Where should you live? A data-driven way to decide
CityLivably Editorial Team · Built on World Bank, WorldClim, USGS and FEMA/INFORM open data · Updated 2026
Gut feeling is a bad way to pick a city. Here's a framework that weighs the three things that actually shape daily life: cost, climate and safety.
Top all-round cities
- Ðà Lạt, Vietnam — livability 78/100
- Zugdidi, Georgia — livability 78/100
- La Plata, Argentina — livability 78/100
- Herceg Novi, Montenegro — livability 78/100
- Cetinje, Montenegro — livability 78/100
- Tivat, Montenegro — livability 78/100
- Sokhumi, Georgia — livability 77/100
- Samsun, Turkey — livability 77/100
The three pillars that matter
Most 'best places to live' lists are opinion. We use measurable data: cost (World Bank price levels), climate (real WorldClim records) and safety (USGS earthquakes + FEMA/INFORM hazard + homicide rates). Combine them and the picture changes fast — cheap cities are often riskier; safe, mild cities are often pricey.
How to use it
Decide your non-negotiables (budget ceiling, climate you tolerate, disaster risk you'll accept), then filter the city sorter. Compare finalists head-to-head, and read each city's full profile before deciding.
FAQ
How do you measure 'best place to live'?
A 0–100 livability score from cost (World Bank), climate (WorldClim) and disaster safety (USGS/FEMA).
What's the highest-scoring city?
Ðà Lạt, Vietnam tops our current ranking.