2026 ranking: Top cities in Asia Pacific that balance work, life, and community

Singapore, Hong Kong, Melbourne, and Chiangmai rank among the most liveable cities for happiness, affordability, quality of life, and more.

Choosing a city isn’t just about career opportunities — it’s about the overall environment that supports employees’ wellbeing. Time Out’s Best Cities 2026 ranking evaluated happiness, affordability, quality of life, and community spirit, while also exploring connection, romance, and local engagement.

Several Asia Pacific cities stood out for offering both vibrant experiences and strong local networks, providing valuable insights for HR teams, mobility planners, and organisations focused on employee satisfaction, retention, and work-life balance.

Here are the top cities to visit or live in Asia Pacific, 2026

1. Melbourne, Australia
   1. Melbourne stands out for its appeal to younger residents, ranking third globally for Gen Z living. Ninety-four percent of locals praise the city’s food offerings, 92% enjoy its art and cultural scene, and 77% recommend its nightlife as a highlight.
2. Shanghai, China
   1. Shanghai tops the list for affordability, with 88% of residents saying eating out is inexpensive and 90% agreeing that coffee or cinema visits are affordable. The city is also bike-friendly, with 78% of locals finding cycling around easy and convenient.
3. Bangkok, Thailand
   1. Bangkok locals report high levels of happiness, with 79% enjoying the everyday experiences their city offers. The city’s food scene is a standout, earning praise from 81% of residents. Among Gen Z, 67% say the city fosters a real sense of community.
4. Seoul, South Korea
   1. Residents of Seoul feel positive about life in the city, with 79% saying it contributes to their happiness. Time Out city experts also rank it as a joint-third favorite destination globally.
5. Tokyo, Japan
   1. Tokyo resonates strongly with its younger population: 91% of residents under 30 report feeling happy in the city, and 82% say people around them are generally upbeat.
      
6. Hong Kong
   1. Hong Kong combines a world-class art scene with accessibility, with 76% of locals rating cultural activities as affordable or free. Its public transport system is highly praised, with 93% of residents giving top marks.
7. Sydney, Australia
   1. Sydney’s strengths are green spaces and dining options, with 85% and 86% of residents rating these highly. Locals also describe the city as beautiful, with 78% affirming this view.
8. Singapore
   1. Singapore earns high marks for walkability (86%) and public transport, with 93% of residents rating the system positively — the highest in the survey. The city is frequently described as modern and safe.
9. Hanoi, Vietnam
   1. Hanoi scores well on affordability and lifestyle: 62% of locals find eating out cheap, and 80% feel coffee outings are affordable. The food scene is praised by 73%, nightlife by 67%, and 72% say making friends is easy.
10. Adelaide, Australia
    1. Nature is a highlight in Adelaide, with beaches, hiking trails, and wildlife parks easily accessible. Seventy-seven percent of locals report easy access to outdoor spaces, and 73% rate the city highly for walkability.
11. Beijing, China
    1. Beijing follows Shanghai in affordability, with 86% of residents finding restaurants inexpensive and 79% saying cultural outings are reasonably priced.
12. Chiang Mai, Thailand
    1. Chiang Mai excels in community connection, with 76% of locals feeling a sense of belonging. Residents often describe the city as welcoming and friendly, followed by lively and relaxing.
13. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
    1. Ho Chi Minh City is recognised for both food and nightlife, with 75% and 70% approval scores respectively. Residents report 75% overall happiness and say social connections are easy to build.
14. Osaka, Japan
    1. Osaka receives high praise for public transport, with 82% rating it “good” or “amazing,” and 70% of locals report that the city contributes positively to their happiness.

Best cities for 2026: Global top 20

Overall, the 20 best cities in world, according to this year's ranking, are:

1. Melbourne, Australia
2. Shanghai, China
3. Edinburgh, Scotland
4. London, UK
5. New York, US
6. Cape Town, South Africa
7. Mexico City, Mexico
8. Bangkok, Thailand
9. Seoul, South Korea
10. Tokyo, Japan
11. Zürich, Switzerland
12. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
13. Copenhagen, Denmark
14. São Paulo, Brazil
15. Hong Kong 
16. Kraków, Poland
17. Porto, Portugal
18. Guadalajara, Mexico
19. Madrid, Spain
20. Valencia, Spain

For the full global ranking, click here.

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