The Economic Intelligence Unit (EIU) has recently published its annual Global Livability Ranking, highlighting the quality of life in cities worldwide. This comprehensive assessment evaluates cities based on stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure.
Calgary’s Rise and Strengths: In 2024, Calgary ascended to the fifth position, showcasing its robust performance across stability, healthcare, and education, where it scored a perfect 100. Despite commendable scores in these areas, challenges persist in culture and environment, and infrastructure, albeit with scores above 90. Known for lower taxes, affordable rents, and excellent school districts, Calgary continues to attract immigrants and Canadians seeking a high quality of life.
Vancouver’s Consistent Appeal: Vancouver, despite slipping two places to seventh, maintains its reputation as a top-tier livable city with an overall score of 96.6. The city excels in education and healthcare, both earning perfect scores, yet faces ongoing challenges in culture and environment, stability, and infrastructure. Despite these hurdles, Vancouver’s strong healthcare, education, and cultural offerings uphold its global livability status.
Toronto’s Housing Challenges Impact Rankings: Toronto, previously in the top 10, dropped to 12th place in 2024, marking its absence from the elite group since 2021. While historically strong in stability, healthcare, and education, Toronto’s ranking has been affected by housing issues. Rising housing costs and availability constraints have tempered its overall score, reflecting a decline despite strong performances in other criteria.
Understanding the Livability Criteria: The EIU’s livability index integrates five key criteria—stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure—to determine overall city rankings. These factors encompass everything from crime rates and healthcare quality to climate comfort and transportation networks, offering a comprehensive view of urban quality of life.
Conclusion: As Vancouver and Calgary continue to shine among the world’s most livable cities, Toronto faces challenges that impact its global ranking. The ongoing competition underscores the importance of addressing housing affordability and availability to maintain Canada’s cities as preferred destinations for immigrants and residents alike.
For more detailed insights into the EIU 2024 Global Livability Rankings and how cities are evaluated, visit the Economic Intelligence Unit’s official report.
