August 15, 2025, 8:35 am | Read time: 4 minutes

When searching for the most livable city, factors such as food, culture, nightlife, and access to green spaces, pedestrian-friendliness, and overall satisfaction are considered. Among all respondents, Cape Town secured the top spot. But now, “Time Out” magazine has filtered the responses of all participating city dwellers under 30. After all, younger people have different expectations of a city and life compared to older generations. Therefore, it’s not surprising that a different city topped the ranking for those under 30.

The Top 3 Most Livable Cities in the World – for Under 30s

Rank 1: Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok ranks first among the most livable cities for those under 30. The difference from other generations isn’t that significant here. For comparison, Bangkok ranks second in the general ranking.

However, the Thai capital seems to hit the mark with younger generations. Eighty-four percent of respondents live there happily, and 74 percent believe Bangkok is very affordable. What else is important to young people? Meeting new people! And apparently, that’s particularly easy there, as city dwellers most frequently reported that making friends in their city is simple.

Rank 2: Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne, Australia, ranks second among the most livable cities, as chosen by city dwellers under 30. The art and culture scene is particularly popular with Generation Z—96 percent rate it positively. Melbourne is also described as diverse and inclusive, and the quality of life is high. Ninety-one percent of the younger generation describe it as good or even exceptional.

Rank 3: Cape Town, South Africa

Ranked third among the best cities for those under 30 is the winner across all generations: Cape Town. Gen Z also finds the coastal city appealing—71 percent of city dwellers consider it beautiful. Eighty-two percent are happy there, and the affordable nightlife is positively rated.

Berlin in the Top 20

A German city also made it into the “Time Out” ranking. While Berlin only reached 23rd place among respondents of all generations, the capital now ranks in the top 20. Among the best cities for those under 30, Berlin is in 15th place.

The British magazine “Time Out” surveyed more than 18,500 city dwellers worldwide to establish the ranking of the most livable cities. For the latest results, all responses from city dwellers under 30 were filtered, causing the rankings of the most livable cities to shift. Relevant criteria include culture, nightlife, satisfaction, and the overall atmosphere.

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The Criteria of Gen Z

But what is important to the younger generation? What do they like, and what is completely unimportant? “Time Out” asked its own Gen Z employees what matters to them as city dwellers. An affordable and accessible cultural scene is highly valued. Additionally, the ability to explore the city on foot is important, also for cost reasons.

According to the “Time Out” survey, the most important factors for the younger generation are affordability, a great nightlife, and the opportunity to meet new people. Other factors also played a significant role in the evaluation. Cities with many green spaces or efficient public transportation were positively rated.

The Complete Ranking of the Most Livable Cities in the World for Under 30s

1. Bangkok, Thailand
2. Melbourne, Australia
3. Cape Town, South Africa
4. New York, New York
5. Copenhagen, Denmark
6. Barcelona, Spain
7. Edinburgh, Scotland
8. Mexico City, Mexico
9. London, England
10. Shanghai, China
11. Sydney, Australia
12. Beijing, China
13. Paris, France
14. Tokyo, Japan
15. Berlin, Germany
16. Seville, Spain
17. Chicago, Illinois
18. Chiang Mai, Thailand
19. Prague, Czech Republic
20. Lisbon, Portugal