Dublin has ranked 43rd in Mercer‘s 2024 Quality of Life city ranking based on the practicalities of daily life for expats and their families, down from 42nd last year.
Zurich displaced Vienna at the top of the rankings, with Geneva, Copenhagen and Auckland rounding out the top five.
Out of the 38 western Europe cities in the table, Dublin came 26th, down from 25th last year, and behind capital such as Amsterdam (sixth), Berlin (19th), Oslo (20th), Paris (34th), London (40th), and Milan (42nd).
Dublin did rank ahead of ahead of other western European cities such as Stuttgart (46th) Madrid (47th), Edinburgh (50th), Barcelona (55th), Rome (59th) and Belfast (66th).
29 out of the top 50 cities and eight out of the top 10 cities are located in western Europe.
Noel O’Connor, principal of Mercer Ireland, said Dublin’s position in the index “demonstrates its attractiveness as a destination for expatriates.
“The city is vibrant and diverse as well as being easy to travel to and from.
“It offers a great mix of things to do outside of work including outdoor and recreational activities, sport, cultural and social events and it is considered a great place to raise a family, particular as the education system is of a high standard with a good choice of educational possibilities for the children of foreign nationals.”
The quality of living in host cities has become a key consideration as organisations increasingly rely on international assignees to drive global business strategies, directly affecting employees’ allowances and compensation packages.
Yvonne Traber, partner and Mercer’s global mobility leader, commented: “As cities face extreme weather, economic fluctuations and other challenges, the rankings provide valuable insights for HR leaders at multinational organisations to better navigate the complexities of global mobility management and enhance the overall experience for their international workforce.”
Zurich topped the list on the basis of its outstanding public services, low crime rates, lively cultural scene and commitment to sustainability.
The city is also seeking to enhance its airport connections and increase the number of flights to and from other continents.
However, Zurich is also ranked among the most expensive cities in the world due to its high housing costs, transportation expenses and the overall cost of goods and services.
“In an era of digital nomads and flexible working, Mercer’s data shows that the most desirable destinations are those that blend a high quality of life and an affordable cost of living,” continued Traber.
“This presents a challenge for organisations and international assignees as they balance decisions related to relocation, investment and talent management.”
Switzerland has four of the top 10 cities, with Bern (ninth) and Basel (10th) joining Zurich and Geneva in the top 10.
Vancouver is the top ranked city in North America due its unique blend of outdoor recreation and cosmopolitan living while Boston (32nd) is the top best-placed US city, beating San Francisco thanks to its infrastructure and green spaces.
Montevideo (92nd) is the top ranked city in Latin America again this year, and Auckland is the highest ranked city in the Pacific region, ahead of Sydney (12th).
Dubai (83rd) and Abu Dhabi (85th) in the UAE once again lead the rankings in the Middle East, both known for their rapidly modernising infrastructure and diverse international communities.
Closely following, Port Louis (88th overall) is the top-ranked city in Africa. First among Asian cities and 30th overall is Singapore, which offers a clean and safe environment combined with highly efficient infrastructure.
(Pic: Getty Images)
