In August, Time Out unveiled its annual ranking of the world’s best cities, spotlighting top urban centers for food, culture, and nightlife. This year marked a significant addition: the top 10 cities ideal for Gen Z living. The unique survey, which gathered insights from over 18,500 participants worldwide, specifically filtered responses from those born between 1997 and 2012, evaluating factors such as food, nightlife, culture, affordability, happiness, livability, and overall vibe.
Rossilynne Culgan, Things to Do Editor at Time Out New York, expressed enthusiasm about the results, stating, “The fact that our readers rated these cities so highly around the world is really exciting. It creates a roadmap to places that might be added to your own bucket list.” Notably, New York City was the sole U.S. representative in the top 10, ranking fourth overall. The Big Apple garnered praise for its walkability, vibrant nightlife, diverse food options, and rich cultural scene, which includes art, live music, and performances. However, only 46% of Gen Z respondents considered it affordable.
Culgan highlighted the city’s appeal, noting, “It’s a very exciting place to live, according to Gen Z, and I completely agree. New York’s unique energy and cultural offerings ensure there’s always something fun to do.” The ranked cities for Gen Z living featured Bangkok, Thailand, at the top, thanks in part to its high happiness scores; 84% of Gen Z residents reported feeling happy in Bangkok, with 71% labeling it budget-friendly. The estimated monthly living costs for a single person in the city are around 20,141 Thai Baht, approximately $617, excluding rent. The average cost of living in Thailand is about 45.9% lower than in the U.S., with rent averaging 68.8% less.
Following closely behind was Melbourne, Australia, dubbed the cultural capital of the country. Gen Z rated it as the second-best city for living. A striking 77% described Melbourne as diverse and inclusive, while an impressive 96% praised its art and culture scene. In terms of quality of life, 91% of respondents rated the city as “good” or “amazing.” A single person can expect to spend about 1,703 Australian Dollars, roughly $1,094, to live there, making it 32.9% less expensive than New York, with rent averaging 61.3% lower.
Other notable cities in the top 10 include Cape Town, Copenhagen, Barcelona, Edinburgh, Mexico City, London, and Shanghai. Each city brings a unique blend of culture, affordability, and overall livability that resonates with the Gen Z demographic. As younger generations increasingly seek vibrant experiences and lifestyle value, these rankings provide valuable insights into urban preferences and living conditions for future explorers.
Time Out’s survey results not only illuminate the preferences of Gen Z but also highlight the global cities that are resonating with young adults today. With cities like Bangkok and Melbourne leading the charge, it’s clear that lifestyle, culture, and affordability play pivotal roles in shaping where this generation chooses to live. For those looking to embrace new experiences, exploring these top-rated urban landscapes could be an enriching journey worth considering.
Original Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/08/23/best-cities-around-world-gen-z-live-in-time-out-survey.html
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Publish Date: 2025-08-24 05:18:00
