When rating any country, people often consider food, housing, health care, employment, etc. While these factors are important, quality of life is equally essential.
Quality of life focuses on intangible aspects like a country’s political stability, environmental quality, job security, etc. U.S. News and World Report analyzed several global countries and ranked them based on their quality of life. Let’s explore the 12 best countries that are beating the USA in quality of life.
Denmark
Denmark has secured the top spot for its quality of life. This country has consistently grabbed top spots in the United Nations World Happiness Report, securing the 2nd position in the 2024 list.
Denmark provides free university tuition, no-fee public healthcare, high-quality education, and a keen focus on maintaining honesty and community activities. While the country has its fair share of challenges, its positives outweigh the negatives. The country also prioritizes healthy work-life balance, ensuring its citizens’ well-being and happiness.
Sweden
Sweden is the second best country, offering an excellent quality of life. The country outperformed most countries in the Better Life Index in terms of jobs, environmental quality, income, civic engagement, etc.
Approximately 84% of adults aged 25-64 have finished upper secondary education, indicating high literacy. Besides education, the country is also known for its higher net-adjusted disposable income per capita of $33,730 per annum (average income for households), which is higher than the OECD average of $30,490 per annum.
Switzerland
Switzerland ranks third in the list for several reasons. It is among the few countries that perform well on most key indicators of quality of life, such as health, income, jobs, safety, work-life balance, etc. One of the best parts of this country is despite having low work hours, its citizens earn good money.
Their average disposable income per capita is 36,500 Swiss francs (approximately $40,309). Switzerland has always had low unemployment rates, and its healthcare system is considered one of the best in the world.
Norway
Norway is the fourth-best country providing its citizens with a remarkable quality of life. While it stands out for several reasons, people are impressed by its healthcare, education, and social welfare systems. Another parameter where Norway outperforms other countries is its focus on work-life balance.
Unlike other countries, Norway doesn’t follow a work-centric mentality. Free time, personal well-being, family time, etc., are all prioritized, making peoples’ lives easier and happier.
Canada
Fifth on the list is Canada. The country makes all necessary efforts to improve its citizens’ quality of life, including their health, prosperity, and much more. Nearly 48.2% of Canadians self-rated themselves as having good to excellent mental health in Q3 2024.
Their employment rate was approximately 60.7% in September 2024, and the poverty rate was comparatively lower than other countries at 9.9% in 2022. More than half of the population feels a sense of belonging, and they have strong confidence in the country’s police forces.
Finland
Finland is the sixth-best country, offering an excellent quality of life. Securing the title of the world’s happiest country for the seventh time indicates how well it cares for its citizens. People living in Finland have high trust and freedom in its society and they enjoy greater political, press, and civil liberty. The country follows a low-stress lifestyle and constantly ranks among the top for perceived lack of corruption. Finland’s unpolluted air, clean water, proximity to nature, etc., also improve its people’s quality of life.
Germany
Germany is the seventh-best country that ensures a good quality of life for citizens and expats. While language is a big barrier for many expats, they report experiencing a good quality of life throughout their stay. People in Germany keep their personal and professional lives separate, leading to greater work-life balance.
German laws largely favor employees, and labor associations ensure that employees’ interests are negotiated fairly. Free tuition fees in schools and universities, higher trust levels in society, a clean environment, and personal safety contribute to Germany’s pleasant quality of life.
Australia
The eight best on the list is Australia. This country performs well on several metrics used to evaluate quality of living, like income, social connections, health, education, life satisfaction, etc. Approximately 73% of Australians aged 15 to 64 have paying jobs, 84% of adults aged 25-64 have received upper secondary education, and the average life expectancy at birth is 84 years. Australia also reports one of the highest civic participation, making it an even better place to live.
Netherlands
The Netherlands is the ninth-best country known for its remarkable quality of life. Nearly 78% of the population aged 15 to 64 has paying jobs, much higher than the OECD employment average of 66%. A greater portion of the country’s population has finished upper secondary education, making it one of the most literate countries.
A strong sense of community and safety also makes it a desirable place, providing a good quality of life.
New Zealand
New Zealand is tenth on the list, providing citizens and expats a good quality of life. While the housing landscape can be challenging for some, the country’s excellent education, healthcare, and employment opportunities easily cover it.
Emergency healthcare is free in New Zealand and regular medical visits are subsidized to make healthcare accessible. The country follows high education standards, ensuring students become the best in their chosen fields. The low unemployment rate, friendly communities, low crime rates, and serene environment also contribute to the country’s good quality of life.
United Kingdom (UK)
The United Kingdom (UK) grabbed the 11th position for its quality of life. Approximately 75% of the country’s population aged 15 to 64 has a paying job, much higher than the OECD’s employment average of 66%. Most people in the United Kingdom (UK), almost 82% of adults, have finished upper secondary education, highlighting the country’s strong literacy position. The country also performs well on its gender equality scale, employment rate, income, etc., making it one of the best countries to live in.
Austria
Last on the list is Austria, which secured the 12th rank. It is one of the most liveable countries in the European Union (EU), with numerous things to offer. The country has consistently ranked among the top countries known for their quality of life. A clean environment, a first-rate healthcare system, high-quality housing, a strong education system, and an excellent environment are a few aspects that contribute to a pleasant quality of life.
