A guide by the TheGlobeScore team
Where to live: compare quality of life in cities
Quality of life depends on your needs as well as the place. A lively city may suit a student but not someone looking for peace and quiet. Compare several dimensions rather than looking for a universal best-place-to-live list.
Explore the mapStart with a realistic budget
Housing is only one part of a budget. Consider journeys, everyday spending and the size of home you need. The community cost-of-living criterion describes affordability: a higher score means contributors find the place more affordable.
French property indicators and US median monthly rent provide additional reference points where available. Their units differ: a monthly amount is not a price per square metre. Houses and apartments should also be distinguished.
Think about an ordinary day
Picture your journeys, working hours, shopping and access to services. Transport and mobility, health and services, and education and work ratings can highlight strengths and difficulties described by reviewers.
A city average may hide differences between neighbourhoods. Read detailed experiences and check the actual addresses, journey times and services relevant to your plans.
Include personal preferences
Climate, heritage, landscapes, food, cleanliness, atmosphere and nightlife matter differently to different people. Put them in your own order of importance. A high overall score does not guarantee a place will suit your lifestyle.
TheGlobeScore keeps community experiences separate from statistical indicators. GDP per capita, for example, is neither an individual’s salary nor a complete measure of well-being. National data should not be assigned to a city lacking local data.
Try before deciding
Make a shortlist, compare ratings criterion by criterion and check the number of contributions. If possible, visit outside holiday periods too.
Rankings change as reviews are published. Use them as a starting point, then share the housing, transport, activities and trade-offs you have actually experienced.