Ensuring access to food, housing, quality healthcare, and employment is key to a high quality of life. U.S. News & World Report conducted a study to identify which countries are regarded as treating their citizens the best.
This study determined the countries with the best quality of life based on a global survey of 17,000 people in 2023.
They used an equally weighted average of scores focusing on the following attributes: Affordability, Job market, Economic stability, Family-friendliness, Income equality, Political stability, Safety, and Education and health system quality.
Based on this study, here are the countries offering their residents the highest quality of life:
1. Sweden
Earning the top spot, Sweden boasts incredibly well-developed public education and health systems, political stability, and income equality, making it a safe, family-friendly country. However, its steep cost of living can be a challenge for many Americans.
2. Norway
Consistently ranking as one of the happiest countries in the world, Norway naturally has a high quality of life.
It scored highest for income equality, political stability, and being family-friendly. Like Sweden, Norway’s high cost of living can be difficult for hopeful foreigners.
3. Canada
Known for its desirable healthcare system, strong job market, and welcoming demeanor, Canada makes many residents happy.
Immigrants are noted to relocate there to start fresh due to its relatively stable economy and safe environment.
4. Denmark
Among the happiest places to live, Denmark earned high marks for having well-developed public health and education systems, being family-friendly, and economically stable.
5. Finland
Located in Northern Europe, Finland offers several perks, including free education for all, high-salaried jobs, and healthy foods.
It’s considered a beautiful place to raise a family, with a high-quality public education system and a strong safety score.
6. Switzerland
Ranked as the overall number one country in the world by U.S. News, Switzerland’s high quality of life is no surprise.
It achieved a perfect score in safety and economic stability, and residents appreciate its low unemployment rates and world-class scenery.
7. Netherlands
With a low crime rate and friendly locals who welcome newcomers, the Netherlands is considered one of the best places for a high-quality life. The country received high marks for a strong economy and an abundant job market.
8. Australia
Offering accessible healthcare, a solid job market, and an economically stable environment, Australia also promotes healthy outdoor lifestyles.
9. Germany
If you are considering a career change, Germany earned a perfect score for their job market. Residents there enjoy a relatively low cost of living, a reliable healthcare system, and a stable economy.
10. New Zealand
Often dreamt of, New Zealand’s high quality of life is attributed to its high employment rate and robust public health and education systems. It scored the highest for family-friendliness.
11. Belgium
Universal healthcare and an excellent education system contributed to Belgium’s inclusion among countries with the highest quality of life. It also has ample green space and received praise for political stability.
12. Austria
Rounding out the top twelve, Austria offers a high quality of life with low pollution rates, allowing for fresh air. It also ranked highest in safety and political stability.
Alicia Richards