Bergen named best European city for quality of life

Bergen, Norway, has been named the best European city for quality of life according to the latest Global City Index by Oxford Economics. The city ranked second globally, trailing only Canberra, Australia.

The ranking is based on various economic and social indicators, including income levels and their distribution, housing costs, life expectancy, and opportunities for recreation and cultural life. Bergen specifically excelled due to its high income levels, relatively low income inequality, and a strong balance between work and leisure time.

While the city is known for its frequent rainfall, this climate contributes to the lush greenery and natural beauty of the surrounding fjords and mountains. The proximity to nature allows residents easy access to hiking trails and outdoor activities, integrating natural landscapes into daily urban life. Other top-ranking cities in the index include Singapore, Grenoble, Bern, Oslo, Luxembourg, Dresden, Ghent, and Paris.