Melbourne is the only Australian city in the top 10 of a new ranking of the most liveable cities. 

The Economist Intelligence Unit has issued its Global Liveability Index 2022.

The index quantifies the challenges presented to an individual’s lifestyle and quality of life in 173 cities. 

In 2022, relaxed COVID-19 restrictions in some parts of the world led to big shifts across liveability scores, but one city class again claimed top place as the most liveable city in the world.

Vienna, Austria took first place, followed by Copenhagen, Denmark, the Swiss city of Zurich in third spot and Canada’s Calgary came in fourth.

The liveability survey reviews stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education and infrastructure factors to determine liveability rankings for cities worldwide. 

Melbourne and Osaka are the only two cities in the top 10 that are located outside of Europe or Canada. 

Vienna, according to the report, found itself topping the rankings after its pandemic restrictions loosened up.

“Vienna, which slipped to 12th place in our rankings in early 2021 as its museums and restaurants were closed, has since rebounded to first place, the position it held in 2018 and 2019,” the report says.

Melbourne secured 10th place on the list while other Australian cities dropped rankings.

Brisban is now ranked 27, down 17 places in a year, while Adelaide ranks 30.

Perth was ranked 32 in the world for liveability - a severe drop of 26 places.