Top 40 Cities with the Worst Quality of Life

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Top 40 Cities Struggling with Quality of Life in 2025

Lagos, Nigeria
Lagos continues to rank among the world’s most challenging cities with pollution levels soaring and traffic congestion crippling daily commutes. Despite its vibrant culture and economic potential, residents often grapple with inadequate healthcare services and inadequate infrastructure, which significantly impact overall quality of life.
Tehran, Iran
Persistent air pollution and economic sanctions have taken a toll on Iran’s capital. Tehran faces issues with poor air quality, unreliable public transportation, and limited healthcare facilities, making everyday living a challenge for many residents.
Manila, Philippines
Overcrowding and pollution are pressing concerns in Manila. The city’s infrastructure struggles to keep up with rapid population growth, leading to long commutes, insufficient healthcare access, and elevated safety concerns.

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Dhaka, Bangladesh
As one of the world’s most densely populated cities, Dhaka suffers from extreme traffic congestion, significant air and water pollution, and overcrowded housing. Healthcare services and public safety remain problematic, impacting residents’ well-being.
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Economic instability and environmental challenges characterize Colombo’s struggles. Air pollution and infrastructure deficiencies hamper daily life, while healthcare services are often overwhelmed during emergencies.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Despite its scenic beauty, Rio faces high crime rates, economic inequality, and infrastructural issues. Traffic congestion and safety risks contribute to a lower quality of life among its residents.

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Rapid urban expansion has led to severe congestion, pollution, and cramped housing. Access to quality healthcare remains inconsistent, with many residents affected by the city’s environmental and infrastructural pressures.
Beirut, Lebanon
Financial crises and ongoing political instability have left Beirut with unreliable public services, high unemployment, and deteriorating infrastructure, all of which diminish daily living standards.
Cairo, Egypt
Air quality and traffic congestion are major concerns. The city’s healthcare system often struggles to meet the demands of its populous, leading to concerns over safety and health quality.
Kathmandu, Nepal
Geographical and infrastructural limitations, coupled with frequent natural disasters, impact residents’ safety and access to healthcare, compounded by high pollution levels.
São Paulo, Brazil
Traffic jams and pollution hinder mobility and health. Economic disparities create uneven access to housing and healthcare, further weakening overall quality of life.
Lima, Peru
Air pollution and traffic congestion are persistent issues, along with inconsistent healthcare quality and safety concerns, affecting many inhabitants’ daily experiences.
Karachi, Pakistan
Overpopulation, poor sanitation, and unreliable public services make Karachi one of the most challenging cities for residents seeking safety and health.
Jakarta, Indonesia
Flooding, pollution, and traffic jams complicate daily routines. Healthcare infrastructure requires improvements to better serve its expanding population.
Bangkok, Thailand
Air pollution and traffic congestion greatly impact residents’ health and mobility. Infrastructure development struggles to keep pace with population growth.
Mexico City, Mexico
High pollution levels, long commutes, and safety issues are among the main challenges faced by Mexico City residents. Healthcare system strains further detract from quality of life.
Bogotá, Colombia
Traffic congestion, pollution, and safety concerns hinder daily living. Despite ongoing improvements, residents still face significant infrastructural hurdles.
Mumbai, India
Overcrowding, pollution, and housing affordability issues make Mumbai one of the most difficult cities to live in, with healthcare access often compromised due to overburdened systems.
Novosibirsk, Russia
Harsh winters, limited healthcare facilities, and low safety contribute to its ranking. The city faces infrastructural and environmental challenges impacting residents.
Almaty, Kazakhstan
Environmental pollution and limited healthcare facilities pose significant obstacles. Harsh climates and economic pressures further impact quality of life.
Tirana, Albania
Urbanization pressures, infrastructure gaps, and safety concerns negatively influence daily life despite ongoing development efforts.
Yekaterinburg, Russia
Weather extremities and infrastructural deficiencies, coupled with safety issues, make life challenging in this Ural city.
Nairobi, Kenya
Inconsistent healthcare services, pollution, and safety concerns make Nairobi one of Africa’s most difficult urban environments.
Lahore, Pakistan
Pollution levels are high, and healthcare infrastructure remains strained. Safety concerns are compounded by urban congestion.
Hanoi, Vietnam
Rapid growth has led to traffic chaos and pollution, while healthcare services are stretched thin, impacting overall well-being.
Santiago, Chile
Air quality struggles and long commutes plague residents, with safety and housing affordability also issues of concern.
Kyiv, Ukraine
Safety under persistent political unrest, infrastructure damage, and healthcare system weaknesses define life in Kyiv today.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Economic instability and inflation affect housing costs and healthcare access, while safety questions remain prevalent.
Kolkata, India
Overpopulation and pollution compromise health and mobility, and infrastructure development struggles to meet demand.
Skopje, North Macedonia
Economic challenges and infrastructure issues affect safety standards and healthcare quality, impacting residents’ daily lives.
Odesa, Ukraine
Post-conflict vulnerabilities, infrastructure challenges, and safety concerns define living conditions in this Black Sea port city.
Istanbul, Turkey
Overcrowding, pollution, and traffic congestion contribute to daily hardships, even as the city remains a cultural hub.
Baku, Azerbaijan
Environmental concerns and infrastructural limitations impact safety and healthcare access, especially during harsh winters.
Belo Horizonte, Brazil
Infrastructural deficiencies, crime rates, and pollution hinder residents’ well-being in this growing metropolis.
Belgrade, Serbia
Economic challenges and aging infrastructure weigh on safety and healthcare services, limiting quality of life.
Shanghai, China
Population pressures, pollution, and long commutes diminish overall satisfaction despite the city’s economic strength.
Thessaloniki, Greece
Economic hardships and limited public services influence safety, healthcare, and overall livability.
Saint Petersburg, Russia
Weather extremes, safety concerns, and infrastructure issues combine to create difficulties for residents.
Delhi, India
Persistent air pollution, traffic congestion, and housing affordability issues rank Delhi among the world’s most difficult cities for daily living.
Quito, Ecuador
Altitudes, traffic, and service limitations impact health and mobility, with economic and safety concerns also prevalent.

Challenges that Keep These Cities at the Bottom

These cities face common hurdles: persistently high pollution levels, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, safety concerns, long and congested commutes, limited purchasing power, soaring living costs, housing affordability issues, and difficult climates. Despite their unique characteristics, residents of these urban areas grapple with daily struggles that significantly diminish their quality of life.

Source: Numbeo, 2024 Mid-Year