this canadian city is one of the most livable in the world
vancouver, british columbia, has moved up the rankings in the 2026 global liveability index, now sitting in ninth place. its overall livability score has increased from 95.8 in 2025 to 96 in 2026. the city's perfect score in education is a significant factor in its high ranking, and it also ranks above copenhagen in culture and environment.
the 2026 edition of the global liveability index was released on july 7, and it evaluated 173 cities worldwide using 30 distinct indicators, grouped into five categories. the economist intelligence unit (eiu) ranking methodology examines how each city performs across these categories, looking at factors such as stability, healthcare, and education. this approach provides a comprehensive view of what makes a city livable.
what makes a city livable
the top 10 most livable cities in the world are largely dominated by european cities, with four cities from the continent making the list. the rest of the top 10 cities are distributed across oceania, asia, and north america. vancouver is the only north american city to make the top 10 list for the second consecutive year. its high ranking is due in part to its strong education system and high standard of living.
vancouver's ranking in the global liveability index is notable, given its proximity to the us border and its participation in the express entry program. this makes it an ideal location for those looking to immigrate to canada through the provincial nominee program (pnp) or family sponsorship. applicants considering immigrating to canada may want to consider vancouver as a potential destination, given its high ranking and attractive options for those looking to study in canada or work in canada.
for more information on the global liveability index and its impact on canada immigration news, visit the official ircc website. i've found the ircc website to be a valuable resource for understanding the complexities of canada's immigration system. Official current rules are at canada.ca/immigration; this guide is independent reference content.