Bangkok has been crowned the world's best city for Gen Z in 2025 according to Time Out's first-ever global ranking specifically created by and for the under-30 generation, beating global heavyweights including Melbourne, Cape Town, New York City, and Copenhagen.
The Thai capital dominated the survey with an impressive 84 percent of Gen Z respondents reporting happiness with their life in the city, achieving an overall City Score of 66 percent among its young inhabitants.
Bangkok's appeal lies in its unbeatable affordability factor, with 71 percent of young residents rating it as budget-friendly, providing financial breathing room for creative projects and experiences beyond basic living costs in an era of global inflation and student debt.
The city excelled as the ultimate social hub where Gen Z urbanites were most likely among all surveyed cities to report that making new friends is easy, thanks to its welcoming atmosphere, bustling co-working spaces, and endless opportunities for social connection.
Time Out's survey reveals a generational shift in urban priorities, with Gen Z valuing dynamic experiences, genuine community, work-life balance, and financial freedom over traditional career-centric stability, positioning Bangkok as the perfect urban playground that proves young people don't have to choose between their wallet and well-being.
