15 Safest Cities for Families Moving Abroad (2026)

What Makes a City Safe for Families?

Safety for families goes far beyond crime statistics. When you’re relocating with children, you need to consider healthcare access, road safety, air quality, education quality, and the general child-friendliness of the culture. A city can have low crime but terrible air pollution, or excellent schools but dangerous traffic.

Our rankings weigh multiple factors: the Global Peace Index, Numbeo Safety Index, WHO air quality data, PISA education scores, healthcare access, and qualitative factors like public playground availability, walkability, and how child-welcoming the local culture is. All costs below are for a family of four (two adults, two children).

1. Tokyo, Japan — $2,800/month

Tokyo is arguably the safest major city on Earth. Children as young as six ride the subway alone — a testament to the extraordinary level of public safety. Violent crime is almost non-existent, and the infrastructure is immaculate.

• Safety score: 9.5/10 — consistently #1 in global safety rankings for large cities
• Education: Japanese public schools are free and world-class; international schools available ($800–$2,000/month)
• Healthcare: Universal coverage, low wait times, pediatric care is exceptional
• Family perks: Free or cheap children’s museums, vast parks, child-friendly restaurants everywhere, virtually no street crime
• Cost note: $2,800 assumes public schooling — international schools add significantly

2. Singapore — $3,500/month

Singapore combines tropical living with Swiss-level order. The city-state is famously safe, impeccably clean, and built for families with world-class education and healthcare systems.

• Safety score: 9.5/10 — one of the lowest crime rates globally
• Education: Singapore’s education system ranks #1 in PISA scores; excellent international schools
• Healthcare: Among the world’s best; public and private options both outstanding
• Family perks: Gardens by the Bay, Sentosa Island, zoo, Science Centre — endless family activities
• Cost note: Housing drives costs up; HDB towns outside the CBD offer better value

3. Copenhagen, Denmark — $3,200/month

Copenhagen epitomizes the Scandinavian approach to family life — extensive parental leave, free education, free healthcare, and a city designed around cycling and outdoor living rather than cars.

• Safety score: 9.3/10 — Denmark consistently ranks in the top 5 safest countries
• Education: Free public education through university; high English proficiency
• Healthcare: Universal and free; excellent pediatric care
• Family perks: Tivoli Gardens, cycling infrastructure, hygge culture, nature within the city, Lego’s birthplace nearby
• Cost note: High costs offset by free education and healthcare — net cost for families can be competitive

4. Vienna, Austria — $2,500/month

Vienna has topped the Mercer Quality of Living survey more times than any other city. Its combination of safety, culture, public transport, and green space makes it a dream for families.

• Safety score: 9.2/10 — Austria ranks among Europe’s safest nations
• Education: Free public schools, bilingual programs available, strong music and arts education
• Healthcare: Excellent universal system; children covered fully
• Family perks: Prater park, Schonbrunn Zoo (world’s oldest), children’s museums, affordable public transport ($50/month for unlimited rides)
• Cost note: Social housing keeps rents reasonable for a Western European capital

5. Munich, Germany — $2,800/month

Munich is Germany’s family capital — a prosperous, orderly city surrounded by Alps, lakes, and forests. The Bavarian emphasis on outdoor life and tradition creates an ideal environment for raising children.

• Safety score: 9.1/10 — one of Germany’s safest large cities
• Education: Free public education, strong emphasis on STEM and trades; international schools available
• Healthcare: Germany’s healthcare is among the world’s best; no wait times for pediatric care
• Family perks: English Garden (one of the world’s largest urban parks), Bavarian Alps day trips, safe cycling infrastructure, family-oriented beer gardens
• Cost note: Housing is Munich’s main drawback — expect $1,200–$1,800 for a family apartment

6. Zurich, Switzerland — $4,500/month

Zurich is the most expensive city on this list, but families get what they pay for: near-zero crime, pristine air quality, lake swimming in the city center, and one of the world’s highest standards of living.

• Safety score: 9.4/10 — Switzerland is consistently in the top 10 safest nations
• Education: Excellent multilingual public schools (German, French, Italian); ETH Zurich is world-class
• Healthcare: Among the best globally; mandatory insurance covers comprehensive pediatric care
• Family perks: Lake Zurich, Alps access, clean air, extensive playgrounds, low population density outside the center
• Cost note: Salaries are commensurately high — expat packages often include housing and school allowances

7. Melbourne, Australia — $2,800/month

Melbourne routinely appears in the top 5 of global liveability rankings. The combination of mild climate, excellent schools, diverse culture, and outdoor lifestyle makes it one of the world’s best family cities.

• Safety score: 8.8/10 — Australia is among the safest countries
• Education: Strong public schools; Australia ranks well in PISA; many top-ranked universities
• Healthcare: Medicare provides universal coverage; children bulk-billed for most visits
• Family perks: Beaches, parks, world-class sports culture, multicultural food scene, child-friendly public spaces
• Cost note: Costs are rising but remain lower than Sydney; inner suburbs offer best value

8. Lisbon, Portugal — $2,200/month

Lisbon offers the rare combination of Western European safety and Southern European warmth — both in climate and culture. Portugal is exceptionally child-friendly, and Lisbon’s growing international community means excellent schooling options.

• Safety score: 8.7/10 — Portugal ranks in top 10 of the Global Peace Index
• Education: Free public schools; good international schools ($500–$1,200/month)
• Healthcare: Public system free for residents; private insurance affordable ($100–$200/month for a family)
• Family perks: 300 days of sunshine, beaches 20 minutes away, historic trams, family-oriented culture
• Cost note: Rents have risen but remain well below London, Paris, or Amsterdam

9. Prague, Czech Republic — $1,800/month

Prague is Central Europe’s best-value family city. The fairytale architecture, excellent public transport, and high safety standards come at half the cost of comparable Western European capitals.

• Safety score: 8.8/10 — Czechia is one of Europe’s safest nations
• Education: Free public schools; growing number of English-medium international schools
• Healthcare: Universal coverage; excellent pediatric hospitals
• Family perks: Castle grounds, parks, puppet theaters, safe neighborhoods, easy train access to the rest of Europe
• Cost note: Best value in the EU for this level of safety and infrastructure

10. Valencia, Spain — $1,800/month

Valencia has exploded in popularity among expat families, and for good reason. It combines the beach lifestyle of Barcelona with lower costs, less tourism, and a more manageable city size.

• Safety score: 8.5/10 — Spain is consistently safe; Valencia has lower crime than Madrid or Barcelona
• Education: Free bilingual public schools (Spanish/Valenciano); strong international schools
• Healthcare: Universal system; excellent and free for residents
• Family perks: City of Arts and Sciences, Turia riverbed park (9 km of playgrounds and gardens), beach, year-round sun
• Cost note: 30–40% cheaper than Barcelona with arguably better family infrastructure

11. Dubai, UAE — $3,500/month

Dubai is one of the safest cities in the world by crime statistics. The emirate has invested heavily in family infrastructure, and the tax-free income makes it attractive for high-earning families.

• Safety score: 9.0/10 — extremely low crime; strict law enforcement
• Education: Hundreds of international schools following British, American, IB, and Indian curricula
• Healthcare: World-class private hospitals; insurance typically employer-provided
• Family perks: Indoor play areas, waterparks, beaches, family-first culture, year-round sun (summers extremely hot)
• Cost note: No income tax offsets the higher cost; school fees ($500–$2,500/month) are the biggest variable

12. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia — $1,000/month

Kuala Lumpur is the budget king of this list. For $1,000/month a family can live comfortably in a modern condo with pool, eat incredibly well, and access decent education and healthcare.

• Safety score: 7.8/10 — generally safe; petty crime exists but violent crime is rare
• Education: Affordable international schools ($200–$600/month); Malaysia’s education is improving rapidly
• Healthcare: Excellent private hospitals at a fraction of Western prices
• Family perks: KLCC park, Batu Caves, indoor theme parks, malls with family zones, incredibly diverse food scene
• Cost note: Best value for families on this entire list — luxury living for the price of a studio in London

13. Taipei, Taiwan — $1,600/month

Taipei combines Japanese-level safety with Chinese culture and a warmth toward children that makes daily life genuinely easy for families. The national health insurance system is one of the world’s best.

• Safety score: 9.0/10 — Taiwan is one of Asia’s safest countries
• Education: Strong public schools; bilingual education expanding; international schools available
• Healthcare: National Health Insurance covers nearly everything at minimal cost; children’s care is superb
• Family perks: Night markets, riverside bike paths, mountains and hot springs nearby, MRT system child-friendly with priority seating
• Cost note: Excellent value for the level of safety and infrastructure provided

14. Edinburgh, UK — $2,200/month

Edinburgh offers the charm of a historic European capital with the practicality of English-language schooling and healthcare. Scotland’s capital is consistently rated one of the UK’s most liveable cities.

• Safety score: 8.5/10 — one of the safest cities in the UK
• Education: Free state schools with strong ratings; Edinburgh has several top universities
• Healthcare: NHS Scotland provides free healthcare for all residents
• Family perks: Castle, Arthur’s Seat, Festival Fringe (world’s largest arts festival), compact walkable center, green spaces
• Cost note: Significantly cheaper than London while offering comparable quality of life

15. Wellington, New Zealand — $2,200/month

Wellington is the world’s southernmost capital and one of its most liveable. New Zealand’s emphasis on outdoor living, coupled with excellent safety and education, makes it ideal for adventurous families.

• Safety score: 8.9/10 — New Zealand is one of the world’s most peaceful countries
• Education: Strong public schools; New Zealand’s curriculum emphasizes creativity and critical thinking
• Healthcare: Public system free for residents; children’s healthcare subsidized
• Family perks: Zealandia wildlife sanctuary, Te Papa museum (free), waterfront walks, close-knit community feel
• Cost note: More affordable than Auckland while being the cultural capital

Choosing the Right City for Your Family

Every family’s priorities are different. Here’s how to narrow your search:

• Tightest budget: Kuala Lumpur ($1,000) and Taipei ($1,600) deliver extraordinary value
• Maximum safety: Tokyo and Singapore set the global standard
• Best education: Singapore (#1 PISA), Copenhagen (free through university), and Tokyo
• English-speaking: Melbourne, Edinburgh, Wellington, Singapore, and Dubai
• Best climate: Valencia, Lisbon, and Dubai offer the most sunshine
• European base: Prague and Valencia combine safety, affordability, and EU access

Use our best cities for families rankings to compare these destinations on the metrics that matter to you, or try the city finder tool to filter by your family’s specific needs.