Sydney Named Best Global City to Live In From Top 100

Despite a rental crisis and significant housing affordability issues, Sydney's reputation as one of the world's most desirable cities to live has had a big boost in a new survey.

Residz Team 4 min read


Sydney has been named the best city to live in out of the world’s top 100 cities.

It’s also the 5th best global city, according to the inaugural Brand Finance City Index.

The recently released index is based on a global survey of nearly 15,000 members of the public conducted in April 2023 across 20 countries on all continents.

It aims to measure perceptions of the world's top 100 cities. The results of the survey shed light on what makes these cities desirable and attractive to people from around the world.

Sydney - ranked #1 best place to live

With its stunning natural beauty, beautiful beaches, and iconic harbor, it's no wonder that Sydney has secured its position as the top destination for living, working, and studying.

Despite a rental crisis and significant housing affordability issues, Sydney's reputation as one of the world's most desirable cities to live is no less deserved, as it ranks first globally in this dimension. (Note, the more affordable Kiama on the NSW South Coast has been named most liveable town in a separate survey).

Sydney’s breathtaking landscapes, beaches such as Manly Beach - named one of TripAdvisor’s Top Beaches in the World and the world-famous Bondi Beach, combined with its vibrant cultural scene, make it an ideal place to call home.

Moreover, Sydney shines as a top location for retirement, ranking second globally in this category.

Retirees are drawn to the city for its diverse range of cultural and recreational activities, excellent healthcare system, and world-class medical facilities.

And Sydney's great weather, ranking third globally, adds to its appeal as a retirement destination.

Sydney's strong economy and excellent employment opportunities in finance, technology, tourism, and creative sectors have contributed to its high rankings in the categories of local work, remote work, and investment.

It ranks second globally in both local and remote work and third globally for investment. The city's stability, resilient economy, strong real estate market, and significant infrastructure development make it an attractive location for investors.

While Sydney excels in various dimensions, it ranks 15th globally for familiarity. However, this should not overshadow its otherwise outstanding performance in a highly competitive ranking.

London and New York dominate the familiarity ranking, occupying the first and second spots, respectively. Sydney's global recognition and high tourism rates have contributed to its familiarity, making it a well-known city on the international stage.

Melbourne - ranked 4th best global city for liveability

Melbourne, another vibrant Australian city, has also performed admirably in the Brand Finance City Index, securing the 16th position among the best global cities.

Like Sydney, Melbourne is considered a desirable location to live in and ranks fourth globally for liveability and fifth for retirement.

The city is renowned for its high quality of life, exceptional healthcare, well-maintained infrastructure, and a vibrant arts and cultural scene.

In recent years, Melbourne has been gaining international recognition, thanks to its enviable living and working conditions, which have contributed to its growing global profile.

However, Melbourne lags behind Sydney in the familiarity indicator, ranking 36th globally.

Sydney's international recognition and higher tourism rates have given it an edge over Melbourne. Nevertheless, Melbourne's attractiveness as a place to live and work, combined with its thriving cultural scene, continues to elevate its international standing.

Perth - ranked 7th best global city for retirement

Surprisingly, Perth, often overlooked on the global stage, emerges as a hidden jewel in the Brand Finance City Index.

Despite ranking 52nd overall, Perth excels in various attributes, such as liveability (16th globally) and nice weather (11th globally).

Additionally, it boasts the seventh-highest reputation for retirement globally. To boost its city brand in the coming years, Perth must overcome its lack of familiarity on the global stage, currently ranked 85th.

A focus on promoting its exceptional natural beauty, architectural wonders, and investing in improved transportation infrastructure will be crucial in attracting more visitors and enhancing its global recognition.

Residz gives renters and homeowners great data

Residz has lots of research and data for renters, homeowners, and buyers and sellers about Australian real estate:

Photo of Sydney harbour pools by Clarinta on Unsplash

Photo of Sydney by Jamie Davies on Unsplash

Photo of Melbourne by Denise Jans on Unsplash

Photo of Perth by Fadzai Saungweme on Unsplash