The Monocle Daily Monocle’s Quality of Life Survey: The best cities for everything from housing and mobility to conviviality
Jun 20, 2025
Join Tyler Brulé, the sharp-witted editorial director of Monocle, and Thaddeus Ropak, an Austrian gallerist with a flair for art, as they delve into the latest Quality of Life Survey. They discuss the standout cities like Paris, celebrated for its nightlife and green spaces, and explore the art and design scene in Copenhagen and Basel. The conversation also meanders through the hidden jewels of Swiss wine, with a humorous take on recent military parades... proof that life is rich in both culture and quirks!
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Focused Quality of Life Rankings
- The Quality of Life survey now highlights cities excelling in specific areas rather than one overall ranking.
- This approach celebrates unique city strengths like nightlife, green space, and conviviality.
What Makes a City Convivial
- Conviviality reflects how welcoming and lively a city is for living and working freely.
- Mexico City's low living costs, ease of doing business, and vibrant nightlife made it the winner.
Vienna’s Success in Housing
- Vienna excels in housing by combining strong rent control with inspired, high-quality development.
- City ownership of properties ensures affordable apartments and supports its role as a major international and educational hub.