# European urban quality of life rankings

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/european-urban-quality-of-life-rankings
> Updated: 2026-10-22T08:34:10.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2.

Recent reports have highlighted various European cities in studies regarding urban living conditions and quality of life.

In Germany, a stress index released by CanDoc placed Berlin twelfth among 30 major cities. While the capital faces environmental issues like high fine dust levels and limited green space for 35 percent of residents, it scored well in support services, ranking third for wellness centers per 100,000 inhabitants and showing high availability of psychotherapists. Among eastern German cities, Chemnitz ranked thirteenth, ahead of Leipzig and Dresden.

Separately, the Oxford Economics Global Cities Index ranked Bern, Switzerland, third on a European list for best quality of life. The city held the second-highest position in Europe, trailing only Bergen, Norway, and Grenoble, France. Bern’s high ranking was attributed to well-organized public services, high resident purchasing power, and urban planning that promotes a relaxed daily rhythm.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-22: Bern ranked among Europe's best cities for quality of life

Bern, Switzerland, ranked third in Europe for quality of life in the 2026 Global Cities Index, cited for its public services and urban design.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bern-ranked-among-europes-best-cities-for-quality-of-life

### 2026-10-05: Berlin ranks 12th in new German city stress index

A new stress index by CanDoc ranks Berlin 12th among 30 German cities, noting that while air quality is poor, the capital offers high levels of wellness and mental health support.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/berlin-ranks-12th-in-new-german-city-stress-index

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Cite as: European urban quality of life rankings. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/european-urban-quality-of-life-rankings