Canadian cities rank among best in the world for quality of life in 2024
Mercer’s annual Quality of Living survey has named Vancouver as one of the best cities for quality of life—and several other Canadian cities also made the cut.
The city in British Columbia claimed the top spot in North America, ranking seventh overall and tying with Frankfurt, Germany.
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It also climbed one position from last year, when it held eighth place in the 2023 Quality of Living survey.
Mercer's quality of living data evaluates daily life for international workers and their families.
Four other Canadian cities were named among the top 25 cities in Mercer’s 2024 Quality of Living city ranking.
The Canadian cities, and their rankings, can be seen here:
| Canadian city | Mercer Quality of Living Ranking 2024 |
| Vancouver | #7 |
| Toronto | #13 |
| Ottawa | #20 |
| Montreal | #20 |
| Calgary | #25 |
These cities beat out world-renowned American cities such as San Francisco (#36), Los Angeles (#44), New York (#45), and Washington DC (#49).
Mercer’s latest Quality of Living ranking spotlights cities that “stand out for their exceptional living standards, robust infrastructure and vibrant cultural scenes.”
Some factors considered in the ranking include:
- Housing;
- Recreation;
- Socio-cultural environment;
- Purchasing conventions;
- Travel;
- Traffic;
- Air quality;
- Access to education;
- Political stability; and
- Healthcare.
Cost of living
The survey also acknowledges the importance of cost of living—both for employees and corporations.
"The most successful destinations today are those that blend flexible governance around mobile talent with a high quality of life and an affordable cost of living,” it states.
According to Mercer’s 2024 cost-of-living data, Vancouver ranks 101 among costliest cities for international workers around the world.
Canada’s top cities recognized
The survey highlights Vancouver among the top 10 due to its unique blend of moderate temperature recreational options and cosmopolitan living.
Vince Cordova, Mercer partner for Mobility Advisory services in North America, said that the Canadian cities on the rankings “have their own unique culture and lifestyle, from Vancouver’s access to nature and recreation opportunities, Toronto’s incredible diversity, Ottawa’s proximity to Parliament, Montreal’s historic downtown and Calgary’s strong job market.”
“Canada continues to be a leading destination for international assignees who can access the range of benefits the country and cities have to offer.”
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