Report Ho Chi Minh City Tops Singapore in Global Living Appeal

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Picture courtesy of VN Express

 

Ho Chi Minh City has surprisingly surpassed Singapore in a recent global ranking of cities people prefer not to leave, underscoring its allure as a top destination for living.

 

The City Pulse 2025 report, conducted by the Gensler Research Institute, surveyed over 33,000 individuals from 65 cities worldwide. The study ranks Vietnam's southern hub as the second most appealing city, right after Taipei in Taiwan, with the highest percentage of residents unlikely to relocate.

 

In Ho Chi Minh City, 61% of locals reported being "unlikely" or "very unlikely" to move, edging past Singapore's 59%. This remarkable sentiment also places the city ahead of global giants like Sydney, Berlin, Seoul, and Vancouver.

 

Further, an impressive 83% of respondents expressed satisfaction with their living conditions in Ho Chi Minh City, marking one of the highest satisfaction ratings globally.

 

The report attributes this loyalty to "place attachment," the emotional bond residents have with their city. Factors like jobs, safety, healthcare, and affordability draw people in, but it's the intangible elements—pride, community, and belonging—that encourage them to stay. Ho Chi Minh City is recognised for fostering these emotional ties effectively.

 

"A city becomes home when it inspires pride, offers moments of joy, and fosters a true sense of belonging," the report states, highlighting the city's success in creating a supportive emotional environment. This sense of connection keeps residents committed even as urban challenges like rising costs and congestion emerge.

 

In contrast, Singapore, with its state-of-the-art infrastructure and economic draws, may find nurturing such deep emotional ties more challenging amidst its fast-paced, high-tech setting.

 

The ascent of Ho Chi Minh City mirrors broader Asia-Pacific trends, where many cities report an improved cost of living compared to the affordability struggles faced in North America and Europe. While economic factors attract newcomers, it's the emotional connections that have lasting impacts in retaining residents.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from VN Express 2025-06-24