Vienna in Austria topped the list.

Vienna has been named as the city with the best quality of living in the world while Dublin came in 34th place and London was ranked at number 40.

The study, by Mercer, evaluated living conditions in more than 440 cities worldwide, including their political, cultural and social environments, education systems, health considerations, recreation and housing.

Zurich came in second place with Auckland in third position.

London was the highest-ranking UK city, trailing behind places such as Paris, Oslo, Berlin, Melbourne, Singapore and Barcelona.

Valletta does not appear on the list, yet Iraqi capital Baghdad just manages to get 230th place.

Scotland’s second city Glasgow was at joint number 55 with Philadelphia in the US while Italy’s highest ranked city was Milan at number 41. Rome came joint 52nd with Birmingham in the UK.

Poll evaluated 440 cities’ political, cultural and social environments

Belfast in Northern Ireland was number 63, sandwiched between two places in the US – Dallas at number 62 and Houston at 64.

The survey was carried out to help multi-national firms and other employers compensate employees fairly when placing them on international assignments.

“UK cities overall enjoy high standards of quality of living and remain stable and attractive locations for businesses,” said Mercer’s Ellyn Karetnick.

“Security has been tightened in many major European cities following the attacks in Paris and Copenhagen, and Mercer is closely monitoring any potential impact on the living standard for expatriates and their families in these locations.”

Top 10 cities

1. Vienna, Austria
2. Zurich, Switzerland
3. Auckland, New Zealand
4. Munich, Germany
5. Vancouver, Canada
6. Dusseldorf, Germany
7. Frankfurt, Germany
8. Geneva, Switzerland
9. Copenhagen, Denmark
10. Sydney, Australia