Top Ten Least Comfortable Cities to Live in 2024: Two Names from Asia

In 2024, the latest global livability index reveals the top ten least comfortable cities to live in, highlighting regions where economic, political, and social challenges significantly impact the quality of life. 

From war-torn areas to cities grappling with infrastructure deficits and high crime rates, these urban centers face immense obstacles. 

Here are the ten least livable cities in the world for 2024, including two from Asia:

1. Damascus, Syria – Index Score: 30.7

Years of civil war have left Damascus, Syria’s capital, struggling with a devastated infrastructure, ongoing violence, and a dire humanitarian situation. 

The city’s residents face daily challenges, from accessing basic services to dealing with the constant threat of conflict. 

The rebuilding process is slow, and the future remains uncertain for many of its inhabitants.

2. Tripoli, Libya – Index Score: 40.1

Tripoli, the capital of Libya, remains engulfed in instability and violence following years of civil war. 

Political fragmentation and frequent clashes between rival factions contribute to a precarious living environment, severely affecting residents' quality of life. 

The city's infrastructure and public services are in disrepair, making everyday life a struggle.

3. Algiers, Algeria – Index Score: 42.0

Algiers faces numerous issues, including high unemployment rates, political unrest, and inadequate public services. 

These factors combine to create a challenging environment for its inhabitants, making everyday life difficult and uncertain. 

Despite its rich history and cultural heritage, the city’s residents continue to face hardships.

4. Lagos, Nigeria – Index Score: 42.2

Lagos, Nigeria’s bustling commercial hub, grapples with severe congestion, inadequate infrastructure, and high crime rates. 

Despite its economic significance, the city struggles to provide a comfortable living environment for its rapidly growing population. 

The lack of reliable public services and infrastructure exacerbates the difficulties faced by its residents.

5. Karachi, Pakistan – Index Score: 42.7

Karachi, one of the largest cities in Pakistan, is plagued by political instability, frequent power outages, and poor public services. 

High crime rates and socio-economic disparities further exacerbate the challenges faced by its residents. 

The city's burgeoning population adds pressure to its already strained resources and infrastructure.

6. Dhaka, Bangladesh – Index Score: 43.0

Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, contends with extreme population density, inadequate infrastructure, and significant pollution. 

These issues, coupled with frequent flooding and traffic congestion, make the city one of the least comfortable places to live. 

Despite economic growth, the quality of life for many residents remains low.

7. Harare, Zimbabwe – Index Score: 43.8

Economic hardships, political instability, and insufficient public services contribute to Harare’s low livability score. 

Residents face daily struggles related to healthcare, employment, and access to clean water and electricity. 

The city's infrastructure is crumbling, and the economic situation remains dire.

8. Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea – Index Score: 44.1

Port Moresby faces challenges including high crime rates, limited access to quality healthcare, and inadequate infrastructure. 

These factors combine to create a challenging living environment for its residents. 

The city’s isolation and economic difficulties further compound the issues faced by its population.

9. Kyiv, Ukraine – Index Score: 44.5

The ongoing conflict with Russia has significantly impacted Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital. 

The city deals with infrastructure damage, economic instability, and a heightened sense of insecurity, all of which contribute to its low livability score. 

Despite its vibrant culture and history, the war has left a lasting impact on daily life.

10. Caracas, Venezuela – Index Score: 44.9

Caracas continues to suffer from severe economic decline, high crime rates, and political instability. 

These conditions make everyday life precarious for its residents, impacting their overall quality of life. 

The lack of basic necessities and rampant inflation add to the challenges faced by those living in the city.

These cities, scattered across various continents, illustrate the diverse and complex factors that contribute to low livability scores. 

From the ravages of war to economic turmoil and inadequate public services, the challenges faced by residents in these cities are immense. 

As global attention focuses on improving living conditions, the stories of these urban centers underscore the need for comprehensive and sustained efforts to enhance the quality of life for all.