Five Australian cities have secured their places among the top cities in the Asia-Pacific, known for their prosperity, liveability, and overall “loveability.” According to the 2025 Asia-Pacific’s Best Cities report by Resonance Consultancy and Ipsos, Sydney and Melbourne emerged in the top 10, with Sydney ranking seventh and Melbourne at ninth.
The report, which evaluates cities based on factors such as GDP per capita, quality of life, and vibrancy, placed Singapore in the top spot. The Southeast Asian city-state is praised for its world-class dining, shopping, and economic strength. With the highest GDP per capita in the region, Singapore’s appeal as both a financial hub and a tourist destination makes it a global leader in urban prosperity.
Tokyo, ranked second, stood out for its tourism, retail industry, and urban development. Its sprawling megacity, home to nearly 38 million people, excels in liveability and remains a favorite among international visitors. Seoul followed in third place, recognized as a tech powerhouse with a burgeoning culinary scene.
Among Australian cities, Sydney’s ranking of seventh is largely attributed to its climate, air quality, and cultural scene, boosted by developments like the Art Gallery of NSW and the emerging Tech Central precinct. While Sydney performs well in terms of liveability, its housing affordability remains a challenge, with the report suggesting that further CBD revitalization could elevate its standing.
Melbourne, in ninth place, is celebrated for its coffee culture, food scene, and vibrant arts scene. The city’s well-established reputation for street art and scenic trails contributes to its appeal. Melbourne’s ranking reflects its growing status as an economic powerhouse in the region, with its food and arts scene continuing to draw both visitors and locals.
Three Chinese cities—Hong Kong, Beijing, and Shanghai—also secured top 10 spots, with Hong Kong in fourth place. Despite the challenges of urban sprawl and pollution, Beijing and Shanghai are recognized for their economic prosperity.
The report also highlights Brisbane, which ranked 19th but is expected to rise in the rankings due to the economic boost from hosting the 2032 Olympic Games. Perth (20th) and Adelaide (26th) performed well, particularly in air quality, with Australian cities scoring higher than their Asian counterparts in this category.
Overall, while Australia’s major cities face challenges such as housing affordability, they continue to stand out for their quality of life, vibrant culture, and economic promise. However, smaller cities with lower living costs, such as those in India and Japan, were noted for offering better price-to-income ratios, contributing to more favorable living conditions for their residents.
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