Top 40 Cities with the Worst Quality of Life

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2025’s List of Cities Struggling with the Worst Quality of Life

Lagos, Nigeria
Topping the list once again, Lagos faces significant challenges that impact daily living. Overpopulation, traffic congestion, inadequate infrastructure, and frequent power outages contribute to a stressed quality of life for its residents. Despite its vibrant economy and cultural diversity, access to reliable services remains limited.

Manila, Philippines
The bustling capital struggles with severe traffic jams, pollution, and overcrowded public transportation. Many residents face a lack of green spaces, and healthcare facilities are often overwhelmed, making everyday life more difficult than it should be.

Tehran, Iran
Economic sanctions, air quality issues, and political unrest have severely affected Tehran’s living environment. Residents grapple with inconsistent access to resources, and the city’s aging infrastructure is in dire need of modernization.

Dhaka, Bangladesh
Due to rapid urbanization, Dhaka faces severe overcrowding, frequent flooding, and inadequate sewage systems. These challenges have created health risks and a diminished quality of life for many of its inhabitants.

Colombo, Sri Lanka
Economic difficulties and political instability have taken a toll on Colombo. The city’s limited infrastructure capacity affects transportation, healthcare, and housing, impacting residents’ overall well-being.

Cairo, Egypt
Traffic chaos, pollution, and a shortage of clean water supply hinder daily routines. The city’s historic sites attract tourists but fail to serve the everyday needs of the growing population.

Cebu, Philippines
While smaller than Manila, Cebu suffers from poor waste management and insufficient infrastructure, leading to environmental degradation and health concerns among locals.

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Rapid growth results in strained transportation networks, pollution, and housing shortages. The city’s development often outpaces its infrastructure capacity.

Kathmandu, Nepal
Frequent earthquakes, air pollution, and limited healthcare services affect Kathmandu’s residents, who face ongoing struggles with infrastructure and sanitation.

Caracas, Venezuela
Economic crisis and political unrest have led to shortages of basic goods, unreliable electricity, and deteriorated public services, deeply impacting residents’ quality of life.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Despite its reputation for beaches and culture, Rio battles with crime, poverty, and inadequate healthcare, particularly in its impoverished neighborhoods.

Karachi, Pakistan
Overpopulation, political instability, and frequent power outages make Karachi one of Pakistan’s most challenging cities to live in.

Alexandria, Egypt
Industrial pollution and infrastructural gaps hinder a comfortable living environment, compounded by economic struggles affecting healthcare and transportation.

Lima, Peru
Air pollution, traffic congestion, and uneven urban development compound the living challenges faced by Lima’s residents.

Jakarta, Indonesia
Flooding, pollution, and traffic jams hinder daily life, with infrastructure development lagging behind rapid urbanization.

Nairobi, Kenya
Traffic congestion, informal settlements, and water shortages are common obstacles to quality living in Nairobi.

Beirut, Lebanon
Political instability, economic crisis, and resource shortages continue to deteriorate Beirut’s urban environment.

Mumbai, India
Overpopulation, air pollution, and inadequate sanitation keep Mumbai’s quality of life in a delicate state despite its economic significance.

Mexico City, Mexico
Smog, water scarcity, and traffic issues are persistent problems affecting residents’ health and daily routines.

Casablanca, Morocco
Urban sprawl, pollution, and insufficient waste management impact the city’s livability.

Bogotá, Colombia
Traffic congestion and air pollution hinder residents’ health and hinder mobility despite ongoing urban renewal projects.

Hanoi, Vietnam
Limited waste disposal options and traffic congestion affect residents’ health and movement within the city.

Sao Paulo, Brazil
The city’s struggles with pollution, crime, and transportation infrastructure persist, affecting overall quality of life.

Tirana, Albania
Rapid urbanization without corresponding infrastructure upgrades leads to traffic issues and inadequate public services.

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Overcrowding and inconsistent access to sanitation and healthcare pose ongoing challenges for Santo Domingo’s residents.

Delhi, India
Air pollution levels often reach hazardous levels, and inadequate urban planning exacerbates traffic and sanitation problems.

Recife, Brazil
Environmental issues, including pollution and flooding, affect daily living conditions in Recife.

Almaty, Kazakhstan
Dependence on traditional industries and pollution continue to impact health and economic stability.

Bangkok, Thailand
Traffic congestion, air pollution, and flooding during the rainy season create additional daily hardships for residents.

Dnipro, Ukraine
Economic instability, aging infrastructure, and unresolved conflict have weakened the city’s livability.

Lahore, Pakistan
Rapid expansion combined with pollution and infrastructure deficits make Lahore a challenging place to live.

Novosibirsk, Russia
Harsh Siberian climate and limited local economic opportunities impact resident comfort and growth prospects.

Yekaterinburg, Russia
Industrial emissions and infrastructure issues contribute to its low ranking.

Pattaya, Thailand
While popular with tourists, Pattaya faces problems with sanitation, overcrowding, and infrastructure strains.

Guatemala City, Guatemala
High crime rates and inadequate sanitation services challenge daily life.

Kolkata, India
Overpopulation, pollution, and poverty persist despite cultural richness and historical significance.

Santiago, Chile
Air quality concerns and housing affordability issues negatively influence residents’ living standards.

Beijing, China
Persistent air pollution and urban overcrowding hamper overall well-being.

Naples, Italy
Waste management problems and aging infrastructure create health and sanitation hazards.

Odessa, Ukraine
Economic hardships and infrastructure aging reduce overall quality of life among its residents.

These rankings are based on data from Numbeo, Mid-Year 2025, reflecting the ongoing challenges faced by some of the world’s most populous urban centers.