Cape Town has once again secured its place on the global stage, ranking among the world’s top 20 cities for Gen Z to live in and claiming an impressive third position worldwide according to a new report by global city guide, Time Out.
The ranking is based on insights from Time Out’s annual Best Cities survey, which gathered responses from over 18,500 residents across the world. For this edition, the data was refined to reflect only respondents under the age of 30, offering a clear snapshot of the cities where the next generation feels most connected, inspired, and supported.
In Cape Town, an overwhelming 82% of Gen Z respondents said they are happy living in the city. The South African coastal hub also stood out for its natural appeal, with 71% describing it as visually stunning. Affordability played a key role in its high ranking, as 76% of respondents said socialising and going out for drinks is reasonably priced, while 62% rated the city as an exciting place to live.
The findings reinforce Cape Town’s growing reputation as a youth-friendly city that blends lifestyle, creativity, and accessibility factors increasingly important to Gen Z as they navigate work, culture, and community.
[2:02 PM, 1/2/2026] My Mtn1: Bangkok, Thailand, emerged as the top-ranked city globally, driven by strong affordability and quality-of-life scores. About 84% of Gen Z residents in Bangkok reported being happy living in the city, while 71% described it as budget-friendly. Melbourne, Australia, followed closely in second place, earning high praise for diversity and inclusion, with 77% of young residents highlighting its welcoming culture. Notably, 96% of respondents applauded Melbourne’s vibrant arts and cultural scene.
Thousands of young people across continents contributed to the survey, helping Time Out identify cities where Gen Z feels happiest, most inspired, and most at home. Cape Town’s top-three global ranking signals not just lifestyle appeal, but Africa’s rising influence in shaping cities that resonate with the world’s next generation.
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