Compare the Market AU team has identified the best small cities in the world in which to live.
The study was based on seven factors including: the number of restaurants, unemployment rate, number of rainy days, health index, rating and safety level, and overall cost of living.
Paphos, in Cyprus, unexpectedly topped the list with 5,495 points out of a possible 7. According to the experts at Compare the Market AU, Paphos is not the most liveable small town for nothing. It has the most restaurants (500) among its competitors. Paphos also leads the way with the least number of rainy days (around 70), which means it has good weather almost all year round.
Second on the list is the resort town of Arrecife, which has the least number of rainy days - just 23 per year. The capital of the island has a population of 57,000. There is a beautiful lagoon Charco San Gines, lined with palm trees, ideal for walking and dining. In third place was granted to Trapani, town on the west coast of Sicily. The experts counted 284 restaurants there (sixth on the list). Another great thing about Trapani is that it is only an hour and a half's drive from Palermo, the capital of Sicily.
As for Greek cities, Ioannina came 22nd and Xanthi 44th. Overall, European cities dominate the list. Grand Prairie in Canada is the only non-European city in the top ten, with a score of 4,295.
Living in smaller cities has many advantages, including a slower pace of life, easy access to nature and cheaper housing. Such places are less sought after by tourists. So not only are everyday items such as coffee and food cheaper, but property tends to be cheaper too, meaning you can spend less on buying a home," said Stephen Zeller, Managing Director of Compare the Market AU, commenting on the research.