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Eindhoven named the world’s most relaxed city—while New York tops stress rankings

From serene Eindhoven to chaotic New York, this study uncovers how safety, traffic, and affordability shape urban stress. The results may surprise you.

,   and  Administrator
2 min read
This image is clicked in the city. At the bottom, there is a road, on which there are cars. To the...
This image is clicked in the city. At the bottom, there is a road, on which there are cars. To the left and right, there are buildings and skyscrapers. At the top, there is a sky.

Eindhoven named the world’s most relaxed city—while New York tops stress rankings

A new study has ranked cities worldwide by stress levels, revealing stark differences in daily life. Eindhoven in the Netherlands tops the list as the most relaxed, scoring just 2.34 out of 10. Meanwhile, New York City sits at the opposite end with a stress score of 7.56, driven by high costs and relentless pace.

Eindhoven’s low stress comes from short travel distances, minimal crime, and strong healthcare access. Canberra, Australia, follows closely with a score of 2.80, benefiting from clean air, quick commutes, and open spaces. Abu Dhabi also stands out for safety, boasting a crime index of just 11.0.

At the other extreme, New York’s 7.56 score reflects sky-high living costs, gridlocked traffic, and a fast-moving lifestyle. Dublin is nearly as stressed, scoring 7.55 due to long commutes and expensive housing. Mexico City ranks third with 7.38, plagued by safety concerns, extreme congestion, and its massive population. Cost of living varies dramatically. Basel, Switzerland, is the priciest city, with an index of 119.6, while Jaipur, India, has the lowest costs—but suffers from severe air pollution. Cairo’s weak healthcare system adds to stress, whereas Taipei excels with 99% coverage, easing residents’ worries. Commute times also play a role. San Antonio offers the shortest average trip—just over ten minutes for ten kilometres. Kolkata struggles the most, with journeys taking over 34 minutes for the same distance. Pretoria’s high crime index of 81.9 further drags down its residents’ sense of security.

The findings highlight how factors like safety, healthcare, and affordability shape urban stress. Cities with shorter commutes, cleaner air, and lower crime consistently rank as more relaxed. Meanwhile, those with extreme costs, pollution, or traffic face higher pressure on daily life.

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