The life of each citizen is influenced by a whole set of specific factors.
This connection is manifested in the emotional load, and spending on various resources and is perceived by everyone in their own way. In theory, the impact of the urban environment on a person is subject to objective assessment and is called the Quality of Life Index. It is determined empirically, taking into account the following aspects: purchasing power of the population, environmental purity, profitability of real estate, cost of living, the level of safety and health care, transportation, and climatic features. The higher the index, the higher the quality of life. The following indices for seven EU cities are current at the time of publishing this blog and may change in the future.
Thessaloniki, Greece
Quality of Life Index - 112.7, population over 800,000. Key markers of the cost of living in the city:
- renting an apartment (1 bedroom) per month: center - 400-600 euros; other areas - 350-500 euros;
- lunch for two in a middle-class restaurant - 47 euros;
- a bottle of water (1.5 liters) in a supermarket - 0.77 euros;
- white bread (500 g) in a supermarket - 1.25 euros;
- a ride in public transport - 1 euro;
- gasoline (1 liter) - 1.88 euros;
- basic utilities (per month for an 85 m2 apartment) - 280 euros;
- standard cell phone tariff (per month) - 23 euros;
- unlimited internet (per month) - 30 euros.
Thessaloniki, located in the bay of the Aegean Sea, is the second largest city in Greece, which is named in honor of the sister of Alexander the Great who was born here, unofficially referred to as the Northern Capital. The history of the city began more than 2,300 years ago and during this time it has been part of many empires, as evidenced by artifacts that have survived to this day. Thessaloniki is conventionally divided into two tiers with significant architectural differences. The upper city, where classical Greek buildings have been preserved, offers a panoramic view of Mount Olympus. The vast majority of the buildings of the lower city in the last century were destroyed by a major fire, so today it is dominated by modern buildings, and the streets and boulevards are laid out according to classical European canons of urban planning.
Along the coastline runs a popular with locals and tourists city promenade, above which rises one of the symbols of Thessaloniki - the White Tower, erected during the Ottoman Empire. Numerous churches and mosques, museums and exhibition grounds have turned the city into a cultural and tourist center of Hellas. Here is also the largest university in the country, named in honor of the native of the city - Aristotle. Thessaloniki has the busiest seaport in Greece, so beach vacations are possible only outside the city. The mild climate, a wide range of entertainment venues and a leisurely pace create an atmosphere of hospitality and comfort. Among the indicators negatively affecting the quality of life noted purchasing power of the population and low profitability of local real estate.
Porto, Portugal
Quality of life index - 183.17, population - more than 200 thousand. Key markers of the cost of living in the city:
- apartment rent (1 bedroom) per month: center - 700-1200 euros, other areas - 525-1000 euros;
- lunch for two in a middle-class restaurant - 40 euros;
- a bottle of water (1.5 liters) in a supermarket - 0.6 euros;
- white bread (500 g) in a supermarket - 1.3 euros;
- a ride in public transport - 2 euros;
- gasoline (1 liter) - 1.75 euros;
- basic utilities (per month for an 85 m2 apartment) - 102 euros;
- standard cell phone tariff (per month) - 16 euros;
- unlimited internet (per month) - 35 euros.
Porto - the second city of Portugal is located on the hilly shores of the Atlantic Ocean in the northern part of the country. It was founded during the Roman Empire and made up one of the oldest agglomerations in Europe. Porto is known for its wine cellars with port wine, which began to be bottled here, ancient architecture, and painted tiles on the facades of houses. The Douro River divides the city into two parts, connected, among other things, by the unique two-level Ponti di Don Luis bridge. The city architecture combines Baroque, Neoclassicism, and Art Nouveau styles. The roofs of cozy houses are covered with tiles. Porto is among the greenest cities on the continent, and the narrow streets of the old town have preserved the atmosphere of the Middle Ages. However, the problem of parking cars and even scooters is very real here.
The second city of Portugal is the industrial and scientific center of the country. Here are concentrated the largest shipyards and industrial enterprises of different economic spheres. The headquarters of leading Portuguese and international companies are located in Porto. The city is justifiably popular with freelancers and labor migrants, as the cost of living is noticeably lower than in the capital. Porto has a high level of security and quality medical services, which is typical for the whole country. The developed transportation network allows convenient travel by all modes, including transatlantic routes. Local attractions, delicious food and developed tourist service have made the city one of the European points of attraction. Porto serves as a venue for festivals and exhibitions, and in 2023, for the third time, it was awarded the "Best City Destination for European Vacations" award.
Tallinn, Estonia
Quality of life index of 179.80, population over 450,000. Key markers of the cost of living in the city:
- renting an apartment (1 bedroom) per month: center - 500-800 euros, other districts - 400-650 euros;
- lunch for two in a middle-class restaurant - 70 euros;
- a bottle of water (1.5 liters) in a supermarket - 0.9 euros;
- white bread (500 g) in a supermarket - 1.2 euros;
- a ride in public transportation - 2 euros;
- gasoline (1 liter) - 1.7 euros;
- basic utilities (per month for an 85 m2 apartment) - 270 euros;
- standard cell phone tariff (per month) - 18 euros;
- unlimited internet (per month) - 27 euros.
Ancient Tallinn is located on the coast of the Gulf of Finland and is the largest logistic and industrial center of Estonia. The historical part of the city is deservedly included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is home to iconic buildings such as the Dome Cathedral, Dominican Monastery, and Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Each period brought its style to the architectural ensemble of the city, but Baroque and Gothic prevail here. Today Tallinn is a beautiful and modern city, where you can find glass high-rises and large shopping and entertainment centers. The priority economic vector is the development of high technologies. Tallinn was one of the first cities in the world to apply digital means to public institutions, transportation, and public services.
The commercial seaport and international airport of the Estonian capital are the largest transportation hubs in the Baltic States. The head offices of local companies and branches of foreign companies are concentrated in Tallinn. The capital's population has a high level of education and culture. The city has many theaters, museums, and exhibition venues, where international scientific and cultural events are regularly held. Tallinn is characterized by a high level of medicine and safety of life, great attention is paid to healthy lifestyle and ecology. Thanks to extensive forests and water bodies, the main city of the country is included in the lists of the "greenest" on the continent. Compared to the capitals of the former Soviet republics, Tallinn ranks first in terms of quality of life.
Genoa, Italy
Quality of life index of 150.27, population of about 600,000. Key markers of the cost of living in the city:
- renting an apartment (1 bedroom) per month: center - 600-800 euros, other districts - 500-700 euros;
- lunch for two in a middle-class restaurant - 60 euros;
- a bottle of water (1.5 liters) in the supermarket - 0.6 euros;
- white bread (500 g) in a supermarket - 2.2 euros;
- a ride in public transportation - 1.85 euros;
- gasoline (1 liter) - 1.87 euros;
- basic utilities (per month for an 85 m2 apartment) - 200 euros;
- standard cell phone tariff (per month) - 13 euros;
- unlimited internet (per month) - 30 euros.
Genoa is the capital of the respectable region of Liguria, located on the coast of the Italian Riviera. The first mentions of the city date back to the beginning of XII century, further development is connected with sea transportation and international trade. Genoa became the birthplace of Niccolo Paganini and Christopher Columbus, in whose honor the international airport is named. The city's urban development is a colorful array of buildings cascading down the hills to the shores of the Ligurian Sea. The historic center, with its magnificent palaces and Catholic cathedrals, is one of the largest in Europe. In 1407 the first bank of St. George in the world was opened here, in the premises of which a museum was later organized. The old harbor, where the Maritime Museum and one of the largest aquariums in Europe are located, has been turned into the next city attraction. The active commercial port leads in the turnover of cargo in Italy and extends along the coast for dozens of kilometers. Various groups of goods are produced in Genoa, which classifies the region as an industrial center in the west of the country.
Most tourists going to the famous resorts of Portofino and San Remo consider Genoa as a transit point from the series of "fly in and forget". Locals strongly disagree with this approach. They consider their city underestimated among history and travel lovers and do their best to make it step out of the shadow of Rome and Venice. Objectively, there are all the prerequisites for this. In the local museums you can admire the works of Caravaggio, Rubens, masterpieces of other masters of the Old World. According to the number of musicians born and raised here, Genoa is among the most creative cities in Italy, and Ligurian cuisine is one of the most delicious in the country. The population of the region has a moderate temperament compared to its fellow citizens and prefers a measured way of life. Negative factors affecting the quality of life include environmental conditions and street safety.
Antwerp, Belgium
- The quality of life index is 153.88 and the population is over 530,000. Key markers of the cost of living in the city:
- renting an apartment (1 bedroom) per month: center - 800-1000 euros, other districts - 600-800 euros;
- lunch for two in a middle-class restaurant - 80 euros;
- a bottle of water (1.5 liters) in a supermarket - 0.9 euros;
- white bread (500 g) in a supermarket - 2.5 euros;
- a ride in public transport - 2.5 euros;
- gasoline (1 liter) - 1.8 euros;
- basic utilities (per month for an 85 m2 apartment) - 215 euros;
- standard cell phone tariff (per month) - 20 euros;
- unlimited internet (per month) - 45 euros.
Antwerp is the second largest city in Belgium and the administrative center of Flanders. The first information about the settlement dates back to the XII century, and after three centuries an industrially developed agglomeration was formed here. Antwerp is the world capital of cutting and selling gemstones, and entire neighborhoods with workshops and stores are dedicated to this craft. Today, it is impossible to ignore the fact that anti-Russian sanctions by the EU have had a reverse effect, which may lead the industry to a state of collapse. The central part of the city is built up with well-preserved colorful Flemish Baroque and Gothic buildings. Strolling along the streets of Antwerp you can see luxurious palaces and Catholic cathedrals crashing into the sky with their spires, the world's first stock exchange and Europe's first skyscraper 97 meters high. The local railway station deserves a special mention, combining a transportation hub and a unique architectural monument.
Antwerp seaport is one of the largest in the world, and its territory is much larger than the city's. If Brussels is considered the political center of the world, Antwerp is the business center of the country. Hundreds of export and transportation agencies, and insurance and banking institutions are concentrated in the city. Being one of the most stable countries with a liberal migration policy, Belgium is attractive to foreigners. For this reason, the population of the capital of Flanders is composed of natives of different continents. The city's countless cafes and bars offer local cuisine and, above all, the national pride - beer. Antwerp is known as a European center of arts, which prides itself on its unique school of painting. Various festivals and competitions are constantly held in the city's neighborhoods. Negative aspects of life include the state of the environment.
Valencia, Spain
Quality of life index - 200, population - more than 810 thousand. Key markers of the cost of living in the city:
- renting an apartment (1 bedroom) per month: center - 600-1200 euros, other areas - 500-900 euros;
- lunch for two in a middle-class restaurant - 40 euros;
- a bottle of water (1.5 liters) in the supermarket - 0.55 euros;
- white bread (500 g) in a supermarket - 1 euro;
- public transportation - 1.5 euros;
- gasoline (1 liter) - 1.55 euros;
- basic utilities (per month for an 85 m2 apartment) - 110 euros;
- standard cell phone tariff (per month) - 13 euros;
- unlimited internet (per month) - 25 euros.
Valencia is the capital of the province of the same name and the third most populous city in Spain. It was founded by the Romans in the II century BC and was repeatedly raided by foreign conquerors. In the VI century, Valencia gained the status of one of the Mediterranean centers of trade, and the main export was silk. The building of the silk exchange, which has survived to this day, is a UNESCO cultural heritage site. Another medieval architectural monument, the Cathedral, houses the Holy Grail, the cup used by Jesus at the Last Supper. At the same time, Valencia lives not only in its history but also in combining tradition with innovation. The futuristic City of Arts and Sciences complex, popular with tourists and citizens of all ages, serves as a symbol of modernization.
СовреModern Valencia acts as a manufacturing and technological center in the south of Spain. A significant share of the city's budget is contributed by tourism, for which all conditions are created here. The city has many picturesque parks and spaces for recreation, while the streets retain an atmosphere of hospitality and no large crowds of people. With more than 310 days of sunshine a year, Valencia has wide white sand beaches, many of which have been awarded Blue Flags. The indigenous population is sociable and loves mass events, such as the city's main festival, the Fire Festival, or soccer matches involving local teams. Valencian cuisine is delicious and varied. The region is the birthplace of the famous paella and is among the leaders in seafood consumption. Among drinks, coffee, and wine are traditionally favored. Modern transport infrastructure provides convenient access to any part of the city. According to the ratings of specialized agencies Valencia occupies high places on the list of the most comfortable cities in the world.
Limassol, Cyprus
Quality of life index - 142.82, population - more than 280 thousand inhabitants. Key markers of the cost of living in the city:
- apartment rent (1 bedroom) per month: center - 1200-1800 euros, other areas - 900-1300 euros;
- lunch for two in a middle-class restaurant - 60 euros;
- a bottle of water (1.5 liters) in the supermarket - 0.85 euros;
- white bread (500 g) in a supermarket - 2 euros;
- public transportation - 1.5 euros;
- gasoline (1 liter) - 1.45 euros;
- basic utilities (per month for an 85 m2 apartment) - 217 euros;
- standard cell phone tariff (per month) - 20 euros;
- unlimited internet (per month) - 32 euros.
Limassol - the business capital of Cyprus is located in the southern part of the island on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. The city's troubled history spans more than four millennia, during which it has survived devastating earthquakes and conqueror raids. Architectural symbols that have survived to this day are the castle of King Richard the Lionheart, built in the XIV century, and the Cathedral of Ayia Napa. Today Limassol harmoniously combines historical traditions with the country's highest rate of development and active life rhythm. The city has become the most attractive for foreign companies and investors who have decided to move their offices to the jurisdiction of Cyprus.
As a consequence, the business life in the region has intensified significantly and the related infrastructure has been upgraded to a more advanced level. In addition, thousands of citizens of other countries choose Limassol as a place of permanent residence for their families. For these reasons, the construction industry works in the city with a constant load and perspective. For the development of Limassol as a center of international tourism, all the necessary conditions have been created. A number of local beaches have been awarded EU Blue Flags for cleanliness and safety. The city consistently develops tourist infrastructure and entertainment industry. There is a high level of security and qualified medicine. Cypriot gastronomy, the main ingredients of which are seafood, meat, fresh vegetables and fruits, is considered tasty and healthy. Most of the locals are adherents of a measured lifestyle. They are sociable, friendly and firmly believe in the bright future of their favorite city.
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