As reported by Politico in their latest Report on the quality of life in European cities, Cluj-Napoca stands out with an impressive 94 percent satisfaction rate among its residents, earning it a spot in the top 10 cities in Europe for quality of life.

The capital of Romania’s Transylvania region and the second-most populous city in the country is also a great place to live. In Cluj-Napoca, 94 percent of residents said they were satisfied with living in the city. Home to a booming tech sector, it also ranks second for job opportunities, with 73 percent of residents saying it is easy to find a good job in the city, states Politico.

For this report, three Romanian cities were taken into consideration: Bucharest, Cluj Napoca and Piatra Neamt. The extensive report mentions also data about the city is a good place for LGBTIQ people to live – where in Romania, the cities of Bucharest (RO, 60 %) and Cluj-Napoca (RO, 58 %) have significantly higher scores than the national average (22 %).

Europe’s Top 10 cities for quality of life

10. Cluj-Napoca, Romania

9. Braga, Portugal

8. Rostock, Germany

7. Geneva, Switzerland

6. Stockholm, Sweden

5. Gdańsk, Poland

4. Leipzig, Germany

3. Copenhagen, Denmark

2. Groningen, Netherlands

1. Zurich, Switzerland

Key findings of the 2023 report include

High satisfaction rates: The survey revealed that about 9 out of 10 people in Europe are satisfied with living in their city, indicating a widespread contentment with urban life across the continent.
Eastern European cities on the rise: There have been notable improvements in the perceived quality of life in Eastern European cities, with Cluj-Napoca, Białystok, and Gdańsk. This trend underscores a shift in the region’s urban development and livability.
Smaller cities, bigger appeal: The report also highlights a growing preference for smaller cities, which are perceived as safer, cleaner, and more conducive to family life, especially for older people and families with young children.
Non-Capital cities gaining favour: Non-capital cities like Cluj-Napoca are increasingly seen as better places to live, with higher satisfaction rates regarding public spaces, healthcare, housing, and local public administration.

According to Politico, the 112-page report is based on the results of a survey conducted between January and April 2023 with a total of 71,153 residents from 83 cities across the EU, European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries, the United Kingdom, the Western Balkans and Turkey.