Chris Pardo, GMS-T’s Post

https://lnkd.in/daws3bkw Zurich leads the Quality of Living City Ranking for the international workforce in 2024. Congratulations Zürich! After several years at the top of the most liveable city rankings, Vienna has now had to relinquish first place to Zurich. The reason for this can be attributed to the decline in the availability of rental properties suitable for international expatriates. However, Vienna was able to score points for the availability of internet connections. In the “Quality of Living Ranking 2024” by global consultancy firm Mercer, cities around the world were once again assessed according to the extent to which they meet the everyday needs of expats and their families. Factors considered included the political and social environment, medical and health aspects, schools and education, public services, transport and the environment. However, I am convinced that Vienna will soon be back at the top. #vienna #liveablecity #zurich #lifespirit

Mercer's annual Cost of Living City Ranking provides valuable trends and insights for those who need to make informed decisions about global mobility operations and international assignees. The ranking lists 2261 cities in the world in order, from the most expensive to the least expensive places to live. The comprehensive ranking serves as a valuable compass, providing guidance through the intricate landscape of living expenses in cities worldwide. https://lnkd.in/g9yGAfZw

Always curious about new perspectives from tops & indexes. Yesterday the Cost of Living Index Mid Year top was released, and the top positions are from Switzerland. As for Romania, Bucharest is ranked on 130, Cluj on 135, Brasov on 139. But what does it mean? Nothing without a benchmark. Nothing without a story. This is what I love about data. Finding stories. It's maybe interesting to correlate the Cost of Living (on the same website) with the Quality of Life, where on the first positions there are some cities... not from Switzerland, but from the Netherlands. As for Romania, Bucharest is ranked on 125, while Cluj is much higher, on 72, and Brasov does not even qualify to the top. So... to draw a conclusion, either you choose from the two indexes the one which tells a story, either you could assume that expensive does not equal with wellbeing.

Based on the metric of Mercer 2023's cost of living position divided by Mercer 2023's quality of life position, with a higher score indicating a better balance, the cities in Oceania are ranked as follows: #Auckland (Score: 37.0) #Wellington (Score: 11.58) Sydney (Score: 6.22) Adelaide (Score: 3.66) Melbourne (Score: 3.55) Canberra (Score: 3.36) Brisbane (Score: 2.41) Auckland tops the list, indicating the most significant disparity between its high quality of life ranking and lower cost of living ranking, suggesting a favorable balance between quality of life and cost of living. Brisbane, on the other end, shows the least disparity, indicating a closer alignment between its quality of life and cost of living rankings.

Connect with us to learn more about the 2024 Wish List of Global Mobility Leaders…At Sterling Lexicon We Listen!

Canadian cities rank among best in the world for quality of life in 2024 Mercer’s annual Quality of Living survey has named Vancouver as one of the best cities for quality of life—and several other Canadian cities also made the cut. The city in British Columbia claimed the top spot in North America, ranking seventh overall and tying with Frankfurt, Germany. It also climbed one position from last year, when it held eighth place in the 2023 Quality of Living survey. Mercer's quality of living data evaluates daily life for international workers and their families. Four other Canadian cities were named among the top 25 cities in Mercer’s 2024 Quality of Living city ranking. These cities beat out world-renowned American cities such as San Francisco (#36), Los Angeles (#44), New York (#45), and Washington DC (#49). Mercer’s latest Quality of Living ranking spotlights cities that “stand out for their exceptional living standards, robust infrastructure and vibrant cultural scenes.” Some factors considered in the ranking include: Housing; Recreation; Socio-cultural environment; Purchasing conventions; Travel; Traffic; Air quality; Access to education; Political stability; and Healthcare. Cost of living The survey also acknowledges the importance of cost of living—both for employees and corporations. "The most successful destinations today are those that blend flexible governance around mobile talent with a high quality of life and an affordable cost of living,” it states. According to Mercer’s 2024 cost-of-living data, Vancouver ranks 101 among costliest cities for international workers around the world. Canada’s top cities recognized The survey highlights Vancouver among the top 10 due to its unique blend of moderate temperature recreational options and cosmopolitan living. Vince Cordova, Mercer partner for Mobility Advisory services in North America, said that the Canadian cities on the rankings “have their own unique culture and lifestyle, from Vancouver’s access to nature and recreation opportunities, Toronto’s incredible diversity, Ottawa’s proximity to Parliament, Montreal’s historic downtown and Calgary’s strong job market.” “Canada continues to be a leading destination for international assignees who can access the range of benefits the country and cities have to offer.” #ImmigrationProcess #VisaSolutions #ImmigrationConsulting

Here are a few ways my life has improved since moving to Thailand: Slower pace of life. Living in Toronto, you feel everything is moving with frenetic energy. In warmer air climates, it “feels” like things naturally move at a slower pace. As a result, I find it easier to think, process and produce quality work. More time in nature. It is a known fact that being in nature is healing and has been known to reduce stress and boost overall well-being. Both the open air-culture/plus the ability to quickly visit the beach provide ample opportunities for time in the sun in day to day life Cost of living: My one bedroom condo in Toronto cost $2500….my 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom two story house with a backyard costs me $1000 in Thailand I’ve spoken to so many professionals in Canada/US who are frustrated with the rising cost of living, high taxes and struggling to afford to live a life they love. On top of that, struggling with long hours in the office and draining commutes. I’m not suggesting that moving countries is the right move for everyone, and moving countries is not without its challenges which i’ll share another time but this begs the question can we redesign our cities and work culture in North America to prioritize well-being without sacrificing productivity? What small changes could make a big impact? Is it about: Reimagining urban spaces for more green areas? Shifting to a 4-day work week? Implementing policies that truly support work-life balance? Addressing the housing affordability crisis? What's one change you believe could significantly improve quality of life in North American cities? Share your ideas below 👇 #UrbanWellbeing #WorkLifeRedesign #CommunityInnovation

🌍 Exploring the Correlation Between Cost and Quality of Living in Major Global Cities 🏙️ Discover how different urban environments stack up and how these insights can inform your strategic decisions on global mobility and benefits planning. Stay ahead of the curve and ensure your teams thrive, no matter where they are based. #GlobalMobility #EmployeeBenefits #HRStrategy #CostOfLiving #QualityOfLiving #TalentManagement https://lnkd.in/deXEh8YJ

📊 Mercer Cost of Living Ranking 2024: Key Insights With #HongKong, #Singapore, and #Zurich leading as the most expensive cities for expats, the report highlights shifts in living costs across 226 cities. As cities face challenges from inflation, fluctuating exchange rates, and housing market pressures, Mercer’s 2024 Cost of Living Ranking is a vital resource for global professionals and organizations. Curious about how your city performed? Read the full article here: 🔗 https://lnkd.in/dBKP5ryg #CostOfLiving #GlobalMobility #Inflation #PlaceBrandObserver #CityRankings #Livability