Top 40 Cities with the Worst Quality of Life

Select Language:

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.