BCG - Cities of Choice 2023

The "Cities of Choice: Are People Happy Where They Live?" report is a comprehensive analysis of cities worldwide, exploring the factors that contribute to residents' happiness. The report is based on a global urban-population survey conducted using an online questionnaire, with 27,000 responses from residents in 79 cities worldwide. The survey responses were assessed using more than 150 economic, social, and political metrics across five dimensions, including economic opportunities and quality of life. These metrics were further divided into 26 subdimensions, such as safety, housing, and the ability to influence events. The report categorizes cities into four groups: mega-centers, cruiser weights, middleweights, and developing cities. This categorization helps understand the challenges each group faces based on their size and financial resources. The rankings for 2022 revealed that cities like Abu Dhabi, Doha, Dubai, Kuwait City, and Riyadh shared common features, such as strong social connections and interactions with authorities. However, they received low scores in the quality-of-life dimension. The report explores why people move between cities and covers actions and policies that city administrators can implement to attract new residents and motivate current residents to stay. The rankings reflect a city's capability to meet the expectations of its residents. The report aims to guide and inspire city leaders worldwide to transform their cities and improve the lives of their residents. Overall, the report provides valuable insights into the economic, social, and political factors that contribute to residents' happiness in cities worldwide.