The World's Happiest Cities in 2026, According to Time Out: Where People Are Most Satisfied with Their Lives

Time Out surveyed more than 24,000 city residents to determine where people are most satisfied with their daily lives. The British city of Bath took first place, ahead of Panama and Guadalajara. Learn more about the 20 happiest cities in the world and the evaluation criteria

Bath, England, topped the list of the world’s happiest cities in 2026. According to Time Out, 93% of local residents surveyed said that living in this city makes them happy. Panama and Guadalajara, Mexico, also made the top three. In total, the ranking features 20 cities from different countries and parts of the world.

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How were the world’s happiest cities in 2026 determined?

The ranking was compiled based on Time Out’s annual survey, in which more than 24,000 residents of various cities participated. Respondents rated five statements:

1. My city makes me happy

2. I feel happier here than in other places where I’ve lived or visited

3. People in my city seem positive

4. Everyday life in the city brings me joy

5. Recently, the overall level of happiness in the city has noticeably increased

Cities were ranked according to the percentage of positive responses. Only one city from each country was included in the final top 20 to ensure the ranking covered different regions of the world.

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Why did Bath become the happiest city in the world?

Bath is located about 150 km west of London and has a population of over 80,000. The city is known for its ancient Roman baths, 18th-century Georgian architecture, green spaces, and picturesque surroundings.

The survey results showed a high level of satisfaction among local residents:

- 93% said the city makes them happy

- 92% feel happier here than in other places

- 91% find joy in everyday city life

- 90% consider the people around them to be positive

- 76% have noticed that the level of happiness in the city has increased recently

In addition, 83% of respondents noted that it is easy to become part of the local community in Bati. The city also received the highest ratings from survey participants for access to nature and green spaces.

In our previous article, we discussed the cost of living in the best EU countries in 2026.

Panama and Guadalajara: Why These Cities Made the Top 3

Second place in the ranking went to Panama—the capital and largest city of the Central American country of the same name. In terms of the percentage of residents the city makes happy, it was virtually tied with the winner: 93% of respondents gave a positive answer. Another 86% of those surveyed noted that they enjoy their everyday urban experiences.

Panama City’s greatest strength was its sense of community. The city ranked first among all survey participants in this category: 87% of residents said it is easy to meet people, maintain social connections, and become part of the local community here. It was this result that helped Panama City outperform much larger and better-known tourist destinations.

Guadalajara took third place—one of Mexico’s major cultural cities and the birthplace of mariachi and tequila. Its overall happiness score was 83%.

At the same time, local residents highly rated specific aspects of city life: culture received 86% positive feedback, and the culinary scene—85%.

Once again, a sense of community was a key factor. This aspect was rated positively by 80% of respondents. Thus, all three leading cities are united not only by access to entertainment, architecture, or nature, but also by the ability to easily connect with others.

Learn more about the cost of renting in various European cities by following the link.

The 20 Happiest Cities in the World in 2026

The final top 20 includes cities from Europe, Asia, North and South America, Africa, and Australia. The ranking’s compilers included only the city with the highest score from each country.

1. Bath, United Kingdom

2. Panama City, Panama

3. Guadalajara, Mexico

4. Medellín, Colombia

5. Kraków, Poland

6. Jaipur, India

7. Chicago, United States

8. Cape Town, South Africa

9. Shanghai, China

10. Gothenburg, Sweden

11. Montreal, Canada

12. São Paulo, Brazil

13. Valencia, Spain

14. Prague, Czech Republic

15. Melbourne, Australia

16. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

17. Hamburg, Germany

18. Porto, Portugal

19. Amsterdam, Netherlands

20. Chiang Mai, Thailand

Europe is represented by eight cities in the ranking, but the top ten has a much broader geographic scope. It includes cities from Europe, Asia, Africa, and North, Central, and South America. This shows that a high subjective quality of life does not depend solely on the size of a city, its region, or its popularity among tourists.

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We remind you! New economic indicators show which countries have been able to increase their GDP and which have lost ground due to inflation and slowing growth. Ranking of the richest countries in the world in 2026 — follow the link.

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