Four cities in the Netherlands have been named among the top 10 most liveable cities for Europeans in 2024. According to the global mobility consultant ECA International, Eindhoven, Rotterdam, The Hague and Amsterdam are all among the top 10 best cities to live in on the continent. 

Switzerland comes out on top with Bern as most liveable city

According to the ranking, the most liveable city for Europeans is Bern. The de facto capital of Switzerland was joined by its sister cities of Geneva and Basel, which all placed within the top 10. 

The ranking was compiled by assessing more than 500 locations around the world for their expat liveability, focusing on indicators such as availability of health services; housing and utilities; isolation; access to a social network and recreational and leisure facilities; infrastructure; climate; personal safety; socio-political tensions and air quality. 

“With top facilities, minimal air pollution and low crime rates, Bern is a very attractive city for expatriates and their families. Swiss, Dutch and Scandinavian cities fill out the top 10 most liveable cities,” Neil Ashman, Senior Location Ratings Analyst at ECA, was quoted as saying in the company’s press release. 

Eindhoven is the most liveable Dutch city

According to the ranking, Eindhoven comes out on top within the Netherlands for expat liveability. The city came in second place overall, and came ahead of the next-best Dutch city - Rotterdam - which came in joint fifth place with The Hague and 2023’s winner: Copenhagen.

Copenhagen’s fall from grace was set in stone thanks to a rising housing shortage. “Copenhagen is still a great city for expatriates, it remains very liveable, but has seen shortages of suitable housing in recent times which has seen it drop in the ranking slightly,” Ashman added.

Top 10 Most Liveable Cities for Europeans in 2024

According to the ranking, these are the top 10 most liveable cities in 2024:

• 1. Bern
• 2. Eindhoven
• =3. Stavanger
• =3. Geneva 
• =5. Copenhagen 
• =5. Rotterdam 
• =5. The Hague
• =8. Gothenburg
• =8. Amsterdam 
• =8. Basel 

For the full ranking, or more information about the methodology, see ECA International’s website.