Every score starts with real-world data — satellite observations, government statistics, open databases — not surveys or reviews. Each of the 15 dimensions (climate, cost of living, safety, healthcare, and more) is scored independently using the best available source for that domain.
From data to score
Each dimension has its own scoring model tuned to what matters for livability. Climate uses hourly satellite reanalysis. Air quality combines ground stations and satellite measurements. Cost of living draws from statistical offices and public datasets.
Scores are normalized so they're comparable across cities and dimensions. A score of 80 on climate and 80 on safety mean the same thing: well above average.
Personalization
When you take the diagnostic, your priorities become weights. Two people looking at the same city see different scores because their priorities differ. Someone who cares about winter warmth and walkability will get a different ranking than someone focused on cost and career opportunities.
We don't produce a single "best city" list. We produce YOUR list, based on what you told us matters.
What it doesn't capture
- Scores reflect data availability. Cities with rich data coverage get more precise scores than cities with sparse coverage.
- Personalization depends on the diagnostic. The more specific your inputs, the sharper your results.
See it in action
Take the diagnostic to see personalized scores, or browse any city page to see dimension-by-dimension breakdowns with source citations.