A new study has analyzed the thousand largest cities in the world evaluating factors such as life expectancy, per capita income, income equality, housing expenditure, access to recreational and cultural sites and internet speed.

According to the report, cities in North America, Western Europe and Oceania dominate in quality of life. This index not only measures the quality of life, but also considers aspects economic, human capital, environment and governance, offering a comprehensive view of urban strengths and weaknesses.

In accordance with Oxford Economics, “Quality of life encapsulates the well-being and satisfaction of a city’s residents,” and this factor has a significant influence on migration patterns, talent retention and the general happiness of the population.

The list not only reflects the scores obtained in quality of life, but also takes into account other factors in four major areas: the economy, human capital, the environment and governance. This comprehensive approach allows for a broader and fairer assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of cities.

The 2024 index highlights the growing importance of cities, as by 2023, the 1,000 largest cities accounted for 60% of global GDP and more than 30% of the world’s population. According to the Oxford Economics report, “the importance of cities will only continue to increase in the future,” highlighting the relevance of these urban areas for global development.

One of the most interestingly diverse aspects of the index is the variance within different continents. While entire regions such as North America and Western Europe tend to lead in scores, there are also notable variations within each region. Sub-Saharan African cities, such as Port Louis in Mauritania, outperform some of the weaker ones in Western Europe, showing that there are multiple paths to quality of life.

Grenoble, known as the capital of the Alps, has been ranked by the Oxford Economics’ Global Cities Index as the city with the best quality of life in 2024. This result is based on six key indicators that evaluate everything from the longevity of its inhabitants to the speed of internet.

Oxford Economics’ indexing and analysis of quality of life is essential in a world where the urban environment plays an increasingly important role. Factors such as life expectancy, per capita income and income equality not only affect migration and talent retention, but are also decisive in the overall perception of well-being and satisfaction of citizens.

Grenoble is surrounded by mountains, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. It lies at the foot of the French Alps and offers easy access to activities such as skiing, hiking, and climbing. The natural landscapes are stunning, with valleys, rivers, and mountains providing numerous opportunities for ecotourism.

The climate is continental with mountainous influences, resulting in warm summers and cold winters. There can be a significant amount of snow during the winter months, especially in the surrounding higher altitude areas.

Grenoble is known as an academic and research centre. The University and other higher education institutes attract students and scholars from all over the world. In addition, the city is an important centre for scientific and technological research, with numerous laboratories and research centres.

Grenoble’s transport infrastructure is well developed. The city has an efficient tram and bus system, as well as a public bicycle network. Furthermore, the proximity to the Alps makes it easy to travel to ski resorts and other areas of natural interest.

Its economy is diversified, with a strong presence in sectors such as technology, scientific research, and industry. The city is known for its innovation and is often referred to as the European “Silicon Valley.”

The community in Grenoble is diverse and welcoming. Outdoor activities and cultural events foster a sense of community. Additionally, the presence of a large student population contributes to an active nightlife and a variety of entertainment options.

In second place on the index, and being the only non-European city in the top 10 is Canberra, the Australian capital. The geographical diversity of the ranking underlines that there is no single formula for leading in quality of life.

Bern in Switzerland occupies third position, and this country continues to stand out with two other cities in the ranking: Basel in fifth place and Zurich in eighth place. The latter is also the world leader in technology, services and infrastructure. The other cities in the top 10 include Bergen in Norway, Luxembourg in Luxembourg, Reykjavík in Iceland, Ghent in Belgium and Nantes in France.

Luxembourg and its namesake capital also feature prominently in this ranking. The capital city of the small European country has demonstrated qualities that promote a high quality of life, such as a strong infrastructure and access to cultural sites.

Santiago de Chile has excelled in several of these aspects, establishing itself as a modern, cosmopolitan city with great growth potential.

One of the strong points that stand out in this ranking is the attribute of “green spaces and leisure”, where Santiago benefits greatly from its privileged location at the foot of the majestic Andes mountain range.

These natural spaces offer residents and visitors a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, skiing and adventure tourism. The combination of a vibrant metropolis and proximity to nature is a major draw for those seeking a balance between urban life and connection with the natural environment.

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