Every generation has its own standards when it comes to choosing the best place to live – and Gen Z is no exception. This young generation has unique preferences that shape their lifestyle choices. Time Out conducted an annual global survey to discover the best cities for Gen Z to live in, which has some criteria, such as being affordable, walkable, and offering an accessible cultural scene.
Here are the 20 best cities for Gen Z to live in:
1. Bangkok, Thailand
The Thai capital takes the top spot as the best city for Gen Z to live in. It scores highly in both happiness and affordability. Many young people say Bangkok is one of the easiest cities in the world to make new friends or meet people. Its lively street life, rich cultural heritage, and iconic landmarks like Wat Arun make Bangkok a vibrant city to explore.
2. Melbourne, Australia
The second-best city for Gen Z is Melbourne, Australia’s cultural capital. Young residents praise Melbourne for being diverse and inclusive, with a thriving art and culture scene. They also described the quality of life as “good” or “amazing”. As the home of the world’s coolest street in 2024, Melbourne offers epic restaurants, hidden bars, live music venues, and boutique shops that make walking through the city an adventure in itself.
3. Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town shines with its natural beauty, earning high praise as both a beautiful and exciting place to live. Many Gen Z residents also appreciate its affordable nightlife, with the majority saying going out for drinks is budget-friendly. Unsurprisingly, young locals report being happy living in this coastal city, placing Cape Town firmly in the top 3.
4. New York, New York
It’s no surprise that Gen Z describes New York as “exciting.” Known as the city that never sleeps, New York offers both walkability and a vibrant nightlife, making it one of the top choices for young people looking for dynamic city living.
5. Copenhagen, Denmark
While Copenhagen ranked 10th among all generations, it climbs higher for Gen Z, taking the 5th spot. The city is praised for its happiness factor, great food, and strong sense of community. Many young people also highlight romance, with Gen Z saying it’s easy to find love in this Danish capital.
6. Barcelona, Spain
Diversity and inclusivity push Barcelona into the Gen Z top 10. About 71% of young residents report being happy living in this seaside city, which also offers a buzzing cultural and nightlife scene.
7. Edinburgh, Scotland
The most notable factor that brings Edinburg to be placed in the top 10 is its green spaces and access to nature. Young people value the city’s walkability and its easy access to outdoor spaces, allowing them to enjoy nature within the city.
8. Mexico City, Mexico
Even though Mexico City ranked 8th, it is the second-most affordable city for Gen Z after Bangkok. An impressive 83% of young residents say they are happy living here, making it a lively and welcoming city for young urbanites.
9. London, England
Affordability remains a weak point, but London’s free museums, nightlife, and diversity keep it in the global top 10 among Gen Z. Many young people rated London highly for arts and food experiences.
10. Shanghai, China
Rounding out the top 10 is Shanghai, described by Time Out as “a cinematic city where everyone’s the main character.” Gen Z residents consider Shanghai a “modern city,” giving it high scores for its efficient public transport and overall happiness levels.
Here are the rest of the cities included in the top 20 best cities for Gen Z to live in:
11. Sydney, Australia
12. Beijing, China
13. Paris, France
14. Tokyo, Japan
15. Berlin, Germany
16. Seville, Spain
17. Chicago, Illinois
18. Chiang Mai, Thailand
19. Prague, Czech Republic
20. Lisbon, Portugal
From this survey, it can be concluded that Gen Z prefers cities that blend affordability, inclusivity, and vibrant cultural experiences. With walkability, diversity, and opportunities for social connection, these 20 destinations represent the cities where Gen Z truly thrives.
