Best Cities to Live in North America 2026
27 cities ranked by affordability, safety, internet, democracy, and climate. Real data — no sponsored picks.
Montreal
Canada
Vancouver
Canada
Toronto
Canada
Tamarindo
Costa Rica
Atenas
Costa Rica
San Jose
Costa Rica
Seattle
United States
Tucson
United States
Los Angeles
United States
New York
United States
San Francisco
United States
Boquete
Panama
Honolulu
United States
Kansas City
United States
Chicago
United States
Las Vegas
United States
Cancun
Mexico
Phoenix
United States
Panama City
Panama
Ajijic
Mexico
Merida
Mexico
San Miguel de Allende
Mexico
Miami
United States
Playa del Carmen
Mexico
Tulum
Mexico
Mexico City
Mexico
Puerto Vallarta
Mexico
Frequently Asked Questions — Best Cities in North America
What is the best city to live in North America in 2026?▼
Based on our Livability Score, Montreal (Canada) ranks #1 in North America in 2026 with a score of 78/100, and city-centre rent from around $1309/month.
Which are the top cities to live in North America?▼
Top 5 in North America by Livability Score: #1 Montreal, Canada (78/100); #2 Vancouver, Canada (75/100); #3 Toronto, Canada (74/100); #4 Tamarindo, Costa Rica (65/100); #5 Atenas, Costa Rica (61/100).
What is the cheapest city to live in North America?▼
Merida (Mexico) has the lowest city-centre rent in our North America data at around $601/month for a 1-bedroom apartment.
What is the safest city to live in North America?▼
By our Settler Safety Score — which blends homicide rate, democracy, political stability, and perceived safety — Montreal (Canada) leads North America with a score of 83/100. Homicide rate: 2.3 per 100,000.
Data: Numbeo · UNODC · EIU · World Bank · EF EPI · Ookla Speedtest