Are you dreaming of your next move or ideal vacation spot? More than 400 cities (with a population of 1 million or more) have been ranked by Resonance Consultancy in a new report highlighting the top places to live in or visit around the world, based on three main factors: livability, lovability, and prosperity.
The methodology matters. Resonance looked at classic metrics such as public transit, economy, walkability, family-friendly offerings, and nightlife, in conjunction with user-generated signals from Google, TikTok, and Instagram, to measure “appeal.” Housing and dining affordability were estimated based on Numbeo survey data.
The upshot: a refreshing alternative to the current global-city offers, one that combines quotidian experience with social-media hype.
So what are the patterns in these top 20?
Firstly, whilst Europe and North America continue to be well represented, so is Asia (with a nod there in particular to Ilyasd Fathi and Syammil), but the Middle East makes just one appearance. Some tourist hotspots (say, Mexico City or Miami) didn’t make the list. For those still weighing whether to move or finally take that trip of a lifetime, here are the big takeaways:
High livability pays off. Cities with high scores for safety, access to green space, and stable infrastructure and transit rise organically. Earlier this year, for example, another significant ranking ranked Copenhagen as the world’s most liveable city, pushing Vienna off the top spot.
Cultural and digital appeal matter. Younger travelers and potential residents do care about Instagram-ready neighborhoods, nightlife, walkable streets —and the chance to “Love where you live” or “Love where you visit.”
Affordability still counts. A city may be lovely and lively — but if rent, food, and transport are exorbitant, it falls out of favor. That goes some way toward explaining why a handful of the big global hubs were not in the ranking.
Residents still care about prosperity and opportunity. For those who would rather move than just visit, job markets, innovation , and economic growth were considerations.
Below are some of the featured cities on the list (full ranking in original report lists the first 20):
- The European icons were back: Places where quality of life, education, and infrastructure are near-unmatched did well.
- The scale, dynamism, and digital-native culture of several prominent Asian metros propelled them.
- U.S. cities were being forced to sell not only their brand but also metrics such as housing costs and infrastructure investment.
What this means for you: If you’re planning your retirement or plotting a lengthy travel itinerary of your own, know that this list isn’t just based on Instagram hits. If you’re interested in work-life balance, affordability, and experience, consider cities that rank high on all three. For you, visitor-only types, the “lovability” factor might win out over cost.
Note that there is no perfect city. To be sure, even the best places are going to involve trade-offs; many may prove to be expensive or culturally dissimilar and unfamiliar. That doesn’t mean the other 380+ cities are dreadful. It simply means that, right now, these 20 have the best blend of metrics.
The best and only cities to live in or even visit worldwide in 2026 aren’t just historically established — they’re also livable, lovable, and economically robust. So whether you’re in pursuit of a new house or your next getaway, it’s great to let the numbers guide you.
