A new global survey conducted by consulting firm Mercer places multiple Canadian cities, including Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary, in the top 25 cities worldwide for quality of life for international assignees and their families. 

The firm's annual Quality of Living report assesses the practicalities of daily life for newcomers working outside their home location. The survey evaluates 39 critical factors grouped into 10 categories — including economic environment, education, transportation, and recreation — to rank 241 cities across the globe. 

Here are how five different Canadian cities fared in the rankings. 

Toronto 

Impressively, Toronto managed to climb four spots since last year, securing the #13 spot for quality of life globally. The report notes that Toronto is a "global economic hub" with a "strong commitment to inclusivity and diversity," which sets it apart from other cities around the world. Looking at North America specifically, Toronto comes out at the #2 spot for newcomers. 

Vancouver 

Highlighting Vancouver's unique blend of temperate climate, recreation options, and cosmopolitan living, the report ranks the city as #1 for quality of life in North America and #7 overall. Vancouver managed to climb one spot since the 2023 report and was praised for its "high-quality lifestyle."

Calgary

Calgary — which is Canada's third most diverse major city — placed #25 in Mercer's global ranking, dropping two spots since last year's report. The survey specifically highlights the city's "strong job market" as one of the positives for newcomers and their families. 

Montreal 

Home to over 120 communities, it's no wonder why Montreal ranked #20 globally for quality of life for international assignees. Vince Cordova, a Mercer Partner for Mobility Advisory services in North America, referenced the city's historic downtown in the report as one of the factors for its high ranking. 

Ottawa 

Dropping two spots since last year, Ottawa still managed to cling onto the #20 ranking globally (tying with Montreal). The report names the city's close proximity to Parliament as one of the elements for its impressive ranking.

Globally, Zurich rose to the top of the list due to its "outstanding" public services, low crime rates, lively cultural scene, and commitment to sustainability. On the other hand, the report notes that the city is ranked among the most expensive cities in the world due to its sky-high housing costs, transportation expenses, and overall cost of goods and services. 

Here are the top 10 global cities for quality of life, according to the survey: 

• Zurich, Switzerland (#1)
• Vienna, Austria (#2)
• Geneva, Switzerland (#3)
• Copenhagen, Denmark (#4)
• Auckland, New Zealand (#5)
• Amsterdam, Netherlands (#6)
• Frankfurt, Germany & Vancouver, Canada (tied for #7)
• Bern, Switzerland (#9)
• Basel, Switzerland (#10)