Bangkok Tops List of Most Livable Cities for Generation Z
High Satisfaction, Low Cost of Living, and Vibrant Social Life
Melbourne Ranks Second, Seoul Fails to Make the List
Bangkok, Thailand has ranked first in the world as the most livable city for Generation Z (those born from the mid-to-late 1990s to the late 2000s). The city's high satisfaction levels, low cost of living, and vibrant social interactions have contributed to its popularity among young people.
Bangkok, popular among Generation Z for offering "financial comfort." The photo shows the infinity pool at a hotel located in Bangkok. Photo by Getty Images
According to a recent global ranking by British travel magazine Time Out, which surveyed people under 30 on the "Best Cities for Generation Z," Bangkok claimed the top spot. Melbourne, Australia ranked second, followed by Cape Town in South Africa, New York in the United States, Copenhagen in Denmark, Barcelona in Spain, Edinburgh in the United Kingdom, Mexico City in Mexico, London in the United Kingdom, and Shanghai in China.
Bangkok particularly stood out in key indicators that Generation Z values, such as quality of life, happiness, and cost of living. The survey found that 84% of Generation Z respondents living in Bangkok said they were "satisfied with their current life."
In the context of global inflation and the financial burden of student loans weighing heavily on young people, the "relief from living expenses" was also cited as an attractive factor. 71% of respondents described Bangkok as a "budget-friendly city." The magazine explained that this does not simply refer to cheap street food, but also to the "financial comfort" that allows people to pursue creative activities, travel, and self-development.
The magazine noted, "This is a clear example of how generational values in viewing cities are changing. While previous generations prioritized stable jobs or suburban living, Generation Z, who grew up in a digital environment and an unstable economy, crave dynamic experiences, genuine community, work-life balance, and above all, financial freedom."
Foreign tourists dressed in hanbok are sightseeing in Seoul, visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace. Photo by Jo Yongjun
Bangkok's "social connectivity" was particularly notable. According to the survey, Generation Z residents in Bangkok were the most likely among all cities surveyed to say that "it is easy to make new friends." In an era of increasing isolation, Bangkok's culture of hospitality, vibrant coworking spaces, and diverse networking opportunities have helped foster a strong sense of community. The overall "city satisfaction score" reached 66%, further proving the city's appeal to Generation Z.
Bangkok surpassed strong contenders such as Melbourne, Cape Town, New York, and Copenhagen. While major cities like New York and London remain attractive in terms of opportunities, they could not match Bangkok's unique combination of "affordability and high satisfaction." The magazine described Bangkok as "the ultimate urban playground for a generation that values experiences over possessions and community over the office," adding, "Bangkok is the city where you can maximize both your wallet and your life satisfaction."
Meanwhile, cities ranked 11th to 20th as the most desirable places to live for Generation Z were Sydney (Australia), Beijing (China), Paris (France), Tokyo (Japan), Berlin (Germany), Seville (Spain), Chicago (USA), Chiang Mai (Thailand), Prague (Czech Republic), and Lisbon (Portugal). Seoul, South Korea, did not make the list.
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