Porto is the second-best city in the world for Generation Z to live in
Porto has been ranked the second-best city in the world for Generation Z to live in, according to Time Out’s 2026 ranking, placing the city behind Tokyo (Japan) and ahead of Melbourne (Australia), Edinburgh (Scotland) and Shanghai (China).
The ranking is based on Time Out’s annual global survey of urban residents, which assesses the factors that make cities attractive, enjoyable and easy places to live. For its 2026 Gen Z ranking, the survey drew on the views of around 4,000 respondents aged 18 to 29 and considered a range of aspects of urban life, including quality of life, affordability, culture, transport, social connections and the overall experience of living in a city. Porto stands out particularly for its sense of community, affordability and quality of life. According to the survey, 100% of young respondents in Porto rated the city positively for its sense of community, while 93% considered it affordable, particularly for food, drink, art and culture.
The distinction strengthens Porto’s international standing and is another indicator of the city’s ability to attract and retain young talent. At a time when cities are increasingly competing to attract students, skilled professionals, entrepreneurs and investment, this recognition reinforces Porto’s position as an open, innovative and dynamic city, well positioned for the future.
Note: Generation Z (or Gen Z) refers to the demographic group generally defined as people born between 1997 and 2012. Often described as the first generation of digital natives, Gen Z tends to value connectivity, quality of life, opportunities for personal and professional development, and diverse urban experiences.
