What Makes a City "Happy"? Insights from the 2025 Happy City Index
Friends, family, and a sense of community all contribute to our happiness, but the environment in which we live plays a crucial role in our overall well-being. Researchers at the Institute for the Quality of Life have been delving into this subject, and their recent 2025 Happy City Index has generated considerable interest. By tracking 82 indicators of happiness across six major categories—Citizens, Governance, Environment, Economy, Health, and Mobility—the index evaluates the policies that affect quality of life and their implementation.
The Gold Cities of Happiness
Interestingly, the index does not declare a singular "happiest city" but highlights a group of 31 cities that achieved outstanding scores across all metrics, labeled as "Gold Cities." This article explores the top five cities within this elite group to uncover the characteristics that foster a truly happy urban environment.
1. Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen often tops happiness rankings, and its performance in the Happy City Index is no different. Scoring particularly high in the Environment category, the city boasts extensive green spaces, sustainable practices, and efficient waste management systems. Additionally, it ranks favorably in the Economy category, focusing on innovation and international business presence.
Residents like Mari-Anne Daura enjoy the vibrant food and cultural scene, while Aaron Wertheimer emphasizes the city’s cycling infrastructure. "Nearly one-third of the population bikes, and the metro system runs like clockwork," he shares. Exploring Copenhagen by bike or water bus, especially the lively food scene at Reffen, encapsulates the city’s charm.
2. Zurich, Switzerland
Taking the second spot, Zurich excels in both the Citizens and Governance categories. The city’s emphasis on citizen participation in government policies and ease of access to digital services enhances residents’ quality of life.
Local resident Raquel Matos Gonçalves appreciates Zurich’s family-friendly environment, noting its safety, punctual public transport, and cleanliness. Amelie Guiot speaks to the city’s orderly nature, where unwritten rules foster a sense of harmony. For newcomers, the Kunsthaus Zürich and the city’s beautiful lakeside bathhouses provide ample opportunities for relaxation and cultural engagement.
3. Singapore
Ranked third, Singapore is renowned for its high rankings in various global indices due to its immaculate cleanliness and efficient infrastructure. The 2025 Happy City Index highlighted its new Health metric, focusing on public safety and health initiatives.
Resident Hwee-Boon Yar reflects on how public housing schemes have turned homes into potential financial assets for many Singaporeans. Samuel Huang appreciates the balance of urban life, noting that one can attend business meetings downtown and enjoy cultural experiences by the waterfront within hours. The vibrant neighborhood of Tiong Bahru is a must-visit for its blend of history, food, and local life.
4. Aarhus, Denmark
Aarhus, Denmark’s second-largest city, prides itself on being "the world’s smallest big city," offering urban amenities without overwhelming sizes. The city’s coherent focus on Citizens, Environment, and Health translates into an exceptionally livable atmosphere.
Local resident Carla Niña Pornelos highlights the intentionality in Aarhus’s urban design, where community dinners and green spaces foster connections. With sustainable initiatives like district heating and waste-to-energy programs, this city serves as a model for modern living. The Infinite Bridge at sunrise embodies Aarhus’s ethos of melding art, nature, and thoughtful planning.
5. Antwerp, Belgium
Antwerp edges out its larger neighbor, Brussels, by achieving higher scores in several categories, primarily Citizens, Governance, and Environment. Residents praise the reliable public transportation and the compact nature of the city, making daily life easy and enjoyable.
Grace Carter, who moved to Antwerp in her late 20s, appreciates its livability. "There’s a calm efficiency here," she states. The city’s commitment to sustainability and cultural life allows residents to balance work and leisure. For a genuine experience of Antwerp, she recommends visiting the Saturday market at Theaterplein, where one can engage with local culture and savor the city’s laid-back vibe.
These five cities represent a tapestry of what contributes to happiness in urban environments. From sustainability to community engagement, each city showcases unique aspects that influence the well-being of its residents. By understanding these elements, we can glean insights that might help enhance the quality of life in other cities around the globe.
