Monocle has released the 2026 edition of its Quality of Life Survey – an annual ranking of the best cities to live in worldwide – with Sydney taking out fifth place.

This year’s survey had a focus on cities with urban ambition that are also fun to live in. Tokyo was in first place, followed by Copenhagen, Lisbon, Vienna and Sydney.

Regarding Sydney’s ranking, Monocle said: “George Street, the city’s main artery, has been pedestrianised, pumping energy into the surrounding environment, boosting safety and giving the city centre a fresh vibrancy.

“The street is also the nexus of the new light rail lines, which have brought trams back into Sydney’s public-transport mix. The metro – Australia’s only mass rapid-transit rail – is also reshaping the city and the way that Sydneysiders tra verse it.

“The network will also link up with Western Sydney International Airport when it opens next year. Innovation abounds, from the state gallery’s gleaming Sanaa-designed wing to Kengo Kuma’s tornadic tower in Chinatown.

“But Sydney’s most striking new building is the New Sydney Fish Market, the southern hemisphere’s largest market of its kind, which opened in January this year.”

Monocle Foreign Editor Alexis Self said: “Monocle has always been curious about what makes cities tick and how they can be improved.

“Nineteen years ago, we thought that it was odd that many rankings were driven by factors such as tax rates, GDP and living costs alone. After all, surely urban life should be judged on culture, retail, hospitality and architecture too? The result was a questionnaire sent out to correspondents in 40 cities worldwide.

“Today we continue to ask trusted correspondents for their take and the survey still comprises questions on safety, connectivity, governance, green space and more. But we also check whether you can get a decent meal and a drink after 10pm.

“Every year, there are tweaks to reflect how the world is changing. For 2026, we have paid special attention to excitement, ambition and security.

“The aim of this survey is to nudge the discussion around liveability away from stuffy policy towards a conversation about what moves our hearts, minds and feet towards certain places.”

Monocle Editor in Chief Andrew Tuck said: “This year we have focused on two elements as we continue to ensure that our ranking reflects both the
needs of readers and the times that we live in.

“The first is joy – can you have a good night out in these cities? Are they places with cultural institutions and cared-for parks where people can come together?

“The second focus is ambition – are these cities that dream big? It’s easy for even great metropolises to lose momentum, to allow planning delays and financial constraints to halt their progress. If your city faces the challenges of delivering affordable housing, of tackling street crime, of delivering jobs, there is no time to waste.”

View the survey results here.