Vancouver has again been named one of the world’s most livable cities, placing ninth in the Economist Intelligence Unit’s 2026 Global Liveability Index. For newcomers, this ranking highlights why British Columbia remains a popular destination, while also showing how quality of life, education, healthcare, and infrastructure can shape settlement choices across Canada.
Vancouver ranks among the world’s most livable cities again
Vancouver, British Columbia, has earned a place in the top 10 of the Economist Intelligence Unit’s 2026 Global Liveability Index. The city ranked ninth overall, making it the only city in North America to appear in this year’s top 10.
The index reviewed 173 cities around the world and measured how well each one supports daily life. While these rankings are not immigration policy, they matter to many future newcomers because they offer a practical look at what life may feel like after arrival. People planning an immigration to Canada process often look beyond visas and permanent residence rules. They also want to know where they may find strong schools, dependable healthcare, safe neighbourhoods, and good public services.
For many families, workers, and students, Vancouver continues to stand out for exactly those reasons. The city improved slightly from last year, moving from 10th place to ninth. Its overall score rose from 95.8 to 96 out of 100.
This kind of result helps explain why British Columbia remains attractive to people exploring Canadian immigration options. It also supports the province’s reputation as a destination for skilled workers, international students, and families hoping to settle in a well-connected urban centre.
Why this matters to newcomers
When people compare destinations in Canada, they often think first about jobs or immigration pathways. But settlement success depends on more than eligibility. Quality of life can affect everything from children’s education to commute times, access to healthcare, and long-term well-being.
Someone considering Express Entry immigration to Canada, for example, may eventually need to decide where to live after becoming a permanent resident. Others may first arrive on a study permit or work permit and later transition through programmes such as the Canadian Experience Class or a provincial stream.
In that sense, rankings like this do not replace official immigration criteria from IRCC, but they can help applicants think more clearly about settlement planning.
How Vancouver performed in the 2026 index
Vancouver’s score increased modestly this year, but the detail behind the ranking is just as interesting. The city kept a perfect education score and saw small gains in healthcare and infrastructure. Its culture and environment score dipped slightly, but it still remained very strong overall.
| Category | 2025 Score | 2026 Score |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 95.8 | 96.0 |
| Healthcare | 95.8 | 96.0 |
| Culture and environment | 97.2 | 97.0 |
| Infrastructure | 92.9 | 93.0 |
| Education | 100 | 100 |
A long history of strong performance
Although Vancouver ranked ninth this year, the city has a long record of performing well in global livability comparisons. It was once ranked number one for many years in the 2000s and has generally remained near the top of the list since then.
That consistency matters for people planning a move. A city that performs well over time may offer more predictable settlement conditions, especially for those bringing children, looking for stable public systems, or planning to stay permanently.
British Columbia is also important in immigration terms. The province regularly attracts skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and international students. Those who want to settle there may wish to review the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program options alongside federal pathways.
What the global ranking actually measures
The Economist Intelligence Unit based its 2026 ranking on 30 indicators grouped into five categories. Each category contributes to the city’s final score, which ranges from one to 100.
- Stability: crime levels, threats of unrest, and conflict-related risks.
- Healthcare: access to and quality of public and private care, as well as general health conditions.
- Culture and environment: climate, social freedoms, cultural life, and access to goods and services.
- Education: quality and availability of public and private education.
- Infrastructure: roads, transit, utilities, telecommunications, international connections, and housing access.
What this means for immigration planning
These categories line up closely with the practical questions many newcomers ask before moving to Canada. Can children attend good schools? Is local transit reliable? Will healthcare be accessible after arrival? Is the city safe and well-organized?
For skilled workers abroad, those questions often come up while preparing language tests such as IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF, arranging an Educational Credential Assessment, or trying to improve a CRS score. The immigration file itself is only one part of the journey. The other part is choosing a place where daily life will be manageable and rewarding.
Applicants comparing provinces may also want to balance livability with affordability, labour market demand, and programme access. Vancouver performs very well on quality-of-life measures, but some newcomers may also look at other destinations through Provincial Nominee Programs in Canada, especially if they want lower housing costs or a different pace of life.
What newcomers should consider before choosing Vancouver
Vancouver’s strong ranking makes it appealing, but choosing where to settle should still be a personal and strategic decision. A high livability score does not automatically mean a city is the right fit for every immigrant or every family.
Settlement goals and pathway choices
Some newcomers move to British Columbia because they already have family or community support there. Others are drawn by education opportunities, especially if they plan to study in Canada and later transition to permanent residence. Students often look at long-term pathways that may include post-graduation work opportunities and eventual federal or provincial immigration streams.
Workers may focus more on whether their occupation is in demand, whether licensing or credential recognition is required, and whether they qualify under federal or provincial selection systems. Those preparing a profile should review the Comprehensive Ranking System and stay informed about recent Express Entry draws.
Life after arrival matters just as much
Many people spend months gathering documents, writing language exams, and planning finances. Once they arrive, however, the focus shifts quickly to housing, schools, transportation, and employment. That is why quality-of-life indicators are so useful. They help people picture what comes after approval.
Vancouver’s strengths in education, healthcare, and public services may be especially attractive to families and professionals who want an established urban environment. At the same time, each newcomer should compare those benefits with personal factors such as cost of living, weather preferences, career opportunities, and family needs.
If you are still deciding where to settle, it may help to assess your immigration options with professional guidance. A clear strategy can connect your immigration pathway with a realistic settlement plan, whether your future is in Vancouver, another part of British Columbia, or elsewhere in Canada.
Immigration rules, selection criteria, and programme requirements can change often, so readers should always confirm current information with IRCC or speak with a licensed immigration consultant before making important decisions. EverNorth Immigration is here to help with experienced, compassionate support at every stage of your move to Canada, and you can book your free immigration assessment to receive a professional evaluation of your options.
