The Nations Beating America at Quality of Life
The U.S. might be a global superpower, but when it comes to quality of life, 21 countries are ranked higher in the U.S. News & World Report’s Quality of Life index. The index weighs a multitude of factors, including affordability, safety, political stability, job market, income equality, and access to public health and education.
The United States sits at 22—so let’s count down those 21 countries with a better quality of life than the United States of America.
21: Italy
Italy’s Mediterranean lifestyle, universal healthcare, and strong family culture create a sense of wellbeing that extends way beyond material wealth. Long meals, historic cities, and vibrant traditions make life here secure and rooted deeply in community and heritage.
20: Portugal
Portugal’s combination of mild weather, affordable living, and reliable healthcare makes it one of Europe’s most comfortable countries. Its coastal towns and relaxed pace of life bring with it a nice sense of balance and security that residents adore.
CAPTAIN RAJU, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
19: Iceland
Iceland may be small but it is mighty when it comes to quality of life. The country thrives on social equality, safety, and sustainability. Its small population has access to a strong healthcare system, clean energy, and a deep connection to nature. Icelanders also balance modern comforts with one of the world’s most stunning environments.
18: Spain
Spain offers a balance of affordability, family-centered culture, and excellent healthcare. Its slower pace, family-oriented traditions, and love of leisure create a lifestyle where balance matters. Residents enjoy security, stability, and access to services that support healthier, longer lives.
17: Luxembourg
Luxembourg may be another small country, but it delivers big wealth, safety, and stability. With multilingual communities, excellent healthcare, and strong worker protections, the country provides security and opportunity in equal measure, all within a highly cosmopolitan setting.
Krzysztof Golik, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
16: France
France combines universal healthcare, strong education, and cultural richness. Life here is enhanced by long vacations, protections for workers, and a national pride in art, food, and tradition, creating a lifestyle that feels both stable and rewarding.
15: Ireland
Ireland’s strong economy and high per-capita income are matched with a welcoming culture and lively traditions. With safety, accessible healthcare, and deep community ties, life on the Emerald Isle feels warm, secure, and full of character.
14: Japan
Japan is defined by efficiency, safety, and world-class healthcare. Its people enjoy one of the longest life expectancies on Earth, supported by orderly cities, a strong sense of respect in daily interactions, and a unique blend of tradition and innovation.
Basile Morin, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
13: Belgium
Belgium’s reputation for healthcare, education, and inclusivity makes it a standout in Europe. Multilingual and culturally diverse, it offers reliable public services and a high standard of living, all in a country known for charm, history, and excellent food.
12: Austria
Austria offers safety, stability, and well-developed public services. Known for its alpine beauty and rich cultural life, residents here enjoy both natural surroundings and strong social systems, creating a balanced lifestyle rooted in security and cultural appreciation.
C.Stadler/Bwag, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
11: United Kingdom
The U.K. continues to provide universal healthcare, safety, and cultural vibrancy. Despite political shifts, it remains a hub of education, history, and opportunity, with services that support stability and a lifestyle enriched by centuries of tradition.
10: New Zealand
New Zealand places high important on equality, healthcare, and safety and thus makes life feel secure and balanced for it people. Surrounded by breathtaking landscapes—residents enjoy a strong sense of community and a lifestyle where outdoor activities are part of everyday wellbeing. And it is where the Lord of the Rings movies were filmed, so Bonus.
9: Netherlands
The Netherlands combines progressive social policies with practical daily comforts. Healthcare and education are strong, safety is high, and its bike-friendly cities make healthy living easy. A spirit of inclusivity and equality shapes life here at every level.
8: Australia
Australia’s high living standards are supported by universal healthcare, education, and safety. A relaxed lifestyle blends with economic stability, while the country’s outdoor culture and natural beauty encourage wellbeing and community connection across its diverse population.
7: Germany
Germany pairs one of the world’s strongest economies with safety, worker protections, and reliable services. With universal healthcare and affordable education, life here feels secure and opportunity-rich, while culture and history remain deeply woven into daily life.
Georgfotoart, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
6: Finland
Finland is known for trust, safety, and social equality. Its education system is world-class, and healthcare is universally accessible. Add in low crime and a culture that values balance, and Finland consistently sets the bar for wellbeing.
5: Canada
Canada blends inclusivity, safety, and universal healthcare into a lifestyle that strives to support both families and individuals. With multicultural cities, political stability, and some generous social policies, life here feels secure and welcoming.
4: Norway
Norway thrives on equality, safety, and sustainability. Its welfare model provides reliable services, while clean air, fjords, and open spaces nurture a close connection to nature. A strong economy supports a society where fairness and security go hand in hand.
3: Switzerland
Switzerland delivers stability, prosperity, and safety at remarkable levels. With excellent healthcare, neutral politics, and efficient services, daily life feels secure and comfortable. Its scenic landscapes only enhance a lifestyle grounded in order and wellbeing.
Iurii Dzivinskyi, Shutterstock
2: Sweden
Sweden puts equality and family support first. Long parental leave, very affordable childcare, and universal healthcare are standout programs for it's citizens. With a culture of fairness and sustainability, Sweden consistently comes in among the world’s best places to live.
1: Denmark
Denmark is the world leader in quality of life thanks to its equality, safety, and trust-based society. Universal healthcare, a strong education system, and a culture of general happiness work to make sure residents enjoy a secure, balanced lifestyle that leads to the country consistently topping international rankings.
Pudelek, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
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