- Mumbai named Asia's happiest city for 2025 with 94% residents feeling joyful
- 89% of Mumbai locals feel happier there than anywhere else they've lived
- Beijing and Shanghai ranked second and third with over 90% happiness reported
Mumbai has been crowned the happiest city in Asia for 2025, according to a new survey by Time Out. The annual survey polled over 18,000 residents across major cities to assess how urban dwellers feel about their surroundings, lifestyles, and communities. Participants rated their cities based on several factors, including culture, food, nightlife, and overall quality of life, and responded to statements such as:
- "My city makes me happy"
- "The sense of happiness in my city has grown recently"
- "I feel happier in my city than in other places I've visited or lived"
- "The people in my city seem happy"
- "I find joy in the everyday experiences my city offers"
Why Mumbai Turned Out To Be The Happiest City In Asia
Marine Drive, Mumbai. Photo: Unsplash
An impressive 94 per cent of Mumbai's residents said that their city brings them joy, making it the top-ranked city in Asia this year. Further:
- The survey further revealed that 89 per cent of locals feel happier in Mumbai than anywhere else they've lived.
- 88 per cent believe people in the city seem happy.
- 87 per cent feel the city's sense of happiness has increased in recent times.
Experts suggest Mumbai's lively social scene, thriving entertainment industry, career opportunities, and vibrant street food culture could be key contributors to its upbeat spirit.
Also Read: 20 Cities Across The Globe Where Hailing A Cab Turns Out To Be Most Expensive
Top 5 Happiest Cities In Asia For 2025
Beijing and Shanghai followed closely behind Mumbai, securing the second and third spots, respectively. In both Chinese cities, over 90 per cent of locals reported feeling happy in their surroundings. With their modern infrastructure, cultural richness, and youth-friendly environments, both continue to attract admiration across Asia.
Chiang Mai in Thailand, followed by Hanoi in Vietnam, completes the top five. While both cities scored similarly on overall happiness, Hanoi slightly edged ahead on parameters like community positivity and joy in daily experiences.
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Here Are The Top 10 Happiest Cities In Asia For 2025, According To TimeOut:
1. Mumbai, India
2. Beijing, China
3. Shanghai, China
4. Chiang Mai, Thailand
5. Hanoi, Vietnam
6. Jakarta, Indonesia
7. Hong Kong
8. Bangkok, Thailand
9. Singapore
10. Seoul, South Korea
Popular Cities That Could Not Make It To The Happiest Asian Cities
Some of Asia's most popular global hubs - including Seoul, Singapore, and Tokyo - ranked lower on the happiness scale. Only 70 per cent of Tokyo residents said their city makes them happy, with analysts pointing to the fast-paced lifestyle and limited work-life balance as possible factors.
