Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live in the safest city in the world?
Residents of the world’s safest cities enjoy low crime rates and an indelible peace of mind that residents of high-crime cities don’t get to experience.
In this guide, we take you on a brief tour of some of the safest cities in the world to add to your itinerary when traveling abroad.
Dive in to learn about where the safest cities are and learn how their local authorities keep their cities secure!
Contents
- Safest Cities in the World
- 5 Safety Tips for Traveling to the Safest Cities in the World
- 1. Research Your Travel Destination in Advance
- 2. Always Keep Your Valuables Out of Sight!
- 3. Plan Transportation Routes and Car Services in Advance
- 4. Stay Informed About the Latest Local News and Events and Follow Local Guidelines
- 5. Keep Important Contacts and Phone Numbers in a Safe and Accessible Place
Safest Cities in the World
It may surprise you to learn that all the safest cities in the world are found outside the borders of the United States.
These cities earn their title of being among the safest places to live, work, and visit on earth based on their low crime rates and feelings of safety and well-being reported by their citizens.
The following list of safest cities in the world list is based on research done by the World Population Reviews Global Peace Index scores and other national and global crime safety reports.
GPI scores range from zero to 100, with 100 representing the safest possible number.
*The cities on the list below rank at 80 or better on the GPI scale which officially ranks them among the safest in the world!
1. Tokyo, Japan
About the City
The city of Tokyo, Japan tops the list of the safest cities in the world because it has one of the lowest crime rates of almost all other cities in the world where crime data is available.
Online reports show the murder rate in Japan is reported at around 0.25 people per 100,000 persons.
This number pales in comparison to similar-sized cities and even some countries!
The average murder rate for the United States falls around 6.5 per 100,000 people.
Effective law enforcement, strict gun controls, and a culturally respectful society are primary factors contributing to its safety.
Global Peace Index Score: 92.0
2. Singapore
About the City
Singapore is a tiny speck of a country located in Southeast Asia.
This small island country makes the list of the world’s safest cities, coming in just behind Tokyo, Japan, on the World Population Review’s best cities scale.
A combination of factors, including strict law enforcement, high standards of living, extensive public surveillance, and an efficient judicial system, are some of the critical factors contributing to the safety of Singapore.
Global Peace Index Score: 91.5
3. Amsterdam, The Netherlands
About the City
The city of Amsterdam is located in the western part of the Netherlands in Europe.
Amsterdam is known for its clean streets, dependence on biking for transportation, and friendly people.
It makes the list of the safest cities in the world due to its low crime rates driven by an efficient criminal justice system, strong social cohesion, and an abundance of social welfare programs.
Social welfare programs combined with low instances of social inequality mean Amsterdam residents focus less on crime as their basic daily needs are met.
Global Peace Index Score: 88.0
4. Copenhagen, Denmark
About the City
We find Copenhagen, Denmark, located in Northern Europe.
Residents of Denmark reportedly have high levels of trust among neighbors, which is one reason it is one of the safest cities in the world.
A desire for a high quality of life, an efficient legal system, and a strong focus on rehabilitation for people in its criminal justice system contribute to reduced recidivism among its few offenders and low crime rates overall.
Global Peace Index Score: 87.4
5. Seoul, South Korea
About the City
Seoul, South Korea, is found on the Korean Peninsula in East Asia.
This small city is one of the safest in the world due to its technology-based policing systems, strict laws, and economic stability.
While this East Asian city reports lower incidences of crime than most other cities in the world, some crimes do happen here.
Residents of Seoul have reported incidents of petty theft, cybercrime, traffic violations, and drug-related offenses.
Global Peace Index Score: 87.4
6. Melbourne, Australia
About the City
The city of Melbourne, Australia, is located along the Southeastern Australia coast near the Port Phillip Bay.
Melbourne has fewer issues with violent crimes and property crimes than many other cities in the world.
This coastal city keeps its crime rates low with efficient policing systems, emphasizing high levels of community engagement and promoting education and awareness programs for its citizens.
Melbourne experiences crime like most other large cities.
Crimes reported here include public disorder, counterfeit goods, and noise complaints.
Global Peace Index Score: 87.3
7. Osaka, Japan
About the City
Community harmony, low gun ownership, and technological advancements in policing systems earn Osaka, Japan, a place on the list of the safest cities in the world.
This clean and well-maintained city and its residents place a high value on respecting laws and rules.
Their commitment to maintaining a peaceful society by providing access to education and awareness campaigns for public safety helps Osaka keep the residents and visitors to the city safer than most other cities in the world.
Global Peace Index Score: 90.9
8. Hong Kong, China
About the City
Hong Kong, China site along the southern coast of China at the head of the Pearl River Delta.
We know Hong Kong for its breathtaking harbor and technologically advanced architecture.
Hong Kong is consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in the world because of the efficient policing policies of its professional police force that works with citizens to maintain law and order.
The city is also known for having a strict legal system that deters excessive criminal activity.
When crimes are reported in Hong Kong, they usually fall into the categories of traffic violations, cybercrimes, drug-related fences, and financial crimes.
Global Peace Index Score: n/a
9. Toronto, Canada
About the City
Toronto is one of Ontario, Canada’s most well-known cities in its southeastern region.
It is the largest city in Canada and the provincial capital of Ontario.
This safe borders the northern shore of Lake Ontario and has approximately 15.5 million residents.
The town maintains a relatively low crime rate despite its large population.
Strong community support, advanced policing systems, and a commitment to community education and awareness about public safety are some of the factors contributing to its security.
Global Peace Index Score: 87.8
10. Sydney, Australia
About the City
Sydney, Australia, is an island country found on the southeastern coast of Australia, bordering the Tasmania Sea.
This island country has low crime rates, and residents enjoy an overall good quality of life.
Local authorities keep Sydney safe by investing in highly efficient policing methods and educating its citizens on public safety.
People living in Sydney report feeling a strong sense of community support, which contributes to low crime rates and an increased sense of well-being in its residents and police force.
Global Peace Index Score: 87.9
5 Safety Tips for Traveling to the Safest Cities in the World
While global crime data shows the cities on this list are among the safest on earth, people traveling to these areas must still remain vigilant in order to avoid becoming the victim of a violent crime or property crime.
1. Research Your Travel Destination in Advance
Keep yourself and your travel companions safer by doing thorough research on your destination well before you arrive.
Knowing about the most dangerous areas within safe cities and becoming aware of local customs is a great way to stay safer when traveling.
2. Always Keep Your Valuables Out of Sight!
Keeping your valuables and belongings like cell phones, wallets, and cash out of sight can reduce the likelihood of experiencing property theft while traveling in what seem to be relatively safe areas.
Storing valuables like cash, passports, and credit cards in a hotel safe or similar location can divert attention from local area thieves on the prowl for flashy tourists who seem wealthy.
3. Plan Transportation Routes and Car Services in Advance
Ensure you and your travel companions are using reputable and safe transportation services by researching the service in advance.
Check local business bureaus and online reviews of previous travelers in searching for taxis and ride-share services when crossing international boundaries and traveling abroad.
4. Stay Informed About the Latest Local News and Events and Follow Local Guidelines
Rules and regulations for traveling in the world’s safest cities can be pretty different than those of the US.
Do your research to learn about local customs, laws, and cultural sensitivities to avoid inadvertently breaking the law while traveling.
5. Keep Important Contacts and Phone Numbers in a Safe and Accessible Place
Having access to critical local contacts, including the local American Embassy, can be vital when traveling to a foreign country.
Research contact details for key contacts like embassies, hospitals, and local law enforcement phone numbers before you arrive and store them in a safe location that is always accessible.
Most dangerous: New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, etc.
“Sydney, Australia, is an island country found on the southeastern coast of Australia, bordering the Tasmania Sea” should read “Sydney, is a city found on the southeastern coast of Australia, on the Tasman Sea”.
Melbourne is not as safe as it used to be – African refugee gangs. Sydney has not (yet) had the same troubles.
The city in which I have felt safest is Singapore. (I’ve never been to Japan, so I can’t compare Japanese cities with Singapore.)
Before I went there, a pal told me that Singapore is like Disneyworld with the death penalty. Having stayed there for a few weeks I see what he means. It’s the _cleanest_ city I’ve ever seen. All the infrastructure looks like it’s just a few weeks old. Trains that look like they were scrubbed this morning (they probably were!) Great place, but super-expensive. However, everywhere I went I felt completely, 100%, safe.
Been living in Melbourne for 16 years. It isn’t as safe as it once used to be 16 years back. Now there are drug addicts everywhere asking for money. Being a woman when I go for a walk in the park, I get harassed and stalked by drug addicts. Parks are the main spots for drug dealers. Scammers are everywhere to cyber stalk you, steal your information and keep a close eye on you to steal your information to scam you. People were friendly before, not anymore. Now everyone is isolated due to safety reasons. Before you could just talk to anyone about anything and feel safe about it. Now you can’t do that anymore. You can’t be friends with just anyone like before. Melbourne was safe between 2005-2008. People could easily leave their homes unlocked and go out.