Melbourne has officially retained its position as the fourth most liveable city in the world for 2025, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit’s (EIU) Global Liveability Index.
This ranking reflects Melbourne’s consistent strengths across urban planning, public healthcare, multiculturalism, and a strong cultural identity.
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Official Top 5 – Most Liveable Cities (2025)
The EIU evaluates 173 cities globally using five key pillars: stability, healthcare, culture & environment, education, and infrastructure.
| Rank | City | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Copenhagen | Denmark |
| 2 | Vienna | Austria |
| 3 | Zurich | Switzerland |
| 4 | Melbourne | Australia |
| 5 | Geneva | Switzerland |
Source: Economist Intelligence Unit 2025 (as reported by CNN, ArchDaily, Wikipedia)
“It’s one thing to see Melbourne ranked globally. It’s another to live it every day, where you can hop on a tram to the market, take a walk in the gardens, or catch live music by the Yarra.”
What Makes Melbourne Stand Out in 2025?
While the EIU doesn’t publish exact scores publicly, Melbourne consistently performs well across:
- Stability: Low crime and strong public institutions
- Healthcare: Public access via Medicare, research hospitals
- Culture & Environment: Multicultural events, museums, and walkable green space
- Education: Global recognition of universities and public school systems
- Infrastructure: Integrated tram, train, and road systems
Melbourne’s Rankings Over Time
Melbourne ranked #1 from 2011 to 2017, then dipped during the pandemic before returning to the top 5. In 2025, it reaffirms its status as a globally liveable destination.
| Year | Melbourne’s Rank |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 1st |
| 2017 | 1st |
| 2020 | Out of Top 5 |
| 2023 | Top 5 |
| 2025 | 4th |
Sources: EIU annual reports, media coverage (ABC, The Guardian, CNN)
“We had some of the world’s toughest lockdowns. But the comeback? That’s been something to witness. Festivals are back, small businesses are thriving, and the energy’s changed in a good way.”
Where the Liveability Hits Home – Top Suburbs
While the EIU ranks cities as a whole, Melbourne’s liveability is deeply experienced at the neighbourhood level.
Suburbs widely praised for lifestyle quality:
- Fitzroy – Creative, walkable, filled with local businesses
- Carlton – Academic heartland with heritage and green space
- Southbank – Riverside living close to the arts precinct
- Brighton – Family-friendly, close to the bay
- Box Hill – Diverse, accessible, and growing rapidly
Infrastructure in 2025 – Major Upgrades
Melbourne continues to invest in infrastructure that improves mobility, safety, and sustainability.
Key upgrades:
- Metro Tunnel Project (2025): Five new underground stations and faster travel through the CBD
- Suburban Rail Loop (under construction): Linking middle-ring suburbs directly without passing through the city
- Level Crossing Removals (ongoing): Over 70 crossings already removed, improving safety and traffic flow
Source: Victoria Big Build
Green Space, Culture & Diversity
Melbourne devotes 19% of its metropolitan land area to green space, including public parks, reserves, and gardens, offering city dwellers daily access to nature.
- Melbourne is home to more than 480 hectares of public parkland in the City of Melbourne alone
- About 35.7% of residents were born overseas, according to the 2021 Census
- Hosts 100+ major cultural events and festivals annually
- Multiple world-class venues: NGV, Hamer Hall, Melbourne Museum
Sources: ABS 2021 Census, City of Melbourne, Parks Victoria
Thinking of Moving or Visiting Melbourne?
Melbourne’s global ranking is a useful signal, but it’s the everyday quality of life that seals the deal.
Whether you’re planning a short visit, moving for study, or looking to relocate your family, you’ll find a city that supports lifestyle, diversity, and ambition.
“You can live in cities that are exciting. You can live in cities that are safe. But Melbourne does both, and wraps it in a coffee-scented, festival-filled package.”
Melbourne’s Hidden Gems
While rankings highlight the big picture, Melbourne’s true liveability is often found in its lesser-known corners, quiet laneways, tucked-away gardens, and local favourites most visitors miss.
From historic arcades to under-the-radar dining, these experiences deepen your connection with the city beyond its global score.
👉 Explore them here: Hidden Gems in Melbourne
