Sydney is in the top 10 of the world’s best cities to live, according to Mercer’s 2008 Worldwide Quality of Living Index.

Ranked at number 10, Sydney came in ahead of Melbourne at 17, Perth at 21 and Adelaide at 29. Zurich scored highest for overall quality of living.

Sydney dropped one spot from ninth in last year’s survey, but was well ahead of Singapore (32), Tokyo (35), London (38) and New York, the benchmark city (49).

Mercer’s analysis is based on an evaluation of 39 qualities of living criteria for each city including political, social, economic and environmental factors, personal safety and health, education, transport and other public services.
The survey of 215 cities is conducted to help governments and major companies when placing employees on international assignments.

According to the Mercer analysis, Sydney’s score of 106.3 well exceeded the 90 point standard for a high international quality of living.

Sydney received perfect scores in housing and near-perfect scores in socio-cultural environment, economic environment, consumer goods, natural climate and recreation.

Mercer spokesperson Rob Knox said the results were great news for Australian companies trying to attract overseas workers to help ease pressure on the skills shortage.

“The fact that Australian cities enjoy among the best standards of living in the world reinforces the attractiveness of Australia for workers and for multi-national organisations,” Mr Knox said.