The 50 Best Cities for Gen Z

When it comes to city living, there are many factors which appeal to the latest demographic of new homeowners, renters and those looking to forge out a living in a major global city.

These people are Gen Z, characterised as those born between 1997 and 2012. While some at the older end of the scale might be looking for somewhere to settle with their young family, generally most members of Gen Z are looking to move to a city for other reasons, such as the social scene, job opportunities, higher education opportunities and more.

The Ultimate Guide to Gen Z Cities: Ranking Criteria

Safety Index: A numerical value that measures the level of safety or risk in a given area, in this case, in global cities worldwide.

Affordability: How affordable it is to live somewhere, taking into account housing costs and the prices of everyday essentials.

Ease of Adjusting: How different the culture in each city is compared to other cities and places in the same country.

Bars & Restaurants: The number of eateries and bars in the city can contribute to the overall liveliness of the nighttime economy.

Green Spaces: The number of public parks, fields and more in the city.

Job Market: How saturated the job market is, and if it is easy or difficult to land a job.

Internet Speed: How quick the internet speed is in the city.

Public Transport: The amount of public transport, such as buses, trains, trams and more.

Climate Comfort: If the city is a happy medium, too hot or too cold year-round.

Social Scene: What’s going on outside of work, including major events like live music and other social events hosted in the city.

Youth Population %: This determines what percentage of the city is classed as youths.

Mental Health Access: How easy it is to access mental health services in the city.

Inclusivity: A rating which determines how welcome all groups of people are, ranging from race to gender identity.

Higher Education Access: The number of higher education institutions in the city, such as universities.

50. Hanoi – Vietnam

The Vietnamese capital is a superb place for Gen Z to live and work in, and it’s little surprise that such a vibrant city as Hanoi makes this list.

One of the stand-out features of Hanoi is the sheer amount of green spaces in the city, which are important natural air conditioners. They're also perfect for spending an afternoon away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Life is easy to adjust to in Hanoi, and while it is more expensive than other Vietnamese cities, this comes at a good cost, as Hanoi is generally classed as safer than other similar towns and cities.

Combine that with an excellent internet speed and a good job market, and moving to Vietnam has never seemed more attractive for Gen Z.

49. Prague – Czechia

As far as green spaces go, Prague is one of the best European options, and spending time outdoors is a key part of living in Prague: Stromovka Park, Kampa Island and Wallenstein Garden are some of the city’s finest green spaces.

Also, if you’re looking to further your education, there are fewer cities which rival Prague. The city is home to 30 universities, including the world-famous Charles University, which was founded in 1348.

48. Mexico City – Mexico

Moving over to North America, the Mexican capital is another good choice as far as cities for Gen Z go.

Its vibrant nature as a city can be seen in the sheer number of restaurants and bars in the downtown areas, serving up everything from traditional Mexican fare to global favourites.

The youth population of the city is 1 in 5, making younger people, even those younger members of Gen Z, feel more comfortable and blend in easily.

Finally, Mexico City is also known for its excellent public transport, so it’s a great place to visit if you don’t want to bring a car or don’t drive. 

47. Doha – Qatar

Rated 9 on the Safety Index, few other cities can rival Doha for how safe it is to live there. While there is very little crime in Doha, Qatar is unfortunately unwelcoming to LGBTQ+ communities.

However, Doha is known to be an easy city to adjust to life in, and also scores remarkably well on a climate comfort scale. While the summer months are some of the hottest on Earth, just about every building in Doha is equipped with state-of-the-art air conditioning, making it very comfortable indoors.

The Internet speed in Doha is some of the best in the Middle East, making it ideal for members of Gen Z.

46. Buenos Aires – Argentina

Filled with numerous green spaces, ranging from large parks to vast ecological reserves, Buenos Aires, which translates to ‘Good Airs’ in English, certainly lives up to its name with all of the fresh air in the city.

The job market in the Argentinian capital is also very good, meaning that if Gen Z are moving to Buenos Aires for work, they should not have too much trouble finding it.

Lastly, the bars and restaurants in the city are superb places to socialise and meet other like-minded people, and these range from traditional Argentinian steak houses to beach-style bars in the city centre.

45. Vienna – Austria

Based in the heart of Central Europe, Vienna is one of the most easily accessible cities on the continent. The public transport is also brilliant, with very affordable and reliable train and bus services.

The youth population of the city sits at 21%, meaning that 1 in 5 residents are young people, making it easy to fit in if you choose to move there. This also goes hand-in-hand with the inclusivity rating of the city, which scores an impressive 8/10. It is also known for being particularly safe for LGBTQ+ residents and visitors, and scores 8/10 on the Safety Index Rating.

While the winters are harsh and the summers can be fairly damp, if you don’t mind gearing up for the weather, then you’ll find life in Vienna to be very comfortable.

44. Oslo – Norway 

Norway has a reputation for being one of the most beautiful countries in the world, with its stunning fjords and gorgeous cities, and Oslo certainly lives up to this reputation.

Inclusivity, bars and restaurants and internet speed rank among the highest scorers for Oslo, and while the high cost of living might put off some people, the city is a superb place for Gen Z.

20% of the city’s population is within the youth demographic, making it a city designed for young people. In addition, mental health services are also relatively easy to access in Oslo, which sets it apart from other similar cities.

43. Abu Dhabi – UAE

A Middle Eastern city in the desert might not seem like one of the best places for Gen Z to move to, but the capital of the United Arab Emirates argues differently.

Abu Dhabi is an ultra-modern city, designed to attract young people to come and live and work here. It is an easy city to adjust to life in, scoring a very impressive 9/10 on the Safety Index score. 

The internet speed in the Emirati capital is also excellent, while climate comfort is another advantage of moving here: like Doha, almost everywhere in the city is air conditioned, so once you’re inside, you can escape from the heat almost instantly.

42. Santiago – Chile

The Chilean capital is perfect for those who like to live their lives at a slower pace, surrounded by nature and with lots to do on the social scene.

For those who wish to continue or advance their studies, Santiago is an excellent place from which to do so, with the city being home to no less than 31 universities, including three of the top four ranked Chilean universities.

Mental health services are also easy to access in Santiago, so nobody has to suffer in silence in the city.

41. Galway – Ireland 

Found in western Ireland, Galway is as beautiful as it is perfect for Gen Z. A city that prides itself on inclusivity, scoring an incredible 9/10 on the scale, is a winner in our eyes.

Life is easy to adjust to in Galway, thanks to a vibrant social scene, its sheer number of bars and restaurants, and the unbelievable amount of greenery around the city, which no doubt helps to contribute to Ireland’s nickname of ‘the Emerald Isle.’

Galway also has good access for those wanting to further their education, namely at the University of Galway, which is one of Ireland’s top-ranked universities. 

40. Johannesburg – South Africa 

Surrounded by natural beauty, Johannesburg is a popular city for all sorts of tourists and visitors, but it is especially attractive for those who want to carve out a new life for themselves in South Africa.

The climate in Johannesburg is much more temperate than the climate in most of the rest of Africa, and given that it is firmly in the Southern Hemisphere, the height of winter is June and the height of summer is December, which no doubt contributes to the lively social scene year-round.

Johannesburg also scores highly on the affordability rating, so if you’re Gen Z and looking to move somewhere without breaking the bank, Johannesburg is a great option.

39. Auckland – New Zealand

Scoring full marks on bars & restaurants and public transport, as well as 9/10 on the Safety Index, Auckland is a great city where you will feel safe and comfortable living, even if it is far from home.

The social scene in the city also scores well, and with a fantastic range of bars and restaurants to meet up in throughout the city, it’s little surprise.

The climate can be fairly challenging for some people to adjust to, and Auckland also has fairly high living costs, but if you’re prepared in advance to deal with this, then you will have no problem moving to, living and thriving in Auckland.

38. Athens – Greece

Athens is a city steeped in history and known as the birthplace of democracy, but it’s also a modern city perfect for Gen Z.

It is easy to be easy to adjust to life in the Greek capital, and the slow pace of life suits some people, especially combined with the beautiful scenery and weather.

Combine the top level of public transport with a vibrant social scene and beautiful bars and restaurants, and you’ve got a winner.

With some of the highest Internet speeds in Europe (291 Mbps), which is over double that of some other European and global cities, connectivity will never be an issue in Athens.

37. Edinburgh – UK

Edinburgh is the second-most visited city in the UK behind London, and it’s no wonder why – and it’s also no wonder why Gen Z are flocking there to make a living.

Life is super easy to adjust to, and the locals are known to be very friendly, which is always a blessing for anyone new to the city. Built on several hills centuries ago, Edinburgh has stayed true to its natural roots, with huge swathes of green spaces in the city, from Arthur’s Seat, which offers stunning panoramic views over the city, to Prince’s Street Gardens where there’s nowhere better to enjoy an al-fresco lunch in the city centre.

Mental health services and inclusivity are top of the bill in Edinburgh too, and with a quarter of the city’s population falling into the youth category, it’s a superb place for Gen Z.

36. Wellington – New Zealand

Safety is paramount here, and that’s why it is so easy to adjust to life in the city. There is very little crime, and the sheer amount of green spaces means that there’s hardly any overcrowding in the city either.

Consistently ranked as one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly cities in the world, Wellington scores top points for inclusivity, which also contributes to its excellent Safety Index score.

Public transport services in the city are also some of the best in the country, and with a buzzing social scene as well, you’ll always have a way to reach all of the different venues and events in the city without a car.

35. Cape Town – South Africa

Sitting right on the southern tip of the country, the green spaces in Cape Town are excellent. Think: beautiful beaches, excellent for surfing, and national parks filled with exotic wildlife are very near to the city centre, while the iconic Table Mountain serves as a mighty backdrop for the urban Cape Town below.

Adjusting to life in Cape Town is also easy, and with a youth population of 24%, it’s a vibrant city for young people.

Unfortunately, Cape Town’s job market isn’t great at the current time of writing, and safety can sometimes be an issue, but being vigilant is key.

34. Tokyo – Japan

Ultra-modern, busy, and packed full of things to do, Tokyo seems like the ultimate tech-lovers' paradise, and it is, but it is also perfect for those members of Gen Z who want to experience a completely different culture.

Perhaps what Tokyo is best known for is its incredibly reliable public transport. Trains in Japan – and especially Tokyo – are timed to the very minute that they arrive and depart stations, so chances are, the only reason you’ll ever miss a train is because you were late, not the train.

The social scene in Tokyo is booming, with numerous events on across the city day-in-day-out, and because of its willing adoption of other cultures, the Japanese capital also scores highly on the inclusivity ranking, too.

33. Brisbane – Australia

Perhaps one of the most beautiful cities in all of Australia, Brisbane, is an ideal city for Gen Z.

It is sometimes nicknamed ‘Bris-Vegas’ thanks to its vibrant nightlife and the number of casinos in the city, ideal for those who enjoy working hard and playing hard.

The numbers of bars and restaurants help to support the city’s nightlife, serving up everything from quick and tasty takeaways to Michelin-starred Australian favourites.

While the cost of living is a factor to be aware of, it is not as expensive as some other Australian cities, and the amount of green space in the city makes it hugely attractive. And the tropical weather helps you to make the most of being outside all year round.

25% of the city’s population falls into the youth category, making it easy to meet other similarly-aged people, and with public transport, some of the best in Australia, it’s very easy to get around the city, too.

32. Hong Kong – Hong Kong

Population density is a factor that puts people off, but did you know that 40% of Hong Kong’s land is classified as green space, and the city-state is home to an incredible 24 parks?

While the skyscrapers dominate the skyline, it’s important to realise that there is lots of green space in the city, ideal for spending time outdoors, given that the social scene is also so vibrant, and many events are hosted outdoors.

Inclusivity also scores highly on the rankings in Hong Kong, and while the living costs can be expensive, the job market is one of the best in East Asia, with competitive salaries making up for the cost of living, particularly in sectors such as finance and tech.

31. Montreal – Canada

Montreal is on an island in the St. Lawrence River, so green spaces are not hard to come by. It's also a very inclusive city, which can also be reflected in how easy it is to adjust to life there. 90% of the population of Montreal can speak both French and English, so this is a great city if you are bilingual or plan on learning either French or English.

Known for its fairly temperate climate, with summers being fairly warm and winters being very cold (but homes are built with this in mind), Montreal also scores highly on the climate comfort rating.

Finally, it is also an affordable city to live in when compared to other North American cities, and also fairly safe, making it an attractive option for Gen Z.

30. Lisbon – Portugal

A city with one of the highest internet speeds in Europe is a winner for Gen Z, whether it’s for streaming, chatting online or working as a digital nomad.

Combine this with the fact that there are 31 universities in the city, and Lisbon is the ideal place to both work and study for Gen Z.

Furthermore, public transport links in the city are excellent, and Lisbon is also well-connected to the rest of the world through a major international airport, and has the advantage of being a site for many budget flights in and around Europe, making travel to different cities very easy.

Finally, Lisbon is also a comfortable place to live, with warm summers and mild winters, making life in the Portuguese capital very easy to adjust to.

29. Shanghai – China

Given that Shanghai is the financial capital of China, you might be surprised to learn that it is also one of the country’s most affordable cities to live in, scoring an impressive 8/10 on this rating.

And even better news to combine with the affordability is the job market, which scores an almost perfect 9/10. The Internet speed in Shanghai is one of the quickest in the world, so it’s an ideal place regardless of whether your job is office-based or if you are working remotely while living in Shanghai.

Education is another good factor in Shanghai, which offsets the fact that only 8% of the city's population is part of the youth population. This is a great place to forge a career, especially in the finance industry.

28. Bangkok – Thailand

Few cities in Southeast Asia hold as much charm, mystery and intrigue as Bangkok, full of secrets and surprises, but also a great city to live and work in if you’re a Gen Z.

One of the more affordable cities on this list, living and working in Bangkok does not have to cost a fortune – rental costs are generally much cheaper here than in Europe or North America.

There are plenty of bars and restaurants catering to all tastes, and a vibrant social scene, which is little surprise when 23% of the Thai capital’s population is under 24.

Bangkok is an inclusive city, making it an attractive option for people of all races, genders and more, and you can expect to adjust to life fairly quickly here.

27. Paris – France

While the high cost of living might not immediately seem livable, there are plenty of redeeming factors which make Paris a perfect Gen Z city. The city is filled with bars and restaurants, and the city’s Internet speed is also renowned for being some of the quickest in Europe. Remote working from a Parisian bistro, anyone?

Paris’ climate is also beautiful. Long, hot summers and cool winters make it the perfect place to live.

The youth population of the city is 24%, which also means that there are lots of similar-aged people to socialise with and meet throughout the city’s bars, restaurants, events and more.

26. Munich – Germany

In the southern region of Germany, known as Bavaria, is one of the world’s most famous cities: Munich. 

Once rated as the most livable city in the world, Munich is a great choice for members of Gen Z. For starters, it scores very easily on the ease of adjusting and the public transport options. Munich is also very well connected to other international cities, either via air for those further away, or by train to cities in neighbouring countries like Switzerland and Austria.

Munich is also excellent for higher education access, with 17 universities in the city, and a remarkable 134,000 students studying at these universities, so if you’re looking for a true further learning hub, Munich is an excellent choice.

25. Brussels – Belgium

Next door to France, Belgium is known for its exquisite culinary options, namely chocolate and beer, and it is also another great city for Gen Z.

Numerous green spaces in the city are one of the major attractions of living in Brussels, and finding ‘secret’ parks dotted between medieval architecture and modern financial districts is a real treat.

The job market in Brussels is also booming, with plenty of opportunities for workers of all skills in various industries.

Public transport in the city is also known for being very efficient and affordable, which is ideal if you opt to study at one of the Belgian capital’s 21 colleges or universities.

24. Seoul – South Korea

Perhaps the first thing that stands out when compared to other major cities is how affordable it is to live in Seoul. Rental prices are generally lower than in other similar-sized cities, and food is also cheap.

This is a bonus given that there are so many bars and restaurants in the city where you can pick up something quick and tasty without spending a fortune.

Given that the city is so large, it makes sense that the public transport network is one of the best in East Asia – whether you want to take the tram, train, subway or bus, the public transport is both affordable and reliable. Seoul is also connected to the rest of the world through two major international airports.

With an astonishing 86 universities, Seoul is also a perfect place to further your education if you wish or pursue a new level of study.

23. Zurich – Switzerland

Scoring very well on the Safety Index, this goes hand-in-hand with how inclusive the city is; one example being that the city hosts a hugely popular annual Pride parade.

The job market in Zurich is one of the most competitive in Europe, but there are lots of opportunities in all sorts of sectors – especially for those wanting to pursue careers in banking, finance and tech.

Zurich is also one of the best cities for mental health access in Europe, and arguably in the world, which is an important factor to consider when thinking about moving here.

Finally, there are also some world-leading universities and higher education institutes in Zurich, such as ETH Zurich (the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology), which is generally ranked as the best university in continental Europe, perfect for furthering your studies.

22. Kuala Lumpur – Malaysia

For starters, it is much more affordable to live here than in many other Southeast Asian cities, so rental costs and the cost of essentials like food are something that you won’t have to worry about.

Furthermore, the internet speed in Kuala Lumpur is one of the best in the region, and the proof of that can be found in the fact that the city is one of the most popular destinations for digital nomads in the world.

The social scene in the city is buzzing, and you’ll find there’s always something to do. As far as inclusivity goes, Kuala Lumpur is the safest city in Malaysia for LGBTQ+ communities.

21. Budapest – Hungary

One of the safest cities in Europe, Budapest scores an incredible 9/10 on the Safety Index ratings, making it ideal for Gen Z.

Furthermore, the Hungarian capital is home to an incredible amount of green spaces, and there’s nothing like enjoying an afternoon on the banks of the Danube on a summer’s afternoon.

The sheer number of bars and restaurants in the city makes the social scene one of the best in Europe, and there’s always something to do.

Public transport links are excellent, from the extensive tram system to the efficient trains, which connect Budapest to the rest of Europe in a few hours.

Finally, mental health services in Budapest are also easy to access, which makes it a good place for Gen Z.

20. Warsaw – Poland

For starters, it scores highly on the Safety Index ratings, with an impressive 8/10, which is the same score that it also has in both affordability, ease of adjusting and green spaces – making it an excellent choice for those reasons alone.

However, Warsaw is also a leading city when it comes to a vibrant social scene, and with 24% of the city’s population being in the youth bracket, that’s no surprise

It has a temperate climate, meaning that it’s neither too hot nor too cold, so most people will find it comfortable to live here, which is another bonus for those Gen Z looking to move to Warsaw.

19. Valencia – Spain

Life doesn’t get much better than living in a city on the eastern coast of Spain, does it?

That’s just one reason why Valencia is a perfect city for Gen Z – and while the climate is of course one factor, there are many others which also make it a superb option.

Valencia is known for being a very inclusive city, which is also reflected in how safe it is to live there. Furthermore, while the youth population is quite low (9%), the amount of higher education access shows that residents of the city can further their education at whatever age, an attractive factor for many members of Gen Z.

The social scene in the city is also one of the best in Spain, and with beautiful bars and restaurants dotted throughout the city, it’s no surprise that the social scene is thriving here. 

18. Singapore – Singapore

While affordability might put some people off, Singapore consistently ranks as one of the safest cities in the world, let alone in Asia, so it’s a price worth paying.

It is also home to some of Asia’s best universities, meaning that if you want to further your education, this is a great place to do so.

Public transport links are excellent, meaning you can save money on the cost of running a car as the public transport is reliable, clean and efficient.

The job market is one of the best in the region, too, and sectors like accountancy are currently crying out for young accountants to join up, so if you work in this sector, then a move to Singapore should be on the cards.

17. Portland, Oregon – USA

A frontrunner in the fight for diversity and equality in the States, Portland is one of the best cities as far as inclusivity goes. 

Aside from its idyllic location and climate that comes with it, Portland is also an affordable city, with numerous green spaces where you can escape the urban settings of downtown Portland.

The social scene in Portland is one of the best on the West Coast, and with an open job market, this is a fantastic place to work, live, meet and socialise with other like-minded people.

16. Dubai – UAE

Known for its incredible buildings, glamorous lifestyle and scorching hot weather, Dubai is a great city for Gen Z.

One of the best social scenes in the Middle East, Dubai is the city where there’s always something going on. It is also one of the safest cities in the region, and walking around at night often poses very little danger.

Furthermore, the city has the infrastructure to support huge projects, and as such, there are numerous green spaces within the city, and just on its outskirts is the mighty Arabian Desert.

The job market is also very open in Dubai, for a range of industries, ranging from tech and finance to hospitality and construction.

This is truly a fantastic city for Gen Z – numerous opportunities, friendly locals and lots of green space make this the perfect city for a new start in life.

15. Copenhagen – Denmark

The Danish capital is perhaps best known for its cleanliness, traditional Scandinavian lifestyle, and Nordic architecture, but it’s also a brilliant city for Gen Z.

As far as public transport goes, few cities in Northern Europe can rival Copenhagen for its efficiency. While the cost of living can be extortionate in some areas, living on the outskirts of the city sees a significant reduction in rental costs, making it one of the most affordable Scandinavian cities to live in.

In addition, Copenhagen is known for its inclusivity and welcomes people of all ages, races, genders, sexual orientations and more with open arms, and is truly a world leader in LGBT rights.

The social scene in Copenhagen, combined with its affordability, makes it one of the most vibrant cities to live in for Gen Z.

14. Helsinki – Finland

Culturally similar to many of the other Nordic countries, but with its unique charm, one of Helsinki’s standout factors is the sheer amount of green spaces within the city itself.

The Finnish capital is home to numerous parks and fields, which locals typically ski through in the winter months and enjoy picnics in the summer, while the public saunas in the city centre encourage wild swimming in the freezing sea year-round, regardless of the weather.

Many adults choose not to drive in Helsinki because the public transport is so efficient. Trains are almost always on time, and connect the Finnish capital to the rest of the country, from large sleeper trains which travel to Lapland to the subway system which links all of the main suburbs to the city centre.

Surprisingly, Helsinki is an affordable city to live in, with rental costs much lower than in other Nordic countries. This, combined with the gorgeous scenery, makes Helsinki a superb city to live in for Gen Z.

13. Madrid – Spain

The Spanish capital is another brilliant city for Gen Z for a number of factors.

It is extremely easy to adjust to life in the city, where the laid-back lifestyle makes a wonderful change from the hustle and grind culture of other major cities.

The bars and restaurants thrive in the city, and with a vibrant social scene, it’s little surprise. Higher education is another attractive factor in Madrid, and furthering education or pursuing a career change is fairly easy to do.

Madrid is one of the safest cities to live in in Spain, and this is another pull factor for Gen Z, and with a youth population of 22%, it’s so easy to fit in with the rest of the Madridistas.

12. Austin, Texas – USA

Few cities in the US are more well-known than the capital city of Texas: Austin.

Life is so easy to adjust to in this city, known for its warm, southern hospitality, which can be felt in every one of the city’s 4,755 restaurants and its almost 300 bars and clubs, making it truly the live music capital of the world.

The job market in Austin is very open, with lots of jobs available in a range of different industries. If you want to qualify in a certain industry, take advantage of the range of universities and higher education institutions in the city, which are some of the best in the US.

Finally, Austin is also well-known for its inclusivity, and once again, this harks back to the friendly Texan hospitality that you can expect to receive in the Lone Star State’s capital city.

11. Barcelona – Spain

Bars and restaurants throughout the city, especially those downtown, and the green spaces are two of the biggest factors in the city that attract people to live there. Park Güell and the famous Barcelona Beach are just two examples of the incredible green spaces in the city, and they are popular for a reason.

The social scene in Barcelona is also bustling, and with great areas to socialise in, such as the aforementioned parks, beaches and a range of downtown venues, it’s no surprise that it thrives here.

Finally, the higher education opportunities that Barcelona presents are some of the best in Spain, such as the University of Barcelona, which was founded in 1450 and remains a leading Spanish university today.

10. Vancouver – Canada

America’s northern neighbour is sometimes characterised as the quieter sibling or the frozen north, but Vancouver is an excellent city for Gen Z.

Incredibly fast internet, excellent public transport and a top climate comfort rating are some of the most attractive factors for Gen Z when it comes to moving to a new city, and Vancouver ticks all of these boxes with very high scores across the board.

The bars and restaurants in the city are some of the finest in Canada, and like most other Canadian cities, Vancouver is a very welcoming city to people from all walks of life.

9. Reykjavík – Iceland

Cleanliness, unique architecture and beautiful scenery are probably the first three things that come to mind when Reykjavík is mentioned. However, did you know that it’s also a brilliant place for Gen Z?

The Icelandic capital city takes green spaces to a whole new level – we’re talking natural geysers, beautiful parks, snow-capped hills and black sand volcanic beaches.

Public transport in the city is some of the best in the Nordic countries, partly because the country’s population is only around 360,000, so you’ll rarely find yourself queuing for a bus.

While it can be difficult to land a job and adjust to life in Reykjavík, if you enter with an open mind and partake in the excellent social scene, you’ll love it here.

8. Dublin – Ireland

Dublin has a lot going for it. It's an easy city to adjust to life in, particularly if English is your first language, known for its friendly locals and excellent bars and restaurants, which all contribute to why the social scene thrives in Dublin.

Dublin can be an expensive place to move to, but that is generally the only drawback. The public transport is great, and it’s only a short flight to the UK and most of mainland Europe.

As far as green spaces go, Dublin is one of the greenest cities in the world: St Stephen’s Green and the grounds at Dublin Castle are just a small nod to what the city offers in terms of green space.

7. Stockholm – Sweden

A city that is synonymous with pretty scenery and the world-famous Scandinavian lifestyle, Stockholm is an excellent city for Gen Z.

The Swedish capital is particularly attractive thanks to its huge number of green spaces. In fact, over half of the city is either water or green space, making it one of the greenest cities in Europe.

The social scene is vibrant, and the internet speed is some of the fastest in northern Europe, meaning you can stay connected to friends and family from all over the world incredibly easily.

Mental health services in Stockholm are also some of the best in Scandinavia, so if this is a service that is important to you, Stockholm is an excellent place to live and work.

6. Melbourne – Australia

Known for being one of the most inclusive cities in the country, Melbourne has held an annual Pride festival since 1996. The city also pays homage to its Aboriginal lands, holding the pre-colonial Australians in high regard.

The bars and restaurants in Melbourne are some of the best in Australia, and the coffee alone is some of the best in the world. This naturally makes ‘Melbs’ a great place to socialise and meet other like-minded people.

Finally, there are lots of green spaces in the city, so if you’re all about a quick take-out coffee and a walk around the park with some good friends, then Melbourne is the place for you.

5. Taipei – Taiwan

Taipei is home to some of the best higher education institutions in Asia, namely National Taiwan University and Taipei Medical University, which are excellent places if you wish to further your education.

Taipei is also recognised as one of the most inclusive cities in Asia. Everyone, regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, and more, is welcome here.

Taipei’s restaurants offer a wide range of options, from local cuisine to Western favourites, and this, combined with the affordability of living in Taipei, makes Taiwan’s capital an attractive place for Gen Z.

4. Toronto – Canada

Found in the eastern Canadian province of Ontario, Toronto is one of the best cities for Gen Z without a doubt.

For starters, 65% of Toronto is greenery, ranging from forests and parks to waterways, making it one of the greenest urban areas in North America. This is perfect for those who like the advantages of living in the city while still having lots of green space around.

The public transport in Toronto is also known for being punctual and reliable, which is particularly important during the winter months if you don’t have a suitable car for the roads.

There are also some excellent universities in the city for those wanting to re-train or further their education, while mental health services and inclusivity both score highly, thus making Toronto one of the best cities in the world for Gen Z.

3. Sydney – Australia

Found on Australia’s eastern coast in the state of New South Wales, Sydney is one of the most recognisable cities in the world – the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House are two of the most iconic.

Living in the city is a dream for Gen Z – vibrant bars and restaurants, especially those overlooking Sydney Harbour, are like something plucked out of a holiday brochure, while the sheer number of green spaces in the city makes it feel like one huge park.

Sydney’s social scene is also one of the best in Australia, while a quarter of the city is classified as members of the youth population, making Sydney a Gen Z paradise.

Finally, the Internet speed is the best in Australia, and the public transport in the city is of the very highest quality – whether you’re taking a train, a bus or even a boat across the harbour to one of the city’s many beaches.

2. Berlin – Germany

Germany’s capital narrowly misses out on the top spot, but is still one of the best cities for Gen Z.

Inclusivity and mental health services both rank very highly in Berlin, so if you’re looking for a progressive city where you can reach out to the right services if you should need to use them, this is an excellent choice.

Berlin’s social scene is one of the best in Europe, and with top-quality public transport to get you around the city, who needs a car?

It is also one of the safest cities in Europe, scoring a very admirable 9/10 on the Safety Index, which in turn makes it easy to adjust to life in the city. Combine this with the very affordable nature of the city, and Berlin is one of the best choices for Gen Z.

1. London – UK

Taking the top spot as the best city for Gen Z is the capital of the UK: London. 

Most people may be put off by living costs, but these are soon evened out when looking at the bigger picture. 

London has some of the best public transport options in the country, and because it is so well-connected, living on the outskirts of the city can save you hundreds in rental costs every month while the transport still gets you around easily.

The job market is also very open in London, with numerous opportunities in all sorts of sectors, from hospitality to medicine, finance and banking.

The capital’s social scene is the best in the UK by far – and any band doing a world tour always play in London.

London is also home to world-leading universities like King’s College London and the London School of Economics, while an incredible 36% of the city’s population falls into the youth category.