Maple News reports that Vancouver has once again been ranked among the top cities in the world for quality of life, securing the seventh spot globally in Mercer’s 2024 Quality of Living survey. The British Columbia metropolis also claims the highest ranking in North America, sharing the global position with Frankfurt, Germany.
This marks an improvement from last year, when Vancouver placed eighth. The Mercer rankings are especially significant for international workers, expats, and their families, offering a comprehensive view of cities that provide safe, comfortable, and well-resourced living environments.
Canada continued to perform strongly overall, with four additional cities joining Vancouver in the top 25 worldwide. Toronto ranked 13th, while Ottawa and Montreal shared the 20th position. Calgary also made the list at 25th place, further underscoring Canada’s reputation for delivering a high quality of life across multiple urban centres.
These Canadian cities outranked several major U.S. cities: San Francisco (#36), Los Angeles (#44), New York (#45), and Washington D.C. (#49). The data highlights Canada’s edge in areas such as safety, public services, green spaces, and overall livability — key considerations for skilled migrants and international talent.
Mercer’s Quality of Living Index evaluates more than 230 cities annually. The assessment factors in political stability, healthcare, education, infrastructure, climate, and recreational opportunities, all of which influence the daily experience of foreign professionals and their families.
The consistent appearance of Canadian cities near the top of these rankings strengthens the country’s appeal as a destination for newcomers. For aspiring immigrants — especially those considering relocation under skilled worker streams or family sponsorship — Canada continues to stand out as not only economically promising but also supportive of personal well-being and quality of life.
According to Maple News, these rankings are also relevant for global employers looking to assign talent abroad. Cities with high quality of life scores tend to attract and retain international professionals more effectively.
As competition intensifies between countries to attract foreign talent, Canada’s performance in Mercer’s latest report offers yet another reason why individuals and families worldwide continue to set their sights northward.