A recent global survey by digital entertainment platform BC Game has identified the best cities for young adults in their 20s to live and work. The study examined 40 major cities, evaluating factors such as disposable income, living costs, restaurants and cafés, nightlife, safety, quality of life, employment rates, and public transport. The survey assigned a score out of 100 to each city based on these parameters.
Sydney has taken the top spot, thanks to its strong public transport system, relatively low unemployment rate of 4.4 per cent, and numerous restaurants, cafés, and nightlife venues. Young workers in Sydney have approximately $1,308 left each month after paying rent and other living costs. The city's public transport system scored 81.2 out of 100, and it has about 230 restaurants and cafés per square kilometre, providing residents with plenty of socialising options.
Zurich secured the second spot, offering the strongest financial advantage among the cities studied. Young workers in Zurich retain nearly $4,000 a month after rent and living expenses. The Swiss city recorded an unemployment rate of just three per cent and scored 91.4 out of 100 in public transport. Zurich's safety rating of 75.9 also makes it one of the more secure cities in the study.
Copenhagen ranked third, standing out for its strong job market with an unemployment rate of 2.7 per cent, one of the lowest recorded in the study. Young residents have about $1,740 left each month after rent and living costs. The Danish capital also boasts around 2,900 restaurants and cafés, giving residents plenty of options for socialising after work.
Tokyo took fourth place, largely driven by its vast dining and nightlife scene, with nearly 15,000 restaurants, cafés, and bars. The Japanese capital also recorded an impressive public transport score of 94.8 and an unemployment rate of just 2.5 per cent. Although disposable income is lower, at about $880 a month, the study noted that Tokyo's relatively affordable everyday costs make the money go further.
Amsterdam completed the top five, recording the highest quality-of-life score in the study at 196.4 out of 200. Young residents retain about $1,500 a month after rent and bills. The Dutch capital has around 5,800 restaurants and cafés, while its public transport scored 88 out of 100 and its safety rating stood at 70.
The BC Game chief executive highlighted the importance of safety, which is often overlooked when considering where young people would prefer to live. He noted that cities offering employment opportunities, disposable income, and social activities can make the transition into adult life easier for Gen Z.
Key points
- Sydney is the best city for Gen Zs to live and work, followed by Zurich, Copenhagen, Tokyo, and Amsterdam.
- The survey evaluated 40 major cities based on factors such as disposable income, living costs, and quality of life.
- Safety is a crucial factor that is often overlooked when considering where young people would prefer to live.
