Which city has the loneliest residents? A new international study analysed the loneliness index of 25 major cities to find the answer.
The World’s Loneliest Cities Index 2025 was compiled by Nova Tech Industries, mapping which cities report the highest levels of social isolation. The list evaluates 25 global metropolises using nine different factors, including access to healthcare, availability of communal spaces, social activity options, and how open and welcoming locals are.
European cities lead the pack as the least lonely
European cities clearly dominated the top tier of the rankings, with ten of the 14 European cities surveyed landing in the upper half. This is largely due to standout performances in several categories:
- European cities scored highest for access to healthcare
- Pedestrian-friendly urban planning encourages social interaction
- Cultural traditions that prioritise community life and social bonds
Cologne topped the list with 41.8 points. In addition to a strong healthcare system, the city boasts public spaces and institutions designed to foster social engagement. Local leadership has long prioritised infrastructure that supports interpersonal connections, which may explain why residents feel less isolated.
Lisbon followed closely, trailing by just a tenth of a point. The Portuguese capital’s Mediterranean vibe, traditionally strong family ties, and vibrant street culture help make socialising easier and community life more accessible.
Miami also scored 41.7 points, tying for second place. Notably, it’s the only American city to make the top ranks. Its multicultural population, coastal lifestyle, and constant buzz help counteract the social isolation that plagues many other U.S. urban centres.
Barcelona secured fourth place with 41.5 points. Community events and a rich cultural scene are part of daily life in the Catalan capital, which also benefits from a traditionally strong social network.
Rounding out the top five is Vienna with 40.9 points. The Austrian capital consistently ranks among the world’s most livable cities thanks to its robust social infrastructure and people-focused urban planning, both of which contribute to a lower sense of isolation among its residents.
Budapest ranked 17th with 32.3 points.
German cities performed particularly well, claiming four of the top ten spots. Cologne, Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich all benefit from strong welfare systems, exceptional healthcare, and a balanced approach to urban living and social infrastructure. These are considered the most effective tools for combating loneliness in urban areas.
New York named the world’s loneliest major city
Surprisingly, New York (one of the world’s busiest cities) finished at the very bottom of the list. Los Angeles, Houston, San Diego, and Dallas also ranked at the lower end. Despite their dense populations and constant hustle, residents of these cities often feel socially isolated. In megacities, crowds don’t necessarily translate to connection.
Loneliness is now a public health threat
In 2023, the World Health Organisation officially declared loneliness a global public health issue. Chronic isolation doesn’t just affect mental well-being: it increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and even dementia. According to the WHO, about 16% of the global population suffers from loneliness, which is linked to nearly 900,000 deaths worldwide each year.
Opportunities for Budapest
While Budapest’s mid-tier ranking highlights areas for improvement, it also points to potential ways to strengthen community ties. The Hungarian capital already boasts a rich cultural calendar, festivals, and major tourist attractions, but the data suggests there’s room to enhance everyday social life. By investing in more public gathering spaces, easily accessible social programs, and inclusive initiatives that engage diverse groups, the city could not only boost residents’ morale but also improve overall quality of life.
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Featured image: Freepik.hu
To read or share this article in Hungarian, click here: Helló Magyar
Look, hate to be the bearer of bad news but here’s a couple of my experiences:
1. You hold the door open for somebody, the most you’re likely to get is a “kosz,” muttered barely audibly to the chin. Or not even that: About a half will just walk on through without saying a thing.
2. Visitors in your apartment building, or even many of your neighbors, will not say hello first and, when you do, as many will just mumble something back as won’t respond at all.
Young people, women especially (teens thru forties) are the worst in the above regards.
So, you know what? I don’t want to have any interactions with such rude people. I have no interest in getting to know them, trying to establish contact with them, learning their language, adopting their customs, etc.
I have lived in several dozen cities on three continents, but Hungarians are hands-down the coldest, rudest, and most unapproachable. And one of the aforesaid places having been Scotland, that’s saying a lot!
Steiner, we always have to hear your nonsense about how much you love being here and you would support the current government.
Then we found out that you cant vote and you hate the people!
Just let us rest of your stupidity and leave! 😀
Michael Steiner – the individual you or she for 4 plus years has been a commentator to DNA known, by admission a Member of the Fidesz Political Party, supporting Victor Mihaly. Orban as a “Demigod” individual, you are REMINDED.
Are you NOT – your current wife is she NOT of Hungarian birth ?
Do I need to “exhibit” date and article in DNH – you announced your married status ?
THOSE of us who are avid readers and contributors in commentaries to DNA – over years who commentate of NO political party membership nor affiliation but from their belief the “Core” of their being that is FOCUSED on centered on ;
– what’s BEST for ALL Hungarians
and secondly;
– what’s BEST for Hungary.
Michael Steiner – the “pseudonym” – in all probability numbers of Fidesz Members over YEAR’s who have been commentators in DNA – what has and still does, is the OBVIOUS failing to accept and COMMUNICATE practice in the conduct of one’s live that – Truth is Truth and NOT to be repetitive in “public” disclosure on-going FABRICATION of Truth.
Michael Steiner – under this “pseudonym” – the he or the she under your ADMITTED political party of your ADMITTED membership, you a PROMLEMED just like the “toxic culture” of the Political Party under the leadership of your “Demigod” the “Judas” of DEMOCRACY, the destructor of Hungary what Orban, his Fidesz Government have DELIVERED on Hungary, after (15) fifteen years of Government, that GROWS in being a Government that has functioned in “Heinous” conduct, the abuse of the betrayal of Hungarians, of the country Hungary.
Victor Mihaly. Orban and his Fidesz Government – the PROBLEM grows on, being disclosed exhibited – the FEAR of Truth.
Spring of 2026 as Gilbert & Sullivan, wrote in the Mikado ;
“the Flowers that Bloom in the Spring tra la
Breathe promise of Merry Sunshine.”
Hungary, a time ALL have to conduct LIFE in practice/conduct of NOT in fear of Truth.
The FUTURE from this “new aged abyss” that Victor Mihaly. Orban and his Fidesz Government have DELIVERED on Hungary – over (15) fifteen years that the biblical words message teaching from St. John these words RESONATE in Hungarians.
St John said ;
“Truth will Set you Free.”