy with headquarters of United Nations and the Red Cross.

Geneva is also one of the most expensive places to live in.

Image: Boats are seen anchored at the 17th century Nyhavn district, home to many shops and restaurants in Copenhagen. Photograph: Bob Strong/Reuters

Copenhagen (Denmark)
Rank: 9

The cultural and economic hub of Denmark, Copenhagen boasts of good infrastructure and educational institutions.

Image: Queen Mary 2 sets sail past the Sydney Opera House. Photograph: Jason Reed/Reuters

Sydney (Australia)
Rank: 10

With focus on finance, manufacturing, and tourism, Sydney has a vibrant economy.

A well developed city, it is also major tourist attraction.