In the realm of liveability, North American cities offer an enviable lifestyle, with the majority scoring at least 80 out of 100 on the EIU's global index. However, when comparing the liveability of Canadian and American cities, a noticeable disparity emerges. While Canadian cities like Vancouver, Calgary, and Toronto consistently rank among the world's best, their American counterparts have yet to crack the global top ten in the EIU's 14-year history.

Size Matters: Canadian Advantage

Canadian cities enjoy a distinct advantage – smaller populations. With the largest city, Toronto, boasting just over 2.8 million residents and Vancouver around 700,000, the scale plays a crucial role in their high liveability scores. In contrast, none of America's top-scoring cities—Honolulu, Atlanta, Pittsburgh, Seattle, Washington, DC, and Miami—are among the country's ten most populous. New York, America's largest city with 8.5 million people, offers metropolitan amenities but faces greater challenges, evident in its lowest stability score in North America.

Stability Challenges in American Cities

Stability, a key factor in liveability, assesses crime rates and threats of terrorism, civil unrest, and military conflict. During the pandemic, crime spiked across America, particularly in New York, where felonies such as assault and auto theft remain stubbornly high. In contrast, Canada weathered disruptive anti-vaccine protests in 2022, leading to a temporary dip in stability scores. However, compared to the U.S., Canada experiences lower crime rates and fewer terrorism threats.

Public Health Care Excellence in Canada

One area where Canadian cities shine is in the delivery of high-quality public health care. Although the U.S. witnessed an improvement in this category, credited to the decline in COVID-19 cases, critical health indicators such as life expectancy and maternal mortality lag significantly behind Canada. Canadian cities consistently demonstrate better health outcomes, contributing to their higher liveability scores.

Catching Up: Areas for Improvement in America

While liveability is subjective, measurable qualities play a crucial role in city comparisons. American cities can draw insights from their Canadian counterparts, focusing on crime reduction, stability improvements, and enhancements in public health care. By addressing these areas, American cities aim to narrow the liveability gap and offer residents a more well-rounded urban experience.

In conclusion, the disparity in liveability scores between Canadian and American cities underscores the multifaceted nature of urban living. As cities evolve, understanding the factors contributing to liveability can guide policymakers and residents alike in creating vibrant, safe, and thriving urban environments.