Top 10 happiest cities in the world in 2025

Globally, cities often compete for top titles in categories like best economy, healthcare, or safety. Another addition to this list is the title for happiest city. But how can one measure and determine a city’s happiness?

The Institute for Quality of Life has established a Happy City Index that they utilize for their annual reports on top ranking happiest cities. The organization bases this index on six key categories that affect everyday quality of life: citizens, governance, environment, economy, health, and mobility. Based on the varying results of these categories, the cities are then ranked.

Here’s a look at 2025’s top 10 happiest cities list.

Copenhagen takes the highest rank for this year’s happiest city. As the capital and one of the largest cities in Denmark, Copenhagen is home to nearly 1.4 million people who experience the impact of efforts made by the country’s government that earned them this top spot. One attribution to the city’s success is sustainability. It’s a primary focus in every sector ranging from green transportation to recycling and renewable energy. This would translate to results like safer living environments for citizens, which in turn makes happy residents.

Despite being a smaller European powerhouse, Switzerland’s largest city Zurich has earned the second spot for happiest city. It has an estimated population of 443,000 people, representing just 5 percent of the Swiss population, according to the Happy City Index. Zurich’s position as a center for economic activity is a major contributor to the city’s happiness rates. In fact, the index reports that the earnings in Zurich surpass the national average by 75 percent.

The only Southeast Asian city in the top five ranks, Singapore is the third happiest city in the world. With over six million residents calling the city-state their home, Singapore is a global hub for business, education, and more. The city’s bustling economy is at the heart of its high rankings. For instance, the index reports that unemployment rate in Singapore is at 2 percent, reflecting a successful job market. While there are some concerns over high living costs, the authorities remain dedicated to finding ways aimed at making the city more affordable. 

Denmark has not one, but two of the highest ranking happiest cities in this year’s index with Aarhus achieving a fourth place rank. This is Denmark’s second largest city, home to over 300,000 residents. Health and wellbeing is one key successful sector of the city. Aarhus offers 100 percent medical insurance coverage, coupled with factors like healthy work-life balances and mental health support, according to the Happy City Index.

Despite being Belgium’s second largest city, Antwerp has landed a spot within the top five world’s happiest cities. It has a population nearing 546,000, which represents only 4.6 percent of the country’s whole population, as per the index report. The Happy City Index also emphasizes how education remains a center focus in Antwerp, where 7 percent of people engage in lifelong learning, while nearly 25 percent of individuals hold a master’s degree. These characteristics represent how the city is dedicated to helping its residents grow.

One of the few non-European cities in the top 10 ranks, Seoul is the sixth happiest city worldwide. This South Korean capital is home to nearly 9.6 million residents, making it one of the largest on this top 10 list. It is an essential player when it comes to international commerce and entrepreneurship. According to index data, Seoul can provide support to 122.56 businesses per 1,000 residents. Aside from business owners, salary workers also enjoy high rates of earnings.

Stockholm has earned the number seven spot in this rank. The Swedish capital has a population of 950,000 and is steadily growing to reach one million residents. Environmental projects are a key priority for Stockholm. Existing strategies has allowed the city to obtain high air quality, low electricity usage, and a recycling rate of 40 percent, as per the index report.

Taipei is the last non-Western city to make the top 10 list. It is the capital of Taiwan and is home to almost 2.5 million residents. Even though universities in Taiwan may not rank very high, the city still has an effective skilled workforce. The Happiness City Index report states that 9.8 percent of individuals have a master’s degree, whereas nearly 94 percent of residents have digital proficiency.

Munich is the third largest city in Germany and has a population nearing 1.6 million. Many factors have helped Munich earn the ninth rank on the index for happiest cities. One winning category is education. Munich is not only home to various top rated, globally recognized universities, but the cost also remains low. The index report states that higher education in Munich requires no direct income allocation, increasing accessibility for residents to pursue further studies.

Rotterdam is the final city to make the top 10 rank for happiest cities worldwide. The city is the second-largest in the Netherlands with a population of around one million. Rotterdam is home to Europe’s largest port, thanks to its geographical location which gives it close proximity to both the North Sea and the Rhine River. This brings in a lot of economic and job opportunities for the residents of this city related to trade and maritime activities.

Mariam Khan is a trainee journalist at Gulf News.