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20 Safest Cities In The World (2024 Update)

Tokyo Japan

Note: This article’s statistics come from third-party sources and do not represent the opinions of this website. Statistics may also vary in accuracy based on the country and locality’s statistical recording practices.

The world has many worthwhile destinations to visit, live, study, and work, but it can be difficult to distinguish safe cities from the crime-ridden ones. Let’s check out some of the safest cities across the globe, what they’re like, and why they’re so safe.

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The 20 Safest Cities in The World: A Quick Look

1. Tokyo, Japan

busy street in tokyo japan
Image Credit: victorpalmer, Pixabay
Population 13.9 million
Murder rate 0.7 per 100,000 people
Average annual household income 6 million yen ($51,955 USD)
Crime rate 593 per 100,000 people

The capital of the self-styled Land of the Rising Sun has more than 20 million people in its metropolitan area and boasts the highest GDP of any city in the world. Tokyo is famous for its shopping districts, robust public transportation, and a dizzying array of modern and ancient Japanese culture.

Tokyo continually ranks as one of the safest cities in the world, which is often attributed to its dedicated police force and a public focus on crime prevention that’s nabbed Tokyo the highest rate of crimes solved in the world.


2. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

mosque, abu dhabi, architecture
Image Credit: Piqsels
Population 13.9 million
Murder rate 0.7 per 100,000 people
Average annual household income 6 million yen ($51,955 USD)
Crime rate 593 per 100,000 people

Abu Dhabi commonly ranks as one of the richest cities in the world, with its citizens owning one-tenth of the world’s oil supply. Also worth noting is the city’s cutting-edge architecture and the timelessly elegant Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque.

Abu Dhabi continues to rank as one of the world’s safest cities, thanks to its strict laws and well-funded law enforcement. The Middle East is often thought of as unsafe, but the UAE makes it a point to stay out of the region’s conflicts. As a direct result, you see extremely safe cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi.


3. Doha, Qatar

Doha Qatar
Image Credit: walsarabi, Pixabay
Population 2.3 million
Murder rate 0.37 per 100,000 people
Average annual household income 274,828 QAR ($75,481 USD)
Crime rate 583 per 100,000 people

Doha is often overlooked in favor of glitzier cities like Abu Dhabi and Dubai, but the capital of Qatar is quickly growing to be known for its many mosques and museums. As far as Islamic art, there are few cities, even in the Middle East, that can match Doha.

Doha maintains a strong police force, and most public places have police or security guards present. Harsh consequences for crime are commonplace, and that is thought to be a big reason crime remains low in Doha.


4. Singapore

group of people at the park in singapore
Image Credit: Piqsels
Population 5.6 million
Murder rate 0.2 per 100,000 people
Average annual household income $93,167 SGD ($68,944 USD)
Crime rate 658 per 100k people

Singapore is a self-contained city-state packed into 64 islands and has gained a reputation for being one of the cleanest cities on Earth. As a bustling financial hub, Singapore is remarkable for its lush greenery and hodgepodge of Asian foods.

Most people probably know that chewing gum is illegal in Singapore, a symbol of the city’s draconian stance on crime. This approach seems to work for them, though, because Singapore consistently ranks as one of the safest places to live and visit in the world.


5. Copenhagen, Denmark

boats in Copenhagen Denmark
Image Credit: Medienservice, Pixabay
Population 799,033
Murder rate 0.8 per 100,000 people
Average annual household income 606,602 DKK ($91,327 USD)
Crime rate 408 per 100,000 people

Reputed to be the “happiest city in the world,” the capital of Denmark is known across Europe for its many canals, spires, and strong cycling culture. Copenhagen has Nordic architecture, museums, and the world-famous Tivoli Gardens amusement park.

It has one of the most improved crime rates over the past decade, which its mayor attributes to a narrow wealth gap and strong social adhesion among residents. The fairy tale reputation appears to carry over to low crime rates, so good for them!


6. Zurich, Switzerland

bridge in Zurich Switzerland
Image Credit: Sonyuser, Pixabay
Population 421,878
Murder rate 0.6 per 100,000 people
Average annual household income 120,823 CHF ($130,437 USD)
Crime rate 590 per 100,000 people

Most people know Zurich as one of Europe’s biggest financial centers and an expensive tourist destination, but it’s also a cultural hub. The annual Street Parade, numerous top-notch museums, and nearby Swiss Alps continue to draw tourists from around the world every year.

As you might expect from a neutral-minded country, Zurich is a tranquil place to live or visit and frequently ranks as one of the safest cities in Europe. Honestly, we would recommend watching out for adverse weather conditions more than criminals.


7. Amsterdam, The Netherlands

downtown Amsterdam Netherlands
Image Credit: RalfGervink, Pixabay
Population 821,752
Murder rate 2 per 100,000 people
Average annual household income €68,216 ($76,438 USD)
Crime rate 590 per 100,000 people

The capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam, is renowned not only as a financial center but a rich and well-preserved cultural destination. With many canals, a strong cannabis culture, and landmarks like Anne Frank’s house, Amsterdam is one of Europe’s top tourist hotspots.

Although the infamous red-light district leads people to think the city isn’t safe, Amsterdam has a largely friendly culture that discourages crime. Traffic accidents are low because cycling is prevalent, and violent crime is largely absent. As with many large cities, the worst tourists have to worry about here are crafty pickpockets.


8. Toronto, Canada

street in Toronto Canada
Image Credit: brigachtal, Pixabay
Population 2.9 million
Murder rate 1.6 per 100,000 people
Average annual household income $90,087 CAD ($70,841 USD)
Crime rate 818 per 100,000 people

Toronto is one of the most multicultural cities in the world, with some of the greatest diversity in cuisine and architecture worldwide. In addition to every museum imaginable, Toronto is home to the prestigious Toronto Film Festival and the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Although it has a murder rate nearly on par with New York City, Toronto remains one of the safest cities in North America, with much of its crime being gang-related. Residents of the city and tourists have little to fear, as people are out and about even in the wee hours of the morning.


9. Sydney, Australia

Sydney Opera House, Sydney Australia
Image Credit: Piqsels
Population 5.3 million
Murder rate 0.9 per 100,000 people
Average annual household income $131,188 AUD ($92,108 USD)
Crime rate 918 per 100,000 people

Sydney is the largest and most populous city in Australia, with a picturesque blue harbor and some of the world’s most recognizable landmarks: the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbor Bridge. Once a penal colony of Great Britain, Sydney broke its chains and became the country’s most cosmopolitan city.

Sydney often ranks as one of the world’s safest cities, and gun-related crime is especially rare due to Australia’s strict anti-gun laws. As with most major cities, all of the urban areas are very safe. Tourists should beware of a widespread drinking culture that can encourage them to imbibe more than they’re used to, putting one at risk of robbery or pickpocketing.


10. Hong Kong

busy street in Hong Kong
Image Credit: Piqsels
Population 7.5 million
Murder rate 0.3 per 100,000 people
Average annual household income $369,000 HKD ($47,311 USD)
Crime rate 871 per 100,000 people

Hong Kong is one of the top international trade centers of the world and often calls itself the “world city of Asia” for its unique level of autonomy among Asian cities and its huge selection of street food and shopping destinations. Many popular fast-food chains from around the world are also present there, like Popeyes, KFC, Mcdonald’s, and many more. Worth mentioning is that Hong Kong has one of the most robust public transportation systems in the world, utilizing rails, buses, and ferries.

Although it’s been in the news for social unrest recently, Hong Kong is actually pretty safe. Petty crime is unavoidable, but crimes against tourists are generally rare. Violent crime is especially rare and practically unheard of against tourists.


11. Barcelona, Spain

barcelona, spain skyline
Image Credit: dominickvietor, Pixabay
Population 1.6 million
Murder rate 0.7 per 100,000 people
Average annual household income €52,083 ($58,361 USD)
Crime rate 430 per 100,000 people

Barcelona has it all: culture, Michelin-starred dining, sandy beaches, nightlife, and a world-class football team. Famous author Hans Christian Andersen once called Barcelona the “Paris of Spain,” and its architecture has only grown since then! Barcelona is also one of Europe’s largest biotech hubs.

Although it suffered a highly publicized crime wave in recent years, Barcelona is a very safe city for residents and tourists alike. Statistics and news seem to indicate that the majority of Barcelona’s crime is concentrated in its historic Old Town (Ciutat Vella) area, so stay in the more urban areas, and you’re golden.


12. Seoul, South Korea

myeongdong, Seoul, South, Korea
Image Credit: Piqsels
Population 9.7 million
Murder rate 0.6 per 100,000 people
Average annual household income 52,319,423 KRW ($43,629 USD)
Crime rate 2,015 per 100,000 people

Seoul is a technological wonder home to many of Asia’s cutting-edge tech companies, including Samsung, Hyundai, and LG. You can’t forget about famous Korean cuisine, either, as staples like Korean BBQ and fried chicken enjoy huge popularity among both residents and tourists. If that’s not enough, Seoul is also home to five huge palaces and the ever-popular entertainment genres of K-drama and K-pop.

Seoul has enjoyed low crime ever since its military presence grew after the Korean War, and 2 years of military service are mandatory for all men. This compulsory service is thought to strengthen a sense of national pride. Crime rates are lower than the U.S. average and about on par with European rates.


13. Osaka, Japan

osaka castle, Osaka Japan
Image Credit: Piqsels
Population 2.7 million
Murder rate 0.8 per 100,000 people
Average annual household income 6,300,000 yen ($54,882 USD)
Crime rate 1,711 per 100,000 people

Osaka was once the capital of Japan and is still home to the country’s oldest imperial palace. Other than its royal lineage, Osaka is famous for its street food, lively locals, and vibrant nightlife. Often overshadowed by Tokyo, Osaka is still very cosmopolitan and tourist-friendly compared to most Japanese cities.

Osaka has the highest murder rate in Japan, but that rate is still much lower than many other developed countries’ most crime-ridden cities. That shows Japan’s strict stance on petty crime does nip more serious crime in the bud.


14. Reykjavík, Iceland

Reykjavik City Iceland
Image Credit: Michelle_Maria, Pixabay
Population 122,853
Murder rate 0.3 per 100,000 people
Average annual household income 7,952,557 ISK ($61,282 USD)
Crime rate 890 per 100,000 people

Reykjavík has the honor of being one of the smallest and least populous capital cities in the world and is also the most northern capital in the world. Reykjavík has all the usual tourist fare you’d find in any tourist destination, with the addition of numerous unique landscapes; waterfalls, hot springs, active volcanoes, and the Northern Lights are just a stone’s throw away.

Iceland is a historically safe country, and Reykjavík is no exception. If it helps put things in perspective, cops there don’t even carry guns because crime is so rare. It’s commonly speculated that cultural homogeneity is at least partly responsible for Iceland’s low crime rates.


15. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

city, buildings Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Image Credit: Piqsels
Population 3.6 million
Murder rate 0.1 per 100,000 people
Average annual household income 315,540 AED ($85,906 USD)
Crime rate 32.5 per 100,000 people

This metropolis effortlessly blends the best aspects of modern cosmopolitan life with a uniquely Arabian panache. Dubai is well-known for its Burj Khalifa, the highest skyscraper in the world, but also for its extravagant shopping options that keep tourists coming year-round.

Dubai maintains one of the world’s lowest crime rates through a heavy law enforcement presence in the city. Tourism is a big industry here, so you can encounter the same petty crime like pickpockets, but even that is rarer than in many other major cities.


16. Taipei, Taiwan

park in Tapei, Taiwan
Image Credit: Piqsels
Population 2.6 million
Murder rate 2.3 per 100,000 people
Average annual household income 1,200,716 TWD ($43,128 USD)
Crime rate 212 per 100,000 people

Taipei is a historically important port city with a troubled past, but that hasn’t stopped its wild growth. Chinese, Korean, Japanese, and even Western influences are apparent in the city’s architecture and bustling energy. A heavy tech presence makes it one of the most modern cities across the globe.

Taiwan, in general, is notable for its low crime rates, which even carries over to its capital. Crime is much more scarce than in other capitals and world cities, with stats comparable to Japan and other Southeastern Asian countries.


17. Melbourne, Australia

central station in melbourne australia
Image Credit: ralfskysegel, Pixabay
Population 5 million
Murder rate 2.2 per 100,000 people
Average annual household income $119,831 AUD ($85,907 USD)
Crime rate 24,508 per 100,000 people

Melbourne is one of Australia’s jewels, styling itself as the Sports Capital of the World. Other than sports, Melbourne boasts some of the most unique art museums, street art, and rich cuisine in Australia. It’s also home to world-class scientific research facilities, so it’s not all fine dining and art galleries!

Melbourne is regularly rated as one of the most livable cities in the world, not only for low crime but for its strong public infrastructure, top-ranking universities, and plentiful jobs.


18. Stockholm, Sweden

people, walking, sidewalk, stockholm, sweden
Image Credit: Piqsels
Population 975,551
Murder rate 4.7 per 100,000 people
Average annual household income 663,222 SEK ($72,718 USD)
Crime rate 19,700 per 100,000 people

When most people think of Stockholm, the iconic city hall usually comes to mind, and perhaps the ABBA Museum. What most people don’t know is that Stockholm is a huge melting pot of medieval architecture, a gorgeous waterfront, and modern industry. There are few Nordic countries as purely Scandinavian as Stockholm.

Stockholm is considered very safe among European countries for its well-lit streets, vigilant but not overbearing police, and strong public transportation system. Simply put, there are few shadows for criminals to hide, and the cops are close even if they find one.


19. Irvine, United States

Downtown-Irvine-USA
Downtown-Irvine-USA (Image Credit: W.marsh-Wikimedia-Commons CC BY-SA 3.0)
Population 273,157
Murder rate 0.3 per 100,000 people
Average annual household income $67,743 USD
Crime rate 1,370 per 100,000 people

Irvine is a shockingly pristine master-planned city in California’s southern heart, just an hour from San Diego or Los Angeles. It is well-maintained, with tons of parks and outdoor attractions. The city is very education-first, and that studiousness is apparent among its affluent residents.

Irvine attributes much of its safety and low crime to a well-educated police force that cultivates a good relationship with city leaders and the public. Police recruits are encouraged to be college-educated, which certainly doesn’t hurt. Irvine consistently ranks as the safest town in the U.S. among towns with similar populations.


20. Munich, Germany

olympic mountain in Munich Germany
Image Credit: Divily, Pixabay
Population 1.5 million
Murder rate 1 per 100,000 people
Average annual household income €74,507 ($84,482 USD)
Crime rate 4,291 per 100,000 people

As the home of Oktoberfest and the gargantuan 900-acre Englisch Garten, Munich mixes modern sensibilities with a distinctly German heritage. It may have skyscrapers like Berlin, but Munich is more interesting for its fairy-tale-style castles and charming medieval town squares. Among bustling cosmopolitan cities, Munich is a more whimsical and laid-back destination.

While Germany is normally pretty safe, Munich is the single safest city in the country, with much less crime. Unlike many other cities, crime statistics show that even areas outside of the city proper enjoy low crime rates, so you’re okay to enjoy a stroll through the greenery with your pets without being robbed or attacked.

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How To Stay Safe Abroad

Traveling can be stressful, but it shouldn’t be. Follow some of our most useful tips for staying safe when traveling abroad, even to these safe cities.

Safety Tips When Abroad
  • Always be mindful of local laws and how they may vary from where you’re from. Singapore, for example, has a strict ban on chewing gum.
  • If you’re indulging in a destination’s nightlife, travel with at least one partner and try not to drink too much. Drunk tourists are a pickpocket’s dream!
  • Always move confidently, like you know where you’re going. Thieves and other unsavory people are likelier to try scamming and harassing tourists who appear lost.
  • Keep your passport and other important documents in a secure location, like a hotel safe. Be sure to change the safe’s code, just in case.
  • Don’t flash money around, and keep cash transactions to a minimum, if possible.
  • Avoid carrying valuable items while sightseeing since tourists are the top target for pickpockets.
  • Stick to well-lit areas, if possible, and try to travel in pairs or groups.
  • Learn the basics of the language. Basic phrases like “thank you,” “where is the bathroom?” and others make you appear more considerate than the average American tourist who doesn’t speak a single word.

 

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Conclusion

Traveling is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have, but staying safe is easier if you choose a destination with little crime. The cities on this list boast some of the lowest crime rates in the world, so consider them the next time you take a vacation.

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Featured Image Credit: Piqsels

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