Perth has been named one of the world’s 20 most liveable cities in Monocle magazine’s 2026 Quality of Life survey, finishing 20th, tied with Kyoto. Sydney landed in fifth place and Melbourne in 18th place on the list. Tokyo took the top spot, and Vancouver, Seoul, Zurich, and Copenhagen all made the top 20 alongside Perth.
Monocle put Perth’s appeal down to its laid-back lifestyle, work-life balance, and outdoor activities. Its strongest praise went somewhere else entirely.
The magazine reserved its highest marks for what has happened to the city centre over the past decade.
“Perth’s urban centre and the abundant natural beauty of the Swan River come together at Elizabeth Quay, a newly complete central waterfront neighbourhood with office towers, luxury hotels and riverside dining, retail and recreation,” Monocle said.
“The Perth City Link project has provided a point of reconnection too: the sinking of a railway line here has physically linked the central business district with Northbridge, a neighbourhood that’s home to several popular cultural institutions.”
“These developments have made Perth a more attractive place to live, with residents enjoying the infrastructural benefits associated with global cities alongside the outdoor pursuits that have always made it special.”
Deputy Lord Mayor David Goncalves said the ranking reflected the investment, collaboration, and vision that had shaped the city.
“West Australians have always known how good life is here. Born and raised in Perth, I’ve never doubted our city is special, so seeing it named one of the world’s most liveable cities is thrilling,” he said.
“What the world is now noticing, locals have watched take shape street by street: vibrant neighbourhoods, welcoming public spaces, a thriving events calendar and a new university campus at our heart.”
The Top 20
- Tokyo
- Copenhagen
- Lisbon
- Vienna
- Sydney
- Zürich
- Madrid
- Paris
- Munich
- Oslo
- Stockholm
- Milan
- Barcelona
- Singapore
- Amsterdam
- Helsinki
- Seoul
- Melbourne
- Vancouver
- Perth (tied with Kyoto)
What would you do to make Perth better?
Do you have ideas on what it would take to push Perth into the top ten? Tell us below.
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