The Vienna era is over. After a three-year reign (2022–2024), Vienna was dethroned by Copenhagen in 2025 and remains second in 2026 — 97.1 versus 98.0. Copenhagen wins by having no weaknesses: perfect 100s in stability, education and infrastructure, and 95+ everywhere else.

Australia is the real winner with Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide all in the top ten, while the Swiss pair slipped — Zurich fell from joint 2nd to 5th. Vancouver is North America’s lone representative, Tokyo joined Osaka to give Asia its only presence, and the 173-city average has been stuck at 76.1 for three straight years.