Rankings: The most and least stressed cities in the world

Manila, Philippines and Kolkata, India rank in the top 10, scoring 7.34 and 6.89 out of 10, respectively.

City life comes with its share of buzz and bustle, but some places make it easier to slow down and breathe. A new global ranking by Remitly highlights the cities offering a more relaxed pace of living in 2025 — and those where daily pressures run a little higher — based on factors such as commute times, cost of living, healthcare, safety, and pollution.

The top 10 most stressful cities in the world

New York, United States

With a cost-of-living index of 100, among the highest in the world, everyday essentials remain major sources of financial strain in New York. While excellent healthcare and cleaner air help offset some strain, financial pressure remains part of daily life in one of the world’s most dynamic cities. 

In addition, the high stress levels can be attributed to a combination of congestion, high crime rates, and high pollution levels.

Dublin, Ireland

Dublin's commutes of 32 minutes per 10km are among Europe's largest. Housing prices in Dublin and surrounding areas continue to outbalance earnings. In December 2024, Ireland’s house-price-to-income ratio stood at roughly 111, which is around 11% higher than its long-term average, showing that homes have become less affordable.

Mexico City, Mexico

With commutes averaging close to 32 minutes per 10km and a metropolitan population of more than 22mn, congestion is likely one of the most noticeable day-to-day challenges for residents in Mexico City. In addition, the city’s crime index of 66.8 ranks among the highest in the study, adding to the pressures many locals navigate.

The 10 least stressful cities to live in

While some cities face longer commutes and higher living pressures, others show that a more relaxed pace of life is within reach. The least stressed cities are often those with strong infrastructure, good healthcare, and balanced living costs that help residents feel secure and supported.

European destinations feature prominently near the top of the list, joined by two Australian cities known for their open spaces and high quality of living.

Eindhoven, Netherlands 

Eindhoven tops as the least stressed city with a score of 2.34 out of 10. Residents travel an average of just under 15 minutes to cover 10km, and a high healthcare index.

Utrecht, Netherlands

The city’s score of 2.67 is only marginally higher than Eindhoven’s and remains well below other major European hubs such as Dublin or London, both of which sit above 7.2. Its crime index is also closely aligned with Eindhoven’s, differing by just 0.6, though living costs are slightly higher at 74.0.

On the plus side, the city records one of the strongest healthcare ratings in the dataset and maintains air pollution levels that are only a fraction of those seen in more densely populated cities such as Kolkata or Manila.

Canberra, Australia

Canberra’s results show that low-stress living isn’t exclusive to Europe. While its cost of living is lower than the two Dutch cities ranked above it (69.3), comparatively higher crime scores (26.8) and slightly lower healthcare quality (72.6) keep it just shy of the top two spots.

Still, the Australian capital stands out for its short, predictable commutes and exceptionally clean air. According to IQAir, Canberra recorded an annual average PM2.5 level of just 3.9 µg/m³ in 2024 — among the cleanest air profiles globally.

Most and least cities according to stress factor

Average time taken to travel 10km

• Longest: Kolkata, India — 34 minutes, 33 seconds
• Shortest: San Antonio, United States — 10 minutes, 13 seconds

Across all cities, residents travel an average of around 21 minutes per 10km. 

Citing data from TomTom, Kolkata, India records the longest travel time in the dataset at 34 minutes and 33 seconds. The city's high population density and heavy congestion can make navigating it a major challenge, contributing to one of the highest stress scores overall.

In contrast, San Antonio, United States, is the quickest city to get around, with average journeys taking just 10 minutes and 13 seconds.

Cost of living

• Highest: Basel, Switzerland —119.6 index score
• Lowest: Jaipur, India — 19.2 index score

According to Remitly, rising living costs for essentials such as housing, utilities, and food are strongly linked with increased anxiety and depression. Numbeo data shows that Basel, Switzerland, has the highest cost of living in the world, at almost double the global average of 61.0.

However, higher local wages could offset the strain of these elevated prices.

On the other hand, Jaipur, India, is the most affordable city in the dataset with an index of 19.2. However, affordability does not automatically guarantee low stress, as factors like pollution and commuting challenges could add to residents’ stress.

Healthcare quality

• Lowest: Cairo, Egypt — 45.8 index score
• Highest: Taipei, Taiwan — 87.1 index score

Cities with stronger healthcare systems often record lower overall stress levels. Numbeo’s figures place Taipei, Taiwan, at the top of the global rankings with a score of 87.1, thanks in part to its universal National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme, which covers about 99% of the population.

By comparison, Cairo, Egypt, posts a score of 45.8. Although both public and private healthcare options exist, the public system — relied on by most residents — continues to face funding and staffing constraints that can impact the quality and accessibility of care.

Crime levels

• Highest: Pretoria, South Africa — 81.9 index score
• Lowest: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates — 11.0 index score

Pretoria, South Africa, records the highest crime index at 81.9, more than 60% above the global average of 43.5. Public perceptions rate their feeling of safety walking alone during both daylight and night as low.

At the end, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, has the best score in the dataset with an index of 11.0. It was also rated as the safest city in the world in 2025, with very low worries of being a victim of violent crime.

Air pollution

• Highest: Jaipur, India - 53.7 µg/m³
• Lowest: Gold Coast, Australia - 2.8 µg/m³

Air quality is measured using PM2.5, a metric for the tiny particles we breathe in from sources like internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, construction, and industrial activity. While the global average stands at 11.6 µg/m³, some cities have higher exposure than others.

Jaipur, India, records the highest pollution levels in the ranking at 53.7 µg/m³ — nearly five times the global average and well above the WHO annual guidelines.

At the other end of the spectrum, residents of Australia’s Gold Coast benefit from much cleaner air at just 2.8 µg/m³. Australia tends to enjoy stronger air quality, supported by lower population density, tighter environmental regulations, and favourable geographic conditions, including its extensive coastlines.

For more on the methodology, click here.

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Lead image / Remitly