Calgary Achieves Top 100 Ranking in Global Quality of Life Index

Calgary has made a notable entry into the global rankings for quality of life, securing the 95th position out of 304 cities analyzed by the data platform Numbeo. This ranking reflects a comprehensive evaluation based on various factors including safety, cost of living, healthcare, pollution, crime, purchasing power, housing affordability, and traffic conditions. The city achieved a quality of life index score of 179.1, demonstrating its appeal as a desirable place to live.

Calgary’s performance in specific categories reveals a mix of strengths and challenges. The city’s purchasing power scored 125.7, while safety received a score of 62.2. Healthcare and cost of living were rated at 73.4 and 64.5, respectively. Notably, the property price to income ratio was measured at 5.7, indicating affordability issues, while traffic commute time scored 29.4, and pollution was rated at 23.8. The city’s climate index stood at 33.1, contributing to its overall quality of life perception.

The ranking marks a decline for Calgary, which was in 74th place in 2025 with a slightly higher score of 179.4. In mid-2025, the city saw a further drop to 102nd place, scoring 176.3. Despite the decline, Calgary remains the sixth-highest ranked Canadian city in this global assessment. Its neighbor, Edmonton, ranked 111th with a quality of life index score of 175.2, falling closely behind Calgary.

Global Context and North American Rankings

The Netherlands dominated the upper tiers of the Numbeo list, with five cities from the country leading the rankings. The Hague emerged as the top city globally, boasting an impressive quality of life index score of 230.1. Within North America, Calgary ranked 40th overall, with Ottawa taking the lead as the highest-ranked city in the region at 198.1. Following Ottawa were Tampa, Florida, with a score of 189.2, and Jacksonville, Florida, scoring 188.7.

As urban life continues to evolve, the rankings serve as a crucial indicator of how cities fare in providing a high standard of living for their residents. The findings from Numbeo highlight both the competitive nature of global cities and the distinctive challenges faced by each location.

Residents and potential newcomers may find these rankings useful in evaluating Calgary as a place to live. As the city navigates its position in future rankings, ongoing improvements in various quality of life factors will be essential to maintain and enhance its appeal in the global arena.