In an era where countries continuously advance family-centric policies, the spotlight shines on destinations offering unparalleled benefits for raising a family. From Australia’s six-month paid parental leave to South Korean firms granting employees hefty child bonuses, the advantages of nurturing a child abroad are undeniable.
A recent comprehensive study conducted by Compare The Market Australia aimed to unveil the cities worldwide providing optimal benefits for families. Evaluating 12 distinct child and family-friendly parameters, over 38 international cities were meticulously ranked, considering factors such as safety, availability of kid-friendly activities, access to green spaces, childcare options, and educational opportunities.
Topping the charts is Stockholm, Sweden, securing a solid 6.57 out of 10. Sweden impresses with substantial government investment in education and family benefits, extensive parental leave policies, abundant green spaces, and overall national contentment. However, its slight drawback lies in the relatively fewer child-centric activities.
Paris, France, follows closely in second place, trailing by a mere 0.02 points. Parisian parents can rejoice in the abundance of child-friendly activities, pedestrian-friendly streets, and government-subsidized family support. The city boasts the longest combined parental leave worldwide at 312 weeks. Nevertheless, soaring living costs and a scarcity of affordable housing prevent Paris from clinching the top spot.
Tokyo, Japan, secures the third position with an impressive score of 6.41 out of 10. The bustling Japanese capital offers a safe urban environment, numerous parks, and green spaces for families to explore. Despite ranking fifth in safety and eighth in family-friendly activities, Japan’s lower happiness score reflects its demanding work culture and societal challenges surrounding loneliness and isolation.
Making a notable appearance in the top 25 in New York City, the sole US representative, positioned at number 22. While New York boasts commendable scores in educational opportunities and family-centric activities, concerns over safety, exorbitant living expenses, and the absence of nationwide paid parental leave relegate the Big Apple to a lower rank.
The Top 25 Family-Friendly Cities Worldwide
- Stockholm
- Paris
- Tokyo
- Sydney
- Helsinki
- Auckland
- Brussels
- Amsterdam
- Vienna
- Santiago
- Melbourne
- Copenhagen
- Frankfurt
- Madrid
- London
- Barcelona
- Osaka
- Zurich
- Wellington
- Istanbul
- Seoul
- New York
- Johannesburg
- New Delhi
- Toronto
It’s crucial to acknowledge that while this study provides valuable insights, the ideal location for raising a family ultimately hinges on various factors such as community support, personal history, and financial considerations. Regardless of location, parents worldwide strive to provide the best environment for their children’s growth and development.
Refer to the online report for a comprehensive breakdown of city rankings and further details.
