The world is a stressful place. A recent study by Savvy Sleeper found the world’s most stressed-out cities for 2020. The list was compiled based on income inequality, traffic congestion, crime rates, and availability of mental health services.
It is coming in at number one in New York City. With its high cost of living and long hours spent commuting, it’s no surprise that New Yorkers are among the most stressed-out people in the world. Other cities in North America that made a list include Los Angeles (#2), Miami (#7), and Toronto (#10).
Europe is well represented on the list, with London (#3), Paris (#4), and Rome (#8) all making the top 10. Meanwhile, Asia is home to some of the most stressed-out cities globally.
The World’s Most Stressed-Out Cities 2020
10. Buenos Aires, Argentina
In a study by The Lancet, Buenos Aires was named the world’s most stressed-out city. The study looked at air quality, noise pollution, mental health, and physical activity to determine how stressed a city is.
Buenos Aires ranked poorly in all categories, with high air pollution and noise pollution levels and low mental health and physical activity levels. The city also has a high poverty rate and a high crime rate.
These factors all contribute to the stress that residents of Buenos Aires experience every day. The city has plans to address some of these issues, but it will take time to see the effects. In the meantime, Buenos Aires residents will continue to be among the most stressed-out people in the world.
- Avg. hours worked per week: 34
- Avg. one-way commute time: 48 minutes
- Population with mental health disorder: 17.6% (women), 13.7% (men)
- Gallup world poll happiness ranking: 57 out of 186
- Population: 15.1 million
9. Los Angeles, United States
Los Angeles, United States of America, will be the world’s most stressed-out city in 2020. A study by Zipjet revealed that people in Los Angeles are more likely to feel stressed out than those living in any other city worldwide. The primary sources of stress for people in Los Angeles include traffic, work, and money.
According to the study, 73% of people living in Los Angeles feel stressed out daily. In addition, 65% of people said they felt stressed out because of traffic, 61% felt stressed out because of work, and 57% felt stressed out because of money.
- Avg. hours worked per week: 38
- Avg. one-way commute time: 61 minutes
- Population with mental health disorder: 18.3% (women), 16.3% (men)
- Gallup world poll happiness ranking: 31 out of 186
- Population: 4 million
8. Taipei, Taiwan
Taipei, Taiwan, was in the top ten in a study ranking the world’s most stressed-out cities. The city is known for its high population density and fast-paced lifestyle, leading to increased stress levels.
Other cities in the top ten include New York City, Los Angeles, and London. All are known for their high levels of stress and busy lifestyles.
- Avg. hours worked per week: 42
- Avg. one-way commute time: 34 minutes
- Population with mental health disorder: 11.3% (women), 11.6% (men)
- Gallup world poll happiness ranking: 47 out of 186
- Population: 2.7 million
7. Nairobi, Kenya
According to a study by Zipjet, Nairobi is the world’s most stressed-out city. The study looked at average hours of sleep per night, pollution levels, commute time, and stress levels from work.
Mexico City and New Delhi followed Nairobi. The top five most stressed-out cities were all in Asia or Africa. The least stressed cities were in Europe and North America.
The reasons for the high levels of stress in Nairobi are many. For example, commute times are long, pollution is high, and there is a lot of competition for jobs. In addition, people in Nairobi often do not get enough sleep due to the noise and congestion of the city.
- Avg. hours worked per week: 44
- Avg. one-way commute time: 57 minutes
- Population with mental health disorder: 12.7% (women), 11.9% (men)
- Gallup world poll happiness ranking: 139 out of 186
- Population: 4.7 million
6. Johannesburg, South Africa
According to a new report, Johannesburg, South Africa, will be the world’s most stressed-out city in 2020. The study, conducted by the personal finance website WalletHub, analyzed 150 of the most populated cities in the world based on 30 key indicators of stress.
Factors considered included divorce and separation rates, unemployment rates, average hours worked per week, and average commute times.
Other factors considered included suicide rates, crime rates, and the percentage of the population with health insurance coverage. Johannesburg came in at number one overall, with Baghdad coming in second and Detroit finishing third.
- Avg. hours worked per week: 43
- Avg. one-way commute time: 41 minutes
- Population with mental health disorder: 12.7% (women), 12.8% (men)
- Gallup world poll happiness ranking: 120 out of 186
- Population: 5.8 million
5. Istanbul, Turkey
In a study analyzing the world’s most stressed-out cities, Istanbul, Turkey, was at the top of the list. The study used factors such as pollution, noise levels, traffic congestion, public transportation, and availability of green spaces to rank the cities.
Istanbul was found to have high noise and air pollution levels and a lack of public transportation and green spaces.
- Avg. hours worked per week: 45
- Avg. one-way commute time: 53 minutes
- Population with mental health disorder: 14.4% (women), 14.2% (men)
- Gallup world poll happiness ranking: 115 out of 186
- Population: 14.5 million
4. Athens, Greece
Athens, Greece, has been ranked as the world’s most stressed-out city for 2020. The city has faced many challenges in recent years, including political and financial instability, a high unemployment rate, and an influx of refugees. These factors have taken a toll on the mental health of Athenians, who report feeling significantly more stressed than residents of other cities.
One reason for Athens’ high-stress level is its high unemployment rate. The city’s jobless rate was 20.5% in 2019, well above the national average of 12.8%. This has left many Athenians struggling to make ends meet and forced them to take on multiple jobs or accept lower wages. In addition, the influx of refugees has also contributed to Athens’ high-stress level. Since 2015, when the refugee crisis began, Athens has received over 160,000 refugees.
- Avg. hours worked per week: 40
- Avg. one-way commute time: 38 minutes
- Population with mental health disorder: 16.9% (women), 14% (men)
- Gallup world poll happiness ranking: 121 out of 186
- Population: 3.2 million
3. Cairo, Egypt
In a study done by The Health Effects Institute, it has been found that Cairo, Egypt is the world’s most stressed-out city. This is based on the fact that Cairo has the worst air quality out of any other city. In addition, the noise levels are also incredibly high, making it a tough place to live. This can lead to a lot of stress and anxiety for the city’s residents.
- Avg. hours worked per week: 36
- Avg. one-way commute time: 51 minutes
- Population with mental health disorder: 14.9% (women), 14.3% (men)
- Gallup world poll happiness ranking: 177 out of 186
- Population: 20.9 million
2. Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Hong Kong will be the world’s most stressed-out city in 2020. The study looked at work-life balance, mental health, and pollution factors. Hong Kong ranked poorly in all of these categories, with high stress and anxiety reported by residents. Despite its high standard of living, Hong Kong is a city under tremendous pressure. Residents are often working long hours, and living costs are high.
Pollution is also a problem, with air quality ranking among the worst globally. This combination of stressors can take its toll on mental health, leading to increased rates of anxiety and depression. However, some steps can help reduce stress in Hong Kong.
- Avg. hours worked per week: 42
- Avg. one-way commute time: 42 minutes
- Population with mental health disorders: N/A
- Gallup world poll happiness ranking: 114 out of 186
- Population: 7.5 million
1. Tokyo, Japan
According to a study by Swiss banking giant UBS, Tokyo, Japan, is the world’s most stressed-out city. The study looked at 44 cities worldwide and ranked them based on living costs, pollution levels, and work-life balance.
Tokyo came first, with Hong Kong and Seoul close behind. The top 10 were rounded out by Shanghai, Beijing, New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Zurich, and Geneva.
The report found that Tokyo is the most expensive city to live in, with housing costs accounting for more than 60% of residents’ income. It also has some of the worst air quality globally and long working hours. Hong Kong came in second place due to its high living costs and extended operating hours.
- Avg. hours worked per week: 43
- Avg. one-way commute time: 40 minutes
- Population with mental health disorder: 12.1% (women), 12.6% (men)
- Gallup world poll happiness ranking: 79 out of 186
- Population: 37.4 million
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