The Numbeo quality of life Index for 2021 has been released. Although the top 10 spots are occupied by the usual suspects, the top 25 does contain some surprises.
With quality of life high on the agenda for many of us in 2021, more than in previous years, the list makes interesting reading. The ratings take into consideration cost of living, safety, healthcare, pollution, purchasing power and cost of property to income ratio.
Switzerland tops the list, followed by Denmark, The Netherlands, Finland and wih Australia rounding out the top 5.
The United States sits at 17 in the listings, with Germany at 8, Canada at 22, the UK at 23 and Ireland falling outside of the top 25 down at 28.
With more of us able to relocate for work, it’s interesting to see where some of the countries that attract digitial nomads are in the list.
Portugal, as one of the most popular digital nomad destinations in Europe, sits at number 20. Croatia at is at 25, Italy is way down at 37. Asian digital nomad favourites Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam are propping up the list at 69, 74 and 75 respectively.
So although these lists make for interesting reading, they might not tell the whole story.
The best country to live in 2021?
The truth is that the quality of life score and the best country to live in might be entirely different things. Although residents in the USA have higher incomes than much of the rest of the world, the cos of healthcare and the intense work culture makes it unatractive to many.
Conversely, a country like Thailand which has a relativel low national GDP but low costs for expats (coupled with great local culture) makes it a very attractive place for people moving to work remotely.
So, although the quality of life list by Numbeo offers some interesting statistics, the actual best country to live in is a personal choice.
The full list
The Top 25 countries with the best quality of life 2021 are:
| Top 25 | Quality of Life Index |
|---|---|
| Switzerland | 188.36 |
| Denmark | 186.25 |
| Netherlands | 180.27 |
| Finland | 178.95 |
| Australia | 178.41 |
| Iceland | 177.64 |
| Austria | 176.36 |
| Germany | 175.24 |
| New Zealand | 173.60 |
| Luxembourg | 171.81 |
| Norway | 171.72 |
| Estonia | 171.16 |
| Sweden | 170.19 |
| Oman | 168.82 |
| Slovenia | 165.74 |
| Japan | 164.06 |
| United States | 163.60 |
| Spain | 163.48 |
| Lithuania | 160.29 |
| Portugal | 159.83 |
| Czech Republic | 157.49 |
| Canada | 157.25 |
| United Kingdom | 156.94 |
| United Arab Emirates | 156.94 |
| Croatia | 155.41 |
Check out the full list at Numbeo.
