Top 10 Asia’s happiest cities in 2025: Indian city takes #1 spot

Top 10 happiest cities in Asia 2025 list: participants of the survey rated their cities based on several aspects that affect daily life, culture, nightlife, food, and overall quality of life, along with how happy and positive they feel living there.

Top 10 Happiest Cities in Asia 2025 List: According to the report, 89 per cent feel happier in Mumbai than anywhere else

Happiest cities in Asia in 2025: Every year, cities are judged not just for their glittering skylines, busy streets, or booming economies, but for something far more meaningful: how happy the people living there actually feel. In its City Life Index 2025, Time Out magazine surveyed more than 18,000 people across Asia to find out which cities make their residents the happiest. And the results paint a picture full of warmth, surprises, and local pride.

According to the survey, participants rated their cities based on several aspects that affect daily life, culture, nightlife, food, and overall quality of life, along with how happy and positive they feel living there.

And the winner this year? Mumbai. The city of dreams didn’t just top the list in India but also across all of Asia, making it the happiest city in 2025.

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From its irresistible vada pav to its famously fast-paced life, Mumbai seems to have struck the perfect balance between chaos and charm. The city might test your patience with its traffic and rents, but it never fails to lift spirits with its food, festivals, and energy. According to the report, 94 per cent of residents say Mumbai makes them happy, and 89 per cent feel happier here than anywhere else.

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Experts believe this joy comes from a mix of factors, vibrant culture, endless career opportunities, and a thriving entertainment scene, which keep people motivated and inspired. Despite being one of the world’s busiest metropolises, Mumbai manages to offer a rare sense of belonging and togetherness. “It gives people a sense of community, which residents love,” the report notes.

The numbers reflect that feeling too, 88 per cent of locals say Mumbai feels positive and safe, and many say their happiness has grown since moving there.

Following close behind are Beijing and Shanghai, claiming the second and third spots with 93 per cent and 92 per cent of residents, respectively, saying their city makes them happy. Both cities scored well for safety, convenience, culture, and affordability and continue to attract Gen Z with their innovative and future-focused lifestyles.

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Also making the top five are Chiang Mai (Thailand) and Hanoi (Vietnam), where 88 per cent of people say they feel happy living in their city. While Chiang Mai stands out for its calm, greenery, and laid-back atmosphere, Hanoi is loved for its friendly locals and simple, everyday joys. Both places are praised for offering a slower, more mindful pace of life that nurtures peace and community.

But this year, not all of the important cities were included. Remarkably, Seoul, Singapore, and Tokyo had lower happiness scores. For example, just 70 per cent of people in Tokyo said they were pleased in their city, which may be a reflection of the city’s demanding lifestyle and long workdays.

Top 10 Asia’s happiest cities in 2025

Rank	City	Country
1.	Mumbai	India
2.	Beijing	China
3.	Shanghai	China
4.	Chiang Mai	Thailand
5.	Hanoi	Vietnam
6.	Jakarta	Indonesia
7.	Hong Kong
8.	Bangkok	Thailand
9.	Singapore
10.	seoul	South Korea