Best quality of life in Durban

Durban has upheld it’s place as the south African city which offers the best quality of life, in the annual global Quality of Living Index by HR consulting firm Mercer. According to Mecer, Durban ranks above the country’s traditional economic powerhouse of Johannesburg, and tourist mecca, Cape Town.

The ranking is considered one of the most comprehensive of its kind. It’s put out annually to help multinational companies and other employers compensate employees fairly when placing them on international assignments. The group looked at 450 cities across the world, and analysed them based on 10 categories that cover areas such as crime, banking services, medical facilities, quality of schools, infrastructure, entertainment and housing, among many others.

Durban was ranked 85th out of 230 cities, maintaining its place for the third year in a row. Durban’s higher ranking is mainly due to its high-quality housing, plentiful recreational offerings and availability of good consumer goods. However, the city’s crime problems keep it from climbing higher on the list.

Over and above being ranked tops in South Africa, Durban was also ranked as the second best city in Africa, just behind Port Louis in Mauritius (83rd).

Living conditions are analysed according to 39 factors, grouped in 10 categories:

1. Political and social environment (political stability, crime, law enforcement, etc.)
2. Economic environment (currency exchange regulations, banking services)
3. Socio-cultural environment (media availability and censorship, limitations on personal freedom)
4. Medical and health considerations (medical supplies and services, infectious diseases, sewage, waste disposal, air pollution, etc)
5. Schools and education (standards and availability of international schools)
6. Public services and transportation (electricity, water, public transportation, traffic congestion, etc)
7. Recreation (restaurants, theatres, cinemas, sports and leisure, etc)
8. Consumer goods (availability of food/daily consumption items, cars, etc)
9. Housing (rental housing, household appliances, furniture, maintenance services)
10. Natural environment (climate, record of natural disasters)

Source: BusinessTech