Zurich is the second “happiest” city in the world, according to a new international ranking. But what were the reasons Switzerland’s biggest city scored so highly and do foreign residents find it a happy place to live?
Zurich has been ranked second in the Happy City Index, published by the London-based Institute for Quality of Life, which assesses 200 cities on how happy their residents are.
The results were based on 82 indicators across six broad categories, including governance, environment, economy, mobility, as well as physical and mental health, among others.
Zurich was ranked above third-placed Singapore with only Copenhagen getting a higher score to claim top spot.
So what makes Zurich such a happy city according to the study? We’ve pulled out the main points.
READ ALSO: ‘You’re welcome here’: How Zurich encourages foreigners to become Swiss
For a start it’s wealth and the level of salaries on offer for those who live there.
“Zurich continues to be one of the most prosperous cities in the world. Its 2024 budget of 9.64 billion Swiss francs underscores a strong commitment to public services, infrastructure, and innovation,” the report said.
“Earnings in the city surpass the national average by 75 percent, making it one of the wealthiest urban centres worldwide. Zurich’s economic strength, combined with its commitment to innovation and sustainability, ensures its position as a leading global city.”
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Switzerland’s biggest city was also commended for the quality of higher education it offers.
“Education and innovation are pillars of Zurich’s success. The city is home to universities ranked among the top 50 globally, making it a leader in academia and research.”
And despite the high cost of living in Switzerland, the cost of studying in Zurich, where 17 percent of the population hold a masters degree, was not considered too much of a burden on wallets.
“Zurich maintains affordable education, with only 2.9 percent of income required to cover study costs,” the report said.
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The city was also commended for its “global character” and “linguistic diversity” with 64.4 percent of the population speaking at least one foreign language.
The city is well governed and transparent, according to the report, not to mention modern.
“Residents benefit from digital services, including fault reporting, electronic payments, and online appointment scheduling,” it said.
Zurich was also praised for its healthcare services. “The city provides universal medical insurance and has an impressive ratio of 4.5 doctors per 1,000 residents. Life expectancy stands at 83.8 years, while the obesity rate remains low at 12%, reflecting a strong emphasis on public health and active living,” the report said.
However its mental health services could be improved, the study noted.
The German-speaking city was also commended for its transport system as being “one of the most efficient in Europe”.
“Public transport users benefit from seamless digital payment integration, including mobile apps, transport cards, and credit or debit card transactions. Zurich also maintains one of the safest road networks,” it said.
Switzerland is notorious for its strict but effective rules around recycling and this was a strong point for Zurich.
“Waste management is highly effective, with a recycling rate of 52 percent, positioning Zurich as a model for circular economy practices. The city’s commitment to sustainability ensures a high quality of life for its residents.”
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But do the city’s foreign residents find Zurich a happy place to live?
When we asked Zurich readers about the downsides of life in the city they highlighted several factors, notably the cost of living and the stress of having to find an affordable place to live.
Many also complained about the difficulty making friends with the local people.
READ ALSO: ‘Finding a flat is a nightmare’: The downsides of life in Zurich
“Trying to get to know anyone seems like a wasted endeavour,” said one respondent. “It’s a vicious circle of people not caring enough to keep building a friendship, then getting jaded so you don’t bother anymore. There’s little spontaneity with Swiss people. You have to arrange to meet up over a week in advance. That’s not common elsewhere in my experience.”
However it’s worth noting that 78 percent of respondents said the city as still worth living in despite its downsides.
In another survey, readers in Zurich pointed to the fact the city is safe, has great access to nature, good health services and an efficient system for renewing visas as reasons it was a great place to live. On the flip side one reader slammed the number of smokers.
“It is impossible to take public transit, eat outside, go for a run, or anything without having to inhale smoke,” they said. Others said Sundays were boring and the locals were xenophobic.
Share your own views on life in Zurich in the comments section below.
