30 Most Livable Cities for Raising a Family

These 30 best cities to raise a family in 2020 are worth a look if you’re considering a move in your near future.

30 Best Cities in the World for Families

We all want to give our children the best lives — to raise them in a warm home, where their heights are marked along a door frame as they grow. We want them to have the best schools, the friendliest neighborhood kids and to find their place in the world without having to try too hard. This might surprise you, but the best life for you and your family might be overseas. Relocating to the right city exposes you and your family to a new cultural landscape, a fresh space and different people.

This best cities list has been compiled with family in mind, using research from Movinga that analyzed 150 international cities and 13 factors that include everything from housing affordability to air quality to family inclusivity. These 30 best cities to raise a family are worth a look if you’re considering a move in your near future.

30. Seattle

Monthly Cost of Living (Family of Four): $6,340

Housing Costs: $2,424 - $3,534 (monthly rent for 900-square-foot, furnished accommodation)

Monthly Public Transportation Costs: $87

Personal Transportation Costs: $30,726 (mid-range car, new) and $1.25 (gas per 0.25 gallon)

* All cost of living data throughout this story comes from 2023 Expatistan data unless otherwise noted. City ranking is based on 2020 data before the pandemic put a pause on this kind of data collection.

How It Ranks

If you’re looking for a change of scenery in the U.S., Seattle has everything from Starbucks to alternative rock. But beyond coffee and music, the metro area is a strong contender for jobs, with big names like Amazon, Nordstrom, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation being headquartered here.

Not to mention the diversity of options when it comes to activities for your family life — from arts, music, cuisine, sports — there’s something to suit just about everyone. Additionally, Seattle Public Schools is the largest public school district in the state of Washington, serving over 40,000 students.

29. Vienna, Austria

Monthly Cost of Living (Family of Four): $4,586

Housing Costs: $1,090 - $1,935 (monthly rent for 900-square-foot, furnished accommodation)

Monthly Public Transportation Costs: $52

Personal Transportation Costs: $25,967 (mid-range car, new) and $2.01 (gas per 0.25 gallon)

How It Ranks

With its rich history, it’s easy to see why Vienna tops so many best cities lists. The Austrian capital was once home to Mozart, Beethoven and Sigmund Freud. And, today, Vienna’s combination of museums, galleries, palaces, gardens, opera houses and busking musicians makes it an enthralling European city — and one of the most cultural places in which to raise a family.

Beyond that, with its relatively affordable housing and transportation, it is a migration destination both in Europe and globally. Austria also has the benefit of a two-tier healthcare system, which is part of the country’s national social security. Everyone living and working in Austria has to contribute to the healthcare system and is rewarded with health insurance in return.

28. San Diego

Monthly Cost of Living (Family of Four): $6,250

Housing Costs: $2,709 - $3,230 (monthly rent for 900-square-foot, furnished accommodation)

Monthly Public Transportation Costs: $77

Personal Transportation Costs: $22,894 (mid-range car, new) and $1.42 (gas per 0.25 gallon)

How It Ranks

The sunny beaches of San Diego are worth moving here alone, but its Balboa Park and San Diego Zoo also attract families looking for kid-friendly activities.

Plus, this is one of the more affordable cities to live in the state (by California standards, of course). It's also one of the safest large cities in the country with a crime rate that's 15 percent lower than the national average.

27. Boston

Monthly Cost of Living (Family of Four): $7,367

Housing Costs: $3,229 - $4,732 (monthly rent for 900-square-foot, furnished accommodation)

Monthly Public Transportation Costs: $89

Personal Transportation Costs: $25,145 (mid-range car, new) and $1.20 (gas per 0.25 gallon)

How It Ranks

There’s a reason “Cheers” was set in Boston. Bostonians are "wicked smaht," a little Irish, and Massachusetts is the safest state for women, according to WalletHub. More importantly, though, Boston has plentiful opportunities in education, which makes it an ideal place to move to as a family.

Apart from MIT and Harvard, there are 125 schools in the Boston Public School system, so there’s bound to be a program to fit your family and its needs. There’s also the added advantage of Boston being a walkable, almost European city, combined with the stellar public transport and the fact that it’s foodie heaven.

26. Leipzig, Germany

Monthly Cost of Living (Family of Four): $3,264

Housing Costs: $841 - $992 (monthly rent for 900-square-foot, furnished accommodation)

Monthly Public Transportation Costs: $98

Personal Transportation Costs: $19,040 (mid-range car, new) and $1.48 (gas per 0.25 gallon)

How It Ranks

The first of many German cities on this list, Leipzig has caught the eye of many and is currently one of Europe's rising cities, with more than 500,000 people now living here. Often compared to Berlin, its culture and entertainment offerings will keep families entertained every weekend. Yes, it has a history with classical music (as the place where Johann Sebastian Bach spent most of his days), but it also has a unique independent music scene. Plus, it's one of the few places in Germany that still has some of its 16th-century architecture intact.

Apart from a very low crime rate, Germany's free public school system is another key reason why families are moving here at a fast rate.

25. Dusseldorf, Germany

Monthly Cost of Living (Family of Four): $4,065

Housing Costs: $1,383- $1,472 (monthly rent for 900-square-foot, furnished accommodation)

Monthly Public Transportation Costs: $82

Personal Transportation Costs: $20,726 (mid-range car, new) and $1.96 (gas per 0.25 gallon)

How It Ranks

Moving to Dusseldorf comes with many perks. Dusseldorf offers a variety of kindergartens, international schools and higher education institutes. Family-friendly activities and attractions, from theme parks to museums and theaters, are ample both in and around the city.

The city also has several public transport options (metro, tram, bus, train), depending on whether you’re going to move your way around the city or looking to get away. Plus, expect family discounts for all your transport!

24. San Francisco

Monthly Cost of Living (Family of Four): $7,488

Housing Costs: $3,381 - $4,594 (monthly rent for 900-square-foot, furnished accommodation)

Monthly Public Transportation Costs: $81

Personal Transportation Costs: $30,307 (mid-range car, new) and $1.48 (gas per 0.25 gallon)

How It Ranks

San Francisco has so much going for it. We know that housing can be costly, but, thanks to the Silicon Valley boom, the job market is stable with one of the lowest unemployment rates on this list (at 2.68 percent). And, even if you’re not in tech, there are opportunities in healthcare and hospitality well worth considering. Next, public transport covers the vast stretch of this walkable city.

Cultural diversity here deserves special mention, too — not just because this is a city where race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation and religion don’t count for anything, but because San Francisco is one of the few American cities where Latinos are the majority ethnicity (39.1 percent). Raising your kids here is raising them in a city that teaches them wholesome world values, without having to cross the pond — a rarity in itself. Plus, its central location to a number of outdoor activities make it invigorating for families.

23. Singapore

Monthly Cost of Living (Family of Four): $9,094

Housing Costs: $4,005 - $6,157 (monthly rent for 900-square-foot, furnished accommodation)

Monthly Public Transportation Costs: $95

Personal Transportation Costs: $115,785 (mid-range car, new) and $2.28 (gas per 0.25 gallon)

How It Ranks

Singapore is a global destination for individuals and corporations alike and is a dynamic city-state that encapsulates the perfect environment in which to raise a family. Apart from being the second-safest country in the world, Singapore sets the global benchmark for infrastructure development. Quality of life in Singapore certainly ranks high, with the city’s bustling food scene and investment in culture.

Recent years have seen museums, galleries and boutiques sprout up in Singapore — an investment that appears to be paying off and one that Singaporeans, in particular, enjoy. What’s more, the city has a plethora of international schools to choose from, including the United World College and Tanglin Trust School as well as world-class polytechnical institutes and universities. It is perhaps no surprise then, that Singapore often ranks No. 1 on places to live and work in as an expat — and, subsequently, a great place for kids to get a taste of a different culture.

22. Adelaide, Australia

Monthly Cost of Living (Family of Four): $5,152

Housing Costs: $1,655 - $2,542 (monthly rent for 900-square-foot, furnished accommodation)

Monthly Public Transportation Costs: $73

Personal Transportation Costs: $22,347 (mid-range car, new) and $1.37 (gas per 0.25 gallon)

How It Ranks

South Australia’s capital, Adelaide is a colorful, diverse coastal city. From its historic sandstone cityscapes to its young, thriving food and drink scene, Adelaide is a city that offers its residents an astonishing lifestyle for an affordable price. In 2019, Adelaide was the second most affordable city in terms of living costs, which makes it ideal for a family move.

It is also a cycleable city with access to excellent public transport and an excellent base for family getaways on the weekends. Hop over to Kangaroo Island, drive up to the scenic wine country or go camping in the Adelaide Hills — whatever suits your fancy. Lastly, it is home to some of Australia’s top educational institutions, including universities, colleges, and culinary and hospitality schools, making it a bonafide college town.

21. Malmo, Sweden

Monthly Cost of Living (Family of Four): $3,499

Housing Costs: $926 - $1,306 (monthly rent for 900-square-foot, furnished accommodation)

Monthly Public Transportation Costs: $53

Personal Transportation Costs: $24,895 (mid-range car, new) and $1.53 (gas per 0.25 gallon)

How It Ranks

This is one of many Swedish cities on this list, so you can expect a good amount of fika (a Swedish noun that essentially means rest or taking a break). And who wouldn't want that on a daily basis?

Plus, Malmo's location on the water makes it easy to enjoy a good sunrise or sunset. For adventurous families, its close proximity to other international cities (even others on this list) makes it easy to take day trips or long weekends at a moment's notice.

20. Berlin

Monthly Cost of Living (Family of Four): $5,563

Housing Costs: $1,698 - $2,449 (monthly rent for 900-square-foot, furnished accommodation)

Monthly Public Transportation Costs: $89

Personal Transportation Costs: $33,680 (mid-range car, new) and $2.13 (gas per 0.25 gallon)

How It Ranks

Germany’s capital and largest city, Berlin is truly an international destination. It’s known for numerous festivals, diverse architecture, vibrant nightlife, thriving contemporary arts and, in recent years, it has also become an entrepreneurial hub.

Home to several prestigious private and public schools as well as world-renowned institutions including the Humboldt University of Berlin, where Einstein was positioned when he was awarded his Nobel in 1921, it is a perfect city for families, both young and mature.

19. Dresden, Germany

Monthly Cost of Living (Family of Four): $3,257

Housing Costs: $823 - $1,266 (monthly rent for 900-square-foot, furnished accommodation)

Monthly Public Transportation Costs: $66 (public transport)

Personal Transportation Costs: $23,868 (mid-range car, new) and $1.57 (gas per 0.25 gallon)

How It Ranks

Dresden has long been a cultural epicenter of eastern Germany, with several artists and musicians calling it home. Sports fans will also be happy to know that there's a local football team, the Dynamo Dresden, to cheer on.

Practically speaking, Dresden has an excellent transportation system that makes commuting a breeze. It, too, is home to one of the best universities in Germany, Dresden University of Technology.

18. Uppsala, Sweden

Monthly Cost of Living (Family of Four): $3,736

Housing Costs: $856 - $1,345 (monthly rent for 900-square-foot, furnished accommodation)

Monthly Public Transportation Costs: $88 (public transport)

Personal Transportation Costs: $21,604 (mid-range car, new) and $1.58 (gas per 0.25 gallon)

How It Ranks

Uppsala is home to Uppsala University, known for its medical research. The city's several young residents give it a college-town vibe that permeates the culture. It's also a very old city, with Uppsala Castle dominating the skyline.

Like several other cities in Scandinavia, Uppsala is considered very safe, making it an excellent place for families.

17. Frankfurt, Germany

Monthly Cost of Living (Family of Four): $4,773

Housing Costs: $1,663 - $2,160 (monthly rent for 900-square-foot, furnished accommodation)

Monthly Public Transportation Costs: $99

Personal Transportation Costs: $27,117 (mid-range car, new) and $2.14 (gas per 0.25 gallon)

How It Ranks

A multicultural town in the center of Europe, Frankfurt is Germany’s fifth largest city, which makes it the Goldilocks of big cities with small town charm. Since it is Germany’s banking hub, expat life is well-developed and the mix of international and local communities within the city make it a rich place in which to raise a family.

Its location also makes it excellent for train journeys to France, Switzerland and Austria, amongst others, while its huge airport — one of Lufthansa’s hubs — connects it to the rest of the globe at affordable prices. In other words, family holidays are no sweat.

16. Hanover, Germany

Monthly Cost of Living (Family of Four): $3,369

Housing Costs: $820 - $1,193 (monthly rent for 900-square-foot, furnished accommodation)

Monthly Public Transportation Costs: $69

Personal Transportation Costs: $21,139 (mid-range car, new) and $1.89 (gas per 0.25 gallon)

How It Ranks

Hanover happens to be one of the leading exhibition cities in the world, hosting several big-name commercial trade shows each year. That means it's a great central location to conduct business. Plus, its world-class universities and top medical school make it excellent for students.

It's also a city rich in history and culture, with several museums and art galleries — and even an interesting connection to the British royal family.

15. Hamburg, Germany

Monthly Cost of Living (Family of Four): $4,587

Housing Costs: $1,636 - $1,948 (monthly rent for 900-square-foot, furnished accommodation)

Monthly Public Transportation Costs: $80

Personal Transportation Costs: $27,119 (mid-range car, new) and $2.07 (gas per 0.25 gallon)

How It Ranks

Located on the banks of the Elbe River, Hamburg is considered the “Venice of the North,” thanks to its dozens of canals and bridges. Still, beyond its historic past and abundance of arts and culture, what makes Hamburg ideal for families is the fact that it’s a livable city.

Germany’s second-largest city, Hamburg is well-connected, brimming with parks and zoos, and home to several tech companies.

14. Ottawa, Canada

Monthly Cost of Living (Family of Four): $4,081

Housing Costs: $1,243 - $1,581 (monthly rent for 900-square-foot, furnished accommodation)

Monthly Public Transportation Costs: $92

Personal Transportation Costs: $19,633 (mid-range car, new) and $1.31 (gas per 0.25 gallon)

How It Ranks

Canada’s capital is safe, clean and transforms into a wonderland at least twice a year — first for the winter, with its blankets of snow and ice sculptures at the Winterlude Festival, and second, in the summer for its Tulip Festival.

What’s more impressive though is, despite the abundance of museums, restaurants and parks, Ottawa is one of the most affordable cities on this list.

13. Stuttgart, Germany

Monthly Cost of Living (Family of Four): $3,776

Housing Costs: $1,090 - $1,415 (monthly rent for 900-square-foot, furnished accommodation)

Monthly Public Transportation Costs: $74

Personal Transportation Costs: $23,862 (mid-range car, new) and $1.94 (gas per 0.25 gallon)

How It Ranks

Surrounded by vineyards and in the midst of utter greenery, Stuttgart is an unexpected family city. With nearly half of its population (45 percent) coming from 170 countries, Stuttgart is a diverse backdrop for kids to grow up in. Like elsewhere in Germany, children are required to attend school from the age of six. Thanks to the large migrant community, international schools and public and private schools are aplenty.

Stuttgart also has a stable economy and a jam-packed cultural calendar. Everything from the ballet and opera to Porsche and Mercedes-Benz museums are available.

12. Osaka, Japan

Monthly Cost of Living (Family of Four): $3,574

Housing Costs: $952- $1,408 (monthly rent for 900-square-foot, furnished accommodation)

Monthly Public Transportation Costs: $83

Personal Transportation Costs: $18,717 (mid-range car, new) and $1.08 (gas per 0.25 gallon)

How It Ranks

Compared to Tokyo (next on this list), Osaka offers similar amenities at a fraction of the price. For instance, you can expect a rich food culture that offers more of the Japanese soul food that locals love.

Plus, Osakans are very friendly people who aren't afraid to offer a helping hand to newcomers — something every family can appreciate.

11. Tokyo

Monthly Cost of Living (Family of Four): $4,447

Housing Costs: $1,392 - $2,530 (monthly rent for 900-square-foot, furnished accommodation)

Monthly Public Transportation Costs: $76

Personal Transportation Costs: $19,789 (mid-range car, new) and $1.22 (gas per gallon)

How It Ranks

The sights! The sounds! The food! A move to Tokyo comes with rich history, phenomenal public transportation and undeniable safety — your kids and you are in for a treat. Apart from being home to one of the most prestigious cities per the Global Financial Centres Index, the Japanese capital also hosts 51 of the Fortune 500 Companies.

Additionally, the city has more Michelin stars than any other city globally, making it a foodie heaven. What makes it an exciting destination for expatriates, though — despite its steep living costs — is its global city status. The world looks to Tokyo to set the benchmark on infrastructure and safety (Tokyo is the world’s safest city). Combined with an excellent education system and a diverse culture, Tokyo is an excellent choice for young families.

10. Gothenburg, Sweden

Monthly Cost of Living (Family of Four): $3,948

Housing Costs: $1,084 - $1,491 (monthly rent for 900-square-foot, furnished accommodation)

Monthly Public Transportation Costs: $78

Personal Transportation Costs: $28,216 (mid-range car, new) and $2.01 (gas per 0.25 gallon)

How It Ranks

Come for the tranquil city parks and walkable cityscape, but stay for the kid-friendly attractions. The Liseberg Amusement Park alone is worth it for its fantastic Christmas Market each season.

But more practically, the second-largest city in Sweden has an excellent public education system and comprehensive healthcare that take those practical costs out of the equation.

9. Montreal, Canada

Monthly Cost of Living (Family of Four): $4,292

Housing Costs: $1,285 - $1,781 (monthly rent for 900-square-foot, furnished accommodation)

Monthly Public Transportation Costs: $69

Personal Transportation Costs: $22,636 (mid-range car, new) and $1.37 (gas per 0.25 gallon)

How It Ranks

Canada’s Francophone, picturesque city is, in many ways, a dream city for families. A multicultural destination, Montreal is also a hub for technology, design, education, art, culture and food. An estimated 60 percent of Montrealers are bilingual, speaking both French and English, and because of the several universities located within the city, it is extremely diverse.

Summers come with an annual jazz festival, a comedy festival, an F1 grand prix, and streets of outdoor pubs, bars and wineries, while winters come with trips to maple lodges, ice skating and tobogganing. That’s not to mention the usual slew of galleries, markets, and museums. To give you an idea of how well-rounded a city Montreal is, it’s been consistently listed in top 10 cities in which to be a university student by the Quacquarelli Symonds Rankings, topping the list several times.

8. Calgary, Canada

Monthly Cost of Living (Family of Four): $4,659

Housing Costs: $1,526 - $1,982 (monthly rent for 900-square-foot, furnished accommodation)

Monthly Public Transportation Costs: $82

Personal Transportation Costs: $23,222 (mid-range car, new) and $1.18 (gas per 0.25 gallon)

How It Ranks

One of Canada’s best cities in which to work and live, Calgary has a lot to offer young families. Calgary boasts the country’s fourth-largest immigrant population after Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal, with more than 30 percent of the city’s residents being immigrants. The city has a stable economy and the highest income in Canada. In fact, Calgary has more millionaires per capita than anywhere else in the country.

And, despite once being nicknamed “Cowtown,” today, Calgary is one of Canada’s designated cultural capitals. It has everything from an annual folk music festival and a film festival to galleries, museums and, of course, the Calgary Stampede. Perhaps the biggest attraction for families to live in Calgary, however, is its central location. You can drive with the kids to the nearby Lake Louise and Banff or head to Canmore for some skiing.

7. Reykjavik, Iceland

Monthly Cost of Living (Family of Four): $5,929

Housing Costs: $1,895 - $2,302 (monthly rent for 900-square-foot, furnished accommodation)

Monthly Public Transportation Costs: $93

Personal Transportation Costs: $37,097 (mid-range car, new) and $2.07 (gas per 0.25 gallon)

How It Ranks

We can all agree that Iceland's having a moment. Not only has Reykjavik been thrust into the tourism spotlight for its many natural wonders — geysers, the Northern Lights and whale watching abound — but it's also a very family-friendly place to live.

Take its leisure grants, for instance. The country subsidizes extracurricular activities for children aged five to 18. There are also several festivals dedicated to children like the Children's Culture Festival, the Children's Film Festival and the Icelandic Circus.

6. Stockholm

Monthly Cost of Living (Family of Four): $4,800

Housing Costs: $1,624 - $2,234 (monthly rent for 900-square-foot, furnished accommodation)

Monthly Public Transportation Costs: $93

Personal Transportation Costs: $28,832 (mid-range car, new) and $2.11 (gas per 0.25 gallon)

How It Ranks

Sweden’s capital city as well as its financial center, Stockholm is home to the Nobel Prize, the birthplace of ABBA and boasts a whopping 10 Michelin star restaurants.

But the reason it is a prime location in which to raise a family isn’t just because it is a global city with a sizable immigrant population (an estimated 27 percent) — safety, healthcare and education are its biggest sells. Stockholm is one of the safest cities in the world and has a robust network of schools and universities, including 13 international schools to cater to expatriates’ needs.

5. Copenhagen, Denmark

Monthly Cost of Living (Family of Four): $5,788

Housing Costs: $2,033 - $2,725 (monthly rent for 900-square-foot, furnished accommodation)

Monthly Public Transportation Costs: $81

Personal Transportation Costs: $41,329 (mid-range car, new) and $2.18 (gas per 0.25 gallon)

How It Ranks

Denmark’s capital is known for many things — spearheading the Nordic food scene, clean and green living, and hygge, the feeling and art of coziness and contentment. It is perhaps no surprise that it has been ranked in the top 10 most livable cities year after year.

If you’re a family who appreciates food, will enjoy biking your way around a city and doesn’t mind the hefty price tag that comes with a picture-perfect Danish life, then Copenhagen is your city. The blend of cycling culture, economic stability and safety, are, after all, unparallelled.

4. Munich

Monthly Cost of Living (Family of Four): $5,109

Housing Costs: $1,983 - $2,653 (monthly rent for 900-square-foot, furnished accommodation)

Monthly Public Transportation Costs: $64 (public transport)

Personal Transportation Costs: $26,379 (mid-range car, new) and $2.19 (gas per 0.25 gallon)

How It Ranks

There are many reasons to love Munich, with its ample green spaces and thriving cultural events year round. But it is also Germany’s safest city, which makes it perfect for raising a family. Munich is home to two of Germany’s highest-ranked universities — Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich and the Technical University of Munich — as well as several prestigious bilingual schools, including the Munich International School that sits on 26 acres.

What’s more, with both lakeside-beaches and snow-capped mountains an hour’s train ride in each direction, spontaneous family getaways hold something for everyone.

3. Oslo, Norway

Monthly Cost of Living (Family of Four): $5,423

Housing Costs: $1,723 - $2,366 (monthly rent for 900-square-foot, furnished accommodation)

Monthly Public Transportation Costs: $79 (public transport)

Personal Transportation Costs: $35,059 (mid-range car, new) and $2.10 (gas per 0.25 gallon)

How It Ranks

Norway’s capital and most populous city, Oslo is so much more than the cradle of Hygge. With the perfect blend of open green spaces, galleries and museums — including one dedicated exclusively to Viking-era ships and maritime memorabilia — Oslo checks all the boxes for family living.

We get that it can be expensive, but there are tons of perks that come with living here. Crime rates are low; schooling, higher education and healthcare are free; and parenting policies are well thought out and implemented, including a right to paid parental leave (for both the mother and father), state-funded child support and every child is entitled to a place at kindergarten.

2. Quebec City

Monthly Cost of Living (Family of Four): $3,229

Housing Costs: $712 - $1,030 (monthly rent for 900-square-foot, furnished accommodation)

Monthly Public Transportation Costs: $63 (public transport)

Personal Transportation Costs: $16,674 (mid-range car, new) and $1.37 (gas per 0.25 gallon)

How It Ranks

Quebec City has a ton of historic charm, so much so that its historic district was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. The French settled here in 1608, making it one of the oldest European cities in North America.

Charm aside, as the provincial capital, Quebec City has several jobs in public administration, defense, services, commerce, transport and tourism. And it happens to have the second-lowest unemployment rate (3.8 percent) of Canada's 34 largest cities.

1. Helsinki

Monthly Cost of Living (Family of Four): $4,979

Housing Costs: $1,694 - $2,503 (monthly rent for 900-square-foot, furnished accommodation)

Monthly Public Transportation Costs: $66

Personal Transportation Costs: $28,407 (mid-range car, new) and $2.36 (gas per 0.25 gallon)

How It Ranks

The capital of Finland, Helsinki is an energy-packed city with all the comforts you’d possibly need for raising a family well. Finland’s crime rate is amongst the lowest in the world, making it one of the safest places in which to live. It also has access to universal healthcare, well thought out maternity and paternity leave, and access to quality education that is provided for by the state.

Helsinki has several international schools to choose from as well as higher education institutions. Most importantly, though, the quality of life here lives up to its much talked about Nordic-Scandanavian reputation: Culture, technology and social lives all thrive equally, with Finland ranking No. 1 in terms of happiness according to the World Happiness Report.