Healthy Lifestyle Cities Report 2021

1. Amsterdam

Amsterdam ranks as the number one location for leading a healthy lifestyle across all 44 cities. Known as one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world, it’s perhaps no surprise the Dutch capital comes out on top. With over 400 outdoor activities to keep you fit and healthy, and ranking as the 5th happiest country in the world, as well as the 6th best country in Europe for obesity levels at just 20.4% (nearly 10% less compared to London at 27.8%), living in this picturesque city is the top destination for leading a healthy lifestyle.

• Sunshine hours

  1,858

• Annual avg hours worked

  1,434

• Happiness levels

  7.44

• Outdoor activities

  422

2. Sydney

Sydney experiences 2,636 hours of sunshine hours per year, attracting tourists to the famous Bondi beach, but also giving you more than enough time to take advantage of the 406 outdoor activities. This outweighs the relatively high monthly gym membership cost of £42 and with a life expectancy of 82 years, perhaps outdoor fitness is the way to go.

• Sunshine hours

  2,636

• Annual avg hours worked

  1,712

• Happiness levels

  7.22

• Outdoor activities

  406

3. Vienna

Well known for its cultural impact, Vienna not only lets you soak up culture from artwork, music and architecture, but it also offers the opportunity to lead a healthy lifestyle. With an average gym membership costing around £26 per month (nearly half the cost than in Sydney), and the fifth lowest levels of obesity in Europe at 20.1%, the Austrian capital is the perfect destination to lead a healthier life.

Vienna’s pollution level is also one of the lowest of all cities analysed at 17.33 (out of 100), which is over four times lower than the likes of Beijing with a pollution score of 85.43 (out of 100) and three times lower than Barcelona, Paris and London.

• Sunshine hours

  1,884

• Annual avg hours worked

  1,501

• Happiness levels

  7.29

• Outdoor activities

  132

4. Stockholm

When looking at the metric for the total number of hours worked per year, Stockholm ranks in 4th position at 1,452 hours (30.25 hours per week), offering more opportunity for a better work-life balance. Taking into consideration other metrics such as its low level of pollution (20/100) and general happiness throughout the city (7/10), Stockholm ranks in 4th position overall.

• Sunshine hours

  1,821

• Annual avg hours worked

  1,452

• Happiness levels

  7.35

• Outdoor activities

  129

5. Copenhagen

Known as one of the happiest cities in the world (ranking second, beaten only by Helsinki in our research), Copenhagen rounds off our top five healthiest places to live in the world.

If you’re looking for the ultimate work-life balance, Copenhagen is the destination for you. It has the lowest working hours per year of all cities at 1,380 (28.75 hours per week). And for those that want to breathe in fresh air, the Danish capital ranks as the city with the fifth cleanest air, with a pollution score of 21.24 (out of 100).

However living in Copenhagen doesn't come cheap. It ranks in third position for the highest cost of a bottle of water at £2.19, outweighing both New York (£1.32) and London (£1.16).

• Sunshine hours

  1,630

• Annual avg hours worked

  1,380

• Happiness levels

  7.64

• Outdoor activities

  154

6. Helsinki

Ranking as the happiest city, Helsinki has the lowest pollution score of all cities at 13.08/100. It also features in the top 10 when looking at just the lowest number of yearly working hours. With the happiest citizens, clean air and a healthy work-life balance, Helsinki’s number six position is well deserved.

• Sunshine hours

  1,662

• Annual avg hours worked

  1,540

• Happiness levels

  7.80

• Outdoor activities

  113

7. Fukuoka

Located in the northern shore of Japan’s Kyushu Island, Fukuoka is probably best known for its food, but its ability to lead a healthy lifestyle shouldn’t go overlooked. With a bottle of water costing just £0.78, it’s easy to ensure you’re drinking the recommended 2 litres a day even on the move. The city also has the highest life expectancy at 83.2 years of all 44 locations.

• Sunshine hours

  2,769

• Annual avg hours worked

  1,644

• Happiness levels

  5.87

• Outdoor activities

  35

8. Berlin

Another city steeped in culture, Berlin’s average life expectancy is 80.6 years, which may be supported by its relatively cheap average monthly gym membership at £26.11 - third cheapest in Europe. Germany’s capital also has lots of opportunity to get out in the fresh air with the fifth highest number of outdoor activities in Europe at 254 and the ninth lowest pollution levels in Europe.

• Sunshine hours

  1,626

• Annual avg hours worked

  1,386

• Happiness levels

  7.07

• Outdoor activities

  254

9. Barcelona

Whilst Barcelona is one of Europe’s most visited cities, it’s also in the top 10 for healthy living. Barcelona takes the top spot for the number of outdoor activities with over 580 – which is great when paired with its 2,591 sunshine hours.

• Sunshine hours

  2,591

• Annual avg hours worked

  1,686

• Happiness levels

  6.40

• Outdoor activities

  585

10. Vancouver

Vancouver is famous for offering every kind of outdoor sport and adventure, pioneering health and fitness. With an average life expectancy of 81.7 years, a relatively low pollution score (24/100) and happy residents (7/10), Vancouver rounds off our top 10 locations for living a healthy lifestyle.

• Sunshine hours

  1,938

• Annual avg hours worked

  1,670

• Happiness levels

  7.23

• Outdoor activities

  218