Singapore Ranks Third in Global Quality of Life Index
The city scored 91.6 for quality of life, reflecting a balance between high income and local living costs.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Wellness
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Singapore ranked third globally for quality of life in the 2026 Global Cities Index. The city achieved a score of 91.6, following Canberra and Bergen in a comprehensive assessment of 1,000 cities.
Why it matters
Understanding these rankings helps individuals see how factors like income, crime, and housing costs influence community well-being on an international scale. The index highlights how specific urban metrics contribute to a balanced life.
The 2026 Global Cities Index assessed 1,000 cities, with the quality of life category representing 25% of the total index score. Singapore secured the third-place ranking with a score of 91.6, trailing leaders Canberra and Bergen.
The players
Oxford Economics
An advisory firm that conducts global economic research and develops the Global Cities Index to measure urban performance.
The details
Oxford Economics evaluates these rankings by weighing factors including local income levels, crime rates, and housing expenditure. While Singapore benefits from high average incomes and low crime, the index notes that elevated housing costs relative to the region act as a specific constraint on its overall quality of life standing.
Timeline
The 2026 Global Cities Index was released in 2026.
Health Landscape
This ranking reflects a shift toward incorporating social determinants of health—such as housing and crime—into broader economic assessments. It marks a departure from traditional financial metrics by evaluating how urban environments influence the daily quality of life.
The index highlights that housing affordability and crime rates are significant predictors of community health outcomes. Readers should consider how these local factors in their own cities influence their personal stress levels and overall life satisfaction.
The takeaway
Quality of life in urban areas is fundamentally tied to the balance between economic opportunity and the cost of living. Monitoring these regional trends can help you better understand the environmental factors currently impacting your daily stress and long-term health.
Further reading
Explore more about how your environment shapes well-being in our Wellness section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by VnExpress International – Latest news, business, travel and analysis from Vietnam.
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