Generation Z's ideal cities: How do Tokyo, Porto, and Melbourne define livability?

Cities Are Being Rechosen

When members of Gen Z begin deciding which city to settle in, they no longer consider only employment rates or housing prices—although these still matter. What they care about more is: Can daily life here bring joy? Is it easy to meet new friends? Is there a place you want to go back to again and again after work?

Time Out’s 2026 “World’s Most Livable Cities for Gen Z” list is based on an annual survey of thousands of urban residents under 30, with only the highest-scoring city in each country included. The final results speak volumes: Tokyo, Porto, and Melbourne take the top three spots. They are not “cities of opportunity” in the traditional sense, yet each, at its own rhythm, redefines what it means to be a place where young people thrive.

Tokyo: Happiness Is Hidden in the Unassuming Moments of Daily Life

In Tokyo, 100% of the Gen Z respondents said they find joy in their everyday life experiences. That is a striking number. Perhaps it is because the city has perfected “leisure”: cultural resources are within easy reach, with city-run museums offering a “Welcome Youth” program every spring that grants free admission to under-18s; public transit and pedestrian networks let people wander almost without a destination. After dark, young people who dislike noise don’t have to force themselves into nightclubs—they can sing karaoke, soak in a 24-hour bathhouse, or duck into an indoor sports playground like Spo-cha to bowl a few frames and throw some darts. Tokyo is often seen as a fast-paced metropolis, but for the Gen Z living here, its charm lies precisely in the countless corners where life can be gently enjoyed. Notably, housing pressure in Tokyo is relatively mild, which also makes it easier for young people to settle down. Although only 33% of respondents consider nightlife affordable, the city offers an abundance of zero-cost happiness.

Porto: A Sense of Community Is the Ultimate Luxury in Life

If Tokyo represents the pinnacle of convenience, Porto demonstrates another path—a relaxed life anchored in community. In this historic city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, almost no Gen Z respondent denies its beauty; more importantly, 100% of them rate the community atmosphere positively. In Porto, you see longtime residents and young faces sitting together on the steps by the river, sunlight filtering through the colorful houses, people unhurriedly sipping coffee. The cost of living is entirely manageable for young people: 93% of respondents say prices are friendly, especially for eating out, having a drink, and going to exhibitions. The Soares dos Reis National Museum opens its doors free to cardholders on Sundays, and the Portuguese Centre of Photography is free every day. When a city’s beauty is not merely seen but can be enjoyed daily, young people naturally want to stay.

Melbourne: Creativity Is Not Decoration, but the Bedrock of Life

Melbourne has just been named "The Best City in the World 2026" by Time Out, and it also ranks near the top of the Gen Z list. The city's creative character is hardly a secret: independent theaters, comedy bars, improv performances, secret parties... almost every night offers something new and live. Nor is it stingy when it comes to nurturing local creators—the city council has announced a A$1 million grant to support local creatives in developing original ideas into full stage works. For people in their twenties, this "creation-friendly" atmosphere is more appealing than gleaming landmarks. Even though the cost of living isn't cheap, they can still find their own happiness: in a small café like Heart of Carlton, an affordable plate of pasta is enough to fuel an evening of conversation. In Melbourne, culture is not something to be observed, but something to be participated in and owned as part of everyday life.

What truly makes a city Gen Z-friendly?

Put these three cities together and you'll notice some common threads. First, they are all highly "walkable" cities, or at least have public transport good enough to free people from reliance on cars. Second, nature and urban life are not cut off from each other—Tokyo's parks, Porto's coast and riverbanks, and Melbourne's urban green oases are all within walking distance. Moreover, they offer "low-cost but high-quality" social and cultural lives, so young people don't have to pay a high price every time they go out.

More importantly, these cities all have something special when it comes to how easy it is to "meet new people." It could be high-density public spaces, frequent street events, or a community warmth that defaults to being stranger-friendly. When young people evaluate a city, what they truly care about is often the soft relationship between people and the city—whether they can become part of a community there.

The answer to livability may not be on the list

Of course, any ranking is just a reference. Every generation imagines cities differently, and Gen Z is voting with its feet. The cities they choose are not the ones with the tallest skyscrapers or the largest GDPs, but the ones where they can walk down the street at night and still feel "this place belongs to me." What Tokyo, Porto, and Melbourne have in common is that they are willing to preserve plenty of "useless but joyful" spaces for young people—free museums, 24-hour bathhouses, cheap corner cafés. These small, unremarkable structures form the true texture of life.

In the future, the cities that can consistently make young people feel accepted, inspired, and treated with kindness will be the ones that truly win the hearts of the next generation.