Monocle Ranks Copenhagen, Lisbon and Vienna Top 3 European Liveable Cities in 2026
Updated
Updated · Euronews · Jun 30
Monocle Ranks Copenhagen, Lisbon and Vienna Top 3 European Liveable Cities in 2026
3 articles · Updated · Euronews · Jun 30
Summary
Monocle’s 2026 Quality of Life survey put Copenhagen first in Europe, followed by Lisbon and Vienna, with 13 European cities placing in the global top 20 out of 75 cities assessed.
The ranking emphasized safety, connectivity, retail and green space rather than GDP or tax rates, as more than 80% of the world’s population now lives in urban areas, according to the UN.
Copenhagen led on cycling, restaurants and central retail, while a post-2025 election city agenda is targeting housing costs, climate change and reducing cars in the center.
Lisbon scored highly for sunshine, food, architecture and safety, but Monocle warned its housing market is among Europe’s least affordable, with homes costing about 18.7 times typical annual household income.
Vienna ranked fourth globally and third in Europe, helped by international events and social housing, though it has slipped since topping the overall ranking in 2023.