Tel Aviv Plummets in Livability Ranking Amid Gaza War

By Aryeh Stern

Tel Aviv recorded the largest drop in the Economist’s ranking of the world’s most livable cities, falling from 92nd place to 112th place out of the 173 cities ranked, following the outbreak of the war in Gaza.

The Economist’s annual survey ranks cities based on several categories, including stability, health care, culture, environment, education, and infrastructure. Stability saw the most significant decline this year, notably in Europe due to increased protests and in Israel due to the war in Gaza. The survey’s authors note that Israel is under pressure to declare a ceasefire, but the war is expected to persist throughout 2024.

Vienna claimed the top spot for the third consecutive year, with Copenhagen, Zurich, and Geneva also in the top four. These cities benefit from lower crime rates, less congested roads, and better public transportation. Completing the top 10 are Calgary and Vancouver in Canada, Melbourne and Sydney in Australia, Auckland in New Zealand, and Osaka in Japan.

At the bottom of the list, Damascus remains the worst livable city since 2013, primarily due to instability in Syria. Kyiv also ranks among the 10 worst cities for the second consecutive year. Tel Aviv’s scores in infrastructure, culture, and environment have also dropped considerably due to the ongoing conflict.

High living costs, especially for housing, have impacted infrastructure scores, particularly in Australia and Canada. Despite declining inflation, its effects continue to weigh on cities’ livability. The survey authors noted a minimal increase in the average quality of life score this year, attributing the decline to protests in Europe and potential future unrest in the U.S.