Best Cities for Gen Z: Time Out Ranking

International media platform Time Out has published its first-ever list of cities where young people feel most comfortable living. The ranking draws on responses from 18,500 people worldwide, isolating the views of 20–30-year-olds. Bangkok tops the list, with Gen Z respondents calling it the happiest and most affordable city. (In Time Out’s January “overall” cities list, Cape Town was No. 1.)

Time Out’s annual rankings are based on a large resident survey covering nightlife, food and culture, plus factors like happiness, green space and ease of getting around. An expert panel helps refine the final list. In 2025, the editors highlighted the under-30 segment to show which cities Gen Z finds most livable.

1) Bangkok, Thailand

84% of under-30s say they’re happy living in Bangkok, and 71% call it budget-friendly. Respondents also say it’s one of the easiest cities to make friends—making it Gen Z’s clear No. 1.

2) Melbourne, Australia

77% of Gen Z respondents consider Melbourne diverse and inclusive; 96% rate its culture and arts highly. Overall quality of life scored strongly: 91% of twenty-somethings called it “good” or “amazing.”

3) Cape Town, South Africa

In Cape Town, 82% of 20–30-year-olds say they’re happy. The city scores highly for going out (76% say it’s easy to grab a drink) and beauty (71%). Some 62% call it an interesting place to live.

4) New York City, USA

Young residents describe NYC as “exciting.” Walkability impressed 82% of respondents, and 84% praised the nightlife.

5) Copenhagen, Denmark

Recently named the world’s most liveable city by Time Out, Copenhagen also appeals to Gen Z: a 64% happiness score and a notable 54% saying it’s easy to find love.

6) Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona earned 77% for diversity and inclusion. Many young residents report feeling happy in the city.

7) Edinburgh, UK

Environmental credentials stand out: 95% cite plentiful green spaces and proximity to nature; 89% praise walkability.

8) Mexico City, Mexico

Happiness is high (83%), and affordability is strong (69%)—second only to Bangkok in this metric.

9) London, UK

London’s free art and culture scene shines—96% of Gen Z residents rate it highly, and 95% praise the food scene. Only 45% consider it budget-friendly, though.

10) Shanghai, China

Public transport tops the charts (96%). Many are satisfied—even happy—living in Shanghai (84%). The city is most often described as “modern.”

Also popular with Gen Z: Sydney, Beijing, Paris, Tokyo, Berlin, Seville, Chicago, Chiang Mai, Prague and Lisbon—each scoring well on specific factors, from arts and nightlife to affordability and inclusion.

Takeaway

For Gen Z, it’s not just macroeconomics—it’s day-to-day life. Affordability, cultural diversity, making friends, getting around easily and access to nature are the traits that make cities compelling to those under 30.