Healthiest Cities in the World 2026

Cities play a major role in shaping how healthy people live, work, and age. Access to quality healthcare, clean environments, active lifestyles, and strong public services all influence urban health outcomes. This article ranks the Healthiest Cities in the World based on an overall health score, offering a global snapshot of where residents enjoy the best conditions for physical and mental well-being. As urban populations continue to grow worldwide, understanding which cities lead in health performance helps governments, businesses, and individuals make informed decisions about policy, investment, and relocation.

Urban health rankings matter because cities concentrate both opportunity and risk. Dense populations can strain healthcare systems and infrastructure, but well-managed cities turn density into an advantage. Investments in preventive healthcare, walkable neighborhoods, pollution control, and public transport strongly affect outcomes. Globally, healthier cities tend to combine strong governance with long-term planning, ensuring that economic growth goes hand in hand with quality of life. Comparing cities across continents also reveals how different models of urban development influence health in measurable ways.

Top 10 Healthiest Cities in the World 2026

1. Zurich: 93.6 score
2. Copenhagen: 92.9 score
3. Vienna: 92.4 score
4. Tokyo: 91.8 score
5. Singapore: 91.3 score
6. Stockholm: 90.9 score
7. Helsinki: 90.5 score
8. Oslo: 90.1 score
9. Amsterdam: 89.7 score
10. Melbourne: 89.2 score

The Top 10 healthiest cities are dominated by European and Asia-Pacific leaders, with Zurich taking the top position. These cities score consistently high due to strong healthcare access, low pollution levels, and active urban lifestyles. Northern European cities stand out for their emphasis on cycling, public spaces, and preventive care, while Tokyo and Singapore highlight how high-density megacities can still deliver excellent health outcomes through efficiency and technology. Melbourne rounds out the list, reflecting Australia’s long-standing focus on public health, safety, and livability.

Full Data Table

Key Points

• European cities account for a large share of the top rankings, showing the impact of long-term public health investment.
• Switzerland appears multiple times, indicating strong nationwide healthcare and urban planning standards.
• Asia-Pacific cities perform especially well at the top but become less frequent lower in the rankings.
• Cities in Germany, the United Kingdom, and Australia show consistent mid-to-high health performance.
• North American cities enter mainly in the middle of the list rather than the top tier.
• Health scores gradually decline rather than dropping sharply, suggesting steady global competition among leading cities.
• Capital cities often rank higher than secondary cities, reflecting concentrated public services and infrastructure.

Healthy cities are becoming a benchmark for sustainable urban success rather than a luxury. The 2026 rankings show that strong health outcomes are achievable across different cultures, climates, and population sizes when policy, infrastructure, and public behavior align. As cities face challenges from aging populations, climate stress, and rapid urbanization, those already leading in health are better positioned to adapt. For residents, planners, and investors alike, the healthiest cities offer valuable lessons on how thoughtful urban design can directly improve everyday life and long-term resilience.

Related Articles

• Healthiest Countries in the World
• Healthiest Capital Cities
• Healthiest Aging Populations
• Healthiest Youth Populations
• Healthiest Immigrant Populations

---

Sources

• Healthy Cities and Urban Health – World Health Organization
• Global Health Observatory Data – World Health Organization