Calgary named among the 100 happiest cities in the world
Calgary has earned more global recognition after ranking among the world’s happiest cities according to a new Happy City Index.
The annual Happy City Index comes from the U.K.-based Institute for Quality of Life, which calculates the ranking based on 46 indicators that fit into six key themes: citizens, governance, environment, economy, health, and mobility.
“Some indicators measure outcomes, such as life expectancy, air quality or unemployment. Others capture enabling conditions, such as institutional accessibility, service availability, strategic planning or connectivity,” the report states.
According to the Happy City Index, out of 251 cities on the list, Calgary came in 74th place with a total score of 6258.
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It was the third-highest spot in North America on the list, being beaten by Vancouver, which found itself in 39th place with a score of 6426, and San Francisco in 45th place with a score of 6395. No other city in Alberta was also named to the list.
Copenhagen, Denmark, was the highest-ranked city, with a score of 6954, followed by Helsinki, Finland, in second and Geneva, Switzerland, in third. Rounding out the top five were Uppsala, Sweden and Tokyo, Japan.
This is just one of many titles Calgary has taken home. Earlier this year, it was named the best city in Canada to work and play, and it has also ranked among the world’s best cities overall, as well as a leading destination for Gen Z to move to.
You can find the full 2026 Happy City Index online.