Copenhagen named world’s most liveable city again

Copenhagen has once more been ranked as the best city in the world to live in, according to the latest Economist Intelligence Unit Global Liveability Index published by DR.

The Danish capital topped the list of 173 cities, evaluated on stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure. But the index does not account for housing affordability or availability, a critical omission, says Marie Stender, senior researcher at Aalborg University’s Department of the Built Environment.

“Copenhagen has many qualities, but it very much depends on who you are and whether you can secure a place to live,” Stender said. She warns that while the city’s development over recent decades has been positive, not everyone has benefited.

“Some call it a celebration, but not everyone has been invited to the party,” she added, noting that rising prices risk creating social imbalance.

The challenge is not unique to Copenhagen. Other European capitals, like London, face similar or worse pressures, with empty apartments in some districts and residents pushed out by soaring costs. Stender cautions that simply building more housing may not solve the issue, as it could come at the expense of green spaces and urban charm that make the city attractive.

“If we build everything over, it’s neither climate-friendly nor likely to lower housing prices,” she said.

While the ranking highlights Copenhagen’s strengths, Stender stresses that addressing housing and equity challenges will be key to maintaining its top position.