The Best Cities for Gen Z to Live in: Top 10 Cities Revealed

Time Out published their ranking of the world’s greatest cities earlier in January. But they’ve recently filtered the responses to get a ranking from Gen Z only. The result has surprised many readers — let’s find out why, and what city is the best to live in according to Gen Z. 

Top 10 cities for Gen Z in 2025 

1. Bangkok, Thailand

This is not the most expected outcome of the survey, yet Bangkok tops the Gen Z ranking. And it’s absolutely justified — Bangkok is the most visited city in 2024 according to Euromonitor International with 32.4 million international arrivals. This city is dynamic, full of outstanding sights, and surprisingly affordable. One key factor is its budget-friendly lifestyle. Around 84% of young people are happy living in Bangkok, enjoying the friendly atmosphere, warm people, and affordability. 

In addition to that, everyone admits Thai food is delicious and cheap, making it a significant advantage for Gen Z. The rent is 50–60% cheaper compared to Europe and the USA. The city is a perfect place for Gen Z to make friends and explore the multinational culture. Bangkok is also an urban hub of Thailand, where you can find modern buildings, excellent infrastructure, great public transportation, and an abundance of shopping malls, bars, restaurants, and more. 

2. Melbourne, Australia

Australian spirit, art, culture, and nature — everything in Melbourne makes people happy and brings joy. Around 96% of Gen Z admire the culture in Melbourne, and 91% of young people say life in this city is “good.” This city is loved for excellent healthcare, modern infrastructure, high-quality education, an extensive public transportation network, and thriving job opportunities. 

While the city is not budget-friendly, the quality of life in Melbourne makes up for the high cost of living. It has everything young people appreciate, including bustling nightlife, friendly people, a rich cultural scene, and a strong job market. Australia is wonderful, and Gen Z knows how to enjoy its perks. 

3. Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town is called a “happy” place by around 82% of Gen Z. This city deserves its place on the list of the best cities for breathtaking views, scenic nature, lively atmosphere, and affordable nightlife. Young people like to go out at night, visit clubs and bars, so cheap drinks make nights out even better. Cape Town is renowned for its outdoor activities — hiking mountain trails, exploring coastlines, swimming, and trying water sports. 

Moreover, this city is modern, energetic, and diverse. Important perks for Gen Z are strong career prospects and a rich culture. There are many landmarks, beaches, malls, and hubs where young people can have fun. Yet, the city is not cheap, and there are some safety concerns. But overall, this place is heavenly and ranks high among the other popular destinations. 

4. New York City, United States

New York is one of the best cities in the USA and one of the most popular places among Gen Z. It’s on the bucket lists of thousands of tourists, it’s displayed in movies and videos, it’s pictured on posters around the world, and it's a dream destination for millions. The Big Apple is a thrilling city — an abundance of opportunities, a contemporary lifestyle, big ambitions, and exciting prospects. 

Gen Z praises walkability and buzzing nightlife. Young people enjoy the constant rush and vibes of this place, exploring art, culture, food, and thriving opportunities. On the other hand, NYC is not a budget-friendly place, but if you can make it there — you will enjoy every minute of it. 

5. Copenhagen, Denmark

Around 64% of twenty-somethings are happy to live in Copenhagen. This is an amazing score, making Copenhagen the 5th best city for Gen Z. Copenhagen is renowned for its exceptional education, high living standards, vibrant nightlife, romance, and friendly people. It’s a walkable and bike-friendly city with a developed public transportation system. Culture and art are highly cherished in Denmark, so Gen Z has many options to enjoy their free time. 

While the costs of living are high, free healthcare and education attract young adults. Copenhagen supports entrepreneurs, maintains a strong job market, and cares about the environment. There are also many attractions, so you never get bored in the capital of Denmark.

6. Barcelona, Spain

This place is heavenly, and Gen Z knows how to enjoy that. Over 71% of twenty-somethings live happily in Barcelona. The city is popular for its rich cultural heritage and diverse life. Beaches, historic sites, great options for nights out, and thriving culture — Barcelona has it all. The city is very lively and full of young people, creating a great youthful atmosphere. 

Barcelona is also pretty affordable compared to most cultural hubs in Europe and the USA. Delicious cuisine, water sports, art, job opportunities, and entertainment — key factors for Gen Z to be happy. And luckily, Barcelona offers all that and more. 

7. Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Scotland is very authentic and mysterious. It’s green and bustling — exactly what young people appreciate. 95% of twenty-somethings enjoyed the lush greenery in Edinburgh, and around 89% love this place for its walkability. The city is ancient, brimming with historic buildings, cultural sites, and Gothic architecture. 

Students admit a high level of education, and a booming job market in the tech and finance industries. Edinburgh is not a budget-friendly city, but it provides great career opportunities and a work-life balance. Lastly, it offers exceptional outdoor activities and nightlife venues, which help the city rank highly. 

8. Mexico City, Mexico

83% of young people are happy living in Mexico City. It’s very diverse, colorful, and charming — people love the mix of Mexican tradition and modern lifestyle. People are very welcoming and friendly, and the vibes are energetic and colorful. The city is loved for its affordability by more than 69% of Gen Z, making it the second most affordable city on the list after Bangkok. 

What’s good about Mexico City is absolutely delicious food, an abundance of attractions and outdoor activities, bustling streets, and plenty of bars. Budget-friendly living, thriving job prospects, and a fascinating culture — all make Mexico City a favorite for Gen Z. The only concern is safety — but with caution, the city is as enjoyable as anywhere. 

9. London, United Kingdom

The UK appeared twice on the list — this time we come to London. More than 96% of twenty-somethings enjoy the cultural scene in the city. Young adults love food and art in London. They also admire its history, landmarks, and architecture — there are so many iconic sites in the city. 

When it comes to the cost of living, 55% of respondents said it’s not a budget-friendly city. Well, London really is not an affordable place, but it offers exceptional education, promising career paths, and high-quality healthcare. In general, the city is welcoming, modern, and full of joy. 

10. Shanghai, China

This contemporary hub in China ranked as the 10th best city for Gen Z to live in. 84% of the young generation are happy to live in Shanghai. The city is loved for its abundance of job opportunities, vibrant atmosphere, advanced infrastructure, and great public transportation — praised by 96% of the young generation. 

Overall, the city offers a wide range of bars, clubs, cafes, restaurants, malls, boutiques, and other places for young people to spend time. There are also parks, historic streets, and plenty of cultural sites — Shanghai perfectly blends its traditional roots with modern lifestyle trends. 

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