Mercer’s annual Quality of Living survey has once again recognized Vancouver as one of the world’s top cities for quality of life, with several other Canadian cities also earning high rankings. The British Columbia city claimed the top spot in North America and tied for seventh place globally alongside Frankfurt, Germany. This marks an improvement from its eighth-place ranking in the previous year’s survey.
Mercer’s survey is renowned for assessing daily life for international workers and their families, considering a range of factors that contribute to the overall quality of living. In 2024, four other Canadian cities joined Vancouver in the top 25: Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Calgary. These cities outperformed several well-known American cities, including San Francisco (36th), Los Angeles (44th), New York (45th), and Washington DC (49th).
Here is how the Canadian cities ranked:
Vancouver: #7
Toronto: #13
Ottawa: #20
Montreal: #20
Calgary: #25
The latest Mercer Quality of Living report highlights cities that excel in living standards, infrastructure, and cultural vibrancy. “The most successful destinations today are those that blend flexible governance around mobile talent with a high quality of life and an affordable cost of living,” the survey states.
The evaluation considers various factors, including housing, recreation, socio-cultural environment, political stability, healthcare, education access, travel options, traffic conditions, air quality, and purchasing power. Vancouver, in particular, stands out for its combination of mild weather, outdoor recreation opportunities, and cosmopolitan atmosphere.
“Canada continues to be a leading destination for international assignees who can access the range of benefits the country and cities have to offer,” said Vince Cordova, Mercer partner for Mobility Advisory Services in North America. He emphasized the unique qualities of each Canadian city: Vancouver’s proximity to nature, Toronto’s diversity, Ottawa’s political significance, Montreal’s historic charm, and Calgary’s robust job market.
Although Vancouver ranks as the most livable city in North America, it is not without challenges. According to Mercer’s 2024 cost-of-living data, it is the 101st most expensive city globally for international workers. The survey underscores the importance of balancing affordability with quality of life for both employees and corporations.
The recognition of these Canadian cities reinforces Canada’s appeal as a destination for international workers, offering a high standard of living and an environment that caters to diverse cultural and professional needs.