New York City has been named the most “stressed out” city in the world, citing serious urban issues.
New York City has been named the most “stressed out” city in the world, citing serious urban issues.(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
New York City has been named the most “stressed out” city in the world, citing serious urban issues.
The finance company Remitly gave the Big Apple the crown after examining the cost of living, crime, congestion, pollution, and access to health care and compiling it to a score of 10. Topping the list of the 10 most stressed-out cities was New York, with a score of 7.56.
“New York, United States, might be the city that never sleeps, but its relentless pace comes at a price,” the company wrote in its analysis. “With a cost of living index of 100, among the highest in the world, everyday essentials remain major sources of financial strain.”
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The Big Apple’s spot on the list was largely driven by the soaring cost of living, which stood at 100. The higher the index score, the more expensive essentials such as groceries, transportation, and utilities become.
According to a 2025 study by Cornell University, most New Yorkers cited the rising cost of living as their primary concern. That study, however, points out that excellent healthcare and cleaner air help alleviate that stress.
The Big Apple’s spot on the list was largely driven by the soaring cost of living(Image: Getty Images)
The new analysis comes as Manhattan rents break records once again, with the average rent in the borough being $4,625, up 7.6% from last year, according to appraiser Miller Samuael Inc. and brokerage Douglas Elliman. Other cities on the list include Dublin, Ireland, with a 7.55 index, Mexico City, Mexico(7.38), Manila, Philippines (7.34), London, United Kingdom (7.25), Athens, Greece (7.23), São Paulo, Brazil (7.14), Turin, Italy (6.90), and Kolkata, India (6.89).
The city’s stress index comes as another study places New York as the second-best city in the world. That report, made by the power rankings firm Resonance Consultancy, dubbed New York the “perpetual heartbeat of America.”
NYC was also ranked as the second best city in the world(Image: Getty Images)
“Gotham’s refusal to play by anyone’s script remains its greatest asset, which will keep the world transfixed and craving the Big Apple’s special sauce in 2026 and beyond,” the ranking described. From outstanding tourism to bustling streets and cultural hubs, New York was described as a unique space.
“This recognition is a testament to NYC’s unmatched emergency, cultural vibrancy, and world-class experiences across the five boroughs that keep us firmly positioned as a must-visit global destination,” Julie Coker, NYC Tourism and Conventions President and CEO, said. “With major events including Sail4th 250 celebrating America’s Semiquincentennial and the FIFA World Cup matches next year, we look forward to sharing the spirit of NYC with visitors from around the world.”
The top spot on the list, however, was taken by London for the 11th consecutive year.
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