In a recent evaluation of Asia-Pacific urban centers, five Australian cities have been recognised for their exceptional quality of life and global appeal.
The 2025 Asia-Pacific’s Best Cities report, produced by Resonance Consultancy and Ipsos, placed Sydney and Melbourne in the top 10 list preferred for living, visiting, and working.
Sydney secured seventh place and Melbourne ninth, both praised for their vibrant cultural scenes and economic vitality, realestate.com.au reported.
“Cities like Tokyo and Sydney demonstrate a unique ability to balance prosperity with livability,” said Chris Fair, CEO of Resonance Consultancy.
Sydney, which stands out in Australia’s thriving coastal real estate scene, was specifically lauded for its favourable climate and air quality, which, alongside developments like the expanded Art Gallery of NSW and the emerging Tech Central precinct, have boosted its cultural and economic profile.
Singapore topped the list, heralded for its economic strength and world-class amenities, including dining and shopping.
The city-state, known as one of the safest globally, also boasts the highest GDP per capita in the region and is a major financial hub.
“Singapore exemplifies a place where billionaires can stroll in flip-flops, blending casual informality with unimaginable prosperity,” the report said.
The rankings considered various metrics including livability factors like housing affordability, air quality, and healthcare systems, alongside economic indicators such as GDP per capita and the presence of Fortune 500 companies.
The unique aspect of “loveability” – a measure of a city’s vibrancy and quality of place – was also assessed through nightlife, shopping experiences, and online popularity metrics.
While Australian cities like Melbourne excelled in food, coffee culture, and arts, and ranked highly for sights and landmarks, they still face challenges in housing affordability and urban sprawl, similar to other major cities in the region.
Notably, Brisbane and Perth were recognised for their air quality and economic prospects, with Brisbane expected to see a boost from hosting the 2032 Olympic Games, realestate.com.au reported.
The report also highlighted the correlation between city size and attractiveness, noting that larger cities tend to be preferred for living and job opportunities. This insight might explain why smaller Australian cities, despite their high rankings, don’t reach the very top of the list.
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