Cities have a reputation for noise, crowds, and constant pressure, but a new ranking suggests some urban places feel surprisingly calm. According to a study by digital financial company Remitly, the Dutch city of Eindhoven has been crowned the most relaxed place to live in the world. Time Out highlighted the result, pointing to a mix of practical advantages that can make daily life feel lighter. Think safer streets, sensible planning, and costs that do not automatically rival the biggest capital cities.
To reach its verdict, Remitly created what it called a stress score for each destination. The analysis combined several everyday factors, including crime levels, cost of living, healthcare quality, average pollution, and the typical time it takes to travel 10 kilometers. Those pieces were then blended into a single rating that ranks cities from most stressful to most relaxed. It is the kind of methodology that focuses less on postcard beauty and more on the rhythms that shape how people actually feel from Monday to Sunday.
Eindhoven topped the list with an overall stress score of just 2.34 out of 10. One standout detail is how quickly people can get around, with an average 10 kilometer trip taking 14 minutes and 37 seconds. The city also scored well for low pollution, alongside strong marks for safety, affordability, and healthcare. Put together, it paints a picture of a place where errands, commutes, and evenings out do not have to feel like endurance sports.
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Located in the south of the Netherlands, Eindhoven tends to sit in the shadow of Amsterdam and Rotterdam, and that lower profile may be part of its appeal. Even so, it is far from sleepy, with a reputation for design, industry, and art, and it is set to welcome a second outpost of the world famous Rijksmuseum. Art lovers can explore spots like MU Hybrid Art House and Ton Smits Huis, while Kazerne brings a design focused exhibition vibe. For shopping, streets such as Nieuwe Emmasingel, Kleine Berg, and Edisonstraat are popular picks, and evenings often unfold in places like Café Wilhelmina, Café ‘t Rozenknopje, and FIFTH.
The city’s personality is also shaped by its tech forward image, its long standing connection to light, and a calendar that includes Dutch Design Week, a major design event in northern Europe. Nearby, there is even a bicycle path inspired by Van Gogh’s Starry Night that glows after dark, turning a simple ride into something memorable. Football culture adds to the energy, with matches treated as a big local occasion and the stadium and club museum close to the center. Eindhoven also leans into sustainability and future focused projects, and old industrial spaces have been transformed into lively areas filled with cafés, galleries, and coworking spots.
Eindhoven was not the only Dutch city in the top 10, with Utrecht in second place, Groningen sharing fifth with Trondheim, and Rotterdam landing tenth. The rest of the list includes Canberra, Tallinn, Bergen, Porto, and Brisbane.
Have you visited Eindhoven or lived in one of these low stress cities, and did it feel as relaxed as the ranking suggests? Share your thoughts in the comments.
