According to an annual study published by the American consultancy bureau Mercer the Swiss city of Zurich currently provides the best quality of life for expats of any city in the world. Zurich has overtaken the Austrian capital Vienna that was at the top of the ranking last year. Meanwhile, Brussels has slipped back 4 places in the “Quality of Living” ranking from 36th to 40th place.
Annual report shows that Brussels is slipping back slightly when it comes to the quality of life that it offers its expats
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Meanwhile, Brussels has slipped back 4 places in the “Quality of Living” ranking from 36th to 40th place. Every year Mercer examines which of the world’s major cities offer the best quality of life for expats and their families. Its annual report was published on Tuesday. Traffic congestion and the weather are cited as reasons for Brussels slipping back in the ranking.
After Zurich and Vienna, the Swiss city of Geneva, the Danish capital Copenhagen and Auckland in New Zealand complete the top 5. Mercer explains that Zurich tops the list thanks to its excellent public services, its low crime rate its energetic and varied cultural scene and its efforts with regard to sustainable development.
In addition to this Zurich has ambitions to improve its airlinks to other cities and increase the number of intercontinental flights to and from its airport. Mercer says that this makes it an ideal place for expats.
However, the Swiss city is also among the most expensive cities in which to live in the whole world, due to the high cost of accommodation and transport.
Brussels
The Belgian capital that is also home to many European institutions and NATO remains an interesting destination for expats. Brussels came in 40th in this year’s “quality of living” ranking. Mercer’s report reads that “The positive points of (Belgian) capital are its good transport links with almost all the rest of the country, the range of international schools, freedom of speech and an exceptionally good healthcare system”. Brussels scores less well when it comes to traffic congestion and the weather.