Vienna has lost its long-held title as the world’s most liveable city for expats in the Mercer Quality of Living Ranking, with Zurich now taking the top spot.

The drop in Vienna’s ranking in 2024 is mainly due to a reduction in the availability of suitable rental housing, according to a statement from Mercer released on Tuesday.

“Vienna has lost a place in our ranking this year due to the decrease in rental properties available for international assignees,” said Markus Kurth, Global Mobility Practice Lead for Germany and Austria at Mercer.

The annual ranking assesses cities on how well they meet the everyday needs of expats and their families, considering factors such as political and social stability, healthcare, education, public services, transport and the environment.

Geneva took third place this year.

Mercer highlighted Zurich’s excellent public services, low crime rate, vibrant cultural scene, and commitment to sustainability as key factors behind its top ranking. The city’s plans to expand intercontinental flight connections further increase its appeal to international employees. However, Zurich’s high housing and transport costs, as well as the high prices for goods and services, make it one of the most expensive cities in the world.