New York was recently crowned the second-best city in the world by Resonancy Consultancy, with experts marvelling at the metropolis’s “cultural economy and massive urban infrastructure projects.”
But the Big Apple has now taken out top spot on a far less honorable list: most stressed-out city on the planet.
Finance company Remitly examined the cost of living, crime, congestion, pollution and access to healthcare in major cities around the world, before compiling each of these categories into an overall “stress score” out of 10.
Unsurprisingly, New York clocked 7.59 — the highest number on the list.
The high score was largely driven by the astronomical cost of living, which is causing considerable stress for the majority of residents.
A 2025 study by Cornell University shows that most New Yorkers cite rising living costs as their biggest concern.
In November, median Manhattan rent broke records, climbing 7.6% year over year to $4,625, according to appraiser Miller Samuel Inc and brokerage Douglas Elliman.
Inflation has also hit residents when it comes to groceries, utilities and insurance, prompting Remitly to give New York City a 100 score for living expenses — the highest possible number.
In contrast, Athens, Greece, has a cost of living score of 56.6, while Mexico City has relatively low 44.4.
While the Big Apple being the most stressful city on the planet may come as no surprise, the second metropolis on the list may raise eyebrows.
It turns out Dublin, Ireland, is far from being a relaxing paradise packed with pubs, poets and laid-back charm.
The city clocked an overall stress score of 7.55, with growing affordability issues putting locals under pressure.
Dublin is also one of the most congested places in Europe, per the study, with residents taking an average of 32 minutes and 45 seconds to travel just 10 kilometers (6.2 miles).
Mexico City, Manila, and London rounded out the top 5.
Conversely, the city of Eindhoven in the Netherlands was named the least stressful city in the world, with a low overall score of 2.34.
Utrecht in the Netherlands came in second place. Both Dutch cities were buoyed in the rankings by excellent access to healthcare and low crime and pollution levels.
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