Amman ranking in ‘Quality of Living’ report draws mixed reactions on social media

AMMAN — Amman ranked 9th regionally and 120th globally on Mercer’s 2019 “Quality of Living” report, sparking mixed reactions on social media regarding the results.

Mercer’s survey assessed 231 cities throughout the world. The living conditions of each city were analysed along 39 factors, and grouped into 10 categories measuring political and social environments, economic environments, public services and transportation, among others.

Regionally, Dubai ranked highest for quality of living across the Middle East, closely followed by Abu Dhabi, whereas Sanaa and Baghdad ranked lowest in the region. Baghdad came in last out of the 231 cities, making it the city with the least desirable living conditions.

Amman’s regional ranking was received with scepticism from some, who voiced their dissatisfaction with the city on different social platforms. The city’s “costly” living conditions was a recurring complaint.

“Do they [Mercer] take in the income-to-expenditure rate? Because if so, I do not think we would be among the top 10 in the region,” Mohammed Gettawi on Facebook said.

“Only taking in the capital of the country does not give one an inclusive or accurate outcome, what about Mafraq, Madaba [and] Tafileh?” Ahmed Naimi said in another post.

Citizens like Ammar Khalifeh, said Amman’s global ranking of 120th was “more realistic”.

Damascus scored the lowest on the safety scale, making it the least safe city both in the Middle East and the world, which some argued made Amman “earn” its ranking.

“When you look around at Baghdad, Damascus... Amman is a lot more stable,” Tweeted Diab Qaisi.

Esam Hamad said in a comment on Facebook, “Amman truly is a great place to live, but the continuous rise in taxes and prices makes us forget that.”

Globally, Vienna tops the ranking for the 10th year running, closely followed by Zurich.