Vancouver, British Columbia, has once again been named one of the world's most livable cities, ranking ninth in the 2026 Global Liveability Index by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). This is the second consecutive year that Vancouver has made it onto the EIU's top 10 list, solidifying its reputation as a desirable place to live and work. What makes this achievement even more impressive is that Vancouver is the only North American city to make the cut, showcasing its unique appeal and resilience in a highly competitive global market.
The EIU's annual rankings are based on a comprehensive evaluation of various factors that contribute to the quality of life in different cities. These factors include stability, healthcare, education, culture and environment, and infrastructure. Vancouver's strong performance in these areas has been a key factor in its continued success in the rankings.
One of the most notable aspects of Vancouver's ranking is its upward movement from 10th place in 2025 to 9th place in 2026. This improvement is reflected in several category-specific scores, with healthcare and infrastructure both increasing from 95.8 to 96 and 92.9 to 93, respectively. Vancouver's perfect score in education remains unchanged, and it continues to rank above Copenhagen in culture and environment, despite a minor score drop in that category.
However, it's worth noting that Vancouver's position has fluctuated over the years. Between 2002 and 2010, the city held a strong position at number one for around a decade before gradually slipping in ranks. Despite these fluctuations, Vancouver has consistently remained among the top 10 most livable cities in the world, showcasing its resilience and ongoing appeal.
The EIU's ranking methodology involves evaluating 173 cities worldwide using 30 distinct indicators, which are equally grouped into five categories. These categories include stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure. Each category is weighted to produce a score ranging from 1 (intolerable) to 100 (ideal), with the overall livability score being a weighted average of these category scores.
The top 10 most livable cities in 2026, according to the EIU, are dominated by European cities, with four of them coming from Europe. The rest of the cities are distributed across Oceania, Asia, and North America. The inclusion of Tokyo, Japan, and the removal of Auckland, New Zealand, are notable changes from the previous year's rankings.
In contrast, cities that scored among the bottom 10 positions have been affected by war or poverty, according to the EIU rankings report. These cities include Tehran (Iran), Kyiv (Ukraine), Karachi (Pakistan), and Tripoli (Libya). Damascus (Syria) came in last, highlighting the stark contrast between the top and bottom-ranked cities in terms of livability.
Vancouver's success in the EIU's Global Liveability Index is a testament to its high quality of life, economic stability, and cultural offerings. The city's ability to maintain its position in the top 10, despite fluctuations over the years, demonstrates its resilience and ongoing appeal to residents and visitors alike. As Vancouver continues to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of its population, its status as one of the world's most livable cities is likely to endure.
