The Economist Intelligence Unit’s 2021 Global Livability Index placed Auckland, New Zealand at the top with a score of 96 out of 100. The list is heavily weighted toward the Asia‑Pacific region and Australia/New Zealand, with the top ten cities being:
- Auckland, New Zealand
- Osaka, Japan
- Adelaide, Australia
- Wellington, New Zealand
- Tokyo, Japan
- Perth, Australia
- Zurich, Switzerland
- Geneva, Switzerland
- Melbourne, Australia
- Brisbane, Australia
The index evaluates more than 30 qualitative and quantitative factors across six broad categories: stability, healthcare, culture, environment, education, and infrastructure.
Why the rankings may not suit high‑net‑worth individuals
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Target audience of the methodology – The index is designed for typical expatriates, especially those in banking or IT, who prioritize short work hours, café culture, and public‑service quality. Wealthy entrepreneurs and investors often have different priorities.
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Cost of living and tax burden –
- Australia’s immigration pathway can require a “ticket” of roughly US $1 million.
- An individual earning US $5 million annually could face a tax liability of ≈ 50 % in Australia or New Zealand, compared with a few hundred thousand dollars (or less) in low‑tax jurisdictions such as Singapore.
- For high earners, the marginal benefit of superior public services may be outweighed by the loss of disposable income.
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Subjective quality of life – Personal preferences (climate, culture, pace of life) vary widely. Some expatriates who moved to Auckland reported feeling “bored” and eventually left for other cities.
Tax and cost considerations
| Factor | Typical high‑tax jurisdictions (e.g., AU/NZ) | Low‑tax alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Income tax rate (top bracket) | 45 % (Australia) – 33 % (New Zealand) | 0 %–15 % (Singapore, UAE, Malaysia) |
| Real‑estate price (city centre) | US $800 k–$10 M for a premium apartment | US $200 k–$1 M for comparable quality in Kuala Lumpur, Mexico City, or Tbilisi |
| Immigration cost | Up to US $1 M (Australia) | Often under US $100 k (Malaysia, Georgia) |
For entrepreneurs who can structure income and assets internationally, the tax differential can translate into millions of dollars saved annually.
Healthcare and infrastructure
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Global hospital quality is no longer confined to traditional “first‑world” locations. Top facilities exist in:
- Malaysia and Singapore
- Turkey and the United Arab Emirates
- Mexico and Lebanon
- India
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Infrastructure (roads, internet, utilities) is generally adequate for remote‑working entrepreneurs in most major cities, including emerging‑market hubs such as Kuala Lumpur, Bogota, and Belgrade.
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Education options for expatriate families are flexible: international schools, homeschooling, private tutoring, and online curricula are widely available, reducing dependence on local public‑school quality.
Alternative cities that may offer better value
- Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Modern amenities, high‑quality healthcare, and a cost of living roughly 30 %–50 % lower than Sydney or Auckland.
- Mexico City (Polanco, Lomas, Santa Fe) – Strong expatriate community, affordable luxury housing, and reputable private‑healthcare providers.
- Tbilisi, Georgia – Low tax rates, easy residency programs, and a growing tech scene.
- Belgrade, Serbia – Emerging cultural hub with relatively low living costs and improving infrastructure.
These locations provide a blend of personal freedom, lower taxes, and a vibrant cultural environment that many high‑net‑worth individuals find appealing.
Practical advice for choosing a base
- Define your priorities – Rank factors such as tax efficiency, cost of housing, healthcare quality, cultural fit, and personal safety.
- Model the financial impact – Use a simple spreadsheet to compare after‑tax income and living expenses across candidate cities.
- Test the environment – Short‑term rentals or extended visits can reveal day‑to‑day realities that rankings overlook.
- Consider legal residency and visa options – Some countries (e.g., Malaysia’s “My Second Home” program, Georgia’s “Remotely from Georgia” visa) offer streamlined pathways for remote workers and investors.
- Plan for flexibility – Maintain the ability to relocate quickly if tax laws change or personal circumstances evolve.
Bottom line: Livability indexes provide a useful snapshot of general quality‑of‑life metrics, but they often ignore the financial and lifestyle considerations that matter most to wealthy, mobile professionals. Evaluating tax regimes, cost of living, healthcare access, and personal freedom can lead to more suitable choices than simply following the top‑ranked city.
