Vancouver Ranks 9th in 2026 Global Liveability Index — Only North American City in Top 10

Vancouver Climbs to 9th Place in 2026 Global Liveability Index

Vancouver, British Columbia, has secured its place as the only North American city in the top 10 of the 2026 Global Liveability Index, ranking 9th with an overall score of 96 out of 100. This marks an improvement from its 10th-place ranking in 2025, though it still trails its 7th-place position in 2024. The index, released by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) on July 7, evaluates 173 cities worldwide based on stability, healthcare, education, culture and environment, and infrastructure.

Vancouver’s consistent presence in the top 10 underscores its appeal as a destination for skilled workers, international students, and newcomers seeking a high quality of life. But its slight decline from previous years—it held the number-one spot for nearly a decade between 2002 and 2010—raises questions about whether other Canadian cities, like Calgary (which ranked 5th in 2024), might soon overtake it.

Vancouver’s overall score improved from 95.8 in 2025 to 96 in 2026, driven by gains in healthcare (up from 95.8 to 96) and infrastructure (up from 92.9 to 93). But its score in culture and environment dipped slightly, dropping from 97.2 to 97, though it still ranks above Copenhagen in this category. Vancouver maintains a perfect score of 100 in education, a critical factor for families and international students.

Why Vancouver’s ranking matters for newcomers

For skilled workers on Express Entry, international students on post-graduation work permits (PGWPs), and permanent residents (PRs) waiting for citizenship, Vancouver’s high livability score isn’t just a bragging right—it directly affects settlement decisions. The city’s perfect score in education is particularly appealing for families, signalling access to high-quality public and private schools.

Take Raj and Anika, a couple from Mumbai who recently obtained their PR through Express Entry. They chose Vancouver over Toronto because of its education system and proximity to nature—a priority for their two young children. Vancouver’s healthcare score of 96 also stands out, especially for PR holders and newcomers relying on public healthcare. Stronger performance in this category suggests shorter wait times and better access to services, a key factor for those with chronic conditions or families planning long-term settlement.

But Vancouver’s slight dip in the culture and environment category—from 97.2 to 97—hints at growing challenges. Housing affordability, climate-related disruptions like wildfire smoke, and rising living costs likely play a role. Mei, a software engineer from Beijing on a PGWP, knows this all too well. She loves Vancouver’s cultural diversity and outdoor lifestyle but admits finding affordable housing near her downtown job has been tough. “The city is beautiful, but the cost of living is a shock,” she says. “I’m considering moving to a smaller city like Victoria or Kelowna for better affordability.”

Another edge case the EIU report doesn’t highlight is how Vancouver’s livability impacts citizenship test preparation. Newcomers who settle here often find that the city’s high quality of life—with its libraries, community centres, and multicultural events—helps them integrate faster and retain information for the test. Many study groups meet in Vancouver’s public libraries, which offer free resources like the Discover Canada guide and practice tests. This community support can make a real difference in passing on the first attempt.

How Vancouver compares to other top cities

The 2026 Global Liveability Index includes four European cities in the top 10, alongside three from Oceania, two from Asia, and Vancouver as the only North American representative. Vienna retained its top spot for the third year in a row, while Tokyo made its debut in the top 10, replacing Auckland. Here’s the full list of the top 10 most livable cities in 2026:

1. Vienna, Austria
2. Copenhagen, Denmark
3. Zurich, Switzerland
4. Melbourne, Australia
5. Sydney, Australia
6. Osaka, Japan
7. Calgary, Canada (2024 rank: 5th)
8. Geneva, Switzerland
9. Vancouver, Canada
10. Tokyo, Japan

Vancouver’s ranking is especially notable given the struggles of other North American cities. New York and Los Angeles, often considered global hubs, failed to crack the top 20 due to issues like crime, infrastructure, and healthcare access. This contrast makes Vancouver an even more attractive option for newcomers who want high quality of life without sacrificing urban amenities.

One insight the EIU report doesn’t emphasize is how Vancouver’s ranking might influence provincial nominee programmes (PNPs). British Columbia’s PNP often targets skilled workers and international graduates who can boost the province’s economy. A high livability ranking could make Vancouver a more appealing destination, potentially increasing competition for provincial nominations. A software developer from India, for example, might prioritize Vancouver over Montreal or Halifax because of its global reputation—even if other cities offer lower living costs.

Your action plan: How to leverage Vancouver’s livability for your immigration journey

If you’re moving to Vancouver, your priorities should guide where you settle. For top-rated public schools, areas like West Vancouver or North Vancouver are ideal. If affordability matters more, explore suburbs like Burnaby or Coquitlam with good transit links to the city.

Vancouver’s high livability score also strengthens your PR or citizenship application. Immigration officers look for evidence that you’ve researched your destination and have a realistic settlement plan. Highlighting Vancouver’s healthcare, education, and infrastructure shows you’ve thought carefully about long-term success. Mention access to world-class hospitals or your children’s enrolment in highly ranked schools as part of your plans.

Vancouver’s high livability comes with a price tag. Use tools like the Numbeo Cost of Living Calculator to budget for housing, groceries, and transportation. Consider sharing accommodations or co-living spaces to save money.

Take advantage of Vancouver’s community resources. Join newcomer groups, attend free workshops at community centres, and use public libraries for citizenship test prep. With its multicultural fabric, you’ll find support networks for almost every nationality.

Compare Vancouver to other Canadian cities if affordability is a concern. Calgary, which ranked 7th in 2024, or Halifax, with a lower cost of living, might be better options. Use the EIU’s category scores to weigh the trade-offs between livability and expenses.

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