Frankfurt named one of the world's 'most liveable' cities for foreigners

Frankfurt was in seventh position in consulting firm Mercer’s Quality of Living Ranking for 2024.

Switzerland’s Zurich took the top position in followed by Vienna, in Austria. 

Geneva, another Swiss city, scooped third place, while Copenhagen and Auckland round out the top five. Vancouver ties with Frankfurt for seventh place, followed by the Swiss cities of Bern in ninth place and Basel in the 10th spot.

Mercer evaluates the practical aspects of daily life for expats and their families working outside their country of origin to compile the ranking. 

What are the pros and cons of living in Frankfurt?

Frankfurt dropped one position compared to last year's ranking, but still managed a good showing. 

The city - sometimes nicknamed Mainhattan thanks to its towering buildings - is known for being the financial capital of Germany.

But it also has a strong multicultural feel which makes it more attractive to people coming to work in Germany from abroad.

Of the some 800,000 people who live in Frankfurt, almost a third (just under 31 percent) had a migration background in 2022, according to the latest figures from Statista.

There is an array of positives about life in Frankfurt, from the great social scene thanks to buzzing bars and restaurants, to the job opportunities. 

As well as the financial sector, it is home to the country's largest airport and there are also jobs available in sectors like IT, biotechnology and life sciences, logistics and creative industries. 

Add to this an extensive public transport system, nearby nature, a community feel in many neighbourhoods and a thriving cultural sector, it's easy to see why Frankfurt is a draw for foreigners looking to settle in Germany. 

READ ALSO: What's considered a good salary for foreigners in Frankfurt?

Yet there are some downsides to living in Frankfurt. 

In fact in a separate Mercer survey from earlier this year, Frankfurt landed in second place in a ranking of the most expensive places for people to live, with Berlin taking the top spot. 

Due to rising rents and living costs, residents in Germany - and particularly in big cities such as Frankfurt - have been trying to manage the higher cost of living in recent years.

Although Germany is generally a very safe country to live in and visit, Frankfurt has the highest crime rate in, just ahead of Berlin.

Meanwhile, the Bahnhofsviertel, which is located around the main station, is known for being a crime hotspot.

These factors make Frankfurt that bit less desirable to residents moving from abroad. 

READ ALSO: 

• Which German cities are the most expensive for residents in 2024?
• 'Not as bad as it looks' How Frankfurt is improving the Bahnhofsviertel

Did any other German cities score highly?

A few German cities featured lower down in the Mercer ranking. For instance Munich dropped four places to number 11, just missing out on a top 10 spot.

Düsseldorf fell six positions compared to last year to take the 16th spot. Berlin fell one position to 19 and Hamburg dropped three spots to number 28. Further down, Stuttgart fell 20 spots but still landed a place in the top 50 most liveable cities, snagging the 46th position.

Why is Zurich number one?

Zurich’s success is attributed to its excellent public services, low crime rates, and vibrant cultural scene. 

Mercer also praised the Swiss city for its sustainability initiatives and improved intercontinental flight connections. However, Zurich’s high cost of living, particularly for housing and basic goods, remains challenging for those considering relocation.

The Mercer report highlights broader trends shaping liveability for foreign residents and their families. Cities that balance quality of life with affordability tend to rank higher. 

Other highlights from the study include Singapore, which leads Asia at 30th place, and Boston, ranked 32nd as the top US city. Meanwhile, cities such as Baghdad and Khartoum remain at the bottom due to ongoing instability.