Global Liveability Index 2026

The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) released the Global Liveability Index 2026 on 8 July 2026, ranking 173 cities based on the quality of urban living. The index evaluates cities across key parameters such as stability, healthcare, education, infrastructure, and culture & environment. In the latest rankings, Copenhagen (Denmark) retained its position as the world’s most liveable city for the second consecutive year.

Among Indian cities, New Delhi secured the 120th position, followed by Mumbai (121st), Chennai (123rd), and Bengaluru (127th). The rankings provide valuable insights into the strengths and challenges of cities worldwide and are widely referred to by policymakers, researchers, and international organisations.

What is the Global Liveability Index?

The Global Liveability Index is an annual assessment published by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), the research and analysis division of The Economist Group. The 2026 edition evaluated 173 cities using 30 indicators grouped under five major categories:

• Stability
• Healthcare
• Culture and Environment
• Education
• Infrastructure

The index measures how suitable a city is for living by examining the quality of public services, transport systems, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, environmental conditions, and overall safety.

Top 10 Most Liveable Cities in the Global Liveability Index 2026

Indian Cities in Global Liveability Index 2026

New Delhi’s Performance

New Delhi scored 48.1 overall in the Global Liveability Index 2026. Among the five assessment categories, the city performed best in Education (66.7) and Infrastructure (58.9). It recorded 41.7 in Healthcare and 35.4 in Culture and Environment. The index also evaluates cities on Stability, which remains one of the most important indicators influencing overall liveability.

Despite improvements in education and infrastructure, Indian cities continue to face challenges such as air pollution, traffic congestion, housing quality, pressure on public services, and urban infrastructure, affecting their overall rankings.

Significance of the Global Liveability Index

The Global Liveability Index serves as an important benchmark for assessing the quality of urban life across the world. Governments and urban planners use the findings to identify gaps in public infrastructure, healthcare, transport, and environmental management. For India, the rankings underline the need for sustainable urban development, improved civic amenities, cleaner air, efficient public transport, and enhanced healthcare services to make cities more liveable and globally competitive.

Important Facts for Exams

• Global Liveability Index 2026 was released by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) on 8 July 2026.
• The index ranks 173 cities using 30 indicators.
• Five assessment categories are:
  • Stability
  • Healthcare
  • Culture & Environment
  • Education
  • Infrastructure
• Copenhagen (Denmark) is the world’s most liveable city in 2026.
• New Delhi ranked 120th, followed by Mumbai (121st), Chennai (123rd), and Bengaluru (127th).
• New Delhi scored 48.1 overall, with its highest score in Education (66.7).
• The index is published annually by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), part of The Economist Group.