And the Happiest City in Australia Is…

What makes a city happy? Some might say access to beaches, a robust arts and culture scene or even a local neighbourly pub. Although happiness is largely a subjective question, the Happy City Index has found a common thread of criteria that has been shown to increase a city’s chances of having happy as Larry residents. And they’ve just shared the 2025 results.

For its sixth instalment, the ranking system has been updated with 82 indicators around the 6 themes of citizens, governance, environment, economy, health and mobility. Copenhagen, Zurich and Singapore might have taken the podium for the top 3, but plenty of Australian cities managed to make the list. Now that’s something to be happy about!

Read on to find out the top 5 Australian cities home to the happiest Aussies.

5. Brisbane

Being the capital of our sunshine state, it is unsurprising that Brisbanites are living happy lives. Ranked number 78 globally this year, this city is the epitome of the laid-back Aussie lifestyle. With plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and access to world-class amenities, Brisbane gets the best of both city life and nature. Previously, Australia’s Happiest City in 2024, Brisbane’s economy and mobility score brought it down this year. No doubt related to the rising cost of living, felt by a lot of the big Aussie cities.

Keen on Brissie? Check out what’s happening around town here

4. Sydney

Not far ahead, at number 75, is our Emerald City. With iconic sweeping harbour views, a leading food scene and a vibrant diverse cultural scene, people around the world look to Sydney for its postcard lifestyle, promising sun, sea and skyscrapers. And for over 5.5 million Aussies, this city is a place that they are happy to call home. However, like Brisbane, the economy and mobility were themes that Sydney struggled in. Issues that we’re sure every Sydneysider can relate to, with high costs of living and lengthy commutes becoming an everyday struggle.

Love the sound of Sydney? Here’s what’s happening this month

If You Loved This List of the Happiest Cities in Australia, You Might Also Like…

Neighbourhood Watch

10 Best Suburbs to Live Near Canberra’s CBD

Immerse yourself in all that Canberra has to offer.

Read More

What’s On

12 Things To Do in Adelaide This Winter

Winter warmers to get you fired up.

Read More

3. Melbourne

Consistently voted as one of the world’s most livable cities, it is no surprise that Melbourne comes in as the third happiest Aussie city (and number 67 globally). Reflected in a high citizens score, Melbourne’s sophisticated lifestyle, filled with a thriving arts and culture scene, great coffee, primo restaurants and great education, is no doubt making many Aussies happy.

Want to discover more about Melbourne? Start here

2. Canberra

Although a highly controversial city, Canberra is home to some of the happiest people in Australia, with a world ranking of 51. The city’s easy access to the outdoors, minimal traffic, lush natural spaces and top-rated museums have contributed to the city’s high satisfaction rates among its residents. This high ranking shows that Canberra has much more to offer than a good Year 6 excursion, becoming an appealing and ideal city for many Aussies.

Check out our what’s on in Canberra guide here

1. Adelaide

Coming in at number 28 worldwide (and number 2 for the environment theme!), Adelaide takes the title of the happiest city in Australia. And with good reason, this city offers a great quality of life, the report praising the city’s balance of tradition and modernity, strong economy, commitment to sustainability, quality education and focus on innovation. Being known as a ’20-minute city’, Adelaide’s mobility ranked far better than the other big Aussie cities, it’s compact and lack of congestion make Adelaide a breeze to navigate—we love walkable cities. Being near some Australia’s best beaches and wine regions would probably make anyone a happy chap!

Check out our what’s on in Adelaide guide here

Intrigued by the happy city of Adelaide? Explore our Adelaide travel guide and our edits of the best restaurants and day trips to make your next visit extra special.