Europe continues to be the region with the highest quality of life standards, offering cities stability, comfort and safety. Find out which European cities made the TOP 5 best places to live and why residents rate them so highly

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Quality of life is an important criterion for anyone planning to move, study or seek career opportunities abroad. That is why European countries regularly conduct large-scale assessments to determine how comfortable, accessible and conducive the urban environment is for residents.

Based on a large-scale study by the European Commission, we have prepared a selection of cities with the highest level of life satisfaction. This information will be useful for those who are thinking about temporarily or permanently moving to Europe and want to choose a place with really high standards of comfort.

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How were the cities with the best quality of life determined?

In 2023, the European Commission conducted one of the largest studies of urban life. 71,153 residents from 83 cities in the EU, the UK and Turkey took part in the survey.

The assessment was based on more than 20 criteria, including:

- Safety in the city;

- Accessibility of medical, social and administrative services;

- Condition of infrastructure and public spaces;

- Environmental situation and air cleanliness;

- Employment opportunities;

- Level of trust between residents.

Based on these data, a rating was formed, which included cities with the most comfortable, safe and stable living conditions.

TOP-5 cities in Europe with the highest quality of life

Gdansk, Poland

- Satisfaction level: 95%

Gdansk is one of the most comfortable cities in the Baltic region, combining safety, investment development and modern infrastructure. Thanks to a stable labor market, convenient services and moderate living costs, the city has become a popular destination for moving to Poland.

Do you want to live and work in Poland legally with extended rights? In 2025, the EU Blue Card became even more accessible to qualified specialists from outside the EU. Read here how to get this permit and build a stable life in Europe.

Leipzig, Germany

- Satisfaction level: about 95%

Leipzig combines an active business rhythm and quiet residential areas, which makes it attractive for young professionals and families. One of the biggest advantages is the high air quality - more than 80% of respondents are satisfied with this.

Planning to move to Germany? Find out about the pros and cons of living in this country. Features of finding a job in German here.

Copenhagen, Denmark

- Satisfaction level: 96%

Copenhagen is consistently included in the rankings of the happiest cities in the world. Developed bicycle infrastructure, high level of safety, environmental friendliness and a strong economy make it one of the most comfortable places to live in Europe. The only downside is the extremely high cost of housing.

Read about the features of employment for foreigners in Denmark here.

Groningen, Netherlands

- Satisfaction level: over 96%

Groningen is a compact, green and very safe city with a high level of tolerance and openness. The level of social trust is also impressive: 86% of locals believe that people in the city can be trusted and feel calm even at night. This figure is rare for large European cities.

Read about the procedure for obtaining a residence permit in the Netherlands here.

Zurich, Switzerland

- Satisfaction level: 97% - absolute leader

Zurich leads the rating due to excellent results in all key areas: transport, ecology, medicine, job opportunities, financial stability and social protection. The city is also considered extremely comfortable for the elderly and the LGBTQ+ community. The only weak point is the very high price of housing, affordable for only less than 15% of respondents.

Work permit quotas for 2025 in Switzerland at the link.

Quality of life is a balance of safety, ecology, availability of services, level of trust and stable labor market. If you are planning a long-term stay in Europe or considering moving, these five cities can be a great starting point for finding a comfortable and reliable place.

Dreaming of a new life abroad?

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Reminder! Quality of life determines the comfort, safety and well-being of people in each country. Read here which 6 countries in the world are the best in terms of quality of life.

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