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Why Canberra is the best city in the world for quality of life
It’s official: Canberra has been named the best city in the world for quality of life by Oxford Economics in 2025.
The global index analysed 1,000 cities across the world, measuring everything from safety and housing to income, cultural access and overall wellbeing.
Not only did Canberra top the global list, but it also ranked as the highest Australian city across four of the six core quality-of-life indicators: income per person, income equality, housing expenditure and life expectancy.
Discover more about what makes Canberra stand out.
In Canberra, you get the best of everything nestled in one city. Image credit: Damian Breach for VisitCanberra
Housing is easier to manage
Renting in Canberra is easier than in other capital cities in Australia. It’s still competitive, but not on the same level as Sydney or Melbourne. Students can find share houses close to ANU or live on campus in catered or self-catered options.
Canberra scored highly in the global ranking for housing expenditure, meaning people spend less of their income on rent compared to most cities. And because average wages here are higher, people aren’t as stretched. That makes a difference, especially when you’re juggling study, work and a budget.
Canberra is a great place to live as a student with lots of different living options. Image credit: Supercurious
We’re a safe city to live in
Canberra ranks among the safest cities in Australia and globally. Walking at night, catching public transport late, or going for an early morning run feels safer here. It’s something students often mention when they move here.
On campus, ANU provides security and safety escorts if you ever need them.
Canberra is known as being a safe city to life, making it a comfortable place for students to thrive, especially if you’re moving out of home for the first time. Image credit: Pew Pew Studio
Nature is part of the routine
Canberra isn’t a concrete jungle. Green space is everywhere. Think bushwalks, bike tracks, lakeside walks and mountain views. You’ll pass the Australian National Botanic Gardens on your way to class. Hike Mount Ainslie before your 10am lecture. Spot kangaroos on your walk home from dinner. Nature is very Canberra.
Being around nature helps, especially when uni life gets intense. And here, it’s never far away and the views are both calming and inspiring.
Canberra is full of green spaces, walking trails and all the kangaroos! Image credit: Pew Pew Studio
We’re a city that actually works
Canberra is easy to get around. Public transport is reliable. The roads aren’t jammed. And if you live near ANU or in a student residence on campus, you can walk or bike almost everywhere.
You won’t spend hours commuting to class or a job. You’ll have more time to study, hang out with friends, rest or just do nothing. That kind of balance is rare in a capital city and it’s one of the reasons Canberra consistently ranks as Australia’s best city to live in.
Canberra is also a place where people live longer. Life expectancy was one of the top indicators in the Oxford Economics global index and Canberra led the country. When you’ve got fresh air, strong healthcare, safety and stability, it adds up.
In Canberra, it won’t be hard to find your next 5am run club. Image credit: Pew Pew Studio
We’re built for learning and opportunity
Canberra is full of embassies, research centres, cultural institutions and national organisations, which makes it a great place to study, but also a great place to build your future.
Whether you’re into science, policy, climate, tech, global affairs or the arts, you’re surrounded by real-world opportunities. Internships, part-time jobs, industry projects and networking events all feed into student life.
It’s also worth noting that Canberra has the highest employment rate in Australia. That means more jobs, more opportunities while you study and stronger prospects after graduation – especially with an ANU degree behind you (our students are Australia’s most employable graduates according to Times Higher Education 2025).
Canberra is home to national institutions, research hubs and hands-on learning opportunities that you can tap into as a student. Image credit: Pew Pew Studio
We’re a diverse and welcoming city
Canberra is one of the most multicultural cities in Australia – and it shows. Around a quarter of people here were born overseas and many speak a language other than English at home.
You’ll feel that when you’re on campus, too. ANU students come from all over the world and there’s a strong culture of inclusion across residences, classes and student life. From language circles and cultural clubs to fun events and international student programs, there are lots of ways to build community.
One of the best examples? The National Multicultural Festival. Held in the city centre each year, it brings together over 170 cultures for a weekend of food, music and celebration. It’s the kind of event that shows exactly what Canberra is all about.
If you’re moving here from overseas – or just new to the city – you won’t be alone. Canberra makes it easy to feel at home.
Canberra is a multicultural city with diverse communities, global cuisines and festivals that celebrate cultures from around the world. Image credit: Pew Pew Studio
The verdict?
Canberra isn’t just a great place to study. It’s a great place to live.
Available housing, real job prospects, a strong sense of community and a lifestyle that actually works – Canberra has it all. And now, it’s got the global recognition to match.
If you’re thinking about the kind of city you want to study in, one that supports your goals, values your wellbeing and gives you space to grow, Canberra makes a pretty strong case. It’s a pretty special student city.
Ready for a uni experience that ticks all the boxes? Canberra is ready for you.
Learn more about why Canberra is the city that defies all expectations.
