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Top 40 Cities with the Worst Quality of Life in 2025
1. Lagos, Nigeria
Lagos continues to face significant challenges that impact residents’ daily lives, from extreme traffic congestion to inadequate healthcare facilities. The city grapples with high pollution levels and frequent power outages, making it difficult for inhabitants to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle. Despite its economic opportunities, the city’s infrastructure struggles to keep pace with rapid urban growth.
2. Tehran, Iran
Tehran ranks high on the list due to persistent air pollution and economic instability. Citizens often face long commutes and limited access to quality healthcare. Political tensions and economic sanctions exacerbate the difficulties, contributing to a lowered quality of life for residents.
3. Manila, Philippines
Overpopulation and traffic congestion are major issues in Manila, leading to long commute times and high pollution. The city’s healthcare system often struggles to meet demand, and coastal flooding threatens infrastructure, making daily life unpredictable for many.
4. Dhaka, Bangladesh
Dhaka faces severe challenges with pollution and overpopulation. The city’s infrastructure is under immense pressure, resulting in unreliable transportation and inadequate sanitation. High living costs and job scarcity further compound residents’ hardships.
5. Colombo, Sri Lanka
Colombo struggles with traffic congestion and pollution, alongside economic difficulties that impact healthcare access. Political instability in the region sometimes disrupts everyday life, and rising housing costs push many into affordability crises.
6. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Despite its scenic beauty, Rio de Janeiro faces safety concerns, high crime rates, and economic inequality. Long commutes and poor public transportation options lower residents’ quality of life, especially in favelas where basic services are limited.
7. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Rapid urbanization has led to traffic jams and pollution in Ho Chi Minh City. Healthcare resources are strained, and the cost of living continues to rise, which makes affordability a major concern for many residents.
8. Beirut, Lebanon
Economic collapse, political instability, and infrastructural decay have severely impacted Beirut. Power outages, shortages of essentials, and a worsening safety situation make everyday life difficult for many residents.
9. Cairo, Egypt
Cairo’s air pollution, traffic congestion, and unreliable healthcare services contribute to its ranking. Long daily commutes and affordable housing shortages are common issues faced by inhabitants.
10. Kathmandu, Nepal
Kantmandu is plagued by pollution and frequent natural disasters, complicating everyday life. Infrastructure struggles to cope with rapid growth, and healthcare access remains limited in many neighborhoods.
11-20 Next on the List
- São Paulo, Brazil
- Lima, Peru
- Karachi, Pakistan
- Jakarta, Indonesia
- Bangkok, Thailand
- Mexico City, Mexico
- Bogotá, Colombia
- Mumbai, India
- Novosibirsk, Russia
- Almaty, Kazakhstan
These cities face similar issues—overpopulation, pollution, economic disparities, and aging infrastructure—that hinder their residents’ well-being. The combined effect of high living costs, traffic congestion, and environmental challenges significantly diminish quality of life.
21-30: Cities Struggling Under Multiple Strains
- Tirana, Albania
- Yekaterinburg, Russia
- Nairobi, Kenya
- Lahore, Pakistan
- Hanoi, Vietnam
- Santiago, Chile
- Kyiv, Ukraine
- Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Kolkata, India
- Skopje, North Macedonia
Many of these locations are combating urban sprawl, aging healthcare systems, and environmental concerns, often leading to elevated stress and safety issues for locals.
31-40: Final on the List
- Odesa, Ukraine
- Istanbul, Turkey
- Baku, Azerbaijan
- Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Belgrade, Serbia
- Shanghai, China
- Thessaloniki, Greece
- Saint Petersburg, Russia
- Delhi, India
- Quito, Ecuador
Many of these cities are marked by high pollution levels, economic hardship, and political instability, which overall diminish the residents’ quality of life.
Key Factors Behind the Rankings
The cities listed suffer from a combination of high pollution, poor healthcare, safety concerns, long commutes, weak purchasing power, high living costs, unaffordable housing, and difficult climates. These issues collectively create environments that hinder residents from enjoying a safe, healthy, and comfortable lifestyle.
Source: Numbeo, Mid-Year 2024 Data
In 2025, urban centers continue to face these persistent struggles as governments and communities seek sustainable solutions for improving living conditions.




