Cities with the best work-life balance

Where evenings and weekends still exist: the top catalog cities by work-life balance score, with safety and cost context for anyone relocating with a job in hand.

Methodology: Ranked by Jonzy work-life balance score (0–100); safety breaks ties.

  1. 1. Akureyri, Iceland

    Work-life balance 92/100 · Safety 96/100 · $2,520/mo

    Work-life balance 92/100 with 96/100 safety, about $2,520/mo all-in.

  2. 2. Stavanger, Norway

    Work-life balance 92/100 · Safety 96/100 · $3,000/mo

    Work-life balance 92/100 with 96/100 safety, about $3,000/mo all-in.

  3. 3. Tampere, Finland

    Work-life balance 92/100 · Safety 96/100 · $2,050/mo

    Work-life balance 92/100 with 96/100 safety, about $2,050/mo all-in.

  4. 4. Tromsø, Norway

    Work-life balance 92/100 · Safety 96/100 · $2,850/mo

    Work-life balance 92/100 with 96/100 safety, about $2,850/mo all-in.

  5. 5. Aarhus, Denmark

    Work-life balance 92/100 · Safety 92/100 · $2,160/mo

    Work-life balance 92/100 with 92/100 safety, about $2,160/mo all-in.

  6. 6. Copenhagen, Denmark

    Work-life balance 92/100 · Safety 92/100 · $2,260/mo

    Work-life balance 92/100 with 92/100 safety, about $2,260/mo all-in.

  7. 7. Oslo, Norway

    Work-life balance 92/100 · Safety 92/100 · $2,450/mo

    Work-life balance 92/100 with 92/100 safety, about $2,450/mo all-in.

  8. 8. Boquete, Panama

    Work-life balance 92/100 · Safety 88/100 · $1,350/mo

    Work-life balance 92/100 with 88/100 safety, about $1,350/mo all-in.

  9. 9. Gothenburg, Sweden

    Work-life balance 92/100 · Safety 88/100 · $2,700/mo

    Work-life balance 92/100 with 88/100 safety, about $2,700/mo all-in.

  10. 10. Kampot, Cambodia

    Work-life balance 92/100 · Safety 78/100 · $810/mo

    Work-life balance 92/100 with 78/100 safety, about $810/mo all-in.

  11. 11. Pai, Thailand

    Work-life balance 92/100 · Safety 78/100 · $810/mo

    Work-life balance 92/100 with 78/100 safety, about $810/mo all-in.

  12. 12. Da Lat, Vietnam

    Work-life balance 92/100 · Safety 76/100 · $650/mo

    Work-life balance 92/100 with 76/100 safety, about $650/mo all-in.

  13. 13. Hoi An, Vietnam

    Work-life balance 92/100 · Safety 74/100 · $755/mo

    Work-life balance 92/100 with 74/100 safety, about $755/mo all-in.

  14. 14. Siem Reap, Cambodia

    Work-life balance 92/100 · Safety 72/100 · $850/mo

    Work-life balance 92/100 with 72/100 safety, about $850/mo all-in.

  15. 15. Helsinki, Finland

    Work-life balance 90/100 · Safety 93/100 · $1,960/mo

    Work-life balance 90/100 with 93/100 safety, about $1,960/mo all-in.

Frequently asked questions

Cities with the best work-life balance — which city is #1?

Akureyri, Iceland tops this list. Work-life balance 92/100 with 96/100 safety, about $2,520/mo all-in. Stavanger and Tampere round out the top three.

How is this ranking calculated?

Ranked by Jonzy work-life balance score (0–100); safety breaks ties. 356 catalog cities qualified for this list; the top 15 are shown. Scores are catalog averages, not personalised — Jonzy re-ranks every city for your own income, passport and lifestyle when you sign in.

How much does it cost to live in the top city?

Akureyri runs about $2,520/month all-in for one person — rent, food, transport, healthcare, utilities and everyday extras. See the Akureyri city guide for the full cost breakdown, visa options and FAQ.