Singapore has once again reaffirmed its dominance as the best city in the Asia-Pacific region, ranking as the most desirable place to live, visit and work, according to a recent study. In the annual World's Best Cities 2025 ranking by Resonance, Singapore even secured fifth place globally.
The inaugural 2025 Asia-Pacific's Best Cities report evaluated more than 140 cities based on three key aspects: liveability , lovability and prosperity. The study involved more than 7,000 respondents from nine Asia-Pacific countries and considered objective data such as price-to-income ratios, tree cover, as well as traveler search trends and reviews.
The results were announced on February 12 at a lecture on "What Makes Cities Liveable and Loveable" organized by the Centre for Liveable Cities (CLC) in Singapore. The study is a collaboration between global management consulting firm Resonance and market research firm Ipsos.
Top 10 Asia-Pacific Best Cities for 2025
| Rank | City |
|---|---|
| 1 | Singapore |
| 2 | Tokyo |
| 3 | Seoul |
| 4 | Hong Kong |
| 5 | Beijing |
| 6 | Bangkok |
| 7 | Sydney |
| 8 | Shanghai |
| 9 | Melbourne |
| 10 | Kuala Lumpur |
Singapore's strengths extend beyond its attractiveness, as the city also excels economically. It ranks first in the prosperity category, thanks to its high concentration of Fortune Global 500 companies and low unemployment rate.
In terms of liveability and loveability, Singapore ranks second only to Tokyo. Interestingly, while it ranked 28th in liveability based on metrics, it ranked first in public perception, ultimately boosting its overall ranking to second in this category.
However, as the most desirable city in the Asia-Pacific region, Singapore faces a significant challenge: how to maintain its appeal while managing the pressures of urbanization.
The report highlights the city's commitment to sustainability, with 40% of its land area allocated to green spaces. Singapore continues to explore innovations in sustainable living, including the development of smart districts and projects that integrate work, education and recreation, such as the Park Connector Network.
Southeast Asia's Best Cities in 2025
In addition to Singapore, other Southeast Asian cities have made significant strides to earn spots on the list. Bangkok, Thailand, secured sixth place, driven by major investments in high-speed rail networks and urban renewal projects, further solidifying its position as the region's premier gateway.
Meanwhile, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, stands out for its dynamic blend of tradition and modernity. The city ranks 4th in labor force participation and 12th in wealth.
Its economic growth is supported by commercial hubs such as KL Sentral and Bangsar South, as well as iconic projects such as Merdeka 118 - the world's second tallest skyscraper.
More than just a business hub, KL also celebrates its rich cultural heritage. The city seamlessly blends Malay, Chinese and Indian influences, offering a diverse culinary experience - from street food like nasi lemak and char kway teow to world-class restaurants.
Revitalization initiatives such as the River of Life project and the expansion of Kuala Lumpur International Airport underscore the city's ambition to embrace future growth.
