Brisbane ranks as the best city in the world to raise children, according to a new global study that evaluates 50 major cities on safety, cost of living and family wellbeing. The analysis places London second and Auckland third, while Rome and Milan both secure spots in the global top 50.
The ranking is based on nine key metrics, including education spending as a share of GDP, parental leave policies and the number of child-friendly businesses listed on TripAdvisor. Brisbane leads the index with 85 green spaces per 100,000 inhabitants and a high level of safety, while London stands out for offering 54 weeks of parental leave despite average living costs exceeding 5,000 euros per month.
The study cross-references data ranging from public investment in education to access to parks and healthcare services. It creates a weighted index designed to measure both efficiency and quality of life for families with children.
Rome ranks eighteenth globally and records the highest number of child-friendly attractions in the world, with 771 sites classified as suitable for children. That total surpasses London at 758 and Paris, reinforcing the Italian capital’s cultural and recreational appeal.
The city also benefits from 2.60 green spaces per 100,000 inhabitants, contributing to everyday livability for families. Despite the pressures of a large metropolis, Rome secures its place in the global top tier for family life.
Milan ranks thirty-ninth and earns recognition for its balance between services and educational opportunities. While it does not match Rome’s volume of attractions, the city benefits from strong national standards on parental leave and public spending on education.
The wider top 10 reflects a strong presence from Anglo-Saxon and Scandinavian cities. Auckland takes third place, followed by Helsinki, which records the highest happiness score globally and spends 6.4% of GDP on education.
Sydney rounds out the top five, noted for its educational offerings and urban dynamism despite high housing costs. Perth, Melbourne, Stockholm, Berlin and Seoul complete the top 10.
The findings highlight how access to green space, education funding and social protection policies play a decisive role in shaping cities where families can thrive. While historic charm and monuments may attract visitors, the study suggests that safety, welfare systems and child-focused services ultimately determine where children grow up best.
