Toronto Ranked 17th in Resonance’s ‘World’s Best Cities’ List

Toronto has secured its position as one of the world’s premier cities to live in, ranking 17th on the annual “World’s Best Cities” list released by Resonance Consultancy this week. The rankings reflect Toronto’s status as a vibrant global metropolis, surpassing notable cities such as San Francisco and Milan. This marks a slight decline from its previous year’s position of 15th.

The 2026 list reveals that London, U.K., continues to dominate, taking the top spot for the tenth consecutive year. The rankings, according to Resonance, evaluate cities based on three primary factors: livability, lovability, and prosperity. Each city’s livability score is determined through various metrics, including walkability, air quality, and public transit accessibility.

Toronto’s ranking is attributed to several key strengths. The city boasts a highly educated population, ranking fourth worldwide in education levels. This draws in both established companies and emerging start-ups, contributing to a dynamic economic environment. Resonance noted, “Canada’s sensible gateway for immigration and innovation is getting a little wild,” emphasizing Toronto’s appeal to immigrants.

Canadian Cities in the Rankings

The report highlights Toronto as the top Canadian city in the rankings, leaving other major cities trailing behind. Vancouver ranks 41st, followed by Montreal at 45th, Ottawa at 73rd, and Calgary at 85th. Toronto’s continued appeal is bolstered by ongoing urban development, with over 150 tower cranes dotting the skyline, renovations to historic venues like Massey Hall, and new attractions such as the heart-shaped pond at Love Park.

Resonance’s methodology combines core statistics from more than 400 cities worldwide and user-generated perception data from platforms such as Instagram, Google, and TikTok. This approach provides a comprehensive view of each city’s reputation and livability. Notably, the rankings do not include any Russian cities due to the ongoing conflict arising from the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Top Ten Cities Worldwide

The top ten cities in the 2026 “World’s Best Cities” list include:

1. London, U.K.
2. New York City, U.S.
3. Paris, France
4. Tokyo, Japan
5. Madrid, Spain
6. Singapore
7. Rome, Italy
8. Dubai, U.A.E.
9. Berlin, Germany
10. Barcelona, Spain

Toronto’s 17th place reflects not only its livability but also its ability to attract visitors, investors, and new residents. As urban landscapes continue to evolve, the city remains a sought-after destination on the global stage.