Dublin has been ranked 43rd in the global Mercer 2024 Quality of Living index, which marks a slight drop from last year’s 42nd position.
In the assessment of 38 western European cities, Dublin placed 26th, also a decrease by one spot from the previous year.
Noel O’Connor, Principal at Mercer Ireland, explained that companies relocating expatriates require clear, objective data on the differences in living standards between cities. He noted that Mercer’s Quality of Living reports provide valuable insights into the living experiences of international assignees, offering concrete figures for what are typically subjective perceptions.
Despite the drop, O’Connor highlighted Dublin’s continued appeal as a destination for expatriates, noting its strong position in both global and western European rankings.
Zurich took the top spot this year, surpassing Vienna, which had held the position last year. Zurich earned praise for its public services, low crime rates, vibrant cultural life, and sustainability efforts. However, the city is also one of the world’s most expensive due to its high housing costs, transportation fees, and overall living expenses.
Vienna ranked second, with Geneva and Copenhagen following closely behind. Western European cities dominate the top 50 list, with 29 cities from the region, including 8 in the top 10.