April 28, 2009 - Mercer's 2009 Quality of Living Survey ranks Vancouver as tied fourth with Auckland, New Zealand as one of the top cities worldwide for quality of living. The survey was updated in late April 2009.

 

In the top cities ranked by region, Vancouver, BC was rated first in the Americas over Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Calgary. Not one american city placed in the top five of the Americas.

 

Research for Mercer’s Quality of Living Reports is carried out by means of a detailed questionnaire with pre-defined criteria and a specific scoring system. Researchers and consultants in Mercer offices worldwide analyse the data which is then cross-checked against various sources by Mercer's experts.

 

This year’s ranking also identifies the cities with the best infrastructure based on electricity supply, water availability, telephone and mail services, public transport provision, traffic congestion and the range of international flights from local airports.

 

Mercer’s Quality of Living ranking covers 215 cities and is conducted to help governments and major companies place employees on international assignments. The quality of living rankings are based on a point-scoring index, which sees Vienna score 108.6, and Baghdad 14.4. Cities are ranked against New York as the base city with an index score of 100.

 

In 2008, the quality of living in many regions has been affected. This is demonstrated by serious political turmoil, increasing unrest and instability, health and climatic concerns. The global financial crisis has intensified in 2008, becoming an area of increasing international concern.

 

To read the entire report, go to http://www.mercer.com/qualityofliving.