Stress may be universal, but where you live can significantly shape how often you feel it. A new global analysis by Remitly ranks the world’s most and least stressed cities, highlighting how commuting time, cost of living, healthcare access, crime levels and air quality combine to influence daily life.
The study examined more than 170 major cities worldwide, assigning each a “stress score” out of 10. Higher scores indicate more stressful living conditions, while lower scores reflect cities where infrastructure, affordability and public services help residents maintain a better work-life balance.
How the stress index was calculated
To build the rankings, Remitly analysed five measurable urban stressors:
Each factor was scored and combined into an overall stress score out of 10.
The 5 most stressed cities in the world
While some cities are praised for calm living and efficient infrastructure, others struggle under the weight of congestion, soaring housing costs, safety concerns and long commute times. A recent global stress index measuring factors such as cost of living, crime rates, commute duration, air quality and healthcare standards highlights how daily urban pressures are intensifying in major metropolitan centres.
The 5 most stressed cities in the world
From North America to Europe and Asia, the world’s most economically dynamic cities often come with significant lifestyle strain. Here’s a closer look at the five most stressed cities globally.
1. New York City
Stress score: 7.56/10
The city that never sleeps also rarely slows down. With a cost of living index of 100 — used as the global benchmark — New York remains one of the most expensive cities in the world. Rent, groceries, transport and dining costs continue to stretch household budgets across income levels. Although the city benefits from world-class healthcare institutions and comparatively moderate air pollution levels for a megacity, financial pressure remains a dominant stress trigger. Long working hours, competitive job markets and dense population levels further amplify everyday strain for residents navigating life in America’s financial capital.
2. Dublin
Stress score: 7.55/10
Dublin’s growing technology and finance sectors have boosted employment opportunities, but affordability challenges have intensified. Average commute times stretch to around 32 minutes per 10 kilometres — among the longest in Europe — adding to daily pressure. Housing remains a core concern. Ireland’s house-price-to-income ratio stood roughly 11% above its long-term average in late 2024, reflecting sustained property market strain. Rising rents, limited supply and infrastructure bottlenecks continue to weigh on residents, particularly younger professionals and families.
3. Mexico City
Stress score: 7.38/10
With a metropolitan population exceeding 22 million, Mexico City faces persistent congestion and infrastructure pressure. Commute times average close to 32 minutes per 10 kilometres, reflecting heavy traffic across key corridors. Safety concerns add to the strain. A crime index of 66.8 ranks among the highest in the study, making personal security a daily consideration for many residents. While the city offers economic opportunity and cultural vibrancy, high density and uneven public services contribute to elevated stress levels.
4. Manila
Stress score: 7.34/10
Manila continues to grapple with chronic traffic congestion, with commutes averaging nearly 32 minutes per 10 kilometres. Limited road capacity and high vehicle density significantly slow daily mobility across the Philippine capital region. Security concerns further compound urban pressure. A crime index of 64.6 places Manila among the more security-sensitive cities in the ranking. Combined with high population density and infrastructure strain, these factors create a challenging daily environment for residents balancing work and family commitments.
5. London (tied)
Stress score: 7.25/10
As one of the world’s leading financial hubs, London faces elevated living costs and extended commute times. Residents spend nearly 33 minutes travelling 10 kilometres on average, reflecting congestion across both road and rail networks. A crime index of 55.5 and high housing expenses — particularly in central boroughs — further add to financial and personal pressures. While strong healthcare access and global connectivity remain strengths, affordability and transport delays continue to drive stress levels higher.
5. Milan (tied)
Stress score: 7.25/10
Italy’s financial capital combines economic dynamism with mounting urban strain. Commute times average around 27 minutes per 10 kilometres — shorter than some peers but still significant for a compact European city. A crime index of 53.4, rising housing costs and increased service expenses contribute to Milan’s stress score. As a business and fashion hub attracting both domestic and international professionals, demand for housing and infrastructure continues to put pressure on everyday life.
The 5 least stressed cities in the world
As rising living costs, long commutes and worsening air pollution strain residents across major global hubs, a handful of smaller, well-planned cities are standing out for offering a calmer way of life. According to a recent global stress index assessing factors such as commute time, crime rates, air quality, healthcare standards and cost of living, European cities — particularly in the Netherlands — dominate the rankings.
These cities combine efficient public transport, strong healthcare systems, low crime and manageable population density, helping residents maintain better work-life balance. Here’s a closer look at the world’s least stressed urban centres.
The 5 least stressed cities in the world
1. Eindhoven
Stress score: 2.34/10
Eindhoven ranks as the least stressed city globally, driven by short commute times and strong civic infrastructure. Residents take just under 15 minutes on average to travel 10 kilometres — significantly lower than most global metropolitan centres. The Dutch tech hub also benefits from high-quality healthcare, well-maintained cycling networks and efficient public transport. Low congestion levels and strong municipal planning further reduce daily stress triggers, making it one of Europe’s most liveable urban environments.
2. Utrecht
Stress score: 2.67/10
Utrecht follows closely behind, supported by robust healthcare ratings, clean public spaces and relatively low crime levels. While its cost of living index (74.0) is slightly higher than Eindhoven’s, residents benefit from efficient infrastructure and compact city planning. The city’s extensive cycling culture, green spaces and strong social services help maintain a balanced urban lifestyle. Short travel times and accessible public amenities significantly reduce everyday pressures for residents.
3. Canberra
Stress score: 2.80/10
Canberra proves that low-stress living extends beyond Europe. Australia’s capital city combines short, predictable commute times with spacious urban design and low population density. Air quality is a standout factor. According to IQAir, Canberra recorded an average PM2.5 level of just 3.9 µg/m³ in 2024 — among the cleanest globally. Strong healthcare infrastructure, political stability and abundant green zones further contribute to its relaxed pace of life.
4. Tallinn
Stress score: 2.83/10
Tallinn blends affordability with quality public services. With a moderate cost of living index of 63.7, the Estonian capital offers comparatively lower daily expenses than many Western European cities. Efficient digital governance, manageable traffic congestion and relatively low crime levels support smoother daily routines. Combined with accessible healthcare and compact urban planning, Tallinn maintains a steady, low-stress environment for residents.
5. Groningen (tied)
Stress score: 2.84/10
Groningen benefits from balanced living costs and a strong healthcare framework. With a crime index of 22.5, the city remains one of the safer urban centres in Europe. Its extensive cycling infrastructure, reliable public transport and student-driven vibrancy create an active yet manageable urban rhythm. Lower congestion levels and strong social cohesion further enhance residents’ overall wellbeing.
5. Trondheim (tied)
Stress score: 2.84/10
Despite a relatively high cost of living index (85.3), Trondheim maintains low stress levels due to minimal crime, strong healthcare access and clean air standards. Norway’s social welfare system, efficient public services and natural surroundings contribute to a slower, more balanced pace of life. Short commutes and access to outdoor recreational spaces further reduce daily pressures for residents.
What the rankings reveal
The findings suggest that stress in cities is rarely driven by a single factor. In North America and parts of Europe, financial pressure and high living costs weigh heavily. In parts of Latin America and Southeast Asia, safety and congestion emerge as dominant concerns.
By contrast, cities that invest in efficient public transport, accessible healthcare and clean air tend to offer residents a more balanced urban experience. For professionals considering relocation or long-term travel, quality-of-life indicators are increasingly as important as salary prospects.
As remote work expands and mobility becomes easier, the choice of city may ultimately shape not just career outcomes — but overall wellbeing.
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