Which US city cracked the world’s top 20 for quality of life?
How the index works
Oxford Economics ranked 1,000 cities worldwide in its 2026 Global Cities Index. The assessment covers economics, human capital, environment and quality of life, alongside a fifth category. The firm evaluates each category through an economic lens. For quality of life, its indicators include income equality and housing expenditure.
US cities in the rankings
Eight US cities appeared in the index’s overall top 20, and New York held the No. 1 position. The results were less favorable for the United States in the quality-of-life category. Only one US city made that category’s top 20, despite the country’s strong showing in the overall rankings.
Quality of life matters
Quality of life accounts for 25% of a city’s overall score. Oxford Economics’ report presents the category as one part of a broader comparison of cities’ performance. Mark Britton, Oxford Economics’ managing director of city services, said the index tracks progress across a broad set of measures. He said it also allows comparisons of where cities stand and where they may be heading under different conditions.
Key points
- Eight US cities ranked in the overall top 20, led by New York at No. 1.
- Only one US city placed among the quality-of-life top 20.
- Quality of life contributes 25% of a city’s overall score.
- Oxford Economics assessed 1,000 cities in its 2026 index.